Moving to Perth for uni is an exciting prospect. Locking in the right type of student accommodation can feel…. less so. Only because there’s so much to think about: tight rental markets, confusing housing options, trying to find out which suburbs are actually close to campus, and then there’s the budgeting.
But with a bit of help and a clear plan, finding student accommodation will be easy! This guide will walk you through the main housing options, break down the best areas, and share some practical tips to help you find somewhere that fits your budget, lifestyle, and study load.
Let’s dive in.
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Over recent years, Perth has quietly become one of Australia’s most appealing cities for students, families and, really, anyone.
Why? Because:
It’s more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne (by a good stretch).
It offers a lifestyle that balances study with space, sunshine, and lots of those stunning Aussie landscapes.
Commutes to the city tend to be shorter, and rent is generally more manageable.
It’s a place that feels less frantic than other major cities in Australia, which many students appreciate.
Often described as a “big country town,” you can reach beaches, river walks, parks, and even hiking trails in the Perth Hills within 30 minutes.
While the inner city is compact, the wider metropolitan area is very spread out, stretching more than 140 kilometres along the coast. This means choosing the right suburb matters. Living further out can mean longer travel times, but the upside is that traffic is generally lighter than in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, and public transport links are reliable along major routes.
Perth is also famously isolated from other major Aussie capitals. The next closest major city, Adelaide, is around a four-hour flight away. For many students, though, that isolation translates into a strong local community, fewer distractions, and a lifestyle that feels focused without feeling restrictive.
It’s easy to see why Perth continues to attract students from across Australia and overseas.
If you’re planning your studies in Perth, these are the main universities to know and where they’re based.
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University |
What it’s known for |
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Research-intensive university with strengths in science, medicine, engineering, and humanities. |
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Industry-focused university known for business, health, technology, and creative disciplines. |
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Teaching-focused university with strong education, nursing, arts, and communications programs. |
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Known for veterinary science, health, environmental science, and law. |
Perth has a wide range of student accommodation options, whether you want convenience, affordability, independence, or a mix of all three.
Understanding what’s available will help narrow things down quickly and avoid wasting time searching through places that don’t suit your lifestyle.
What it is: University-managed accommodation on or near campus, usually furnished and often including utilities.
Typical cost: On-campus accommodation in Perth generally ranges from around AU$170 to AU$400 per week, depending on the university, room type, and inclusions.
Official university resources:
What it is: Community-focused accommodation often affiliated with universities, typically including meals and academic support.
Typical cost: Residential colleges in Perth commonly sit at the higher end of student accommodation pricing, often AU$450 to AU$600 per week, reflecting inclusions such as catering and pastoral care.
Official resources:
What it is: Renting a room in a house or apartment with other students or young professionals. This option is private and not affiliated with universities or educational institutions.
Typical cost: Renting a room in Perth typically ranges from AU$200 to AU$450 per week, depending on location and property type.
Official resources:
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What it is: Student-only apartment buildings with shared amenities such as study rooms and social spaces.
Typical cost: PBSA in Perth can vary greatly depending on where you are. Weekly costs can fall anywhere from as little as AU$280 through to as much as AU$935 per week. Naturally, inner-city options come with the highest price tag.
Popular PBSA in Perth:
What it is: Self-contained living that gives complete independence and privacy. Options exist in all areas of the city and wider area, meaning it’s one of the most flexible options in terms of location.
Typical cost: The starting cost for a private studio or one-bedroom apartment in Perth is AU$450. Weekly prices tend to go up from there.
Official resources:
What it is: Enjoy the community and care of home life with homestay accommodation. This option involves living with a local family, among their daily life and rhythms. This option is great if you’re looking for a home-like environment, want to improve your English, and are looking for something more budget-friendly. It usually includes all bills and meals.
Typical cost: Homestay accommodation costs around AU$235 and AU$325 per week, depending on room size and location.
Official resources:
Living in the Perth CBD puts you right in the middle of the action. It’s one of the most walkable parts of the city, with easy access to shops, cafes, libraries, gyms and nightlife. Some popular student hotspots include:
Brew-Ha Kings Square
The Moon Café
Hyde Park
City of Perth Library
Many students choose the CBD for its convenience, especially those studying at multiple campuses or commuting via public transport. Free CAT buses operate throughout the city and surrounding inner suburbs, making it easy to get around without a car. The CBD is also a major transport hub, with train and bus connections to universities across Perth.
Accommodation here is mostly apartments and purpose-built student accommodation, with fewer shared houses than in suburban areas.
Crawley and Nedlands sit directly next to the University of Western Australia and are among the most popular areas for UWA students. These suburbs have a leafy, residential feel, with plenty of parks, river paths, and quiet streets.
You’ll find a high concentration of student share houses, older apartments, and some newer developments, often within walking or cycling distance of campus. Public transport links into the CBD are reliable, making it easy to balance study with city access
The area is quieter than the CBD, with fewer nightlife options, but it’s well-suited to students who prefer a calmer environment close to uni. You’ll find students congregating around:
Bayside Kitchen
J Robin Warren Library (upstairs)
Varsity Nedlands
Bentley is one of the most student-dense suburbs in Perth due to its proximity to Curtin University. Many students choose Bentley because it allows them to live close to campus without paying inner-city prices.
Housing here is dominated by shared rentals, townhouses, and student-focused accommodation. There are plenty of supermarkets, takeaway options, and local shops catering to student budgets, such as:
Bentley Plaza
Chomp Chomp
Wong Hawkers Food
Canning River Cafe
The Creative Quarter
Bus services connect Bentley to the CBD and surrounding suburbs, although many students walk or cycle to Curtin.
Victoria Park, often called Vic Park, is a lively inner-south suburb popular with students from Curtin, UWA, and the CBD. It’s well known for its food strip, cafes and casual nightlife, which makes it appealing to students who want a social atmosphere without living right in the city.
Public transport links are strong, with frequent bus services and easy access to major roads. Housing options include share houses, apartments and smaller unit blocks, with rents generally mid-range compared to the CBD and outer suburbs.
Once you’ve secured your perfect student accommodation in Perth, the next step is moving in. For many students, this is their first move out of home. With the help of Upmove, you can ensure a smooth student move that gets done without a hitch.
Upmove makes it easy to book trusted student-friendly removalists, allowing you to compare prices and reviews so that you can choose a service that fits your schedule and budget.
Upmove acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
