Student Accommodation in Canberra 2025: Types, Costs, Top Neighbourhoods

Going to study in Canberra, and are clueless about student accommodation Canberra? Check out this article and understand your housing options, cost comparisons, top neighbourhoods and tips.

As the capital city of Australia, Canberra is more than just the political and administrative hub of the nation; it is also one of the country’s most vibrant education destinations. With internationally recognised universities in Canberra, such as the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Canberra, the city attracts thousands of local and international students each year who do require a student housing option while studying in Australia. From on-campus colleges and purpose-built student housing to private rentals and homestays, Canberra offers a wide spectrum of housing options that can suit different budgets and lifestyles.

Why Canberra is a Popular Choice for Students

Students choose Canberra not only because it is home to world-class institutions like ANU and the University of Canberra, but also because the city offers a safe, multicultural environment. Canberra is unique in that it combines strong academic and research opportunities with proximity to Australia’s federal government agencies, national libraries, and cultural centres.

• For student life, Canberra strikes a balance between modern conveniences and affordability. 
• Compared with Sydney and Melbourne, the cost of accommodation and transport is moderate, with efficient public buses and light rail making it easier to live slightly away from the city centre without overspending. 
• The combination of high-quality education, safety, and affordability makes Canberra an especially appealing destination for international students.

Types of Student Accommodation in Canberra

Moving to Canberra is a bit different from Sydney. It’s a planned city, meaning it is more spread out, quieter, and generally easier to navigate, but accommodation fills up strictly around the university semesters.

Since Canberra is smaller, your choice of accommodation depends almost entirely on which university you are attending (ANU or University of Canberra), as they are in different parts of the city.

Quick Summary

• Best for ANU Students: On-Campus (Acton) or City Centre/Braddon.

• Best for UC Students: Bruce (On-Campus) or Belconnen.

• Best for Budget: Shared House in outer suburbs.

*Exchange rate used: 1 AUD ≈ ₹58.35 INR. Monthly costs are approximate.

Where Should You Live? (Suburb Guide)

Canberra is divided into "North" and "South" by a lake. Traffic is rare, but public transport (Light Rail & Bus) is your lifeline.

1. If you study at Australian National University (ANU)

• Acton (On Campus): The most convenient but sells out fast.

• Braddon: The "hip" suburb. Tons of cafes, bars, and a 10-15 min walk to ANU. Very popular but pricey.

• Turner / O'Connor: Leafy, quiet suburbs full of students in shared houses. 10-15 mins by bike.

• City Centre (Civic): High-rise apartments. convenient but can be noisy and expensive.

2. If you study at University of Canberra (UC)

• Bruce: This IS the campus suburb. If you live here, you walk to class. It is quiet and residential.

• Belconnen: A major hub 10 mins by bus from UC. Has a huge Westfield mall, lake, and many high-rise apartments.

• Kaleen / Lawson: Newer/quiet suburbs great for renting a room in a shared house.

Expert Tips for Canberra

1. The Heating Factor: Canberra gets cold (below 0°C in winter). If you rent a cheap "Shared House," make sure it has good heating/insulation. If not, your electricity bill will be huge, or you will be freezing!

2. The "Guaranteed" Offer: ANU often has a "guaranteed accommodation" offer for first-year international students if you apply by the deadline (usually Jan/Feb). Take it. Finding a private rental in Jan/Feb is a nightmare because all the politicians and public servants move to Canberra at the same time.

3. Light Rail is King: Try to live near the Light Rail line (Gungahlin to City). It is the most reliable transport. If you live far from it, you are reliant on buses which can be infrequent at night.

Cost of Student Accommodation in Canberra 2025

Below is a general guide to average weekly rents for students (as of latest government and provider data) for 2025 and 2026:

It should be noted that the cheapest accommodation in Canberra is usually found in shared off-campus houses in suburbs farther from the city centre, but students must factor in transport costs. Students must calculate their cost of living in Australia overall before they choose any of the student housing in Canberra.

Popular Neighbourhoods for Students in Canberra

In case student accommodation in Canberra is unavailable for on-campus, then students can consider the following neighbourhoods for finding homestays, private renting or any other off-campus accommodation: 

• Acton: home to ANU, this neighbourhood is very popular with international students.
• Belconnen: close to the University of Canberra, offering lakeside living and modern apartments.
• Braddon: a lively suburb known for cafes, shopping strips, and vibrant nightlife, only minutes from the Accommodation in Canberra City Centre.
• Turner & O’Connor: quieter, leafy residential suburbs that are within walking or cycling distance to ANU and the city centre.

These are just suggestions, but students can still look for more nearby options before making the final decision.