Calwell

Calwell is located in the Tuggeranong district in southern Canberra. It’s about 20 kilometres from the city centre and sits near suburbs like Theodore, Richardson, and Isabella Plains.

Pros: The Murrumbidgee River Corridor and local parks make Calwell perfect for families and nature lovers, with walking and outdoor activities opportunities. Calwell offers grocery stores like Woolworths and Asian speciality shops, with good bus connections to various parts of Canberra.

Cons: While Calwell offers affordable housing and scenic spots, it is farther from major universities, and public amenities are more limited than central areas like Belconnen.

Charnwood

Charnwood is a suburb located approximately 13 kilometres from the core city area.

Pros: Charnwood offers affordable housing, convenient access to essential shopping, and good transport links to the surrounding suburbs and the city centre. The place is also close to Brindabella Christian College.

Cons: While housing is affordable, standalone unit rents can be higher compared to suburbs like Kaleen. Some areas still carry a past reputation for safety concerns, though this has improved in recent years.

Belconnen

Located in Canberra’s north-west, Belconnen is a well-established suburb known for its urban amenities and proximity to educational institutions. It is home to the University of Canberra and a Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) campus.

Pros

It is ideal for students pursuing higher education, and it has well-connected bus routes that facilitate easy commuting to various parts of Canberra within 30 to 45 minutes. Nepali restaurants and groceries are easier to access. Lake Ginninderra offers scenic spots for relaxation and community gatherings.

Cons

Landlords charge higher rents for shared rooms or units close to campus than other suburbs as it draws many students.

Gungahlin

It is one of the city’s fastest-growing districts, attracting a diverse population, including a significant Nepali community.

Pros

Gungahlin fosters a multicultural environment with a strong and growing Nepali community, leading to many Nepali-run businesses that make it easier for students to find jobs. Numerous schools and parks make it suitable for families and children.

Cons

Some areas are still under development, which might mean fewer immediate amenities. Public transport options may require longer travel times.

Lyneham

Lyneham, a suburb, lies in the North Canberra district. The housing options include single-person households, flats, and terrace houses. The suburb is well connected via light rail stops along its eastern edge, bus routes and so on.

Pros

The suburb is close to the Australian National University (ANU) and the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), which makes it convenient for Nepali students.

Cons

While affordable compared to some areas, Lyneham’s rent for standalone units can be higher than other suburbs like Kaleen or Kambah.

Based on our conversations with the local Nepali students in Canberra.