The Best Suburbs in Sydney: Sydney is one of the most exciting cities in Australia, but finding the right place to live can be tricky—especially for students. Some suburbs are affordable and student-friendly, while others offer great nightlife, beaches, or peaceful study environments.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best suburbs in Sydney for students, covering rent prices, transport, safety, and lifestyle. Whether you want to be close to universities, near the beach, or in a budget-friendly area, we’ve got you covered!
Table of contents
- 10 Best Suburbs in Sydney for International Students
- Newtown – Vibrant and Student-Friendly
- Ultimo – Close to Universities
- Kensington – Best for UNSW Student
- Glebe – Affordable and Laid-Back
- Randwick – Near UNSW and the Beach
- Burwood – Multicultural and Budget-Friendly
- Macquarie Park – Best for Macquarie University Students
- Ashfield – Affordable and Well-Connected
- Rockdale – Quiet and Near the Beach
- Best Suburbs in Sydney for Affordability
- Cost of Living in Sydney for Students
- FAQs on the Best Suburbs in Sydney
10 Best Suburbs in Sydney for International Students
Finding the right place to live in Sydney as a student can be confusing. Some suburbs are affordable, some are close to universities, and some have the best social life. To make things easy, here are the best suburbs in Sydney that offer great student living, easy transport, and good amenities.
- Newtown
- Ultimo
- Kensington
- Glebe
- Parramatta
- Randwick
- Burwood
- Macquarie Park
- Ashfield
- Rockdale
Newtown – Vibrant and Student-Friendly
Newtown is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students who love culture, music, and food. It’s close to the University of Sydney (USYD) and UTS, making it a popular choice for students. The area has trendy cafés, live music venues, and affordable eateries, perfect for those on a budget.
With its artistic vibe and friendly community, Newtown is a great place to live and meet new people. The suburb is well-connected by buses and trains, making travel easy.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 10 min by train |
| Average Rent | AUD 350 – 500/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Trains, buses, bike-friendly |
| Nearby Universities | USYD, UTS |
| Best For | Nightlife, culture, food |
Ultimo – Close to Universities
Ultimo is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students who want to live close to universities. It’s just a short walk from UTS, USYD, and TAFE NSW, making it a convenient choice. The area is filled with libraries, affordable restaurants, and student-friendly apartments.
You’ll also find Broadway Shopping Centre, where you can buy everything you need. Public transport is excellent, with light rail and buses connecting you to the city. Ultimo is a great option for students looking for convenience, affordability, and a study-friendly environment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 5 min by bus |
| Average Rent | AUD 400 – 550/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Buses, walking, light rail |
| Nearby Universities | USYD, UTS, Notre Dame |
| Best For | Convenience, study spaces, budget living |
Kensington – Best for UNSW Student
Kensington is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students studying at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). It’s located near the UNSW campus, making it a top choice for students who want to stay close to their university. The area has affordable restaurants, supermarkets, and student accommodations.
Public transport is convenient, with light rail and buses providing easy access to the city. If you love a quiet, student-friendly atmosphere with all essential amenities nearby, Kensington is a fantastic place to live.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 15 min by bus |
| Average Rent | AUD 350 – 500/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Light rail, buses, cycling |
| Nearby Universities | UNSW |
| Best For | Campus life, quiet living |
Glebe – Affordable and Laid-Back
Glebe is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students looking for a relaxed and affordable lifestyle. It’s close to USYD and has a strong student community. The suburb is known for its cafés, bookstores, and weekend markets, making it a great place for students who enjoy a peaceful environment.
Glebe also has beautiful parks where you can study or relax with friends. Public transport is reliable, with buses running frequently to the city and nearby universities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 10 min by bus |
| Average Rent | AUD 350 – 450/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Buses, walking |
| Nearby Universities | USYD, UTS |
| Best For | Quiet study spots, affordable food |
Also Read: You can try amazing Outdoor Adventures in Sydney and unwind after your monotonous schedule.
Parramatta – Affordable and Well-Connected
Parramatta is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students looking for affordable rent and easy transport. It is home to Western Sydney University (WSU) and has a strong student community. The suburb is well-connected to Sydney’s city centre by train, making commuting simple.
Parramatta also offers many part-time job opportunities in retail and hospitality, which is great for students who want to earn extra money. The suburb has parks, shopping malls, and restaurants, giving students a comfortable lifestyle.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 30 min by train |
| Average Rent | AUD 300 – 450/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Trains, buses |
| Nearby Universities | WSU, TAFE NSW |
| Best For | Budget-friendly, job opportunities |
Randwick – Near UNSW and the Beach
Randwick is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students who love both studying and beach life. It’s close to UNSW and Coogee Beach, offering the perfect balance between academics and relaxation. The suburb has affordable student housing, cafés, and great public transport.
It’s a quiet and safe area, making it ideal for students who want a peaceful place to live. If you love being near the beach and having easy university access, Randwick is a great option.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 20 min by bus |
| Average Rent | AUD 350 – 500/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Light rail, buses |
| Nearby Universities | UNSW |
| Best For | Beach life, university access |
Burwood – Multicultural and Budget-Friendly
Burwood is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students looking for an affordable and multicultural environment. It has a large international student population. The suburb is home to great restaurants, Asian supermarkets, and shopping centres, making it easy for students to find familiar food and groceries.
Burwood is well-connected by trains and buses, with a short commute to the University of Sydney and UTS. Rent here is more affordable compared to central Sydney, making it a great option for budget-conscious students.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 15 min by train |
| Average Rent | AUD 300 – 450/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Trains, buses |
| Nearby Universities | USYD, UTS, ACU |
| Best For | Budget-friendly, multicultural food, shopping |
Macquarie Park – Best for Macquarie University Students
Macquarie Park is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students studying at Macquarie University. The suburb is built around Macquarie University, meaning students live close to campus, libraries, and student facilities. It also has Macquarie Centre, a large shopping mall with affordable food and entertainment.
