Student Housing Guide Canberra Australia: 2025

Introduction

Canberra is the capital city of Australia and a popular destination for students from all over the world. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 9,000+ international students enrolled in Canberra. Canberra is known for its high-quality education, cultural diversity, natural beauty, and safety.

Student accommodation in Canberra is varied and affordable, with options ranging from university residence halls to private rooms, studios, apartments, and student halls. You can find student housing near the universities or in other areas of the city, depending on your preferences and budget. In this article, we will unfold a complete student housing guide in Canberra. 

When To Start Looking For Student Housing In Canberra?

The best time to start looking for student housing in Canberra depends on when you plan to start your studies. If you are starting in Semester 1 (February to June), you should apply for accommodation by 31 December of the previous year. If you are starting in Semester 2 (July to November), you should apply by 30 June of the same year.

These deadlines are for guaranteed accommodation on campus, which means that if you apply by these dates, as outlined in the Student Housing Guide Canberra, you will be offered a place to live on campus. However, on-campus accommodation is limited and may not suit your preferences or budget. If you want to live off-campus, you should start your search as early as possible, preferably at least three months before your arrival. This will give you more time to compare different options, contact landlords or agents, and secure your booking.

To book student accommodation you can visit UniAcco. UniAcco is a student accommodation platform that helps students find and book high-quality properties near top universities across nations like Australia, the UK, Canada, France, Germany and more. It makes the process of finding and booking student accommodation easy and hassle-free.

Best Accommodations In Canberra

 In Canberra, where educational opportunities abound, students can explore a diverse range of student accommodation options, detailed in the comprehensive student housing guide Canberra. Canberra is the capital city of Australia and a popular destination for students who want to study at prestigious universities such as Australian National University, University of Canberra and UNSW Canberra. There are many student accommodation options in Canberra, ranging from on-campus residences, private apartments, shared flats and homestays. One of the student accommodation options in Canberra is Y Suites on Moore, which is located in the heart of the city and close to public transport, shopping, dining and entertainment facilities.

Y Suites on Moore offers fully furnished studio apartments with private bathrooms, kitchens, living areas and balconies. It is located at 9 Moore St., Canberra ACT 2607, Australia. The apartments also have air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, smart TVs and laundry facilities. It provides a range of amenities and services for its residents, such as a rooftop terrace, a gym, a cinema room, a games room, a study lounge, a bike storage, a secure access system and a 24/7 onsite team.

It has flexible booking options and competitive prices. You can choose from short-term or long-term stays, weekly or monthly payments and different room types and sizes. The average rent of this accommodation starts from AU$ 320 / week.

Best Areas To Stay In Canberra For Students

The Following are some of the best areas to stay in Canberra for students, based on the proximity to universities, public transport, amenities, and attractions, to give a clear insight into student housing guide Canberra:

1. City Centre

In this area, you can find the Australian National University (ANU), the National Museum of Australia, the National Library of Australia, and many other cultural and historical landmarks. The City Centre also has a vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes to suit every taste. You can easily get around by bus, light rail, or bike. 

2. Belconnen

This is a suburban area north of the City Centre, where you can find the University of Canberra (UC), the Australian Institute of Sport, and Lake Ginninderra. Belconnen is a peaceful and green area, with parks, trails, and shopping centres. You can access the City Centre by bus or light rail in about 20 minutes. 

3. Kingston

This is a trendy and historic area south of the City Centre, where you can find the Canberra Glassworks, the Old Bus Depot Markets, and the Kingston Foreshore. Kingston is a popular place for dining and entertainment, with many cafes, pubs, and restaurants. You can reach the City Centre by bus or bike in about 15 minutes. 

4. Braddon

This is a hip area north of the City Centre, where you can find street art, boutique shops, and craft breweries. Braddon is a lively and diverse area, with a mix of old and new buildings. You can walk to the City Centre or ANU in about 10 minutes.

5. Acton

This is an academic and cultural area west of the City Centre, where you can find ANU, the National Film and Sound Archive, and the Australian Academy of Science. Acton is a scenic and quiet area, with views of Lake Burley Griffin and Black Mountain. You can walk to the City Centre or ANU in about 10 minutes. 

Top Universities In Canberra

Canberra is the capital city of Australia and a hub of education, research, and innovation. It is home to some of the top universities in the country and the world, offering a wide range of courses and facilities for local and international students. Following are some of the top universities in Canberra, along with their average tuition fees, QS ranking 2023, facilities, popular courses, and fest, campus, as detailed in the student housing guide Canberra, etc.

Australian National University (ANU)

ANU is the highest-ranked university in Canberra and Australia. It boasts seven teaching and research colleges that cover a wide range of disciplines, including arts, business, engineering, law, medicine, and science. ANU also hosts several national academies and institutes, such as the Australian Academy of Science and the National Film and Sound Archive.

Ranking: 27th in the world by QS.

Tuition Fee (International Students): Approximately AUD 45,000 per year.

Popular Courses: International relations, economics, computer science, astronomy, and philosophy.

Campus Location: Acton, close to the city centre and Lake Burley Griffin.

Student Life: ANU offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, societies, events, and festivals, including ANU O-Week, ANU Oktoberfest, ANU Enlighten Night Noodle Markets, and ANU Inward Bound.

University Of Canberra (UC)

Overview: UC is a public university that focuses on applied learning and professional education. It comprises five faculties covering health, education, science, arts, and business, along with various research centres and institutes such as the Institute for Applied Ecology and the Centre for Creative and Cultural Research.

