Student Accommodation Perth

Perth is the capital of Western Australia and is a popular choice for students who wish to study in a city with universities, beaches, outdoor areas and a more relaxed pace of life. There are numerous parts of Perth to live in, from suburbs near university campuses to locations near the CBD and the seaside, so students usually have a few options to choose from before they decide where they want to reside.

Finding suitable student accommodation in Perth is a crucial aspect of preparing for university, especially for students travelling to Perth from another city or overseas and trying to figure out where they will live before their course commences. Your university, your budget, how far you are willing to drive each day, and whether you prefer a room of your own, a studio, or shared accommodation all influence your choice. House of Student brings together a range of accommodation options in Perth, allowing students to compare properties and choose a place that suits their needs.

Perth: A Relaxed, Affordable and Student-Friendly Destination in Australia

Perth sits on the Swan River, with the Indian Ocean not far from the city, and the combination of beaches, parks and a large urban area provides students with students plenty of places to go when they are away from university. The weather is another part of everyday life here, with hot and dry summers and mild, wetter winters, which means outdoor activities are possible for much of the year.

The city has a modern centre with a growing skyline, while the surrounding areas have plenty of green spaces and quieter residential streets. Perth is also a multicultural city, so students will come across different types of food, cafes, cultural events, galleries and other places to spend time outside class, whether they are living in the centre or in one of the surrounding suburbs.

For students trying to keep their living expenses under control, Perth can also be worth considering alongside cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, which are generally more expensive. Rent will still depend on the area and the type of accommodation you choose, but other everyday costs can also be managed by using public transport, cooking at home and taking advantage of student concessions where they are available.

Transperth operates public transport across the city, with trains and buses connecting Perth CBD to many of the surrounding suburbs and university areas. There are also free CAT buses operating around central Perth, which can be useful for students who study, work or spend a lot of time in the city centre.

There is plenty to do after lectures as well. Students can spend time at Cottesloe Beach, visit the Fremantle Markets, walk around the Swan River or use some of Perth's parks and outdoor spaces without having to plan a full trip outside the city. For someone choosing student living in Perth, these everyday options can matter just as much as the distance to university.

Quick Facts about Perth, West Australia

The area you choose affects how you travel to university, how much you spend on rent, and what you have around you when you return from campus. Students looking for apartments and rooms in Perth should therefore look at the suburb as well as the property itself, particularly if they expect to use public transport every day.

Here are some of the main areas students can consider in Perth:

Crawley

• Crawley is home to the University of Western Australia (UWA), so students studying there often look at this area first when searching for somewhere to live. The suburb is beside the Swan River and has a quieter feel, with parks, riverside paths and the university campus all close by.

• One of the main advantages of living in Crawley is the short journey to UWA, as students living nearby may be able to walk or cycle to campus rather than relying on public transport every day. It is a popular area that can be more expensive than some other parts of Perth, so students still need to compare the rent with what they are getting for the location.

Northbridge

• Northbridge is right next to Perth CBD and is one of the main areas for nightlife, restaurants, bars, live music and other entertainment in the city. Students who like having plenty of places to eat and things to do within walking distance may prefer living here, especially if they would rather not spend every evening travelling back into the city.

• The location also helps with transport, as Northbridge connects to the wider Perth network and is close to the central part of the city. Students attending city-based campuses, or those who simply want a more social student living experience in Perth, often find Northbridge worth considering.

East Perth

• East Perth gives students a quieter residential area while keeping the city centre close by, which can be useful for those who want access to central Perth without living directly in the middle of the busier nightlife areas. The suburb has modern apartments, parks and access to parts of the Swan River foreshore.

• Public transport connects East Perth with the CBD and other parts of the city, so students do not necessarily have to live right next to their university to have a manageable commute.

West Perth

• West Perth has a mix of offices, cafes and residential properties and sits close to the Perth CBD, making it fairly convenient for students who want to stay near the centre of the city. The area is busier during the working day because of its commercial side, but there are residential parts as well, so it does not have the same feel as living in a central entertainment district.

• Students can use the transport links around West Perth to reach the CBD and then continue on to university campuses in other parts of the city. It can be a reasonable choice for students who want the city nearby but prefer somewhere that is somewhat quieter once the day is over.

Subiaco

• Subiaco is known for its cafes, shops, restaurants and walkable streets, and it has a more established neighbourhood feel than some of the more central areas. Students can find places to eat and shop locally, while the CBD is still within easy reach by train and bus.

• The suburb is also well placed for students who need to travel around the western side of Perth, which is one reason it can come up when comparing student apartments in Perth. You should still check the rent and the distance from a particular campus before deciding on a property.

