Student Accommodation Adelaide

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, gives you a mix of city life, green spaces, beaches and a strong student community. The city is also known for its manageable size, which can make daily travel easier when you are balancing classes, part-time work and your social life. If you are searching for the best Adelaide student accommodation, your main decisions will usually come down to location, rent, room type and access to public transport.

This guide from the House of Student covers the practical things you may want to know before moving to Adelaide. You can learn more about popular student areas, accommodation types, weekly expenses, transport and the universities you may consider.

Adelaide: Affordable and Student-Friendly Living in Australia

Adelaide has a more relaxed pace than some of Australia's larger cities. You have access to a busy city centre, with plenty of parks and open spaces around you. The city also has beaches nearby and is close to South Australia's well-known wine regions.

The city is often called the "20-minute city" because many important places can be reached within a relatively short travel time. For students, such an arrangement can make a difference to your everyday routine. A shorter commute can leave you with more time for assignments, friends, work, or simply getting some rest between classes.

Adelaide's central area brings together universities, shops, cultural venues, restaurants and essential services. You can also spend your spare time at events and festivals held throughout the year. Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide are among the city's major cultural events, giving students plenty to do outside university.

A Quick Fact about Adelaide, Australia

Quick Fact	Details
City	Capital city of South Australia and Australia's 5th-largest metropolitan area
Pululation	Around 1.4+ million people
Major Universities	Flinders University, University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, and Torrens University
Lifestyle	Relaxed, city-based and student-friendly
Known For	Green spaces, festivals, beaches, and wine regions
City Size	Compact and easy to navigate
Student Life	Strong university and multicultural community
Student Safety	Ranks high for safety and global liveability
Popular Events	Adelaide Fringe and WOMADelaide
Transport	Public transport makes commuting around the city straightforward.
Student Accommodation	Options vary by suburbs/areas, room type, rent and transport access.
Cost of Living	Manageable than some larger cities of Australia
Ideal For	Students looking for a balance of study, work and lifestyle

Your university location is a useful starting point when you compare student areas in Adelaide. From there, consider your weekly rent, travel time, access to shops and the type of neighbourhood you would feel comfortable living in.

Popular areas for top accommodation for students in Adelaide (2026/27) include:

North Adelaide

• North Adelaide is a leafy area near the CBD. It has more of a residential feel, so it’s ideal if you want a quieter environment after a busy day at university.

• The location is convenient for students at the University of Adelaide and UniSA. You’ll also find various older homes and modern apartments, so you’ll have choices in styles of accommodation.

East End

• The East End sits within Adelaide's CBD and has a lively atmosphere. You will find galleries, theatres, restaurants and places to spend time with friends.

• Its location also makes it useful for students who want to walk to the University of Adelaide or UniSA's city campuses. Here you can quickly reach the university, shops and entertainment without relying too much on transport every day.

Glenelg

• Glenelg offers a different style of student living, with the beach, cafes, and shops close by. It can be just for you if you like the outdoors and want a place by the water.

• There is public transport by tram to the Adelaide city centre, making it easier to commute to universities based in the CBD. You can enjoy the beach close to home while still having access to the city for classes and other activities.

Kent Town

• Kent Town is just east of the CBD, giving you access to the city but with less activity than the immediate centre. Student-friendly apartments and easy access to nearby cultural and entertainment venues.

• It can be a good option if you want a quieter home environment but still want to keep your university and city amenities close by.

Unley

• Unley is south of the CBD and has a mix of residential streets, shops and public transport links. This can be good if you want to live outside the city center and keep your commute manageable.

• The area may also be attractive to students who are watching their weekly rent and want a decent location vs. living cost ratio.

Norwood

• Norwood is more residential with local shops, cafes and quieter streets. There are shared apartments around, which is useful if you want to live with other students.

• Its community feel makes it a comfortable choice for students who want a neighbourhood vibe while still being close to the CBD.

Wayville

• Wayville is just outside the city center, southwest of the CBD: The area is home to modern student apartments and is close to city services and university campuses.

• If contemporary accommodation is high on your list, Wayville can be worth adding to your search.

Best Student Accommodation Adelaide 2026/27: Top Suburbs/Areas

Suburbs/Areas	What It Offers Students
North Adelaide	Leafy, quieter area near the CBD and the University of Adelaide.
East End	Lively CBD location with restaurants, galleries and easy university access.
Glenelg	Beachside living with cafes, shops and tram access to the city.
Kent Town	Quieter area near the CBD with apartments and city access.
Unley	Residential area with shops, market, public transport and manageable CBD access.
Norwood	Community-focused suburb with cafes, shops and shared housing options.
Wayville	Convenient location close to the CBD with modern accommodation options.

