Student Accommodation Gold Coast: Types, Costs & Top Neighbourhoods

Going to study at the Gold Coast, Australia? Check out the student accommodation in Gold Coast, including lucrative options, cost comparisons, nearby neighbourhoods, and some student tips to make the process seamless.

Located in Queensland, Australia, the Gold Coast has become one of the most favoured places for international students, especially those from India, who are attracted by its globally recognised universities and the outdoor coastal lifestyle. When a student starts to prepare their higher education journey for universities in Gold Coast, the decision about where to stay is a critical one that requires careful consideration. 

Student accommodation in Gold Coast is available to suit varying requirements of price, cultural preference, and lifestyle. When students have these options learned beforehand and the cost of living in Australia is sorted, a smooth transition can be made into the academic and social atmosphere.

Why Study in Gold Coast Universities?

The Gold Coast has several highly ranked educational institutions, each of which has a very high proportion of international enrollments. Griffith University has a flagship campus in Southport, Bond University has a campus in Robina, and Southern Cross University has a campus in Coolangatta. Other reasons which attract students to study in Australia or Gold Coast include:

• Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, living costs and daily expenses are very low, and part-time work opportunities in Australia (Gold Coast) are excellent, especially in the hospitality, retail, and tourism industries.
• The city offers a subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers, a welcome relief for most Indian students.
• An active international community provides students with a sense of belonging. Indian students particularly feel comfortable with community clubs, temples, Indian corner stores, and cultural events.

Types of Student Accommodation in Gold Coast

Students who have to come to Gold Coast, Australia, will ideally have access to multiple housing options. There are university-operated halls for residence and privately managed apartments. Choosing the most suitable type of accommodation requires weighing factors such as budget, proximity to campuses, lifestyle preferences, and included services like meals or utilities. Here are some of the different accommodation types in Gold Coast for students, listed below:

1. On-Campus Accommodation in Gold Coast

Most students prefer to start classes in on-campus housing because it is an inclusive and community-based environment. Griffith University's official accommodation website indicates that the accommodation at the Gold Coast campus provides shared flats, self-contained studios, and fully serviced student apartments. The rents range from AUD 220 to AUD 400 per week, depending on the rooms and meal packages.

Griffith University

There is on-campus accommodation in Gold Coast for students at The Griffith University Village. Two to three room types are available for students at Griffith University, and the details are as follows:

These rooms at Griffith University Village are all-inclusive rooms with rent, bills, furniture, Wi-Fi, games area, and laundry, right on campus, with everything a student needs in one place.

Bond University 

Located in Robina, Gold Coast, Queensland, Bond University offers its on-campus housing facilities. Students can choose from catered halls with meal plans or self-catered shared apartments conveniently located within walking distance of lecture halls and libraries. Check out the options available for students below:

These rates are inclusive of utilities, Wifi, weekly cleaning, laundry facilities, and come with a compulsory dining plan for all on-campus residents. Student ID is the access to the cafeteria. 

All accommodations are air-conditioned, fully furnished (with a desk, chair, bed, wardrobe, etc.), and serviced weekly. Laundry is handled via automatic machines and dryers that are conveniently accessible.

The main advantage of on-campus accommodation lies in its all-inclusive feature - utilities, internet, and in some cases, meals are already part of the weekly rent.

2. Off-Campus Rentals

International students who do not want to live alone or who need an economic alternative usually prefer off-campus living. Private apartments, shared houses, and studio apartments with more flexible budgets are available to Gold Coast students. There are no on-campus residential facilities available at Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus. They recommend off-campus accommodation through UniStays, a free listing service for accommodation in the Gold Coast to locate apartments tailored explicitly for international students.

• Rental prices in Gold Coast will differ according to the type of property, its location and the amenities provided to students. Ideally,
• Shared accommodation is the lowest-cost at about AUD 180 per week.
• Private studio apartments in newer buildings may cost from AUD 300 to AUD 350 per week.
• Students must also provide other expenses like utilities (electricity, gas, internet), which may be between AUD 30 – AUD 50 per week.
• Verifying confirmed rental listings and utilising services that universities endorse decreases the risk of scams.

3. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

It forms an increasing trend in Australia, extending its purview among university cities, including the Gold Coast, with student accommodation specifically designed for students. These are professionally managed buildings, including UniLodge, Scape, and Student One. These establishments provide amenities to suit students' needs. Everyday things offered include: furnished bedrooms, study rooms to be shared with other students, a gym, a shared kitchen, and social activities organised by the management. 

In Gold Coast, the weekly rates of paid PBDAs range from AUD 250 to 450, depending on the unit's shareability or the studio's privacy. Even though this is more expensive than the average share off-campus rent, what makes PBSAs appealing is convenience, security, and the ambience tailored to students.

4. Homestays in Gold Coast for International Students

Homestay refers to staying with an Australian host family, which is very suitable for Indian students to experience cultural immersion and extra care, particularly during their initial few months in Australia. Usually, meals, utilities, and internet are included in the weekly fee of AUD 250 to AUD 350. Apart from the useful advantages, homestays offer students excellent opportunities to enhance their English language proficiency and learn more about Australian culture in a domestic environment.

5. Short-Term and Temporary Accommodation

Newly arrived students who have not yet finalised long-term housing may first use short-term options such as hostels, serviced apartments, or Airbnb. Prices range between AUD 40 and AUD 70 per night, depending on location and season. Most universities recommend that students book short-term accommodation before landing in Australia and then inspect longer-term rentals in person. Study Gold Coast provides resources and verified listings for temporary stays.

Cost of Student Accommodation in Gold Coast 2025

The following table summarises average weekly costs for the main types of housing:

When considering the cheapest accommodation in Gold Coast, shared rentals in Southport or surrounding suburbs can start from around AUD 180 per week, making them one of the most affordable permanent housing options. 

Best Neighbourhoods for Students to Live on Gold Coast

For those international students who cannot get any on-campus accommodation on Gold Coast, can look for PSBAs or private rentals in the following neighbourhoods: 

1. Southport: Recommended for Griffith University students due to proximity to campus and affordable shared housing.
2. Robina: Accommodation in Gold Coast at Robina will be convenient for Bond University students, close to campus and major shopping centres.
3. Coolangatta: The best choice for students attending Southern Cross University, with easy beach access and a quieter lifestyle.
4. Surfers Paradise: Offers a central, vibrant atmosphere ideal for students who want a social lifestyle, though rental prices are generally higher.

Tips for Indian Students to Find Housing in Gold Coast

Check out some of the top tips that students must consider when looking at accommodation for Gold Coast: 

• Start looking at accommodation options two or three months in advance to ensure adequate time for all procedures, especially for staying on campus or in PBSA, whether they are admitted for the July intake or the February intake in Australia. 
• University-maintained housing portals and Study Gold Coast accommodation resources should be the first points of reference before signing any leases off-campus. 
• Do keep in mind the travel considerations when picking a place to stay. Especially useful for students living off-campus, the city has a light rail system G:link and very elaborate bus services.
• If renting, do check if the rent covers electricity/water/internet charges. Utilities could cost an additional AUD 30-50 per week. 
• Another consideration is a careful reading of lease agreements before committing to signing the contract but showing Subclass (500) visa. Typically, bond deposits equal four weeks' rent and are lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland, which legally protects the interests of students as well as landlords.

Student accommodation in Gold Coast offers a perfect blend of affordability, quality, and flexibility for Indian students planning to move to Australia. The choices range from cheap shared accommodation and homestays to purpose-built student housing with a sea view. When comparing affordability across the state, student accommodation in Queensland drastically varies.