Student Accommodation near Edith Cowan University

When researching Edith Cowan University accommodation, it helps to know that Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a public research university in Western Australia. The university was established in 1991, with its institutional history tracing back to the Claremont Teachers College, established in 1902.

ECU takes its name from Edith Dircksey Cowan, who was the first woman elected to any Australian parliament. The university has since developed into a significant institution serving students across Western Australia and beyond.

ECU had approximately 30,135 students in 2023 across its campuses. Its global position in the rankings places it at tied #487 in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and within the #351–400 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.

Edith Cowan University (ECU) at a Glance

ECU Campuses

• The Joondalup Campus serves as ECU's main campus and headquarters. Located in Perth's northern suburbs, it forms part of the Joondalup Learning Precinct alongside a TAFE college and the WA Police Academy.

• From 2026, the ECU City Campus in the Perth CBD is intended to house the School of Business and Law and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). This development changes the accommodation picture for students whose courses are based in central Perth.

• The Mount Lawley Campus has historically been associated with arts and education programmes. Teaching there was scheduled to cease in late 2025 as ECU's campus structure changes, although Mount Lawley remains relevant when considering accommodation for students completing studies during the transition.

Students should confirm their teaching location before signing a lease. The distance between Joondalup and central Perth makes campus location one of the most important factors in choosing ECU student accommodation.

What ECU Is Known For

ECU has several academic and institutional features that shape its identity.

• Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA): WAAPA is one of ECU's best-known institutions, with training across performing arts disciplines and alumni associated with film, music and theatre.

• Joondalup Learning Precinct: The Joondalup campus forms part of a larger education and training precinct that includes TAFE and the WA Police Academy.

• ECU City Campus: The CBD campus brings the School of Business and Law and WAAPA into central Perth, relocating the location of several major study programmes.

• Science Building: The Joondalup campus is also known for its large periodic table display.

Student Representation

The ECU Student Guild represents students across ECU campuses. Its role includes student advocacy, welfare support, clubs, societies and events. For students moving to Perth, the Guild can also be a useful starting point for finding student activities and connecting with people outside their course.

Student life at Edith Cowan University varies with the campus and neighbourhood you choose. Joondalup has a self-contained university precinct with shopping and local entertainment nearby, while Perth CBD offers a larger city-based social and cultural scene. Students in Hillarys can also spend their free time around the coast and marina.

The ECU Student Village Guild supports much of the university's organised student activity through clubs, societies, welfare services and events.

Student Guilds and Societies

• The ECU Student Guild represents students across ECU's campuses. Its work includes student advocacy, welfare support, clubs, societies and events throughout the academic year.

• Students can join groups connected to their course, interests or background. Examples include the ECU International Students' Club, ECU Nursing Students' Association and ECU Business Society.

• Guild activities also provide students opportunities to meet people outside their immediate course. O-Day and other campus events form part of the social calendar, particularly at the beginning of the academic year.

Sports and Fitness

• ECU Sport provides gym and fitness facilities at the Joondalup campus. Students can use these facilities for regular exercise and take part in recreational sporting activities.

• ECU also offers an elite-sport scholarship programme for high-achieving athletes who balance university study with competitive sport.

• For students living near ECU student housing around Joondalup, the proximity of the campus can make it easier to use university sporting facilities without adding a separate commute.

Nightlife and Socialising

The local social scene differs considerably between ECU's main campus area and central Perth.

• Joondalup: The town centre is close to the main campus and has cafes, restaurants, a cinema and other places to meet friends. The Student Guild also runs events and market days on campus.

• Hillarys: Hillarys Boat Harbour and Sorrento Quay offer restaurants and coastal activities. Students living in or travelling to Hillarys can combine dining with time around the marina and beach.

• Perth CBD: Students wanting a larger nightlife scene can travel into central Perth. The journey from Joondalup to the CBD at around 30–40 minutes by train. The city has bars, clubs, live music venues and restaurants.

Students choosing Edith Cowan University student accommodation should consider how often they expect to travel into Perth for social activities. A CBD property may shorten those evening journeys, while Joondalup accommodation keeps the daily university commute much shorter for students studying there.

Shopping and Everyday Needs

• Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre sits directly beside the Joondalup campus. It covers groceries, fashion, electronics and other retail needs, making it particularly useful for students living around the university.

• Students can also travel into Perth CBD for larger department stores, international brands and independent shops.

• The Student Guild's campus market days provide another source of food and local products during the semester.

