Student accommodation Queensland


For most international students, finding the right accommodation will be a big part of your plans to study in Queensland. The good news is that we are home to many major universities, schools and vocational education and training providers with a wide range of student housing options to suit your lifestyle and budget.

Whether you prefer a short walking distance between your university or college and on-campus living, the cultural immersion of a homestay away from home, the ability to board on-campus at your school or the freedom to embrace the true student experience with off-campus accommodation as a university student, you’ll find plenty of comfortable and welcoming places to call home.


Types of student accommodation

There are lots of different types of student accommodation available to international students in Queensland, so let’s break down the most popular options to help you make the best decision in your new city.

On-campus accommodation options

On-campus accommodation is a hugely popular type of student housing that provides all the convenience and easy access of living close to your classes. For students studying in school, they can take advantage of boarding houses. There may also be on-campus accommodation options for students undertaking other courses like vocational education and training, or English-language courses.  For universities, this type of accommodation usually includes fully furnished rooms, meal plans, nearby restaurants and close proximity to the university’s library, gym, social spaces and other exciting things.

In addition to being the best location for many international students, living on-campus can also help forge a strong sense of community among your new peers, making it easier to make friends and fully take advantage of the fun of student living.

Here are a few examples of purpose-built student accommodation options that are located either on, or near to education providers in Queensland:

  • Griffith University Village: Located close to the Griffith University Gold Coast campus, here you’ll find lots of modern facilities and an exciting student community.
  • Kelvin Grove Urban Village: Based near the Kelvin Grove campus of the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), this student-friendly village has many accommodation options within a supportive environment.
  • Central Queensland University Mackay and Rockhampton Colleges: Located on the CQUniversity Rockhampton and Mackay campuses, these student residences are an affordable and safe option for students with a range of benefits included.
  • UniLodge Burralga Yumba: Brand new on-campus student accommodation at James Cook University’s Townsville campus featuring a range of spaces to study, relax and socialise in.
  • Varsity Apartments: A 5-minute walk from the University of the Sunshine Coast, the apartments include large communal areas and great facilities for students.
  • Sun Pacific College: On campus accommodation for international students studying with Sun Pacific College in Cairns, with a cafeteria and other benefits included.
  • UniLodge John Grey Hall: Student accommodation nearby James Cook University in Cairns with a range of fun activities and facilities.
  • University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Residential Colleges: Located on campus at UniSQ’s Toowoomba campus, the residential colleges offer students a range of services and facilities to support a great study experience. 
  • Iglu: Student accommodation in Brisbane located in the CBD and Kelvin Grove, providing convenient access to many education providers and transport options.
  • Student One: Student accommodation in the CBD of Brisbane, offering students a broad range of room options, services and facilities to support the study experience.  
  • Scape: Student accommodation in Brisbane’s CBD, and the suburbs of Toowong and St Lucia, convenient to Griffith University, the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology and many other providers.
  • UniLodge: Student accommodation provider with many properties in Brisbane to cater to different student needs and living styles. 
  • Uniresort: Resort-style student accommodation with easy access to Griffith University’s Nathan and Mount Gravatt campuses, and a short bus ride to the Southbank campus.

Homestays

For alternative student accommodation options in Queensland, you might want to consider homestays. These give international students the unique opportunity to live with an Australian family in various cities. Whether students are studying at high school or higher education, it’s an arrangement that will give you firsthand experience of Australian culture and it’s an excellent way to improve your English language skills.

Homestay hosts provide students with meals and a supportive home environment, which can make it an attractive option for those who are brand new to Australia and city life in general.

A few of the homestay providers in Queensland include:

Off-campus accommodation

Off-campus student accommodation is the go-to option for students who are seeking more independence and flexibility around different locations to live. It includes everything from rental apartments to share houses to private studios.

There are many different types of rental accommodation and room types to explore in Queensland – if you want to live solo then a small studio apartment should suffice, while those looking to relax with new friends might find a larger share house more appropriate. Because living off-campus means you can pick and choose your exact living arrangements, it might be a more flexible option for you.

Looking for rental accommodation resources in Queensland? Here are some popular options:



Where would you like to live?

Queensland, also known as the Sunshine State, is one of the most diverse and exciting places in Australia to live, with all sorts of different towns and cities that boast their own unique charms. Here are some of the most popular places to live when studying in Queensland:

  • Brisbane: The state capital and largest city. Here you’ll find plenty of culture and arts, as well as the broadest student housing options.
  • Cairns: Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and perfect for nature lovers.
  • Gold Coast: Famous for its stunning beaches and non-stop nightlife.
  • Mackay: A relaxed lifestyle within close proximity to beautiful coastal areas for a day trip.
  • Rockhampton: A laid-back country city known for its historical sites and close-knit community.
  • Sunshine Coast: This city combines beautiful beaches with a relaxed lifestyle.
  • Toowoomba: An inland city with a strong sense of community and excellent educational institutions.
  • Townsville: A tropical city with a charming atmosphere and a range of outdoor activities to explore.


Life in student accommodation

Living in student housing in Queensland has plenty of benefits that go beyond just having a place to stay. You’ll be able to build new social connections, set up a support network with like-minded peers, and experience all the fun of student life.

Social connections

Being able to live with other students is arguably the best way to meet new people and form long-lasting friendships – this can ultimately make your study experience more enjoyable. Many student housing facilities set up their own social events and study groups to keep residents connected and engaged throughout their time at university.

Community, safety and security

Most student housing buildings in Queensland will have high-end security features like CCTV, swipe-card access and on-site management. You’ll also find support services are readily available, which can provide assistance for students to help them feel safe and supported.

Affordability

The cost of accommodation in Queensland is relatively affordable compared to other popular cities in Australia. International students can find accommodation that suits their budget without compromising on quality – from on-campus residences to shared houses and everything in between.

Choosing the right student accommodation in Queensland 

Unsure about what the right accommodation is for you? Consider the following to help you make a decision:

Factors to consider

  • Location: Proximity to campus, public transport, supermarkets and cafes.
  • Budget: Monthly rent, utilities and extra costs like internet and public transport.
  • Lifestyle: Whether you prefer a shared living arrangement or having a private space to yourself.

Tips for finding accommodation

  • Online platforms and resources: Use websites such as Flatmate Finders and realestate.com.au, as well as your university’s housing resources.
  • Inspections and rental agreements: Visit potential homes to conduct a property inspection, and make sure you thoroughly read the rental agreement so you aren’t caught out.
  • Student Accommodation Association (SAA): Study Queensland partners with the SAA to promote quality accommodation for all students. Visit the SAA to find useful resources and get support for finding safe and suitable housing.

With all this information and resources at your disposal, you should have no problem finding the perfect student accommodation to make your study experience in Queensland a memorable one.