10 Best Suburbs in Canberra for Students (2026)

Top 10 Best Suburbs in Canberra for Students

Rent and safety figures are approximate and taken from the supplied reference material.

1. Dickson

Average rent: ~AUD $650/week
Population: ~3,300
Safety index: 8.0/10
Distance from CBD: 4 km north
Nearby universities: Australian National University (ANU) and University of Canberra

Dickson is a practical choice if you want to stay close to central Canberra without living right in the CBD. It has a good mix of shops, restaurants, cafés and everyday essentials, so you won’t have to travel far for most things.

For students, the suburb also has bike trails, a library and an aquatic centre. Its location makes getting around easier, especially if you’re studying at ANU or the University of Canberra.

2. Griffith

Average rent: ~AUD $700/week
Population: ~4,500
Safety index: 8.3/10
Distance from CBD: 3 km south
Nearby universities: Charles Sturt University and ANU

Griffith has a quieter feel while still keeping you close to the city. Tree-lined streets, cafés, boutiques and plenty of green spaces give the suburb a relaxed atmosphere.

You’re also close to Manuka Shopping Village, Manuka Oval and Manuka Pool. With around 20 parks in the suburb, Griffith can suit you if you like having outdoor spaces close to home.

3. Coombs

Average rent: ~AUD $580/week
Population: ~4,850
Safety index: 8.5/10
Distance from CBD: 12 km west
Nearby universities: ANU and University of Canberra

If you prefer a quieter neighbourhood, Coombs could be a good fit. It is further from the CBD than suburbs such as Braddon and Dickson, but you get a more relaxed setting with plenty of open space.

The Molonglo River Reserve and surrounding parklands give you easy access to outdoor spaces. It’s a good option if you want a calmer place to come back to after university.

4. Kambah

Average rent: ~AUD $550/week
Population: ~15,300
Safety index: 7.9/10
Distance from CBD: 17 km south
Nearby universities: Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and ANU

Kambah is one of the larger suburbs on this list and offers a mix of older homes and newer properties. It’s further from the CBD, so it can work better for students who don’t mind a longer commute in exchange for a quieter residential setting.

You’ll find supermarkets, cafés, playgrounds and other everyday amenities nearby. Kambah Pool is another popular spot for spending time outdoors.

5. Barton

Average rent: ~AUD $820/week
Population: ~1,950
Safety index: 8.4/10
Distance from CBD: 4 km south
Nearby universities: Charles Sturt University and ANU School of Medicine & Psychology

Barton is one of the more expensive options on the list, but its location is a major advantage. It sits close to Lake Burley Griffin and is only a short distance from the city centre.

The suburb has a mix of older homes and newer apartments, along with restaurants, markets and cafés. Telopea Park is also nearby, giving you a green space for a break from study.

6. Kingston

Average rent: ~AUD $720/week
Population: ~6,600
Safety index: 8.1/10
Distance from CBD: 3 km southeast
Nearby universities: Charles Sturt University and CIT

Kingston gives you a mix of cafés, restaurants, shops and outdoor spaces within a relatively short distance of the CBD. It is also close to the Kingston Foreshore, where you can go for a walk or cycle along the lake.

The Old Bus Depot Markets are another local highlight, especially if you enjoy browsing food, crafts and small businesses at the weekend.

7. Braddon

Average rent: ~AUD $670/week
Population: ~6,000
Safety index: 7.5/10
Distance from CBD: 1 km north
Nearby universities: ANU and ANU Institute for Space

Braddon is one of the easiest choices if you want to stay close to the heart of Canberra. It is only about 1 km from the CBD, making it popular with students and young professionals.

Lonsdale Street is the centre of much of the suburb’s activity, with cafés, restaurants, independent shops and design stores. Braddon also has two light rail stops, making public transport convenient.

8. Forrest

Average rent: ~AUD $950/week
Population: ~1,560
Safety index: 9.0/10
Distance from CBD: 4 km south
Nearby universities: Charles Sturt University and CIT

Forrest is one of the more premium suburbs on the list, with higher rents than most other options. It is known for its larger homes, leafy streets and proximity to Canberra’s diplomatic precinct.

You’re also close to Red Hill walking trails and Manuka Village, where you can find shops and places to eat. For students with a higher accommodation budget, Forrest offers a quieter setting close to the city.

9. Yarralumla

Average rent: ~AUD $900/week
Population: ~3,100
Safety index: 9.1/10
Distance from CBD: 6 km southwest
Nearby universities: Charles Sturt University and ANU School of Medicine & Psychology

Yarralumla is another leafy suburb with a quieter residential feel. It sits close to Capital Hill and Lake Burley Griffin, so you have plenty of green and outdoor spaces around you.

You can spend your free time walking, cycling, picnicking or enjoying the lake. With its higher rental prices, Yarralumla may suit students who have more room in their accommodation budget.

10. Amaroo

Average rent: ~AUD $460/week
Population: ~6,130
Safety index: 8.6/10
Distance from CBD: 15 km north
Nearby universities: University of Canberra College and Australian Catholic University

Amaroo is one of the more affordable options on this list, with an estimated rent of around AUD $460 per week. It has a residential feel, with green spaces, playgrounds, shops, cafés and sporting facilities nearby.

The suburb is around 25 minutes from the city, according to the supplied reference material. If you’re happy living further from the CBD and want more space for your budget, Amaroo is worth considering.

How to Choose the Right Canberra Suburb as a Student

The best suburb for you will depend on your university, budget and daily routine.

• Want to stay close to the CBD?Braddon is only about 1 km away, while Griffith, Barton and Kingston are also relatively close.
• Want a more affordable option?Amaroo, Kambah and Coombs have lower listed rents than suburbs such as Forrest and Yarralumla.
• Prefer cafés and places to eat?Dickson, Braddon and Kingston have plenty of options nearby.
• Want more green space?Coombs, Griffith, Yarralumla and Forrest offer plenty of parks and outdoor areas.
• Want to be closer to ANU?Dickson and Braddon are particularly convenient options based on their location.
• Prefer a quieter neighbourhood?Coombs and Amaroo offer a more residential setting.

Student Accommodation in Canberra

Once you’ve identified the suburb, the next step is to find somewhere that fits your budget and commute to university. Student accommodation in Canberra can be convenient if you want a furnished room and facilities designed around student life.

The reference given has options like UniGardens, UniLodge @ UC – Campus West, Accolade on Moore, Dickson Village Apartments.

Before you book, compare location, weekly rent, room type, bills included, transport and facilities. A cheaper room further away may cost you more time and transport expenses so take a look at the overall set up rather than just rent.