Student Accommodation in Adelaide 2025: Costs, Types & Best Areas

Finding a perfect student accommodation in Adelaide is sometimes strenuous, and this article will ease the task for you. It comprehensively explains your options: from student halls to private rentals and homestays, their respective costs, and the best locations for each specific university. Learn from our experts on when and how to make your move for Adelaide student accommodation.

Setting foot into the universities of Adelaide for an academic journey is sometimes filled with excitement and dread, as one finds a place to call home. However, this site is a key to unlocking the best student accommodation options in this vibrant city. For those who dream of a fine city apartment, a city-share home in the suburbs, or just a simple homestay with any of the local families in town, Adelaide has an abode for every character and pocket. Let's delve into the offerings of the housing landscape and help you choose the right pad for beginning your life as an Adelaide student!

Why Adelaide Works for International Students?

Adelaide is a relatively small city, along the coastal fringe, with a vibrant atmosphere, cafés, and culture. A popular student destination for studying in Australia. Much of the travel usually doesn’t exceed a 30-minute commute. Whether you desire a city full of exhilaration or a quiet suburb with a laid-back environment, the city of Adelaide is ideal for a tight student budget as well. 

• Walkable & well-connected areas like the universities in Adelaide, cafes, nightlife, and transport are clustered tightly, meaning less commute and more exploration.
• Cost-effective student accommodation in Adelaide is the cherry on top. Rent, compared to Sydney or Melbourne, goes further here. Most options are for utilities, internet, and fewer hidden costs. 
• The city has a massive 33-storey, 400-million-dollar accommodation tower under planning in the CBD (central business district) to curb the shortage in beds (due 2028).
• Adelaide offers multiple options for student housing, from university-managed to local family-managed, with ample choices available. 

Types of Student Accommodation in Adelaide

There are four types of student accommodation in Adelaide. These are some of the cheapest student accommodations in Adelaide. Check out the list below: 

1. Colleges & University-Managed Housing

Near campus and typically all-inclusive: food, cleaning, utilities, and community. Prices range from AUD 500 to AUD 600/week. The university's student housing includes residential halls and residential colleges. The costs can be based on the type of accommodation chosen or allotted by the universities. Check out the cost of living in Australia.

2. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Incredible towers with shared spaces, fast Wi‑Fi, events, and security. Budget of AUD 300–600/week, all utility bills are typically covered. These are basically the next best options if on-campus student accommodation options are limited in Adelaide. Usually, universities in Adelaide suggest them on their housing options so that students can get in touch if there are limited housing options on campus. Some of the popular PSBAs in Adelaide for student housing are:

• UniLodge
• Scape 
• Yugo 
• Switch Living
• Y Suites

Applicants can check out their websites for a fee breakdown and the types of accommodations they offer. 

3. Private Rentals & Share Houses 

The next option for student housing, which is also the cheapest accommodation in Adelaide, is private rentals or shared housing. Their costs range between AUD 150 and AUD 300/week for dorms, plus utilities. Students ideally will have to pay a bond (typically four weeks' rent). This is the third popular student accommodation in Adelaide, in case the first two options don’t work out. 

4. Homestays:

Stay with a local family, meals provided, home feels solid. Ideal for younger internationals or those seeking integration. Price from AUD 250 to AUD 510/week. Another budgeted option for student housing in Adelaide is worth considering. 

Universities in Adelaide Offering Student Housing with Costs 2025

Only two of the most popular universities in Adelaide offer housing to international students. Check out the details below: 

1. University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers on-campus student housing. There is a residential village along with partnering PSBs. Check out the student accommodation in Adelaide below at the University of Adelaide:

The students will have to pay an additional AUD 500 for a deposit before choosing any of these accommodation options. Apart from the university's offered accommodation, other options can be considered, like UniLodge or Scape.

Also, students must note that they can apply for these housing options only in their second semester of study. 

2. Flinders University

Those applying to Flinders University can consider the following student accommodation options:  

Applicants can check the fee payment schedules once they are enrolled at Flinders University.

Popular Areas in Adelaide to Stay for Students

If you have to find a student accommodation in Adelaide apart from the university-managed housing options, here are the popular and nearby areas to universities in Adelaide that can be considered: 

1. Adelaide CBD & East End

Finding housing in this area can help students easily commute to the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia (City East & West campuses).

This is a lively city centre with lectures, cafés, markets, nightlife, and libraries within easy reach. Though private student housing here is more expensive but the transportation is cheaper.

2. North Adelaide

This area is near the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. Student Accommodation North Adelaide offers quieter, greener residential regions than the CBD, but close enough so that you can walk or even get a bus. An outstanding balance of calm and convenience.

3. Bedford Park

Student accommodation in Adelaide for those studying at Flinders University can be found in Bedford Park. This is a peaceful, outer suburban area with lower-cost housing than the CBD. Ideal for Flinders students, it is well serviced by train and bus to the city.

4. Mawson Lakes

The only university located in this area is the University of South Australia (Mawson Lakes campus). Student housing here is a modern, well-planned precinct with convenient train access to the city. This is especially convenient for UniSA IT, engineering, and science students.

Student Accommodation in Adelaide Cost Breakdown 2025-26

As for 2025-26 here is the cost breakdown for international students accommodation in Adelaide based on various options: 

Additional costs like utilities can average  AUD 35–50/week for private rentals.

A typical student’s total living cost, including rent, food, transport, and essentials, is estimated between  AUD 1,700 and  AUD 2,600 per month. 

Tips to Find Ideal Student Accommodation in Adelaide

If you have received your CoE (confirmation of enrollment) or are in the process of submitting an Australian student visa application and do not have a place to live, you can check out these tips: 

• The perfect time to test the lands is between 3 and 6 months before the semester starts, if the application is meant for the highly sought-after February intake or the July intake in Australia.
• Use reliable platforms, university portals, trusty PBSA providers like UniLodge, Scape, or reliable aggregators such as Adelaide Student Housing. 
• Compare the all-in cost, not just rent. Apply wisely, as some providers would allow you to book directly and even add extras like airport pick-up or linen. 
• A backup is good, particularly in the case that you arrive during a period of very high demand or the coordination takes a little bit longer.
• Understand the terms and conditions of stay. Check for amenities, rules and regulations and fee structure as well. 

Securing the right student accommodation in Adelaide is a crucial step toward a successful and enjoyable university experience. With a diverse range of options, including university-managed housing, modern PBSAs, private rentals, and welcoming homestays, there's a perfect fit for every budget and lifestyle. By planning ahead, understanding your costs, and exploring the best neighbourhoods, you can find a comfortable and convenient home that allows you to thrive in your studies and immerse yourself in Adelaide's vibrant student life.