Sun, surf and study – Sydney life presents a world of opportunity

Sydney isn’t just Australia’s largest city – it’s a melting pot of culture, opportunities and some of the best beaches in the country (if not the world). The opera house is just the beginning!

Home to some of the world’s top universities and colleges, including the University of Sydney, UTS and UNSW – all just a short bus, train or light rail ride away – Sydney is not only a great place to study, but an even better place to live.

When you’re not hitting the books, Sydney spoils with breathtaking parks, world-class festivals such as Vivid and Sculpture by the Sea, and natural wonders right on your doorstep. Fancy a study session with waterfront views? Head to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Need a mental refresh? Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains or dip your toes in the golden sands of Bondi.

Sydneysiders at Bondi’s Icebergs Pool.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

Sydney’s not just a city; it’s an adventure. With its vibrant cultural events, career opportunities, unbeatable natural beauty and distinct suburban cultures, it’s the perfect place to learn, live and make lifelong memories.

DARLINGTON-CHIPPENDALE

While technically different suburbs, Chippendale and Darlington may as well be one.

These neighbouring inner-city gems blend seamlessly into a vibrant hub perfect for students who want it all – proximity to top universities, an unbeatable social scene and plenty of cozy corners for study sessions.

Darlington brings a charming, laid-back vibe with its terrace houses and tight-knit community.

It’s a stone’s throw from the University of Sydney, making it the go-to spot for student digs and weekend brunches.

The nearby Carriageworks Farmers Market is a must for fresh produce and people-watching, while King Street in
Newtown offers endless dining options.

Meanwhile, Chippendale is the creative soul of the area, buzzing with indie galleries, warehouse conversions and cool hangouts.

Carriageworks Farmers Market.Credit: Jacquie Manning

Once overlooked but now firmly in the zeitgeist, its location to three major universities is perfect for students who want to immerse themselves in Sydney’s artsy, cultural vibe.

With affordable housing options and iconic cultural and social spots like White Rabbit Gallery and the Lansdowne, Abercrombie, and Lord Gladstone pubs, there’s always something new to see and do.

And it’s the same for shopping, with Broadway, Central Park and famed student strip Glebe Point Road right on your doorstep.

NEWTOWN

Home to some of the city’s most eclectic shops, people, restaurants and bars, Newtown is a short hop from the University of Sydney.

If you like cool things and never being bored, you’re going to love the quirky cafes, buzzing bars, vegan eats galore, and a nightlife scene that’s always buzzing.

King Street, the heart of Newtown, is lined with everything from vintage stores – we dare you to walk into Wilde Merchant and not come out with an armful of retro goods – to graffiti-covered laneways that scream character.

For live music, there is the iconic Enmore Theatre and The Vanguard; and Newtown’s ‘vegan mile’ – including Golden Lotus Vegan’s Saigon-style spring rolls and plum sauce “duck”; Mina Maria (formerly I Should Be Souvlaki); and Gigi Pizzeria, which produces delectable pizzas without any cheese (I know) – will blow your mind.

Patrons enjoying a drink on the sun-filled verandah at the Newtown Hotel.Credit: Anna Kucera/Destination NSW

Public transport is a breeze with train stations and bus routes aplenty, so exploring the rest of Sydney is no hassle.

Whether you’re unwinding after a lecture or diving headfirst into the suburb’s cultural tapestry, Newtown promises something for everyone.

MARRICKVILLE

For students craving a mix of culture, community and affordability, Marrickville is a top contender.

This relaxed inner-west suburb offers an industrial-chic vibe, budget-friendly rentals and a buzzing social scene that draws young people – and students – in droves.

Foodies will fall in love with Marrickville’s vibrant Vietnamese and Mediterranean influences, with standout spots like Hello Auntie for lunch and Baba’s Place for dinner.

On weekends, the farmers’ market is perfect for fresh produce and local treats. Plus, the award-winning Marrickville Library offers the perfect study spot with more than 85,000 books to browse.

Getting to uni is also easy – just 10 minutes by bus to Sydney Uni or UTS, with several train stations nearby and a Metro stop on the way.

And when you’re not hitting the books, explore nearby highlights, including Newtown, Enmore and Sydney Park.

Marrickville’s blend of culture, convenience and creativity makes it an unbeatable student suburb.

SYDNEY CBD-HAYMARKET

Sydney’s CBD and Haymarket are both great choices for students seeking an exciting and enriching student living experience.

These dynamic neighbourhoods offer a perfect blend of academic opportunities, cultural immersion and vibrant social scenes.

The CBD, with its iconic landmarks and bustling energy, provides easy access to top-tier universities UTS and Sydney.

Beyond academics, the city offers a diverse range of dining, shopping and entertainment options, such as Westfield, the Queen Victoria Building and the iconic Pitt Street Mall.

Haymarket, a cultural melting pot nestled at the southern end of Sydney’s CBD, is known for its delicious cuisine, lively markets, and affordable student housing.

Famous for Chinatown, Koreatown and Thaitown, this suburb is a sensory delight packed with authentic eateries and attractions such as Darling Square and the Capitol Theatre.

It’s also a quick light rail ride to the heart of Sydney’s city centre, making it a dream location for students balancing study and play.

KENSINGTON-RANDWICK

Practically in UNSW’s backyard, Kensington not only offers the opportunity to roll straight out of bed and into class, but also quick access to an array of cool restaurants and cafes, not to mention some of the most authentic Asian eateries and food in the city.

Whether your jam is the romantic Atomic Press Cafe, hidden within the folds of UNSW’s bookshop, or a refreshment at Roundhouse, drinking and dining options are a stone’s throw away, especially given the great public transport that includes a bunch of bus routes and the very popular light rail line which snakes into Surry Hills and Central.

Kensington is also handy for Moore and Centennial parks which, together, form inner Sydney’s largest green space, with a range of options for relaxation and recreation.

Adjacent to Kensington, Randwick is another top locale for UNSW students. Known for its lively pubs, the suburb offers a diverse selection of cafes, restaurants and shops along its high streets and at The Spot, home to the iconic Randwick Ritz cinema.

Randwick is also next door to some of Sydney’s most famous surf spots. Coogee is just one of many excellent beaches just a short hop away, so it’s easy to hit the surf after hitting the books.