The Food Pantry a low cost, food rescue grocery shop; and The Staples Bag very affordable grocery packs at lots of different locations
There are also free and affordable meal providers listed on the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre website (under Meals and Food Services), or go to AskIzzy to find out what is available in your area.
Preparing food for yourself is cheaper than buying take away. There are lots of easy cook recipes and snack ideas online, or find someone who will cook dinner for/with you. You could provide the entertainment (board game), while they provide the dinner. Bring take away containers for leftovers. The Uni has microwaves you can use, which will save you from the expense of buying food on campus.
Lots of restaurants have discount lunch options, and most food courts will provide discounts near closing time. Be careful of food kept out of the fridge or heating for too long. Fresh food markets will discount boxes of food at closing time. You may also find pieces of fruit and vegetables that have fallen on the ground (gleaning).
Housing
Cheap housing in Sydney is extremely rare to find. There are many scams around that trick people out of their money, so if you find a deal that seems too good to be true, it’s likely to be a scam. Before paying a deposit or bond make sure you inspect the property, and carefully read the contract before signing it, paying particular attention to fees for moving out early. Lees verder