Mount Lawley

• Mount Lawley is particularly relevant for students attending Edith Cowan University, as the university's Mount Lawley campus is located in the suburb. Beaufort Street is one of the better-known parts of the area, with cafes, independent shops, brunch places and live music venues.

• Students who want to be near the campus while still having plenty of places to go outside university may find Mount Lawley convenient. The CBD is also close by, and there are transport connections to other parts of Perth, which gives the suburb a fairly useful location for student housing in Perth.

Cottesloe

• Cottesloe is one of Perth's best-known beachside suburbs and is mainly associated with its beach, cafes and coastal setting. It can be appealing to students who would rather live near the water and spend a lot of their spare time outdoors.

• The main point to consider is cost, as accommodation in Cottesloe can be pricier because of the location. Some students may still find shared accommodation or other housing options that work within their budget, although the journey to some university campuses can be longer than it would be from a more central suburb.

Scarborough

• Scarborough is another beachfront area that has a more informal, surf-focused vibe. Its waterfront, cafes, restaurants and recreational areas provide students with lots to do outside their studies. Scarborough is further from central Perth than Cottesloe, but public transit provides good access to the CBD and other parts of the metropolitan area.

• For a student living in Perth, Scarborough can be considered alongside other areas for those who care more about living near the beach than about the shortest feasible commute.

Best Suburbs/Areas for Perth Student Accommodation (2026/27)

The best area will depend on where you study, what you can afford, and how much travel you are comfortable with each day. If a house is not really in the center of Perth, it might still work well for students if there is a decent train or bus link nearby; thus, it is worth looking at the location and transit combined rather than rating housing on rent alone.

If you are a student looking for student accommodation in Perth, you will have several different types of housing to select from, depending on how much privacy you would want, your weekly budget, and whether you would prefer to live alone or with other students. Some include common kitchens and living areas, while others provide you with your own privacy.

Private Room

• A private room implies you have your own bedroom but share elements of the property, mainly the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, with other students. This is a popular setup for students who desire their own room but not the extra rent that can come with a fully self-contained apartment.

• Who it’s for: Students who want a private bedroom but don’t mind sharing the main sections of the apartment with housemates.

• Advantages: Private rooms can be cheaper than studios, and sharing a home allows students the opportunity to meet other people and split some household expenditures

• Where to find it: You can have a private room in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), shared private rentals and select university-managed homes. 

Studio Flat

• In a studio flat, the living, sleeping and kitchen facilities combine into one open-plan room, with a separate private bathroom. Typically, students in a studio apartment do not share their major facilities with other occupants.

• Who it suits: Students who want their own space, greater privacy, and want to manage their routine without sharing a kitchen or bathroom.

• Benefits: With a studio, you have your own kitchen and bathroom so you don't have to work around other people as much, whether cooking, studying or relaxing.

• Where to locate it: Studio flats are a popular choice in modern PBSA homes throughout Perth, and many of these properties also provide shared facilities for tenants.

Entire Place

'Whole place' means renting a full flat or house, not just one room in a shared space. Depending on availability, it could be a one-bedroom flat, a two-bedroom unit, or a larger house.

• Who it’s for: Students who wish to live alone, couples or groups of friends who want to rent a property together.

• Advantages: More control of the property and more privacy. Groups of friends can choose who they want to live with. The whole place might also give you more living space than a private room or studio.

• Where to find it: You will mostly find these in the private rental market; however, some PBSA providers do provide multi-bedroom apartments. Private rentals could also need you to sort out furniture and utilities individually.

Shared Room

• A shared room is a bedroom where 2 or more students sleep. The specific arrangement will vary from property to property, with sometimes individual bedrooms or bunk beds within the room, although the kitchen and bathroom are often communal.

• Who it's for: Students on a tighter budget and students who are comfortable with a more sociable lifestyle.

• Advantages: Shared rooms might be the most economical student accommodation choice in Perth, especially for students looking to keep the cost down. It also means tenants may rapidly meet other students, and some houses come with basic furniture and utilities.

• Where to get it: Shared rooms are typically found in PBSA properties, student hostels, and some bigger private rental residences arranged for student sharing.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is accommodation specifically designed for students. A property can be made up of single rooms, studios or shared rooms as well as communal spaces and amenities for residents’ use.

Common features are:

• All costs included: Rent may already include electricity, water, gas and internet.

• Furnished rooms: Usually, rooms come with basic furniture, so students don’t have to purchase everything for the room immediately.

• Security: CCTV, secure entry and on-site staff are typical features at many PBSA sites.