Culture and Events

• ECU has several cultural spaces and events connected with its campuses.

• Spectrum Project Space at the Mount Lawley campus hosts public art exhibitions featuring student and professional work. Students should check its current programme in light of the Mount Lawley campus transition.

• The ECU Student Guild also organises cultural activities and events during the academic year.

• Outside university, Hillarys Boat Harbour hosts activities and events around Sorrento Quay, while Perth CBD has theatres, museums, art galleries and concert venues.

• Students studying at the future-focused ECU City Campus will have particularly direct access to central Perth's cultural venues.

Healthcare and Student Support

• Students should confirm ECU's current health and counselling arrangements directly with the university before relying on any particular service.

• The ECU students can access health or medical support and short-term counselling, but specific services, booking arrangements and bulk-billing conditions should be checked with the university.

• International students must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa.

The same caution applies to campus security. After-hours escort or shuttle services are common across Australian universities, but students should confirm ECU's current service, coverage and operating hours rather than assuming a particular arrangement is available.

The best area for Edith Cowan University student accommodation depends heavily on the campus where you study.

Joondalup students can choose from nearby northern suburbs such as Joondalup, Edgewater and Currambine. Hillarys offers a coastal alternative, while students who prefer an inner-city setting can consider Mount Lawley or Perth CBD.

Joondalup

Distance to Joondalup Campus: 0–1.5 km
Typical walking time: 5–20 minutes

• Joondalup is the most straightforward choice for students who want to stay close to ECU's main campus.

• The suburb functions as a northern-suburbs town centre, with Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre and Joondalup railway station close to the university. Students can therefore combine their daily campus journey with shopping, food and transport without travelling far from home.

• The short distance is the biggest advantage. Depending on the exact property, students can walk to campus rather than relying on buses or trains.

• For students searching for ECU student housing, Joondalup is particularly relevant for those who want to spend more of their time around the university.

• Best suited to: Students prioritising a short campus commute, access to shops and easy rail connections.

Edgewater

Distance to Joondalup Campus: Approximately 2 km
Transport: Short bus journey

• Edgewater offers a quieter residential setting while remaining close to Joondalup.

• The suburb borders Neil Hawkins Park and Lake Joondalup, giving students access to a more residential environment away from the busier town-centre area.

• A short bus journey can connect students with the Joondalup campus, making Edgewater worth considering for those who want to live close to ECU without being directly in the main centre.

• Best suited to: Students who prefer a quieter residential neighbourhood within short travelling distance of Joondalup.

Currambine

Distance to Joondalup Campus: Approximately 4 km
Transport: Train from Currambine Station or bus

• Currambine is around 4 km from the Joondalup campus and has its own railway station on the Joondalup line.

• The train connection is useful for students who want straightforward access to Joondalup as well as Perth CBD. A bus can also be used depending on the location of the accommodation.

• The suburb has a more residential character than central Joondalup, while still retaining a direct connection to the rail network.

• Best suited to: Students who value railway access and want to live outside the immediate campus precinct.

Hillarys

Distance to Joondalup Campus: Approximately 6 km
Transport: Bus

• Hillarys offers a coastal alternative to the suburbs immediately around Joondalup.

• The area is centred around Hillarys Boat Harbour, with access to the marina, dining options and the coast. The distance to campus is greater than from Joondalup or Edgewater, so students will generally need public transport for the university commute.

• Hillarys is the premium pick among the Joondalup-area options, with rents expected to sit somewhat higher than inland suburbs.

• Best suited to: Students who prioritise coastal living and are willing to accept a longer commute.

Mount Lawley

Distance to Joondalup Campus: Approximately 13 km

• Mount Lawley is an inner-city suburb associated with cafes, boutiques and the Beaufort Street area. It has also historically been linked closely with ECU's arts and education programs through the Mount Lawley campus.

• Since teaching at Mount Lawley is being phased out, students should first establish whether their course still has a teaching requirement there before choosing accommodation specifically for campus proximity.

• The suburb remains relevant for students who want an inner-city setting with access to Perth CBD and public transport.

• Best suited to: Students affected by the Mount Lawley transition or those who prefer an inner-city residential environment.

Perth CBD

• The Perth CBD becomes particularly relevant for students attending the ECU City Campus.

• Students studying in central Perth can live within the city rather than commuting from the northern suburbs. The CBD also offers access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment and other city facilities.

• Joondalup students can also choose the CBD if they prefer city living. The Joondalup train line connects the northern suburbs with Perth, with the journey taking approximately 30–40 minutes.

