12 Mar How to choose the right student accommodation in Brisbane
Starting university can be a hugely exciting moment in your life – especially if you’re making the choice to move to Brisbane from a different city, or even a different country.
But, let’s be honest: more often than not, it can also be pretty overwhelming at the same time.
Choosing the right university, living in the right suburb, sorting out your budget, finding a support network, making sure you have everything you need to start your educational journey off right… and finding the perfect place to live on top of all that? With so many decisions you have to make, it’s not always easy to feel like you’re making the best choice for yourself, your education, and your finances in the long run.
You shouldn’t neglect the fact that choosing the right place to live will make a huge difference in your university experience, helping you feel comfortable, safe, and connected to the community while going through the entire experience of pursuing your tertiary education.
If you’d like some tips on how to make the best choice for your student accommodation, this guide will break down everything you need to know how to find the right place to live in Brisbane – one that will truly feel like home.
Top 5 things to consider when choosing affordable Brisbane student accommodation
Brisbane is a fantastic city for students, offering not just world-class universities but also access to charming riverside cafés and bustling nightlife.
Your weekly budget
First things first: how much can you actually afford?
This might seem like the most obvious thing to take into consideration, but remember that your overall accommodation costs can vary widely depending on a number of factors – the type of housing, whether you’re renting solo or with others, location, and fundamental amenities.
To make budgeting decisions easier on yourself, consider these key costs to factor into your economic plan:
- Your weekly rent
- Necessary utilities (electricity, water, and wi-fi)
- Your bond or security deposit
- Transport costs (if you’re living further from your campus)
Keep in mind that these costs can usually be adaptable: living closer to campus might mean paying a little more in rent, but it could save you money on transport, while on the other hand, choosing a more affordable place further out might require a bigger travel budget.
As with most things in life, just finding the right balance between cost and convenience makes all the difference.
On- or off-campus housing?
Living on-campus can be hugely convenient, putting you super close to lectures and university facilities. However, it’s important to remember that it’s also expensive and often fills up quickly, with other eager students grabbing slots as soon as they can.
Off-campus housing offers more flexibility, on the other hand, depending on whether you’re opting for shared student apartments or a private rental property. While this can be more affordable in the long run and give you greater living independence, you should also be sure to choose a location with good transport links to your campus to cut down on travel expenses.
This balancing act can sometimes be one of the trickier parts to deal with when choosing good student accommodation in Brisbane, true. But for students looking for a healthy mix of independence with a student-friendly environment, Brisbane Student Apartments (BSA) offers a comfortable, supportive place to live while also being easy on your budget.
Location, location, location
When it comes to location, it’s important to choose one that truly suits your lifestyle. Brisbane has so many desirable areas, and where you choose to live can have a big impact on shaping your daily experience.
Brisbane Student Apartments has two primary locations that are perfect for students: Kelvin Grove, in close proximity to QUT’s Kelvin Grove or UQ’s Herston campuses, and Hamilton, which offers a quiet, riverside setting while still being well-connected to a wide range of additional world-class institutions like the Australian Catholic University, Aviation Australia, and TAFE’s Eagle Farm campus.
Both of these locations are just minutes from the city, with nearby bus stops and easy walking-distance access to shopping, cafes, and green spaces. They’re both great options for students who want a balance between study and a relaxed atmosphere that provides everything Brisbane has to offer.
Vital amenities and facilities
The right amenities can make student life much easier. Before committing to a place, be sure to check what’s included in your accommodation. Some must-haves can include:
- Fast and reliable WiFi – essential for studying and staying connected (as well as for streaming binges)
- Furnished accommodation – helps save you the hassle (and the cost) of buying and moving furniture of your own.
- Kitchen and laundry facilities – important if you want to cook and wash your clothes at home instead of eating out or going to the laundromat.
- Secure access – to help ensure that your safety is a top priority.
Agreements and terms
Finally, before you’ve made your final choice or signed any lease, be sure to take the time to read the agreement carefully.
Nobody needs to deal with the sudden stress of an unknown clause or restriction in your lease, and dealing with issues like these when they arise is always harder than avoiding them altogether. It’s important to check:
- How long is the lease, exactly?
- What’s included in the rent?
- What rules apply to guests?
- Are there any noise level regulations?
- Is there anything to know about how to use your shared space?
Some places also require a full-year commitment, while others offer more flexible options, too. Knowing and understanding all these details upfront will provide you with full transparency and help you avoid any unexpected costs or restrictions that might come as an unfortunate surprise down the road.
Making the right choice for the right place to study
You’re probably already used to making big decisions if you’ve already gone through the experience of choosing your degree, choosing your campus, and perhaps even choosing to move to Brisbane.
So while it’s likely that you haven’t spared the importance of making sure that your student accommodation is absolutely right, we hope we’ve at least given you a few extra important tips to keep a lookout for when making your decision.
Remember: take the time to research your options, compare locations, read reviews, and visit properties to help find a place that suits your needs and lifestyle. All in all, your student accommodation is not just about choosing a cheap, comfortable place to live. It’s also about having a place that will really give you the emotional backing to feel like you can tackle your degree as confidently as possible.
If you’re looking for well-located, student-friendly accommodation where all of these details are accounted for, our apartments offer the best combination of affordability, convenience, and community that you’ll find in Brisbane. Get in touch to find out more about available rooms, and start planning your move now!