Finding the right place to live can make uni life so much easier. Whether you’re after a quiet spot to focus on study, a buzzing apartment near campus, or somewhere close to the city’s nightlife, there are heaps of options for student accommodation in Brisbane.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where to look, what to prioritise, and how to score a place that fits your lifestyle, budget, and social vibe. Say goodbye to endless scrolling, dodgy listings, and last-minute stress. This guide makes finding your student apartment in Brisbane simple, fast, and fun.
Brisbane has some great universities. Whether you’re coming from interstate or overseas, you’ve got plenty of options. Knowing where they are can help you figure out the best spot to live so you’re close to campus or just a quick ride away.
Here are some of the best-known tertiary institutions in Brisbane.
One of Australia’s top universities, UQ’s main campus is in St Lucia. It’s huge, leafy, and right on the river, perfect if you love green spaces and easy access to campus facilities.
UQ offers world-class facilities, from libraries and labs to sports centres. There’s always something happening on campus, whether it’s student clubs or events and festivals.
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QUT’s campuses are right in the heart of Brisbane. The Gardens Point campus is practically in the city centre, which means cafés, public transport, and city life are all just a short walk away.
QUT is known for its tech, design, and business courses, making it a great option if you want to mix study with a buzzing urban lifestyle.
Griffith has multiple campuses, with Nathan being the largest for undergraduates. The campus is spacious, green, and modern, and there’s plenty of student accommodation nearby.
Griffith’s programs cover everything from arts to health sciences. The campus vibe is relaxed with lots of outdoor spaces for studying or hanging out with friends.
ACU's Brisbane campus is located in Banyo. It provides teaching, nursing, and education programs, with a small, community-focused feel. ACU’s Brisbane campus is known for its supportive environment, smaller class sizes, and strong emphasis on practical learning.
Students often appreciate the close-knit community and personalised support from staff. The quieter suburb of Banyo makes it easier to stay focused while still being within easy reach of the city.
Home to the University of Queensland (UQ), St Lucia is super convenient for students who want minimal commute to classes and campus life. Leafy, riverside streets, green spaces, and a student-friendly vibe make it ideal for those who value proximity to campus and a relaxed lifestyle.
Good for: Students wanting to be close to UQ and campus facilities.
Just next to St Lucia, Toowong offers a balance between campus access and residential independence. With public transport, shops, cafes, and restaurants at Toowong Village, it’s a great choice if you want convenience without being right on campus.
Good for: Students who want more freedom while staying close to UQ.
Home to QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus, this suburb is perfect for students who want campus access, modern student accommodation, and nearby cafes and green spaces.
Good for: Students looking for proximity to QUT with a calmer pace than inner-city bustle.
Riverside location near the city, QUT Gardens Point, and Griffith University. Offers great transport, food, arts, and social life, making it popular for students and young professionals alike.
Good for: Students who want to be close to city life, uni, and social opportunities.
Affordable housing options with reasonable commutes to many campuses. There’s a mix of older homes, share houses, and newer apartments, with good transport links and growing student-friendly rentals.
Good for: Budget-conscious students who still want city and campus access.
Brisbane has accommodation options to suit every kind of student. Understanding what’s available can help you narrow down your choices quickly and avoid surprises later. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of student accommodation in Brisbane and what you can expect from each.
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Convenient and social, living on campus puts you in the middle of the action. Costs can be higher, but you’ll have everything from meals to Wi-Fi included.
Cost: Standard rooms in residences start at roughly AU$374 per week at universities like the University of Queensland (UQ).
What you get: Furnished room, utilities included (gas, electricity, water), sometimes catered meals (depending on the residence), and access to campus amenities.
Who it's good for: Students who want convenience, minimal hassle, and easy access to lectures and campus life. Great for first‑years or international students.
Things to note: Because meals, utilities, and some amenities are bundled, the weekly cost tends to be higher than basic shared housing. But you also avoid juggling separate bills and have a built-in community.
Purpose-built student apartments are privately operated student‑oriented apartment buildings. Think dorms meet apartments.
You can choose between a shared room or a fully self-contained apartment. They also usually come with amenities like study areas, gyms, and communal lounges, making it easy to meet other students. You’ll find many of them near major campuses or inner Brisbane areas.
Cost: From AU$279 per week for a shared room; from AU$489 per week for a private apartment.
What you get: Usually a furnished room or apartment, utilities included (electricity, gas, water, internet), often with access to communal facilities such as study areas, gyms, and lounges.
Who it's good for: Students who want a balance of independence and community, with minimal hassle managing bills. Preferred for first-year or international students.
Things to note: Meals aren’t usually included. Weekly rent can be higher than standard shared housing, but most bills are bundled. Many complexes also have on-site security, providing extra peace of mind.
Renting a room in a shared house is often cheaper and can give you more freedom as a student living in Brisbane, but you’ll share responsibilities like cleaning and bills with your housemates.
Cost: From AU$325 per person, per week for a 2-bedroom; from AU$286 per person, per week for a 3-bedroom.
What you get: A private bedroom and shared living spaces, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and lounge. You’ll usually need to pay for utilities like electricity, water, internet, and sometimes gas separately.
Who it's good for: Students who want more independence, flexibility, and potentially lower costs than purpose-built apartments. Ideal if you’re comfortable sharing responsibilities with housemates.
Things to note: Sharing a house requires cooperation on cleaning, bills, and sometimes groceries. You may have more freedom in decorating your space, but privacy is limited compared to living alone.
Private apartments are a popular option for students who want more independence and privacy.
Cost: From $522 per week for a whole 1-bedroom apartment.
What you get: Fully furnished apartments with private bathrooms and kitchens. Some apartment complexes offer shared amenities like gyms, study spaces, or communal lounges.
Who it’s good for: Students who value privacy and freedom, or those who want to live with friends without housemates from multiple different households.
Things to note: Utilities may or may not be included, and rental contracts are usually fixed-term. It’s generally more expensive than shared houses or homestays.
Living with a local Australian family offers a supportive environment, which can be especially helpful if you’re new to Brisbane or the country.
You’ll get a firsthand experience of Australian culture, practice your English daily, and often have meals provided as part of the arrangement.
Cost: Typically AU$250 - AU$350 per week, depending on location, meals included, and room type.
Who it’s good for: International students or those who want a more supported, family-like experience while adjusting to university life.
Things to note: You’ll need to follow house rules and respect family routines, but you gain a built-in support network and useful local tips for navigating Brisbane.
Finding the right student accommodation in Brisbane becomes so much easier when you know what you want and where to look. You can then act fast when you find a place that ticks all the boxes.
Here are some of the best resources to help your search.
University of Queensland Accommodation: Official on-campus and affiliated housing options.
QUT Accommodation: On-campus and approved off-campus student housing listings.
Griffith University Housing: Information on halls, PBSA options, and support for international students.
Casita.com: Ideal for purpose-built student accommodation across Brisbane, with verified listings and easy booking.
UniLodge: Popular PBSA provider near UQ, QUT, and Griffith University campuses.
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Flatmates.com.au: A go-to for finding rooms in shared houses and flats around Brisbane.
Gumtree: Classic classifieds site with filters for student-friendly areas.
Domain: Private flats or studios, including short-term leases for students.
Once you’ve secured your student accommodation in Brisbane, the next step is organising a move that’s reliable and won’t blow your student budget. That’s where Upmove comes in.
Upmove lets you compare local removalists, check pricing and services, and book your Brisbane student moving service directly. Whether you’re relocating across the city or from interstate, you can find an option that suits your student budget and schedule. With Upmove’s helping hand, moving into your new Brisbane student home will be simple and stress-free.
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