• Community Amenities: Gyms, study rooms, lounges, cinema rooms, games rooms and outdoor spaces are available at some properties.

• Student community: Residents can meet other students in shared spaces and coordinated events.

• Support services: On-site management is available to assist residents with enquiries or concerns about their living space.

• Convenient locations: PBSA properties are generally situated near colleges or significant transport links.

PBSA can be advantageous for international students looking for accommodation in Perth, as some properties offer furnished rooms, included bills, and public spaces within the same building. The House of Student features a range of student flats in Perth along with additional accommodation alternatives for students to view.

Rent takes up a big chunk of a student’s budget, but there are additional weekly fees to consider before arriving to Perth. During the week, what you spend may include groceries, transit, utilities, study materials and social activities.

Perth is considered to be one of the cheaper Australian capitals, relative to Sydney or Melbourne, yet you will spend as much as you do (or less) depending on your location and individual lifestyle.

Cost of Living in Perth, West Australia 2026/27 - Weekly Living Estimate (Excluding Rent)

As a rough guide, students living and studying in Perth should budget between AUD 250 and 350 per week for their living expenses, excluding rent. This includes day-to-day spending such as food, travel, utilities (if not included in rent), personal expenses and some entertainment.

This is just a guide. If you eat out frequently or spend more on entertainment, you may go above the estimate, but if you cook regularly and monitor your expenditure, you may stay under the estimate. 

Breakdown Of Potential Costs:

Groceries and Food (AUD 80 - AUD 150 weekly)

• Woolworths and Coles have supermarkets all around Perth, including the Perth CBD, Subiaco, and Crawley. You can also find IGA outlets in several suburbs, including the area around UWA in Crawley.

• Another area to check out is Fremantle Markets, with fresh vegetables and other food goods, although students living elsewhere in Perth might need to make the trip. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in places like Northbridge, Subiaco and Mount Lawley, but eating out all the time can eat into a weekly food budget.

• Generally, home cooking is easier when you keep food expenditures down.

Transport (AUD 20-50 per week)

• Transperth manages Perth’s public transport. Students travelling on a SmartRider card can avail of concession prices, which can help lower the cost of regular travel.

• How much you spend on transit each week will depend on how much you travel and how frequently you use the network. Students who live or study in central Perth can also ride the free CAT buses for some trips.

Utilities (AUD 30-60 per week, if not included in the rent)

• If the rent does not include electricity, gas, water, and internet, these utilities can increase your weekly expenses. Some of these costs are generally factored into purpose-built student accommodation, and it is possible to locate private rentals with separate bills.

• Students who are renting a private flat or house should examine what utilities are included before they sign an agreement, as the decision might make a difference to the real weekly cost of lodging.

Study Resources & Personal Expenses (AUD 30 - 70 per week)

• This element of the budget can include textbooks, stationery, printing and other supplies needed for the university. Also included in daily spending are toiletries, clothing, haircuts, and other personal items.

• The total will vary for each student, especially depending on how often they need to buy these items and the specific course they are taking.

Entertainment and Social Activities (AUD 40 - 80 per week)

• Perth has plenty of activities that do not require much spending, including beach visits, trips to parks and some cultural attractions. Going to the cinema, concerts, sporting events or restaurants will naturally cost more.

• Students can also look for student discounts, which are available for some activities and services.

Tips For Affordable Student Accommodation Perth, Western Australia

The cost of your accommodation is important, but a few smaller decisions can also affect your weekly budget.

• Shared Accommodation: Choosing a shared room or taking a private room in a shared apartment can reduce your rent and allow some household bills to be divided between residents.
• Cook at Home: Regular meals at home are generally cheaper than eating out. Buying basic ingredients and planning meals for the week can help keep food spending under control.
• Student Concessions: Keep your student ID with you and check for available discounts on transport, entertainment and other services.
• Budgeting: Set a weekly or monthly limit and record what you actually spend, particularly during the first few weeks after moving to Perth.
• Public Transport: Transperth's network and student concession fares can reduce commuting costs. Living close to your university or a major transport route can also make regular travel easier.
• Part-time Work: Some students take up part-time work to supplement their income and cover part of their living costs. International students should make sure their employment follows the conditions attached to their visa.

Students comparing affordable accommodation in Perth should also look at what is included in the rent. A property with utilities included may be easier to budget for than one where several bills have to be paid separately

Getting around Perth is fairly straightforward once you know which services are closest to where you live. Transperth operates the city's main public transport network, with trains, buses and the free CAT buses covering different parts of the metropolitan area. Students use these services for university, work, shopping and regular trips into the city.