• Best suited to: ECU City Campus students and Joondalup students who want city living and are willing to commute.

Comparing the Main Areas near Edith Cowan University Accommodation 2026/27

Choosing the Right Campus Area

• Students should confirm the teaching location of their course before choosing Edith Cowan accommodation.

• A student based at Joondalup can reasonably prioritise Joondalup, Edgewater or Currambine, where the daily journey is relatively short. Hillary's works for students who place more weight on the coastal setting.

• Students attending the ECU City Campus have a different calculation. Living in Perth CBD can eliminate a northern-suburb commute, while Joondalup remains an option for students who prefer a suburban environment and are prepared to travel.

Mount Lawley requires particular attention because of the campus transition. Students should check their current teaching arrangements rather than choosing accommodation based on older campus information.

Rent is only one part of the student budget. Students also need to account for food, transport, utilities, mobile services, leisure and study materials.

For a single student living around the Joondalup campus, the estimate for regular living expenses excluding rent is approximately AU$300–450 per week.

Weekly Budget for Student Living Near ECU Accommodation

These are working estimates rather than fixed costs. Actual spending will depend on accommodation arrangements, travel frequency, eating habits and personal spending.

Groceries and Food

• Students should allow around AU$100–150 per week for groceries and food.

• Students living near Joondalup have access to Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre, which is adjacent to the campus. This can reduce the need for additional travel when buying groceries and everyday items.

• Students living elsewhere may have different local shopping options, so food costs can vary depending on where they shop and how often they eat out.

Transport

• A student commuting regularly by public transport can budget approximately AU$35–45 per week for transport.

• Perth's public transport system is operated by Transperth, which runs trains, buses and ferries. Eligible full-time students can access tertiary SmartRider concessions, reducing the cost of regular travel.

• Students living within walking distance of the Joondalup campus may spend considerably less on transport because their daily university journey does not require a paid service.

Household Bills

• Students sharing a house or apartment should allow around AU$40–60 per week for their share of electricity, gas and internet.

• The exact amount depends on household usage, the number of people sharing the property and whether any utilities are included in the rent.

• Students comparing different ECU student accommodation options should check utility arrangements before treating two weekly rents as directly comparable.

Socialising and Going Out

• A reasonable allowance for entertainment, dining out and other social activities is around AU$55–95 per week.

• This category is highly dependent on personal habits. Students regularly usee of cafes, restaurants, cinemas and nightlife will spend more than those who mainly socialise through university events and free local activities.

• Joondalup, Hillarys and Perth CBD all offer different types of social activity, so accommodation location can influence this part of the budget.

Mobile Subscription

• A typical Australian prepaid or SIM-only mobile plan can cost around AU$65–100 per month, equivalent to roughly AU$15–25 per week.

• Students should compare data allowances, contract conditions and included services when selecting a plan.

Course Costs

• Students should set aside approximately AU$10–20 per week for textbooks, stationery and other course materials when these costs are spread across the academic year.

• Actual course-related expenses vary between disciplines, so students should check the requirements of their specific programme before finalising their budget.

Student Visa Financial Requirement

• International students applying for Australia's student visa (subclass 500) need to meet the applicable financial capacity requirement.

• The 2026 benchmark is AU$29,710 per year, equivalent to approximately AU$571 per week.

• This is a visa-eligibility benchmark and includes living costs such as rent. It is therefore different from the AU$300–450 weekly estimate above, which covers living expenses excluding rent.

• Students should verify the current financial requirement with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before submitting a visa application, as government requirements can change.

Students also need to consider where they will study when preparing their financial plan. Living costs can differ between Joondalup, Mount Lawley and central Perth, while the cost of commuting can change substantially depending on accommodation location.

Students searching for Edith Cowan University student accommodation will come across several room arrangements. The main difference between them is how much private space you have and which facilities you share with other residents.

Your campus should be the first consideration, followed by your budget and preferred level of privacy. A student studying at Joondalup may prioritise an on-campus room, while someone attending the ECU City Campus may find a Perth CBD property more practical.

Edith Cowan University Accommodation 2026/27: Room Types and Facilities

Private Room

• A private room gives you your own bedroom within a shared apartment, house, or student residence. You generally share the kitchen and living room, while the bathroom may also be communal.

• This arrangement provides students with students a private place to sleep and study without requiring them to pay for an entire apartment.

