Best Student Accommodation in Brisbane 2025: Types, Costs and Top Areas

Moving to Brisbane to study at its universities? Find your perfect student accommodation in Brisbane based on different housing options, cost comparisons, and the best suburbs for student life. From all-inclusive PBSAs to classic share houses, we've got the lowdown on making Brisbane your new home.

Brisbane is a city that offers an ideal mix of vibrant urban life and laid-back natural beauty. As a student hub, it’s more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne. Universities in Brisbane have a thriving international community and offer top-notch education. But before exploring its world-class beaches and rainforests, you need to find student accommodation in Brisbane. This article will simplify the search for student accommodation in Brisbane, covering everything from on-campus colleges to private rentals, so you can find a place that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Why Choose Brisbane for Study and Living?

Brisbane strikes the right balance between downtown life and being close to nature. It is far more laid-back and affordable than Sydney and Melbourne, yet rather handsome in infrastructure, culture, and nightlife. The town caters to students, has an international community, and is near world-class beaches and rainforests! All points checked by Brisbane. Some of the key universities in Brisbane are as follows:

• University of Queensland
• Queensland University of Technology
• Homes Institute
• James Cook University - Brisbane Campus
• Federation University Australia

Moreover, major universities are best connected with city suburbs and transport hubs, thereby facilitating students to pick a home that suits their lifestyle.

Types of Student Accommodation in Brisbane

Whether you’re after an all-inclusive studio, a shared house with friends, or a university dorm, Brisbane has plenty of options. This is also another reason why you can consider studying in Australia. Check out the different student accommodation in Brisbane:

1. On-Campus Residential Colleges in Brisbane

The universities in Brisbane, like UQ, offer residential colleges on campus. These are great if you want a small student community, a structured routine, and meals. Emanuel College, International House, Cromwell College, and the like provide meals, furnished rooms, and social life, but they tend to be pricier and fewer in number.

Student Accommodation at UQ

Those planning to take admission at the University of Queensland can opt for the following on-campus accommodations: 

On the other hand, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has no particular on-campus student accommodations. However, there are a few authorised and partnered student accommodations in Brisbane that students can consider once they have been admitted. 

2. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in Brisbane

Private providers such as Scape, Student One, UniLodge, and Iglu dominate Brisbane’s PBSA market. These are designed for students, with fully furnished rooms with either private or shared bathrooms, as well as gyms, study areas, and community events. Most include utilities and internet in the rent, which works wonderfully for easy budgeting. 

Some of the leading and cheap student accommodations in Brisbane offered by UniLodge are as follows:

For additional details, students can refer to the websites and, according to their needs, choose the most suitable student accommodation in Brisbane. 

3. Private Rentals and Shared Housing in Brisbane

If you want more freedom or have a lower budget, ready-made options do exist. You can find rooms available for rent within shared houses or apartments via online portals like flatmates.com.au, a student favourite. Usually, you'll be paying utilities yourself, but the flexibility and reduced cost can be worth it.

Best Areas for Student Living in Brisbane

Location matters not just for proximity to campus, but for lifestyle and cost. These are some of the key areas in Brisbane where students can find privately rented accommodations. The locations are as follows: 

Each area varies in price, but expect to pay more the closer you are to the city centre or Brisbane university campuses.

Cost of Student Accommodation in Brisbane 2025

Rent in Brisbane ranges widely depending on the location and housing type. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Shared room in PBSA: AUD 179 to AUD 250/week
• Studio in PBSA: AUD 300 to AUD 450/week
• Private rental/shared house: AUD 150 to AUD 300/week
• On-campus residential colleges: AUD 400 to AUD 700/week (includes meals and utilities)

Most PBSA and on-campus options include utilities, Wi-Fi, and access to amenities like laundry, gym, and study rooms. For private rentals, budget separately for bills (AUD 20 to AUD 40/week). In total, a student in Brisbane might spend AUD 1,800 to AUD 3,500 per month on rent, food, transport, and other living expenses. But, they will still have to prove that they can bear the cost of living in Australia, which is officially around AUD 29,710 annually.

How to Find a Secure Student Accommodation in Brisbane

Here are some tips for getting started to find an ideal student accommodation in Brisbane upon getting admitted to its universities:

• Start researching early, before the February intake of Australia or the July intake of Australia.
• Use university-authorised student accommodation options if no on-campus options are available. 
• Choose the cheapest accommodation in Brisbane to minimise the overall cost of studying in Australia. 
• Look at PBSAs through platforms like Scape or UniLodge. Also, refer to the official university websites for partnering accommodation options.
• Look out for private rentals through student groups and housing forums like Facebook or Reddit. Based on feedback or student reviews, go for these options. 
• Try to visit a handful of student accommodation providers in Brisbane after a couple of virtual tours.

Make sure to confirm what’s included in the rent, payment terms, cancellation policy, and whether you need to pay a bond (security deposit).

Pros and Cons of Various Student Accommodations in Brisbane

Check out the pros and cons of choosing different types of student accommodations in Brisbane below:

Choosing the right student accommodation in Brisbane is about finding the balance between comfort, budget, and location. Whether you’re after community life in a college, the modern perks of PBSA, or the independence of a shared apartment, there’s something for every kind of student here.

Start your research early, explore options across platforms, and don’t be afraid to reach out to university housing teams for guidance. Brisbane’s got your back—you just need to find your space in it.