For anyone looking at Perth student housing, transport is worth checking before choosing a property, particularly if the university campus is not close enough to walk. A place that is a little further away can still be convenient when there is a train station or major bus route nearby.

Transperth network operator 

• Transperth runs public transport in Perth and operates trains, buses and the free CAT buses which travel through the downtown regions. Services link the Perth CBD to neighbouring suburbs, university campuses and other locations that students are likely to visit during the week.

• Students and the general Perth populace utilise the network; therefore, the easiest path will depend on where your housing and university are located.

SmartRider: Your student ticket card

• The SmartRider is a reusable smart card for travel on Perth’s public transport routes. If you are a student and qualify for concession prices, they can make a difference if you are coming to school a few times a week.

• The card may be loaded up at train stations, on buses and at specified retail establishments so students can keep using the same card rather than paying for every ride separately.

Modes of Transport in Perth

Train

• Operator: Transperth

• Notes: Trains provide a quick way to travel between Perth CBD and several suburbs across the metropolitan area, and several university campuses can be reached either directly or by connecting with another service.

• The Joondalup Line is useful for students attending Edith Cowan University in Joondalup, while the Mandurah Line runs south and provides access to areas close to Murdoch University's Murdoch campus.

• Students living in suburbs such as Subiaco can also use the train network to reach the CBD and continue their journey from there, which is one reason transport connections are worth looking at when comparing student accommodation in Perth.

Bus

• Operator: Transperth

• Notes: Buses cover areas where trains do not operate and are also used to connect residential suburbs with train stations and university campuses.

• If you’re a student at Curtin University’s Bentley campus, the bus is very convenient with a bus station right on campus. There is also a free shuttle that runs throughout the Bentley region, which can help with shorter local journeys. Buses connect the University of Western Australia, in Crawley, to Perth CBD and neighbouring suburbs. Depending on where you reside, you may use a bus to get to campus or to a train station to continue your journey. 

Free CAT Buses (Central Area Transit)

• Operator: Transperth

• Notes: CAT buses provide free travel around parts of the Perth CBD and Northbridge, making them useful for short journeys in the centre of the city.

• These services can be particularly convenient for students attending city-based institutions such as Central Queensland University, Le Cordon Bleu Australia and SAE Institute Australia. They can also be used around the Curtin St Georges Terrace precinct and ECU city precinct, as well as for getting between shops, libraries, study locations and other central destinations.

Connecting Transport to Student Accommodation Perth

The transport available around a property can make a difference to your daily routine, so it is worth checking the details before booking your accommodation. Students attending UWA, for example, may want student rooms in Perth with a direct or convenient bus connection to Crawley, while students at ECU's Joondalup campus may prefer somewhere close to the Joondalup train line.

The same point applies to students trying to keep their rent lower. Some affordable student accommodation options in Perth may be further from the CBD, but that does not necessarily make them inconvenient if the property is close to a regular train or bus service.

Transperth also has a journey planner and app that students can use to check routes and service information before travelling.

Perth has several universities and higher education institutions, with campuses located across different parts of the city. Such information matters when choosing student housing in Perth, as two students studying in Perth can have completely different daily commutes depending on which campus they attend.

University of Western Australia (UWA)

• Campus: Crawley

• Notes: The University of Western Australia is a research-intensive university and a member of Australia's Group of Eight. Its main campus is in Crawley, beside the Swan River and around 15 minutes from Perth CBD.

• The campus is also close to Kings Park, and students living in Crawley, Subiaco or West Perth can have fairly convenient access to UWA. When looking for accommodation for students near the university in Perth, you often compare these areas because of the available transport links.

Curtin University

• Campus: Bentley

• Notes: Curtin University's main campus is in Bentley, south of Perth CBD, and the university is known for its industry links and courses in areas such as engineering, business and health sciences.

• The Bentley campus has its own bus station, so students can use Transperth services for regular travel to and from university. If you are searching for student accommodation in Perth, Australia, close to Curtin, you can consider Bentley and other suburbs with excellent bus connections.

Murdoch University

• Campus: Murdoch

• Notes: Murdoch University has a 227-hectare campus with bushland, an on-campus farm and wetlands. The campus is located south of Perth CBD in the suburb of Murdoch.

• Murdoch Station is part of the Transperth train network, and buses also serve the university, giving students more than one way to reach campus. If you are looking for student rooms in Perth, you may therefore consider Murdoch and nearby southern suburbs.

Edith Cowan University (ECU)

• Campuses: Joondalup & Mount Lawley

• Notes: Edith Cowan University has two major metropolitan campuses, so students need to check which one they will attend before choosing where to live.

