Brisbane Student Guide

Sunshine State capital — laid-back vibes with a growing scene

Brisbane is Australia's third-largest city and the gateway to Queensland's beaches. It has a more relaxed pace than Sydney or Melbourne, with a growing food and bar scene. The subtropical climate means warm weather year-round. It's becoming increasingly popular with students due to lower costs and improving job opportunities, especially with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon.

Cost of living

• Rent: $200-360/week for a room in a sharehouse
• Groceries: $80-110/week
• Transport: $45-65/week with Go Card
• Utilities: $25-40/week

Universities

• University of Queensland
• QUT
• Griffith University
• James Cook University (Brisbane campus)

Popular student suburbs

• Toowong — Close to UQ, good buses, student-friendly
• South Brisbane — Near QUT, cultural precinct, trendy cafes
• Woolloongabba — Central, affordable, near Gabba stadium
• Kelvin Grove — QUT campus, very student-focused
• West End — Bohemian, diverse food, weekend markets
• Sunnybank — Asian community, cheap eats, bus access

Pros

• Warm weather year-round
• Lower cost of living than Sydney/Melbourne
• Friendly, laid-back culture
• Easy access to Gold Coast beaches
• Growing job market (2032 Olympics boost)

Cons

• Humid summers can be intense
• Smaller job market than Sydney/Melbourne
• Public transport less developed
• Nightlife more limited