• Private rooms are particularly common in shared student housing and can suit students who want some personal space but still want to live with other people.

Shared Room

• A shared room means that two or more students occupy the same bedroom. Students generally share kitchens, living areas and other communal facilities as well.

• This is less common in Australian purpose-built student accommodation than private rooms, but it can appear in student villages or private rental arrangements.

• The main reason to choose this option is cost. Sharing the bedroom can reduce the weekly rent, although students give up a significant amount of personal space in return.

Studio Flat

• A studio is a self-contained apartment with the bedroom, living area and kitchenette arranged within one open-plan space. It also has a private bathroom.

• This arrangement gives students considerable independence. There is no need to share the kitchen, bathroom or main living space with flatmates.

• The additional privacy generally means a higher weekly rent, so studios tend to suit students with more room in their accommodation budget.

En-suite Room

• An en-suite room combines a private bedroom with a bathroom attached directly to it. The kitchen and living areas remain shared with other residents.

• This arrangement sits between a standard private room and a studio. Students retain their own bedroom and bathroom while still having access to shared communal spaces.

• It can suit students who want more privacy than a standard shared apartment provides without paying for a fully self-contained studio.

Entire Place

• 'An entire place' means renting a complete apartment or house. Students can occupy it alone or divide the property with friends.

• Living alone provides the highest level of independence, but the full rent and household costs become the tenant's responsibility. Sharing the property with several students can make the arrangement more financially manageable.

Students comparing Edith Cowan University (ECU) accommodation should therefore consider how many people will occupy the property before deciding whether an entire place makes financial sense.

The most suitable Edith Cowan University student accommodation depends on the campus where you study.

ECU Village Mount Lawley is relevant to students affected by the Mount Lawley campus transition, while ECU Village Joondalup is directly associated with the main Joondalup campus. Perth CBD properties will be particularly relevant for students attending the ECU City Campus from 2026.

The House of Student lists some of the best Edith Cowan University student accommodation for 2026/27, the following properties.

ECU Village Mount Lawley

Distance to Mount Lawley Campus: 0.37 km
Walking time: Approximately 5 minutes
Starting price: AU$228.20/week

• ECU Village Mount Lawley is located very close to the Mount Lawley campus, with the distance at just 0.37 km and a walking time of around five minutes.

• Its starting price of AU$228.20 per week also places it among the lower-priced properties.

• The main consideration is the status of the Mount Lawley campus. Since teaching is being phased out, students should confirm whether their course still requires attendance at Mount Lawley before choosing accommodation primarily because of its proximity.

• For students who do have a continuing requirement there, the short walk can make the property practical. It can also serve students who want an affordable base with public transport access to central Perth.

ECU Village Joondalup

Location: Joondalup
Distance: On campus
Starting price: AU$228.70/week

• ECU Village Joondalup is the most directly relevant option for students studying at ECU's main Joondalup campus.

• The property is directly on campus, so students can reach lectures and university facilities without a conventional daily commute.

• Its starting price is AU$228.70 per week, making it one of the lowest-priced options.

• The 26.53 km distance and 84-minute transit figure attached to the listing refer to travel from Perth CBD to the Joondalup campus, rather than the distance between ECU Village Joondalup and the university. Students should therefore not interpret those figures as the property's distance from ECU.

For students prioritising proximity, the Joondalup campus is one of the clearest options among the listed Edith Cowan Uunicesity student housing properties.

Students trying to reduce their housing costs have several options. The two ECU villages have the lowest starting prices while also offering direct or very close access to their respective campuses.

Edith Cowan University Student Accommodation 2026/27: Affordable Property Options

ECU Village Mount Lawley

• At AU$228.20 per week, ECU Village Mount Lawley  is the cheapest listed option.

• Its biggest advantage is the 0.37 km distance from Mount Lawley Campus, with a walking time of approximately five minutes.

• The campus transition means students should first confirm whether they will still have teaching commitments there. For students who do, the combination of low starting rent and a very short walk makes the property worth considering.

ECU Village Joondalup

• ECU Village Joondalup starts at AU$228.70 per week and sits directly on the Joondalup campus.

• That removes the daily commute for students studying there and can also reduce transport expenses. The starting price is only AU$0.50 higher per week than ECU Village Mount Lawley.

• For Joondalup-based students, this makes ECU Village Joondalup one of the most direct options for affordable Edith Cowan University student accommodation in Perth.

Murdoch University Village

• Murdoch University Village starts at AU$230 per week, making it only slightly pricier than the two ECU villages.