 

When comparing these areas for your student housing in Adelaide, look beyond the advertised rent. Think about how long you will spend travelling to class, where you will buy groceries, how easily you can reach public transport and what you want around your home

Adelaide has several accommodation styles, so your room can match your budget and preferred level of privacy. Your options can range from a shared bedroom to a complete apartment.

Studio Flat

• A studio flat gives you your own compact living space. The bedroom, living area and kitchen are usually part of the same room, while the bathroom is private.

• Studios are common in modern PBSA buildings, where you may also have access to shared facilities such as study areas or social spaces.

Private Room

• A private room gives you your own bedroom while you share parts of the property with other students. Depending on the property, you may share the kitchen, living room and bathroom.

• This arrangement can give you a useful middle ground. You have your own bedroom and people around you, making it easier to meet other students and have company.

• Private rooms can be available in both PBSA properties and private share houses.

Shared Room

• A shared room is usually one of the more affordable accommodation options in Adelaide. You share your bedroom with another student or more than one resident, depending on the property.

• This setup can suit students working with a tighter accommodation budget. It can also give you a built-in social environment, especially if you are moving to Adelaide from another city or country.

Entire Place

• An entire place means you rent a whole flat or house for yourself or with friends. It gives you more control of the space and how you want to use the living areas.

• If you are sharing an entire property with friends, you can split the rent between several people too. This can make a larger property more viable for a group of students.

Student Accommodation Adelaide 2026/27: Room Types and What They Offer

Room Type	What It Offers
Studio Flat	Private living, kitchen and bathroom.
Private Room	Private bedroom with shared facilities. Mostly available in private share houses and PBSA properties.
Shared Room	Shared bedroom with one or more students. Affordable option.
Entire Place	Full property for you and your group. Offer greater privacy.

Adelaide PBSA providers have a range of rooms and may offer facilities such as gyms, study areas and social lounges. The most common form of private rental is either a room in a share house or a flat or house through a real estate agent

Your weekly student budget will usually include rent, groceries, transport, utilities, phone costs and personal spending. Adelaide is often considered a more affordable city for students than larger Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The source estimates general weekly living expenses, excluding rent, at around AUD 260 to AUD 350. A separate monthly estimate provided in the source is between AUD 400 and AUD 600. These figures can vary based on your lifestyle, accommodation arrangement and spending habits.

Cost of Living in Adelaide, Australia (2026/2027): Weekly Estimate

Expense	Estimated Weekly Cost	What It Covers
Groceries	AUD 60–100	Food and everyday household items. Shopping at Coles, Woolworths or Adelaide Central Market can give you different options for managing your grocery budget.
Transport	AUD 20–40	Daily travel around Adelaide. Your actual cost depends on how often and how far you travel. Eligible full-time students can access concession fares.
Utilities	AUD 30–60	Electricity, gas and water are included if these costs are separate from the rent. Some PBSA properties include utilities.
Phone and Internet	AUD 15–30	Mobile data and internet services, depending on your plan.

Adelaide Student Housing Room Type and Weekly Rent

The source places comparable PBSA rents in Adelaide below those seen in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, which can make the city appealing if accommodation costs are an important part of your study budget.

Consider the cost of travelling to university, since a cheaper room further away can lead to higher transport expenses.

Here are some affordable student accommodation Adelaide options, including:

• Scape Waymouth, Adelaide: Rooms from AUD269/week

• Scape Adelaide Central, Adelaide: Rooms from AUD279/week

• UniLodge @ Metro Adelaide, Adelaide: Rooms from AUD340/week

Getting around Adelaide is fairly straightforward for students. Adelaide Metro operates the city's public transport network, covering trams, trains and buses.

metroCARD and Concession Fares

The metroCARD is the main fare card used for Adelaide's public transport system. Eligible full-time students can access concession fares, which can help lower the cost of regular travel.

If you expect to use public transport several times a week, check the available student concession options and plan your accommodation around your usual routes.

Modes of Transport Near Adelaide Student Accommodations

Tram

• The Glenelg tram line connects the popular coastal suburb with the city centre. The tram travels through the CBD and passes areas such as Adelaide Central Market and the university precinct along North Terrace.

• Another useful feature for students is the City Free Zone, which allows free tram travel within the CBD. This can be handy for short journeys between university campuses, shops and city attractions.

Train

• Adelaide's train network connects the CBD with several suburban areas.

• The Seaford/Tonsley line is particularly useful for students attending Flinders University's Bedford Park campus, while the Gawler line is helpful for students travelling to UniSA's Mawson Lakes campus.

Bus

• Buses cover a wide part of metropolitan Adelaide and can be useful when your destination is away from the main tram or train routes.

• Areas such as North Adelaide, Unley and Mile End have bus connections that can help students travel between their accommodation, campus and other parts of the Adelaide city.