Ranking: 184th in the world by QS.

Tuition Fee (International Students): Approximately AUD 32,000 per year.

Popular Courses: Nursing, physiotherapy, journalism, sports management, and graphic design.

Campus Location: Belconnen, north of the city centre and near Lake Ginninderra.

Student Life: UC offers a lively student life with sports facilities, cafes, bars, shops, and events such as UC Open Day, UC Live Music Festival, UC Cultural Festival, and UC Graduation Ceremony.

UNSW Canberra

UNSW Canberra is a branch of the University of New South Wales (UNSW) specialising in defence-related education and research. It comprises four schools covering engineering, humanities, business, and science, as well as various research centres and groups like the Capability Systems Centre and the Defence Research Institute.

Ranking: 44th in the world by QS.

Tuition Fee (International Students): Approximately AUD 40,000 per year.

Popular Courses: Cybersecurity, aerospace engineering, international relations, mathematics, and physics.

Campus Location: Located at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), south of the city centre and near Mount Ainslie.

Student Life: UNSW Canberra provides a unique student life with military training activities, academic support services, social clubs, and events such as the UNSW Canberra Graduation Parade, UNSW Canberra Alumni Awards, and UNSW Canberra Public Lecture Series.

Cost Of Living In Canberra

The cost of living for a student in Canberra, Australia is influenced by several variables, including the kind of housing, the area, the lifestyle, and personal preferences. For detailed insights into housing costs and budget planning, students can refer to the Student Housing Guide Canberra to make informed financial decisions during their studies in Canberra.

Transportation In Canberra

One of the factors to consider when choosing your student accommodation in Canberra is the transportation. You will need to travel to and from your university, as well as explore the city and its attractions. Fortunately, Canberra has a reliable and affordable public transport system that can help you get around easily. Following are some options for students to commute in Canberra conveniently, as part of the student housing guide Canberra:

• Buses are the main public transport option in Canberra, connecting the city centre with the suburbs and town centres. You can use a MyWay card to pay for your bus fares, which are cheaper for students and have daily caps. You can also use pre-paid tickets or cash, but they are more expensive.
• Some full-time students are eligible for free travel on buses from Monday to Friday during the school term under the student transport program. You need to apply online and show your student ID card to get this benefit.
• Canberra also has a light rail service from Gungahlin to the city centre, with 13 stops along the way. You can use your MyWay card or pre-paid tickets to pay for your light rail fares, which are the same as bus fares.
• If you prefer to cycle or walk, Canberra has many bike paths and footpaths that are safe and scenic. You can also use bike share services such as Airbike or Spinway, which charge by the hour or day.

Lifestyle and Nightlife

Students can join over 60 clubs and societies on campus, such as cultural, sports, academic and social clubs. They can enjoy shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural events in the city centre, which is close to most student accommodation options. 

• Canberra has a vibrant nightlife scene with many pubs, bars, clubs and live music venues to suit different tastes and budgets.
• Some popular nightlife spots include Hippo Co (a lodge-style cocktail and whisky bar with live jazz), Reload Bar & Games (a gaming-themed bar with pool, karaoke, arcades and more), Sideway (a hip underground bar with indie and electronic music) and Canberra Labor Club (an award-winning club with dining and entertainment options).
• Also they can explore the natural beauty and attractions of Canberra, such as Lake Burley Griffin, National Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial and more.
• Canberra is generally a safe city, but you should still take precautions when going out at night, such as staying with friends, avoiding dark or isolated areas, keeping your valuables secure and drinking responsibly.
• It has a supportive student community and offers various services and resources to help you with your academic, personal and professional development.

Conclusion

Canberra is a great city for students who want to enjoy a high-quality education and a vibrant lifestyle. You can join various clubs and societies, participate in cultural and social events, explore the natural and historical attractions and experience the nightlife of the city. There are many student accommodation options in Canberra to suit different needs and budgets. One of them is Y Suites on Moore, which offers modern and comfortable studio apartments in the city centre. Hope this Student Housing Guide Canberra helped you to solve all your queries.

FAQs

Q1. How much does student accommodation cost in Canberra?

Ans: The cost of student accommodation in Canberra depends on the type, location, size and facilities of the accommodation. Generally, the average rent for a student room in Canberra is around AU$ 708 a month.

Q2. How can I find student accommodation in Canberra?

Ans: You can find student accommodation in Canberra through UniAcco. It offers a wide range of options, flexible booking options, secure payment methods and 24/7 support.

Q3. When should I book my student accommodation in Canberra?

Ans: You should book your student accommodation in Canberra as early as possible, preferably before the start of the academic year. This will help you secure your preferred choice of accommodation and avoid last-minute hassles.

Q4. What are the rules and regulations of student accommodation in Canberra?

Ans: Canberra student accommodation regulations vary by provider, requiring careful reading and compliance with privacy, noise, cleanliness, timely rent payment, and reporting of issues or damages.

Q5. What are some tips for living in Canberra as a student?

Ans: To live in Canberra as a student, plan your budget, apply for scholarships, join campus clubs, explore the city, enjoy festivals, seek support from student services, and respect Canberra’s culture and diversity.

Thank you for reading about the ” Student Housing Guide Canberra.” If you’re interested in exploring more articles on related topics, we recommend checking out the below articles:

• Cost of Living in Australia
• Study in Australia
• Cost of Living in Canberra