Student Accommodation near Universiti Sains Malaysia

Monthly living expenses at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) include accommodation, food, transport, miscellaneous academic expenses, communication, entertainment and daily necessities. Whether an on-campus hostel or an off-campus flat, USM housing accounts for a relatively large proportion of the rental costs. The following is the specific range of the amount of each cost (RM), and the total monthly expenses are estimated.

• USM accommodation: RM 250 - RM 1,200/Month
• Food: RM 300 - RM 900/Month 
• Transport: RM 50 - RM 200/Month 
• Miscellaneous Study Fees: RM 50 - RM 150/Month 
• Communication & Internet: RM 30 - RM 80/Month 
• Recreation & Socialising: RM 100 - RM 500/Month 
• Daily Supplies & Medical: RM 50 - RM 150/Month 

Convenient access to the University of Science Malaysia (USM) is key to the quality of study and life during your time at USM, whose main campus is located in Gelugor, a district south of George Town, Penang. It is surrounded by a well-developed transport network that offers a wide range of travelling options to suit the student's needs. Students can easily access the USM accommodation. From affordable public transport to flexible private vehicles, each mode has its characteristics to suit different budgets and needs.

1. Rapid Penang Buses

Rapid Penang is the main public bus system in Penang, offering several routes that pass by the USM campus, including 301, 302, 303, 304, 401E and others. These buses run to popular destinations such as George Town, Bayan Lepas, Queensbay Mall, etc. Fares range from RM 1.40 - RM 4.00, and students can apply for a My50 Monthly Pass (unlimited rides for RM 50/month only). Students can apply for the My50 Monthly Pass (unlimited rides, only RM 50/month). Buses run every 15-30 minutes and are suitable for students with a limited budget and a flexible schedule.

2. Motorcycle

Motorcycles are one of the most popular means of transport for USM students, especially for those who frequently commute between campus and rented accommodation. As Penang is a congested city, a motorbike can save commuting time and is easy to park. Students can either buy a second-hand motorbike (around RM 3,000 - RM 8,000) or rent one monthly (RM 150 - RM 300/month), with a fuel cost of around RM 50 - RM 100 per month.

3. Grab

Grab is the most commonly used online taxi service in Penang and is cheaper and more convenient than traditional taxis. From USM to Georgetown, it is around RM 15 - RM 25, and from Batu Pahat or the Airport, it is around RM 20 - RM 35, which is suitable for emergency travelling or carpooling.

4. Bicycle

USM campus and the surrounding areas such as Gelugor and Sungai Dua are flat and suitable for cycling or E-scooter. Students can buy second-hand bicycles (RM 200 - RM 500) or use bicycle sharing services (e.g. LinkBike, the public bicycle system in George Town, Penang).

5. Walking

Walking is the most economical and environmentally friendly option if you live in areas close to the USM campus, such as Gelugor or Sungai Dua. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get from Gelugor to the USM main campus, and there are convenience stores and restaurants along the way for students who do not want to rely on transport.

6. Car Rental

Ideal for students who plan to go on weekend trips or need a flexible way of travelling. There are a number of car rental companies in Penang (e.g. Hertz, Mayflower, SOCAR Car Share) with daily rental rates of around RM 80 - RM 150 (economy car). An International Driving Permit (IDP) or Malaysian Driving Licence is required, and be aware of Penang's traffic congestion and parking fees (around RM 3 - RM 5/hour in shopping malls). 

7. USM Shuttle Bus

USM provides free on-campus shuttle bus service connecting the Main Campus, Engineering Campus, Faculty of Medicine and neighbouring hostel areas with a frequency of about 20-30 minutes, which is suitable for students to move around the campus. Students renting apartments off-campus can take the Rapid Penang bus to the campus first and then transfer to the on-campus bus. Timetables are available on the USM website or at the Student Centre.

USM offers a comprehensive campus living system. The on-campus dormitory (Kolej Kediaman) is affordable (RM200-500/month), equipped with basic facilities and gated, suitable for students who value safety and convenience. The campus is rich in academic resources with a modern 24-hour library, dedicated laboratories for all disciplines and full WiFi coverage. Multiple student canteens provide affordable and diversified dining options, and there are convenience stores, bank branches, gymnasiums and green parks on campus to meet daily needs. Regular academic lectures, cultural festivals and club activities create a strong academic and social atmosphere for students.

Off-campus USM accommodation rentals are mainly concentrated in the areas around the campuses, such as Gelugor and Sungai Dua, with more flexible rent (RM250-1200/month) and space options for students pursuing independent living. The neighbouring Queensbay Mall and Gelugor Night Bazaar offer a wide range of shopping and dining options, while public transport (Rapid Penang Bus/Grab) provides easy access to all attractions in George Town. Students can experience Penang's diverse street food, cultural heritage and natural beauty (Batu Tinggi Beach). On weekends, they can participate in local activities such as flea markets or music festivals, which make for a colourful life, but one that requires careful planning of time and expenses.