• The Joondalup campus is north of Perth and can be reached using the Joondalup train line. It is a modern campus with facilities for students across a range of disciplines.

• The Mount Lawley campus is closer to Perth CBD and has a strong connection with creative arts and performing arts courses. The campus is in Mount Lawley, where students also have access to cafes, shops and other local places.

• Students attending ECU should choose their student apartments in Perth with their actual campus in mind, as the journey to Joondalup can be very different from the journey to Mount Lawley.

University of Notre Dame Australia

• Campus: Fremantle

• Notes: The University of Notre Dame Australia's main Perth-area campus is in Fremantle, south of Perth CBD, in a historic part of the port city.

• Fremantle is also known for its markets, cultural events and older streets and buildings, so students living nearby have plenty to do outside university. Students can look for accommodation in Perth, either in Fremantle itself or in nearby areas with transport connections to the campus.

Central Queensland University

• Campus: Perth

• Notes: Central Queensland University has a campus in Perth CBD, putting students close to the city's shops, restaurants, transport services and other central facilities.

• The location also makes the free CAT bus network useful for getting around the CBD and Northbridge. Students looking for Perth student accommodation near CQU may therefore consider properties in or around the city centre.

Le Cordon Bleu Australia

• Campus: Perth

• Notes: Le Cordon Bleu Australia has a Perth campus in the city, making it accessible from the CBD, Northbridge and other areas connected to central Perth.

• Its city location also puts students close to the restaurants, cafes and wider food scene in Perth, which can be useful for students studying culinary subjects.

SAE Institute Australia​​​​​​​

• Campus: Perth

• Notes: SAE Institute Australia has a Perth campus in the city, which you can reach from different parts of the metropolitan area using public transport.

• Students looking for apartments in Perth near the campus can consider central accommodation, while those living in other suburbs can use trains and buses to travel into the city.

Before choosing your accommodation, check the distance to your actual university campus rather than only searching by university name. This is especially important for ECU students, as Joondalup and Mount Lawley are separate campuses, and the most convenient student accommodation in Perth will depend on which one you attend

Finding student housing in Perth, WA, can take some time, especially when you are comparing properties in different parts of the city and trying to work out which one is suitable for your university and budget. House of Student brings different accommodation options together so students can compare them without having to look at each type of property separately.

Extensive Range Of Verified Properties

House of Student works with accommodation providers across Perth and offers different types of student housing. Students can look for private rooms, studios, entire places, and shared rooms, depending on how they prefer to live.

The listings include different student apartments in Perth and other types of student accommodation. Properties are checked before being listed, providing students useful information to look at when comparing their options.

Local Expertise And Specificity

The location of a property can matter just as much as the room itself. House of Student provides information about Perth's neighbourhoods, nearby transport links and the universities that students may need to travel to.

This includes areas around UWA in Crawley, Curtin University in Bentley, ECU's Joondalup and Mount Lawley campuses, and Murdoch University. Students can therefore look at the accommodation and its surroundings together and decide whether the location fits their regular routine and student living plans in Perth.

Tailored For Student Needs

Varied students have varied needs from their housing. House of Student offers search options that allow you to filter your property search based on a range of practical considerations.

• Budget: You have to find affordable student apartments in Perth within your budget.
• Accommodation Type: Private rooms, studios, full places and shared rooms.
• Place: University campus, preferred location, or transport corridor. Look around.
• Facilities: Look for apartments with things like gyms, study areas, and social spaces
• Support for Foreign Students: There are many accommodation options in Perth for foreign students to compare. Some of those options are furnished rooms, rent with bills included, and shared areas.

Such filtering ability can help you to eliminate properties that won’t match your needs before you spend time looking at them in depth. 

Transparent And Easy Booking Process

The property listings provide details about rent, inclusions, and available features, giving students the information they need to compare accommodation.

Students can also look at property images and descriptions before deciding which places are worth considering. Once you have found suitable student rooms in Perth, the booking process provides the steps for making a reservation.

Dedicated Support Team

Moving to Perth for university can raise a number of questions, especially when you arrange accommodation before you arrive. House of Student has a support team that can help students with property-related questions and the booking process.

This service can be useful when you need more information about a property or are unsure about what needs to be done before securing the accommodation.

Focus On Community And Lifestyle

Some purpose-built student properties have communal areas and organise events for residents, giving students places to meet other people after moving in. This can be useful for students who are new to Perth and do not already have friends or a local network.

These shared spaces can also make everyday student housing in Perth more social, particularly for students who choose PBSA rather than living alone.

House of Student brings accommodation options, property information and booking support together, giving students a simpler way to compare places before choosing where they want to live