Student Accommodation in Canberra

Canberra, Australia’s capital city, offers a unique blend of modern city living and natural beauty, making it an excellent destination for students worldwide. 

For students interested in history and architecture, Canberra boasts an array of impressive landmarks. The city's most notable sites are the Australian War Memorial, the Parliament House, and the National Gallery of Australia. These landmarks not only offer aesthetic appeal but also provide a glimpse into Australia’s rich heritage and political history. Canberra's cultural scene is equally compelling for those with a penchant for the arts. The city has numerous renowned museums and galleries, including the National Museum of Australia and the Canberra Museum and Gallery. For theatre enthusiasts, Canberra Theatre Centre hosts a variety of performances ranging from local productions to international touring shows. Food lovers will also feel at home in Canberra. Known for its vibrant food and drink culture, the city presents diverse cuisines. From bustling food markets like the Capital Region Farmers Market to high-end dining experiences at restaurants like Aubergine, there are options to suit all tastes and budgets. Numerous cafes and bars around the city offer cosy and affordable spots for students to socialise and meet new people. Despite being Australia's largest inland city, Canberra maintains a close-knit community feel, making it a student-friendly city. 

You can book accommodation or student halls of residence at a number of locations in Canberra. You'll need to find a place close to the university, with easy access to public transport and 24/7 security for peace of mind. Students don't need to worry about bills - student accommodation includes all bills. To make your life easier, here are a few of the best places to stay:

UniLodge @ UC - Guginya: UniLodge @ UC - Guginya offers a range of accommodations, including sole studios and shared apartments with various bedrooms, each fully equipped with essential facilities such as a fire alarm, desk, stove, shower, sofa, and heater. Residents also have access to shared amenities like car parking, BBQ facilities, laundry, photocopying or printing services, shops and cafes, and study rooms.

UniLodge @ UC - Campus West: Unilodge @ UC - Campus West offers a variety of affordable multi-share apartment options for budget-minded academics, ranging from 1-bedroom- to 6- to 26-bedroom multi-share apartments, ensuring a suitable choice for everyone. The property features study rooms with a small library, a TV room with Foxtel, and an array of leisure activities such as table tennis and a pool table, including a game room for students to unwind from their studies, while a car parking space and bicycle storage.

Y Suites on Moore: The Y Suites on Moore is one of the best student accommodation in Canberra. At Y Suites on Moore, you'll find a range of comfortable accommodations and inclusive amenities in a convenient location near universities, dining options, and shopping destinations, making it the perfect choice for students seeking a genuine and reliable living experience, all while benefiting from excellent public transportation options to explore the city and beyond quickly.

Unigardens: The UniGardens is a boutique student housing in Canberra, offering a range of stylish and comfortable apartments and rooms, state-of-the-art amenities, and convenient proximity to universities and popular attractions, providing students with an exceptional living experience.

As per the estimates, a single person's monthly costs are around AU$3,697, while a family of four would require approximately AU$6,868 monthly. If you plan to live alone, you'll need about AU$26,000 a year to cover basic costs. Regarding housing, the average rent in the city centre ranges from AU$1733.08 to AU$1936.00, while outside the city centre, it varies from AU$1349.31 to AU$1719.25. 

The average cost of living in Canberra is around $2267 per month, which places it in the top 10% of the most expensive cities in the world. However, considering the high standard of living, excellent public services, and the rich cultural and recreational activities available, many people find it well worth the cost.

For students, the cost of living in Canberra can range from AU$2,300 to AU$3,500 per month, excluding tuition fees. Despite the costs, Canberra remains an attractive destination for students due to its high-quality education institutions and student-friendly environment.

Suppose you're preparing to embark on an academic journey at one of Canberra's distinguished universities. In that case, it's crucial to consider the location of your chosen institution and your accommodation. Your ideal spot is within easy reach of the university and well-served by public transport, with round-the-clock CCTV security for peace of mind. Here are some neighbourhoods in Canberra that offer central locations and convenient access to the city's top universities:

1. Bruce: This suburb is popular among students due to its proximity to the University of Canberra. It offers a range of student apartments within walking distance of the campus.

2. Lyneham and O'Connor: These suburbs are close to the Australian National University and provide easy access to public transport. The accommodations available here are comfortable and well-equipped.

3. Barton: A tranquil lakeside suburb, Barton is perfect for students who appreciate nature and serenity. It's also well connected to the city, offering the best of both worlds.

4. Turner: Turner is near the city centre and the Australian National University. It has a wide range of apartments that are well-suited for students.

5. Hackett and Campbell: These Inner North suburbs are popular among students for their proximity to universities and the city centre.

6. Gungahlin: Located in the northern part of the city, Gungahlin offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it an enjoyable place to live.

7. Tuggeranong: Nestled in Canberra's south, Tuggeranong is an excellent option for students who don't mind a bit of travel. It boasts a grand lake and a range of accommodation options.

Australian National University (ANU): ANU is consistently ranked as Australia's top university and one of the best in the world. With a reputation for excellence in research and teaching, ANU is committed to nurturing students who aspire to contribute to society significantly. From humanities and social sciences to physical and biological sciences, ANU offers a wide array of programs.

University of Canberra: The University of Canberra is another leading educational institution in this vibrant city. Known for its high employability rates, the university provides a real-world learning environment that equips students with practical skills and knowledge. It offers diverse courses in areas like health, design, business, government, and law.

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT): CIT offers various vocational education and training programs. It provides practical, hands-on training that prepares students to enter the workforce or progress to higher education.

Canberra's transportation options range from buses and light rail to cycling and air travel.

Buses: Operated by Transport Canberra, the public bus service in Canberra provides comprehensive coverage across the city and its surrounding suburbs. Two main bus lines - Blue Rapid and Red Rapid - operate at least every 15 minutes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekends and frequently at other times. This ensures passengers can rely on timely bus services for daily commutes or leisurely exploration. The unique feature of Canberra's public transport system is the "one fare, anywhere" principle. This means a single fare covers any journey, including connecting services, within 90 minutes. This approach simplifies the ticketing process and makes commuting more affordable for everyone.

Light Rail: Besides buses, Canberra boasts a light rail network. Launched in 2019, this state-of-the-art system currently consists of one operational line - the Gungahlin to City line (Light Rail Stage 1) - spanning 12 kilometres with 13 stops. This line connects the fast-growing region of Gungahlin in the north to the city centre, making commuting efficient and enjoyable for Canberrans. The Light Rail services operate from early morning until late at night, with a frequency of every six minutes during peak hours and every 15 minutes off-peak. The trams are modern, spacious, and fully accessible, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers.

Cycling and Walking: Reflecting Canberra's commitment to green living and active lifestyles, the city has an extensive network of cycling paths and walking trails. These offer a healthy alternative to motorised transport and an opportunity to enjoy Canberra's natural beauty.

Air Travel: Located just 10 minutes from the city centre, Canberra Airport is well-positioned to connect travellers to their destinations conveniently and efficiently. It offers direct flights to all major Australian cities and selected international destinations, ensuring that Canberra Airport is a reliable starting point whether your journey is domestic or international.