Adelaide's compact layout means you can often combine different forms of transport depending on your daily plans. For example, you might walk from your accommodation to a tram stop, take public transport to university and walk the final part of your journey

Adelaide has universities and specialist institutions covering a broad range of subjects. Several campuses surround the city centre, including Flinders University's Bedford Park campus, which lies further south.

The location of your university can have a major effect on your accommodation search. Before signing a lease, check the distance between the property and your main campus, along with the available transport route.

Here are some of the popular universities in Adelaide:

University	Campus
University of Adelaide	North Terrace
University of South Australia (UniSA)	City West, City East, Mawson Lakes
Flinders University	Bedford Park
Torrens University Australia	Adelaide
Australian Catholic University (ACU)	Adelaide
Central Queensland University (CQU)	Adelaide
Le Cordon Bleu Australia	Adelaide
SAE Institute Australia	Adelaide
Carnegie Mellon University Adelaide	Adelaide

 

Top Universities in Adelaide, Australia: A Quick Guide

University of Adelaide

• The University of Adelaide's main North Terrace campus sits in the heart of the CBD. Its central location gives you easy access to public transport, cultural venues and city services.

• For accommodation in Adelaide, the campus location means that several central neighbourhoods are practical options for students. You can also benefit from being close to the broader university precinct and other city facilities.

University of South Australia (UniSA)

• UniSA has campuses at City West, City East and Mawson Lakes. Its city campuses sit along North Terrace, making them convenient for students who want to live around the CBD.

• The Mawson Lakes campus lies further north and has a train connection to the city. UniSA is also known for practical degrees and industry connections, giving students opportunities to study courses with a strong career focus.

Flinders University

• Flinders University's Bedford Park campus sits in Adelaide's southern suburbs. It is a major academic centre outside the immediate CBD, with public transport connections, including access to the train network.

• If you study at Flinders, your accommodation search can include areas around the southern suburbs as well as central Adelaide, depending on your preferred commute.

Torrens University Australia

• Torrens University has an Adelaide campus and career-focused courses. The programmes focus on practical skills and their relevance to industry.

• Its central location also gives students access to the city’s transport network, shops, restaurants and other services.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

• ACU’s Adelaide campus has courses in areas including health, education and humanities. The university also emphasises community engagement and social justice.

• CQU’s central location means you can choose from several accommodation areas if you want to live close to a city-based campus.

Central Queensland University (CQU)

• CQU Adelaide offers both vocational and higher education courses and flexible study options. This provides students with access to various study routes in the city.

• It allows students to be in Adelaide to compare courses and accommodation in the city.

Le Cordon Bleu Australia

• Le Cordon Bleu's Adelaide campus is well known for culinary and hospitality education. It attracts students interested in areas such as gastronomy and hotel management.

• Students in these courses may also benefit from living close to the city, where restaurants, hospitality businesses and transport links are easy to access.

SAE Institute Australia

• SAE Institute's Adelaide campus focuses on creative media education. Its courses cover areas such as audio, film, animation and game development.

• If you are studying in a creative field, you may want accommodation that gives you a comfortable study environment and easy access to campus.

Carnegie Mellon University Adelaide

• Carnegie Mellon University Adelaide is an international branch campus offering postgraduate degrees in areas such as information technology and public policy.

• The campus attracts a specialised postgraduate student group, making central Adelaide accommodation a practical consideration for many students studying there.

Adelaide's North Terrace area brings several major educational and cultural institutions together. The University of Adelaide and UniSA city campuses sit alongside places such as the State Library and Art Gallery of South Australia.

Adelaide Central Market is also close to UniSA City West, giving students a convenient place to shop for fresh produce and everyday food. Further south, Flinders University's Bedford Park campus creates another major student hub.

Learn why House of Student is your perfect match:

• Wide selection: Explore studios, private rooms, shared rooms and whole properties all around Adelaide.

• Local Knowledge: Consider areas based on their proximity to universities, transport links and local amenities.

• Clear Information: Before you decide, compare prices, inclusions, facilities and property details.

• Search & Book Easily: Search, compare and find properties on a simple online platform.

• Dedicated Support: Assistance with questions about applications, accommodation and moving in.

• Student Well-being in mind: Discover Adelaide accommodation for students from providers who put the safety, comfort and community of students first.

Conclusion

Adelaide gives you a practical setting for student life, with universities, public transport, shops, cultural venues and different types of accommodation spread across the city.

The city also gives you a wide range of study options, from the University of Adelaide and UniSA to Flinders University, Torrens University, ACU, CQU, Le Cordon Bleu, SAE Institute and Carnegie Mellon University Adelaide. Your campus should be one of the first things you consider when you compare accommodation locations.

With House of Student, you can compare student housing options in Adelaide based on room type, rent, facilities and location. A little planning around your budget and daily commute can help you settle into your new city with greater ease and spend more time enjoying your university experience.