• The major drawback is its distance from Joondalup. At approximately 21.93 km from ECU Joondalup and around 88 minutes by transit, the rent saving comes with a significant time cost.

• It may therefore suit students who place an unusually high priority on reducing rent and do not need to travel to Joondalup every day.

Campus Perth

• Campus Perth starts at AU$294 per week, making it the least expensive of the main Perth CBD properties listed here.

• For students attending the ECU City Campus, the higher rent compared with the ECU villages needs to be viewed alongside the savings in daily travel time.

• It can also work for Joondalup students who want city living, although they will need to account for the train journey to the northern suburbs.

Choosing Between Edith Cowan University (ECU) Accommodation Options

Students comparing ECU student accommodation should start with their teaching campus.

• Joondalup students: ECU Village Joondalup offers direct campus access, while Joondalup, Edgewater and Currambine provide nearby off-campus alternatives.

• ECU City Campus students: Perth CBD accommodation can remove the need for a daily northern-suburbs commute. Campus Perth is the lowest-priced CBD option.

• Students affected by the Mount Lawley transition: ECU Village Mount Lawley is particularly close to the former campus, but its suitability depends on whether the student's course still requires attendance there.

The cheapest advertised rent should also be assessed alongside tranexpenses costs. A property with a weekly rent around AU$60 or less can become less attractive if it adds several hours of travel every week.

For students looking for accommodation near Edith Cowan University, the most useful comparison is therefore rent plus commute, rather than rent alone.

Public transport is an important part of student life at Edith Cowan University, particularly for students who live away from their teaching campus.

Perth's integrated Transperth network includes trains, buses and ferries. The Joondalup campus has a strong connection to this network through Joondalup railway station and local bus services.

Travelling to Joondalup Campus

• Students living in Joondalup can often walk to the campus. The distance is approximately 0–1.5 km, with walking times of around 5–20 minutes depending on the accommodation location.

• The Joondalup railway station is approximately an eight-minute walk from the campus. This is particularly useful for students who need to travel between Joondalup and Perth CBD.

• The Joondalup railway line provides a direct rail connection into central Perth, making it useful for students who combine university with work, social activities or other commitments in the city.

From Currambine

• Currambine is approximately 4 km from the Joondalup campus.

• Students can use the Currambine railway station and travel to Joondalup station, then walk or use a local connection to reach campus.

• The railway option also gives students a direct route to Perth CBD, making Currambine a practical choice for those who expect to travel around Perth regularly.

From Edgewater

• Edgewater is approximately 2 km from the Joondalup campus.

• The short bus journey is the main public transport option. Students should check the exact route from their accommodation because journey times vary according to the property and service used.

From Hillarys

• Hillarys is approximately 6 km from Joondalup and is connected to the campus by bus services.

• Students choosing accommodation there should factor the regular bus journey into their daily schedule, particularly for early morning classes.

Transperth Fares and SmartRider

• Transperth operates Perth's buses, trains and ferries.

• Students commonly use a SmartRider card for fares, while eligible full-time students can access tertiary SmartRider concessions.

• Students should check current fares and concession conditions before budgeting for transport because public transport pricing and eligibility arrangements can change.

CAT Bus Services

• The free CAT service connecting Joondalup railway station with the campus library, student accommodation and the WA Police Academy precinct.

• This service can help students travelling from the railway station to parts of the Joondalup campus area without paying a separate fare.

• Students should check current CAT routes and operating times before relying on the service for a particular class or appointment.

Cycling

• Cycling is another option for students living within a reasonable distance of campus.

• Perth has an expanding Principal Shared Path (PSP) network, particularly around rail corridors. The generally flat terrain can make cycling practical for regular commuting.

• Students considering a bicycle should check the current bike storage and related facilities available at the Edith Cowan University (ECU) and their accommodation.

Regional and Interstate Travel

• Students travelling elsewhere in Western Australia can use East Perth Terminal, which serves regional Transwa services.

• The terminal is also associated with the Indian Pacific, the long-distance rail service connecting Perth with the eastern states.

• Students at Joondalup can reach East Perth using Transperth trains and connecting services.

Perth Airport

• Perth Airport connected to Perth's public transport network through the Airport Line.

• Airport Central and High Wycombe stations provide rail connections to the CBD. Students travelling from Joondalup can take the train to central Perth and connect with the Airport Line.

• This gives international students arriving in Perth a public transport option instead of relying entirely on taxis or private transfers.