Living in Canberra as a Student: 2026 City Guide

Canberra’s top universities

Canberra may not be as large as Sydney or Melbourne but there are a number of universities and education providers that draw students from Australia and overseas.

Some of the main choices are:

• The Australian National University (ANU)
• University of Canberra (UC)
• Australian Catholic University (ACU)
• Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)

ANU is based in Acton, near the city center, while the University of Canberra is in Bruce, in the Belconnen region. Where you want to live will play a big role in where your university is located.

For example, if you study at ANU, you might want to check out nearby suburbs like Acton, Turner, O’Connor, Braddon, Ainslie and Campbell. Belconnen is also an option if you’re happy with a slightly longer commute.

Best areas to live in Canberra

Canberra is spread across different districts, so your choice of suburb can change your daily routine quite a bit.

1. Acton

If you are studying at ANU, Acton is one of the most convenient places. The university campus is just around the corner, and the city center is also not far away.

You can walk or cycle to many places and there are cafés, libraries and student facilities nearby. The main disadvantage is that accommodation near the university can be costly.

2. Braddon

Just outside the CBD, Braddon has a bustling feel, especially around Lonsdale Street. There are cafes, restaurants, bars, shops and plenty of places for a quick bite to eat.

It’s also close to ANU and Civic so many everyday trips can be walked, cycled or caught on public transport.

3. Turner

Turner provides a more low-key residential environment, but still convenient to ANU and city center.

It is convenient if you don’t want to live in the middle of the city, but want an easy commute to campus.

4. O’Connor

O’Connor is another popular pick for students around ANU. It has local cafes, shops and green spaces and the university is close by.

It seems more residential than Braddon, so it’s good if you want a quieter place to come home to after a day of classes.

5. Dickson

Dickson is known for its food scene and multicultural community. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and everyday shops around the Dickson shops.

The suburb also has public transport connections to the CBD, ANU and other parts of Canberra.

6. Belconnen

Belconnen can be a convenient choice for students at the University of Canberra. It has a large shopping centre, restaurants, cafés and Lake Ginninderra.

There are also several accommodation options in and around the area. If you don’t mind travelling a little further to the city centre, Belconnen can give you a more suburban setting.

7. Campbell

Campbell is close to ANU and the city centre, making it useful for students who want to keep their commute short.

It’s mainly residential and has plenty of open spaces nearby, so you get a quieter setting without being too far from the action.

8. Ainslie

Ainslie is in Canberra’s inner north and is relatively close to ANU and Civic.

The suburb has a residential feel and can suit you if you’d rather have a quieter neighbourhood than live right in the CBD.

9. Kingston

Kingston is in Canberra’s inner south and has cafés, restaurants and local shops. It’s further from ANU than the inner-north suburbs, but public transport provides connections to other parts of the city.

10. Civic

Civic is Canberra’s city centre, so convenience is the main attraction. Shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, libraries and transport links are all nearby.

The downside is that living in such a central location can cost more than choosing a suburb further away.

Student accommodation in Canberra

Your accommodation will probably be one of your biggest decisions when you arrive. You can choose from university accommodation, shared housing or private rentals, depending on your budget and how much privacy you want.

On-campus accommodation

University accommodation can be a convenient option when you’re new to Canberra. You stay close to your classes and have plenty of opportunities to meet other students.

The University of Canberra has more than 2,500 approved accommodation beds across four locations. Options include shared apartments and studios, with some multi-share rooms starting at around $215.50 per week, including utilities. 

Shared accommodation

Sharing a house or apartment can make rent and household bills easier to manage. It’s also a simple way to meet people, especially if you’re arriving in Canberra without knowing many others.

You will have less privacy than you would in your own place, but the lower cost can make the trade-off worthwhile for many students.

Private accommodation

If you prefer having your own space, you can look at private rooms, apartments or houses.

Just remember that rent may only cover the property itself. Electricity, gas, water and internet can be separate, so check exactly what’s included before signing a lease.

Cost of living in Canberra

Your weekly spend will depend on the accommodation you choose, your lifestyle and how often you eat out or travel.

ANU estimates that the basic costs of living for a student living independently in Canberra may be around $33,000 to $39,000 a year, including accommodation, food, utilities and clothing. That’s around 750 a week. These are estimates, so your actual spending may be higher or lower.

The University of Canberra gives the following general weekly estimates:

These figures are only a guide. Your rent, room type and spending habits will make the biggest difference to your overall budget.

Simple ways to manage your budget

You don’t need to cut out everything you enjoy to keep your spending under control. A few small habits can help:

• Cook at home more often.
• Compare different accommodation options before committing.
• Check which bills are included in your rent.
• Use student concessions on public transport where you’re eligible.
• Keep some money aside for textbooks and study materials.
• Look for free events, parks and student activities.

Getting around Canberra

Canberra is relatively compact compared with Sydney and Melbourne, so getting around can be fairly straightforward.

Buses and light rail connect many suburbs with the city centre and other key areas. Walking and cycling can also be practical if you live close to your university.

Eligible full-time tertiary students can access concession fares through MyWay+. In 2026, the tertiary student fare is $1.71 per trip, with daily caps of $5.08 on weekdays and $2.30 on weekends and public holidays. 

If you’re studying at ANU and living in one of the nearby inner-north suburbs, cycling or walking to campus can also be an easy way to save on transport.

Things to do in Canberra

Life in Canberra isn’t all lectures and assignments. There are plenty of places to go if you have some free time, especially if you like museums, art and the outdoors.

Come to Parliament House

Parliament House is one of Canberra’s most famous landmarks. You can pop inside the building, see the main spaces and learn more about the way the federal government of Australia works.

Around Lake Burley Griffin

Lake Burley Griffin is a popular place to walk, cycle and just relax away from the city. It is also close to many of the main attractions so it’s easy to combine a walk around the lake with a visit to a museum or art gallery.

National Gallery of Australia

If you are an art lover, the National Gallery of Australia is a must. Its collection includes Australian and international works, along with changing exhibitions.

Explore the National Museum of Australia

The National Museum is a good place to learn more about Australia’s history, people and culture. It’s also an easy option for a weekend afternoon when you want something different to do.

Walk through the Australian National Botanic Gardens

The Australian National Botanic Gardens give you plenty of space to walk around and take a break from studying. It’s a good spot for a quiet afternoon, especially when the weather is pleasant.

Try the local food scene

Braddon, Dickson, Kingston and Civic all have plenty of cafés and restaurants.

Dickson is particularly known for its range of Asian restaurants, while Braddon is a popular choice for cafés, casual dining and weekend brunches.

Pros and cons of living in Canberra as a student