Living in Brisbane: Students’ Lifestyle Guide

Although Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and one of the largest cities in Australia, it offers one of the lowest costs of living in the land down under, which makes it a perfect destination for those hungry for knowledge. With its inclusive study programs, high-quality education and vibrant culture, Brisbane is not far from a promise land for all aspiring students.

The Sunshine State

With an average of 300 sunny days per year, it’s not surprising that Queensland bears the name of the Sunshine State. When packing your bags, get ready for a subtropical climate, sunny and warm days and pleasant chilly nights. Students who have always wanted to escape the winter won’t be faced with cold weather because the winter in Brisbane (from June to August) is really mild and sunny. The favourable weather is just perfect for exploring the rest of the country, especially the magical sand islands and lush subtropical rainforests, which are just two-hour travel away.

World-ranked education

If you haven’t already decided what you’re going to study, you can easily find a field of interest in Brisbane. The city has three universities, the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Griffith University, each one offering their students a variety of high-quality courses. As the city of diverse culture, Brisbane has welcomed international students from all over the world with its highly inclusive programs. Once you arrive, don’t miss the opportunity to attend the Orientation Day: Brisbane Welcomes the International Students Festival, the largest one it the country. You’ll never feel like an outsider in Brisbane because it’s the city of outsiders.

Time for fun

After studying comes fun, and you’ll have a whale of a time in Brisbane. With numerous cultural events, unique Aussie humour, exciting outdoor experience and delicious cuisine, you certainly won’t be bored. If you want to take a break from studying and relieve some pre-exam stress, you can head out for a drink in one of the famous student bars, including the Vic, Down Under Bar and Botanic Bar at QUT. For an affordable yet superb gastronomic experience, you can visit the Burrito Bar, Eat St Markets, Taro’s Ramen or Steamed, all of which will satisfy the cravings even of the most avid foodies. When you need some time away from the hustle and bustle of this urban city, you can have a picnic at New Farm Park or go for a swim at Streets Beach South Bank.

The quality of life

With low living costs and tuition, Brisbane is a dream city for international students. Depending on your personal lifestyle, cost of living in Brisbane can vary, but, as long as you manage your spending and budget, money won’t be an issue. You can always earn some money on the side by landing a part-time job, or applying for a scholarship. In such a case, it’s important that you open a bank account in Brisbane so that you can access your savings.

Getting around the city won’t be a problem since it features an effective public transport system. You might want to steer clear of taxi services because they are a bit more expensive. If you’re located further away from the city centre, the easiest way to get around is by train. If you want to explore the city, you can enjoy a scenic ferry ride along the river.

Accommodation considerations

You won’t have to worry about finding a place to stay, because the city offers a range of different options. It’s important that you find safe and comfortable student accommodation in Brisbane located close to your university, if possible. Renting your own place might require more money, but you can always get a roommate. Your other options include student apartments, homestay and residential college, each one with their own benefits and drawbacks.

Student years will be the most exciting period in your life, even more so if you spend them in Brisbane. With its high-quality education, diverse culture and low cost of living, this city is a perfect student destination.