Student Accommodation in Brisbane

Student Accommodation in Brisbane

Brisbane is located on the eastern coast of Australia and is the capital city of Queensland. It is known as the sunshine capital, with over 240 days of sunshine each year, and has warm, pleasant winters. This makes it easy for students to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. The Brisbane River also runs through the city, with CityCat ferries offering a quick way to travel, and the CityHopper provides free travel around the inner city. Students choose Brisbane because it is more affordable than larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, especially for rent, food, and transport. It is also the home to the top universities such as The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), and Griffith University. According to 2024 data, Brisbane has 162,393 students, including 42,048 international students and 120,345 domestic students.

With such a large student population, finding student accommodation in Brisbane can be challenging. The PBSA market is facing tight supply, while rental rates are also increasing. Although new student accommodation is being developed across the city, demand remains high. The average weekly rent for student accommodation in Brisbane is around A$181. Students should start looking for student accommodation in Brisbane 3-4 months before the intake. With UniAcco, students can compare verified student accommodation in Brisbane, explore different room types and prices, and get 24/7 support to find the right student home.

 

Brisbane Student Housing in 60 Seconds

Average rent is based on live UniAcco listings and may change by room type, availability, and intake season.

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Brisbane?

Brisbane is a popular choice for students because it offers a good mix of affordable living, top universities, and a relaxed lifestyle. The city has over 240 sunny days a year, making it easy to enjoy parks, riverside walks, and outdoor activities. It is also home to The University of Queensland, QUT, and Griffith University, with over 162,000 students living in the city. Student accommodation in Brisbane costs around A$181 per week on average. Non-ensuite rooms are the most popular and cost around A$153 per week, while twin-ensuite and twin-studio rooms cost around A$147 and A$153 per week. Popular student areas include St Lucia, Toowong, Kelvin Grove, South Brisbane, and Brisbane CBD. Brisbane also has easy public transport, with buses, trains, ferries, and trams costing just 50 cents per journey across TransLink services in Queensland. Since student accommodation is in high demand, students should start looking early, especially for the February intake.

 

UniAcco Insights:

• Average weekly rent: AUD $181 
• 47% of students choose non-ensuite rooms, averaging AUD $153/week — the clear top choice 
• 10% choose twin-ensuite rooms, averaging AUD $147/week 
• 10% choose five-bed shared houses, averaging AUD $199/week 
• 8% choose twin-studio rooms, averaging AUD $153/week 
• Reflects Australia's share-house student living culture, with a much more spread-out room type mix than typical UK cities 

 

Accommodation Types Available in Brisbane

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Brisbane

Finding affordable student accommodation in Brisbane can be challenging due to limited supply and rising rental rates. But with UniAcco, students won’t need to struggle much. The average weekly rent is around A$181, but prices can vary by location and room type. Non-ensuite rooms are the most popular choice, with 47% of students choosing them at an average of A$153 per week. At UniAcco, affordable student accommodation in Brisbane offers an all-inclusive bills service, making it even more affordable. 

1. Unilodge - Herston
2. Student One Adelaide Street
3. Scape Regent St
4. Scape Tribune
5. UniLodge - South Bank
6. 18B Brigalow Street
7. Scape Merivale St
8. CoVE Upper Mount Gravatt
9. Scape St Lucia
10. UniLodge Brisbane City

 

Best Student Housing in Brisbane

At UniAcco, best student housing in Brisbane isn’t just about proximity to the university; it’s beyond that. Top modern amenities such as an on-site gym, laundry, game room, cinema room, outdoor area, and all-inclusive bills are what make the property the best. Below are the top 10 student housing options in Brisbane. 

1. UniLodge - Toowong
2. UniLodge - Park Central
3. Iglu Brisbane City
4. Student One Elizabeth Street
5. OziHomestay Brisbane
6. Unilodge - Realm Kangaroo Point
7. Greenslopes Apartment
8. 1/18 Gailey Road
9. Student One Wharf Street
10. Iglu Kelvin Grove

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Brisbane

• St Lucia 

Students who like being close to the river and spending time outdoors choose St Lucia for their accommodation in Brisbane. It is home to the University of Queensland’s main campus and has plenty of cafés, parks and places to relax around the Brisbane River. The Eleanor Schonell Bridge also connects St Lucia to Dutton Park for buses, bikes and pedestrians. The University of Queensland is just a 17-minute walk away.

