I am nervous/excited at the same time.

tl;dr: i am going to do my masters in melbourne, it's a 1 1 2 [1 yr study, 1 year intern and 2 year working maybe?)

My questions are as follows:
1. Apartment or a house

Apartment I found that (over some time looking at property sites) that the rent for an apartment (2bdroom/parking) = to rent a house. my main concern for an apartment is

a. having guest over
according to a friend having guest over should be ok. but the thing i was thinking of signing on with SHA (Student Housing Australia) so i am worried i would not be able to have relatives/friends over (for visits)

b. renting then finding housemates
basically if the above was allowed i was planning to get a 2 room and rent the other room out short term when i do not have people visiting? or get a 3 room and split 2 way. not sure if that is allowed.

House house would have no problem with guest over and stuff plus there is a garden and parking space (that i do not have to pay extra. the main issue i may have is.

a. renting then finding housemates
basically if the above was allowed i was planning to get a 3 room and rent the one room out long term term. would that be possible?

b. home security, i was wondering other than the normal locks and keys would i require additional home security systems?

1. Rental Periods
   what are the normal rental periods in australia like? like what is short term and long term like and for me which would be better?? (if i stayed 2 years before moving to a place near to the new workplace.)

2. Any rental advice for first timers??

Thank you.