The area is safe, quiet, and filled with students, making it an excellent choice for those who want to focus on their studies while having everything they need nearby. The Metro train line connects Macquarie Park to the city in just 20 minutes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 20 min by Metro train |
| Average Rent | AUD 350 – 500/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Metro train, buses |
| Nearby Universities | Macquarie University |
| Best For | University access, quiet study environment, shopping |
Also Read: Take a break from your studies and rejuvenate with these Weekend Getaways From Sydney
Ashfield – Affordable and Well-Connected
Ashfield is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students looking for cheap rent and great transport connections. It is a safe and diverse suburb, with a mix of Asian and South Asian communities, making it easier for international students to feel at home.
The suburb has affordable grocery stores, student housing, and part-time job opportunities. It’s just a short 15-minute train ride to Sydney’s city centre, giving students quick access to major universities like UTS and USYD. If you want affordability and convenience, Ashfield is a great place to live.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 15 min by train |
| Average Rent | AUD 280 – 400/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Trains, buses |
| Nearby Universities | USYD, UTS, ACU |
| Best For | Cheap rent, great transport, multicultural community |
Rockdale – Quiet and Near the Beach
Rockdale is one of the best suburbs in Sydney for students who prefer a calm and affordable lifestyle while still being close to the city. It is cheaper than central Sydney but offers good transport links to universities and the CBD. The suburb is close to Brighton-Le-Sands Beach, giving students a peaceful escape after long study sessions.
Rockdale has affordable rental options, local markets, and part-time job opportunities in nearby retail stores and restaurants. If you’re looking for a mix of affordability, safety, and a relaxed atmosphere, Rockdale is a great choice.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to City | 20 min by train |
| Average Rent | AUD 300 – 450/week (1-bed) |
| Transport | Trains, buses |
| Nearby Universities | USYD, UTS, UNSW |
| Best For | Affordable housing, quiet living, beach access |
Best Suburbs in Sydney for Affordability
Sydney is known for its high cost of living, but there are still some affordable suburbs where students can find budget-friendly accommodation. These suburbs offer lower rent, easy access to universities, and good public transport. If you’re a student looking to save money, here are some of the best suburbs in Sydney for affordability.
| Suburb | Average Rent (per week, AUD) | Public Transport | Distance to Sydney CBD | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakemba | AUD 250 – 400 (shared/unit) | Train, bus | 15 km (30 min) | Diverse community, cheap groceries, student-friendly |
| Campsie | AUD 300 – 450 (shared/unit) | Train, bus | 13 km (25 min) | Affordable rent, markets, good food options |
| Bankstown | AUD 280 – 450 (shared/unit) | Train, bus | 20 km (35 min) | Cheap housing, multicultural vibe, part-time jobs |
| Burwood | AUD 350 – 500 (shared/unit) | Train, bus | 10 km (20 min) | Close to universities, great transport, student-friendly |
| Rockdale | AUD 320 – 480 (shared/unit) | Train, bus | 12 km (22 min) | Affordable apartments, close to beaches, great cafes |
Cost of Living in Sydney for Students
Sydney is an exciting place to study, but it can be expensive. The cost of living depends on your lifestyle, accommodation choice, and spending habits. On average, students need AUD 1,800 – 2,500 per month to cover expenses like rent, food, transport, and entertainment. However, choosing affordable suburbs, sharing accommodation, and cooking at home can help you save money. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated monthly expenses:
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared Apartment) | 900 – 1,500 |
| Groceries | 250 – 400 |
| Public Transport | 50 – 150 |
| Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas) | 100 – 200 |
| Internet & Phone | 50 – 100 |
| Entertainment & Dining Out | 150 – 300 |
| Health Insurance | 40 – 60 |
| Miscellaneous (Gym, Shopping, etc.) | 100 – 200 |
| Total | 1,800 – 2,500 |
Sydney has many great suburbs for students, each offering something unique. Whether you want affordability, nightlife, beach life, or easy university access, there’s a suburb that fits your needs. Choose wisely and enjoy your student life in one of the best suburbs in Sydney!
FAQs on the Best Suburbs in Sydney
The best suburbs in Sydney include Parramatta, Parramatta, Bringelly, and Berala.
The best suburbs in Sydney for Rent Bringelly and Berala.
Vaucluse is one of the richest suburbs to live in Sydney.
Willoughby East, Westleigh, Harris Park, and more are the safest suburbs in Sydney.
Affordable suburbs include Lakemba, Ashfield, Campsie, and Rockdale. These areas have lower rent prices, good transport links, and access to essential amenities like markets and restaurants
Suburbs like Newtown, Redfern, Strathfield, and Parramatta have excellent train, bus, and light rail connections. This makes commuting to universities and city areas easy and convenient.
International students can find cheap accommodation in Bankstown, Burwood, Campsie, and Wiley Park. These suburbs have many shared apartments, homestays, and budget-friendly rentals.
For students studying at The University of Sydney, Newtown and Glebe are great choices. If you’re at UNSW, consider Randwick or Kingsford. Macquarie University students prefer Macquarie Park or Epping.
If you love the beach, consider Bondi, Coogee, Maroubra, and Manly. These suburbs offer beautiful coastlines, student-friendly cafes, and great weekend vibes.
Consider your budget, university location, safety, transport, and lifestyle preferences. If affordability is key, go for Campsie or Lakemba. If you want city life, Ultimo or Redfern are great. For quieter areas, Epping or Lane Cove work well.
Thank you for reading our blog. This blog is all about the Best Suburbs in Sydney. Hope you like it. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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