• Toowong 

Toowong is a riverside suburb with plenty of shops, cafés, and places to eat, so students have most of their everyday essentials nearby. It is also home to the historic Toowong Cemetery and the famous Regatta Hotel, which has an interesting place in Australian social history. Also, a good choice for University of Queensland students, just 22 minutes away by bus.

• Kelvin Grove 

Kelvin Grove has a strong student feel because of its connection to QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus. The area is also known for cafés, local shops, green spaces and a mix of old and new buildings. It has a connection to Glasgow through its name and has a long history before European settlement. QUT is around 34 minutes away by bus.

• South Brisbane 

Students prefer South Brisbane for its culture. South Bank Parklands has an artificial beach, the Wheel of Brisbane, restaurants and cafés, while the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and State Library of Queensland are also nearby. QUT is around 28 minutes away by bus and walking.

• Brisbane CBD 

The CBD is where most of Brisbane’s shopping, restaurants, businesses and public transport come together. Students love this area for the Brisbane Riverwalk, which gives them a different way to get around and enjoy the river. QUT is only a 14-minute walk away, making the CBD a convenient option for those who like being in the city centre.

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities in Brisbane

Getting around Brisbane is easy; the city has a clean, reliable, and integrated public transportation system managed by Translink. Students can use buses, trains, ferries and trams for longer trips, while walking and cycling are useful for shorter journeys. The CityHopper Ferry is also a free option for scenic travel around the inner city.

 

Getting Around Brisbane — Student Travel Guide

 

Transport options and costs:

 

Student Life in Brisbane

• Cafés and Study Spaces

Students don’t always like studying in their room. Fortunately, the city has many good options for that. Upbeat Cafe at UQ’s St Lucia campus is a relaxed outdoor spot known for drinks such as strawberry matcha, ube latte, and Mont Blanc, along with croffles. A perfect place for group study. The Atrium at UQ Brisbane City offers spaces for group work, events and career consultations. Café Muse, inside the Queensland Museum Kurilpa, serves breakfast and lunch and offers bright indoor and outdoor seating, while the State Library of Queensland offers free Wi-Fi, research materials, air conditioning, and a café. Students can also book a window bay for up to four people and study with views of the river.

• Student Societies

Student societies at universities are places for students to get to know each other and learn beyond the classroom. Griffith University has more than 60 clubs, including the Griffith University Dance Collective and Griffith University Theatrical Society. Students interested in Indian culture can join the Cultural Society of India at Griffith, which organises cultural events and activities. 

• Shopping

The main expense for students in Brisbane is shopping; fortunately, the city has many good and a few affordable options. Queen Street Mall is one of the main places to visit, with high-street stores, luxury brands and Australian labels. Nearby QueensPlaza has brands such as Camilla and Gorman, while Edward Street has independent shops and boutiques, including jewellery designer Christie Nicolaides. For a bigger shopping trip, Westfield Chermside has fashion stores, restaurants, entertainment and plenty of other shops under one roof.

• Sports and Fitness

When students move away from home, it becomes tough to take care of their lifestyle. The city has many good options. UQ Sport at St Lucia has a fitness centre, three heated pools, tennis courts, an athletics track and group classes such as yoga and boxing. QUT Sport Fitness and Aquatic Centres at Gardens Point have a gym, training classes and a 50-metre heated indoor pool. Brisbane City Council also runs outdoor activities such as yoga, Pilates and dance in local parks, while more than 170 public parks have free outdoor gym equipment.

• Nightlife and Entertainment

Every weekend, students often run out of ideas for something fun, but Brisbane has many good options. Fortitude Valley is Brisbane’s main area for clubs, live music and late-night entertainment, with venues such as Prohibition and The Brightside Brisbane. South Bank and West End offer a more relaxed mix of restaurants, riverside spots, cultural venues and live music. Students can also play arcade games and pinball at Netherworld or watch affordable stand-up comedy at the Good Chat Comedy Club.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Brisbane

Students who book the best student accommodation in Brisbane before the rush get the best deal. The most affordable properties in areas like St Lucia, Toowong, and Kelvin Grove tend to sell out early, especially for the February intake. Check out the recommended booking period below: 

 

Why Book Student Accommodation in Brisbane with UniAcco?

Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.

Step 1: Compare prices and properties

First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 107 verified listings, shortlist accommodations that suit your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details 

Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get confirmation

Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.