Brisbane adds depth to sunny vibe for students
Relaxed, sunny and vibrant, Brisbane is the city that most reflects an outsider’s idea of Aussie life.
Often compared to Melbourne and Sydney – Australia’s biggest and best-known cities – Brisbane has carved out its own identity, tapping into its perennially sunny and warm weather and a more carefree vibe, but increasingly with great bars, clubs and riverside arts venues in tow.
While the Queensland capital was once seen as a stop-over, now you’d be hard-pressed not to stay on, with an abundance of whisky bars, boutique hotels and buzzing riverside arts venues like the Powerhouse, QPAC and QAGOMA, the latter hosting the renowned Asia-Pacific Triennial.
Brisbane’s skyline and river at twilightCredit: iStock
Brisbane’s South Bank – unlike the Yarra’s in Melbourne – also boasts outdoor swimming spots, as well as a climate where that is actually viable. And the city’s biggest cultural celebration, the Brisbane Festival, brings everyone together with a series of must-see events.
Home to renowned institutions including the University of Queensland (UQ), Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Griffith University, Brisbane also boasts a range of student-friendly suburbs.
Here’s a guide to the best areas for students to live and what makes them appealing.
ST LUCIA
Home to the University of Queensland, St Lucia is a prime spot for anyone wanting to be a short walk or bike ride away from lectures, libraries and jacaranda-lined campus strolls.
This leafy riverside suburb offers a peaceful vibe perfect for study sessions, with a mix of share-houses and modern apartments to suit every budget.
Hawken Drive is the go-to strip for food, where you’ll find everything from Persian to Italian eats, a handy IGA and plenty of coffee stops to fuel your late-night cramming.
Not a fan of walking? Buses zip through the suburb like clockwork, connecting you to Brisbane’s CBD or nearby shopping hubs Indooroopilly and Toowong.
If you’re after a perfect mix of convenience, culture and community, St Lucia is the place to be.
TOOWONG
Next door to St Lucia, Toowong offers the ideal blend of convenience, community and fun for students.
With bustling Toowong Village Shopping Centre packed with retail stores, grocery stores and dining options, you’ll never go hungry or be bored.
Plus, excellent public transport links – trains, buses and bike-friendly paths – make getting to UQ, the Gardens Point campus or even Brisbane Airport a breeze.
The University of Queensland campus.Credit: Jamila Toderas
Toowong also has a lively yet laid-back vibe, giving you plenty to do in your downtime. Explore riverside parks, chill at cosy cafes or dive into the suburb’s social scene.
Need a break from student life? It’s easy to escape to green spaces or head into the city, just four kilometres away.
Health and wellness are handy, too, with plenty of medical centres, physio clinics and proximity to Brisbane’s major hospitals.
Whether you’re after study spots, shopping or suburban serenity, Toowong is a super student-friendly suburb that has it all.
For those who prefer a location near UQ without being in the thick of campus life, Toowong lets you enjoy the best of both worlds.
KELVIN GROVE
Just three kilometres from the CBD, it’s home to QUT’s Kelvin Grove campus, offering modern student housing, lush parks and the buzzing Kelvin Grove Urban Village.
This community hub is your one-stop shop for everything: weekly markets, cafes and plenty of events that keep the vibe lively and welcoming.
Transport is a breeze, with frequent buses, ample cycle paths and even a free shuttle to QUT’s Gardens Point campus.
The area’s bike-friendly set-up makes it perfect for exploring the city or just cruising around campus.
The Village Markets are a great place to chill and shop, offering local produce, vintage finds and artisan goods.
Kelvin Grove is also known for its student-friendly eateries like The Menagerie (happy hour, anyone?), Grill’d and Golden Lava Toast, and La Boite Theatre is a great option for catching a play.
WEST END
If you want a vibrant, artsy lifestyle, West End is the place to be.
This trendy suburb is bursting with creativity, from colourful street art to live music venues and cultural festivals.
A fire twirler at Brisbane’s West End Solstice Market.
It’s a hub for night owls, foodies and culture enthusiasts, offering an endless array of cafes, bars and restaurants serving cuisines from every corner of the globe.
A short stroll from South Brisbane and close to universities like QUT, West End is as convenient as it is exciting.
Boundary Street is the heart of the action, with vintage shops, buzzing markets and a constant stream of local events to explore.
And when you need a quiet moment, nearby Musgrave Park provides the perfect green space to unwind or catch up with friends.
SOUTH BRISBANE
Just across the river from Brisbane’s CBD, South Brisbane is a student’s dream come true.
This riverside gem offers easy access to public transport, affordable student housing and some of the city’s best cultural and recreational hotspots.
It’s also home to Griffith University’s South Bank campus and just a stone’s throw from the Queensland Conservatorium, making it an ideal spot for students looking for convenience – but with a creative bent.
South Brisbane boasts a vibrant cultural scene anchored by the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the State Library of Queensland.
Haus Yuriyal’s Garpa (ground) paintings at the 11th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, Queensland Art Gallery.Credit: C Callistemon © QAGOMA
Add in regular markets, the iconic Brisbane Festival and a buzzing nightlife filled with outdoor dining, and you’ve got a suburb where something is always going on.
For those into nature, the South Bank Parklands are a weekend must-visit, offering everything from Streets Beach and picnic-perfect lawns to the dazzling Wheel of Brisbane.
With seamless transport links to the CBD, this multicultural hub blends serene riverside vibes with a thriving food, fashion and arts scene.