Looking for student accommodation in Canberra? You’re in for a treat. This city has a bit of a reputation for being “boring,” but anyone who’s actually spent time here knows that’s far from the truth.
As Australia’s political heart, Canberra is a compact, student-friendly city full of great neighbourhoods, green spaces, cafés, and public transport links that make getting around easy. Whether you’re chasing convenience, affordability, or a strong sense of community, there’s a student accommodation option that will suit you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what student life is really like in Canberra, the main uni hubs, the types of accommodation on offer, some idea of costs, and the best suburbs to live in, so you can focus on your studies AND enjoy the city while you’re at it.
The city blends convenience with plenty of green space and a friendly, laid-back community vibe, which makes it a great place to be a student. Where you live, and the type of accommodation you choose, can really shape your uni experience.
On campus at top-tier universities like ANU and UC, students come together from all over Australia and beyond. Residences and on-campus housing aren’t just places to sleep; they’re where friendships form, study groups happen, and events keep things social. Off campus, Canberra’s suburbs are well set up for student life.
Areas like Braddon, Turner, Lyneham and Belconnen put you close to lectures, libraries, cafés, and public transport. Walk or cycle around Lake Burley Griffin, climb Mount Ainslie for the views, or grab a coffee and soak up the slower pace.
While Canberra is smaller than Sydney or Melbourne, it still offers plenty of opportunities. There are part-time jobs, internships, and student-friendly roles across government departments, research centres, and cultural institutions. Events like the National Multicultural Festival bring the city together each year, showcasing food, music, and culture from more than 170 communities. It’s these touches that help students feel part of the city, no matter where they’re from.
Canberra is often recognised as Australia’s most educated city, with more than half the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Residents are also twice as likely to have a postgraduate qualification compared to the national average.
As the home of Parliament, Canberra also offers a wide range of courses that support political science, international relations, public policy, and research-focused studies.
Here’s a closer look at some of the best universities in Canberra.
ANU consistently ranks among Australia’s top universities and is known for its strengths in politics, international relations, science, arts, law, and research. The Acton campus is close to the city centre, with plenty of accommodation nearby in suburbs like Turner, Braddon, and Lyneham.
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Located in Bruce, UC is known for practical, career-focused courses in health sciences, business, design, and education. Belconnen is a popular nearby area for students, offering shared housing, apartments, shops, and easy bus access.
CIT is one of the region’s largest vocational education providers, offering hands-on training in trades, tech, hospitality, creative industries, and more. With multiple campuses across the city, students often choose suburbs like Watson, Downer, and Dickson for affordability and transport access.
Choosing the right suburb can make a big difference to your uni experience. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most student-friendly areas:
Close to ANU and the city centre, Braddon is packed with cafés (e.g., Arc at Constitution Place, Rye, and Barrio Collective Coffee), bars (e.g., Yakiboi and Hopscotch), and shops. Perfect if you like being in the thick of things.
Close to UC, Belconnen has plenty of affordable shared housing, shopping options, like Belconnen Markets, good bus connections, and bicycle routes to Gunghalin, Civic and the lake.
A short walk to ANU, Turner is leafy, quiet, and ideal for students who want a calm place to live while staying close to campus.
Right near both ANU and CIT, Lyneham offers convenient transport links and a mix of shared houses and apartments.
Great for CIT students, these suburbs are a bit further out but still well-connected. They offer quieter streets, affordable rent, and easy access to shops and cafés, such as Dickson Tradies, Hudsons Coffee, and Good Brother.
When it comes to student accommodation, Canberra has options to suit almost every style, budget, and lifestyle. Knowing what’s out there makes it easier to find a place that feels like home while keeping uni life manageable.
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Universities like ANU and UC offer on-campus housing that is convenient, social, and often includes utilities. You’re close to lectures, libraries, and campus events, which makes it easier to get involved and meet other students.
Shared housing gives you a bit more independence and can be easier on the budget. Rooms in shared houses generally cost a little less than private studios and come with the bonus of instant flatmates, perfect for making friends and sharing costs like internet and utilities.
If having your own space is important, studios and one-bedroom apartments are available across the city. These tend to be pricier than shared options, but they are ideal for students who prefer privacy or a quieter study environment.
What it comes with: Unfurnished or partially furnished living space with a private bathroom and kitchen or kitchenette; utilities and internet are typically not included.
Highlights: Complete privacy and control over your space.
These are newer developments designed specifically for students, with amenities like common rooms, study areas, and social spaces. Prices sit in the mid-range but include perks that make student life a bit easier and more community-focused.
Living with a host family can be a good option for international students or those new to the city. Rooms often include meals and utilities, and it is a chance to get to know Canberra from a local perspective.
What it comes with: A furnished private room in a family home with utilities and meals included.
Highlights: A supportive introduction to life in Canberra, with local insight, making it easy to settle in fast.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what you can expect to pay for different types of student accommodation in Canberra. Whether you’re after your own space, a social shared house, or a homestay with a local family, this will give you an idea of what’s out there.
|
Type |
Weekly cost |
Key info |
| On-campus residences |
AU$162 - AU$550 |
Close to lectures and campus life, often includes utilities. |
| Shared houses and apartments |
AU$200 - AU$350 |
Share with flatmates, split bills, and live near campus. |
| Private studios and apartments |
AU$480 - AU$650+ |
Perfect if you like your own space and quiet study time. |
| Purpose-built student accommodation |
AU$240 - AU$650 |
Student-focused buildings with study areas, common rooms, and social spaces. |
| Homestay |
AU$315 - AU$425 |
Private Room living with a local family, meals often included. |
If you’re just starting your accommodation search, here are a few places that can help kickstart the hunt for a place that suits you.
University accommodation portals: Most campuses have dedicated housing pages where you can apply directly:
Private student residences: Sites like UniLodge list student-focused housing near major campuses
Student housing search sites: Platforms like UniAcco offer listings with different room types and locations for students.
Homestay: If you would rather live with a local family, Canberra Homestay has listings for private rooms.
Looking for a student-friendly moving service in or around Canberra? Whether you’re heading to a shared house, a campus residence, or your own studio, booking a removalist with Upmove makes the move simple and stress-free. That way, you can focus on settling in, exploring your new neighbourhood, and getting stuck into uni life.
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