Universiti Sains Malaysia has a lot of popular attractions nearby, especially for students who live in off-campus USM accommodation. It is more convenient for them to travel with their friends to the neighbourhood attractions and experience the culture and beauty of Malaysia in their spare time.

1. Penang Botanic Gardens

Just a 15-minute drive from USM, the Penang Botanic Gardens is a favourite green bar in the region, a 130-year-old 30-hectare botanical garden renowned for its rich and diverse collection of tropical plants. There are a number of special areas, including a medicinal plant garden, a palm garden and Penang's first butterfly garden, most notably the natural waterfall in the centre of the garden and the rainforest walkway that surrounds it.

2. Penang War Museum

Located in Batu Maung, about 25 minutes drive southeast of USM, this open-air, converted World War II site is regarded as "one of the best-preserved war sites in Asia". Originally a British fort, the museum became an important military base during the Japanese Occupation, and now retains the underground tunnels, gun emplacements, torture chambers and other historical buildings. Visitors can follow the guided tour to learn more about Penang's history during World War II, and for the more daring, they can take on the famous "Haunted House" experience. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and USM students can enjoy a discounted admission fee by presenting their student ID card.

3. Penang Bird Park

About 20 minutes drive from USM, Penang Bird Park is Malaysia's first bird theme park and is home to more than 300 species of birds from all over the world. The park is open-plan and visitors can stroll through huge aviaries to get a closer look at rare birds such as flamingos, hornbills and peacocks. The park has shaded rest areas and a children's playground for USM students to relax on weekends or take their families.

4. Tech Dome Penang

Housed in the Komtar building, about 30 minutes drive from USM, Tech Dome Penang is Penang's favourite science education centre. Known for its interactive experiences, the Science Museum features themed exhibits such as space exploration, robotics, virtual reality and most popularly, Asia's first indoor aerial cycling experience. On the first Saturday of every month, the Science Museum organises a special event called ‘Science Night’, which is often visited by USM science and engineering students for extracurricular activities.

5. Penang National Park

Penang National Park, a 40-minute drive from USM, is the smallest national park in Malaysia, but it has an extremely rich ecosystem. The park is dotted with pristine mangrove forests, coral beaches and rainforests, with the most famous attractions being the jungle trail leading to Monkey Beach and the oldest lighthouse on the peninsula. USM Biology students often come here for field trips, while regular tourists can participate in the park's organised night-time expeditions or boat trips.

Universiti Sains Malaysia has a number of popular programmes that are not only academically strong but also have good career prospects, attracting applications from both local and international students. If you have a specific area of interest, find out more about USM's programme offerings and entry requirements.

1. Medicine

The Medicine programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is one of the most popular programmes at the University and is renowned for its excellent quality of teaching and clinical practice opportunities. The School of Medical Sciences at USM is equipped with modern teaching and learning facilities and is affiliated with Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). （The School of Medical Sciences at USM is equipped with modern teaching facilities and works closely with its affiliated hospital, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), to provide students with a wide range of clinical placement experiences.

2. Dentistry

The Dentistry programme at USM is renowned in Malaysia for its high level of clinical training and state-of-the-art teaching facilities. Students are exposed to the latest dental technology and are given hands-on practice in USM's dental clinics during their studies. The programme covers a wide range of areas such as restorative dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontics, etc. It trains dentists with solid professional knowledge and clinical skills, and graduates have a bright career prospect.

3. Pharmacy

Pharmacy is one of the most popular programmes at USM, covering a wide range of areas such as medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, etc. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at USM has state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, and maintains close cooperation with the pharmaceutical industry to provide internships and employment opportunities for students. The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at USM has advanced laboratories and research facilities and works closely with the pharmaceutical industry to provide students with internships and employment opportunities.

4. Engineering

USM's engineering programmes (e.g. Chemical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, etc.) are among the leading engineering education programmes in Malaysia. The programmes emphasise innovation and practical application, and students have the opportunity to participate in collaborative industry projects and research activities.

5. Computer Science

With the rapid development of the digital age, USM's computer science programme attracts a large number of students. The programme covers popular areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cyber security and software development, and focuses on developing students' programming skills and innovative thinking.

6. Architecture

USM's architecture programme is popular among students for its creative design and practice-oriented teaching model. Courses cover architectural design, urban planning, and sustainable building techniques, and students are encouraged to participate in real-world projects.

7. Business Administration

USM's business administration programmes (MBA and undergraduate) focus on developing students' management skills and business thinking. Courses cover areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, and corporate strategy, and incorporate case studies and industry practices.