South Bank

Located in the suburb of South Brisbane, South Bank is well-known for its urban lifestyle. The area is home to major cultural institutions, including the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), and the State Library of Queensland.

Pros

It offers good public transport connectivity through nearby train stations, bus stations, and CityCat ferry services. It has a high walkability score, making it convenient for students and residents to access amenities, university campuses like Griffith University South Bank, and entertainment options.

Cons

South Bank tends to have higher rental prices compared to outer suburbs, which can put a strain on a student’s budget.

Kelvin Grove

Kelvin Grove is an inner northern suburb in the City of Brisbane. It is well-known for its strong student-friendly environment, especially due to the proximity of Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Kelvin Grove campus.

Pros

The Kelvin Grove campus is right in the heart of the suburb, providing an extremely short commute for students.

Cons

Because the area is busy and hosts many events, students experience occasional noise disturbances.

Logan Central

Logan Central, situated approximately 23 km south of the Brisbane CBD, is one of the most budget-friendly suburbs in Greater Brisbane. It’s well-connected by public transport and offers a mix of houses and apartments.

Pros
This area provides affordable rents, making it easier for students to live on a tighter budget. It has good access to daily amenities, such as supermarkets, shopping centres, and public transportation.

Cons
Because it’s a fair distance from the city centre, commuting to central Brisbane or universities may take more time and money. Social and nightlife options are limited compared to inner-city suburbs.

Toowong

Toowong is closer to the city and very popular with students, particularly those attending the University of Queensland (UQ). It offers a relatively affordable balance between proximity to campus and access to city life.

Pros
Living in Toowong makes it convenient for students going to UQ or nearby universities, with good public transport options including buses and train services. The area offers a variety of student accommodations, ranging from shared apartments to student housing, and local cafés and amenities are easily accessible.

Cons
While more affordable than some inner-city suburbs, rent in Toowong remains high compared to outer suburbs. As a well-connected area, demand is strong, so finding cheaper shared rooms may require effort and early searching.

Woolloongabba

Woolloongabba is an inner-city suburb just southeast of Brisbane’s CBD. Known for the Gabba stadium, it has a lively mix of cafes, student share houses, and convenient transport options.

Pros

Woolloongabba has strong public transport links, including buses and the Cross River Rail project, which is opening soon. It’s close to major universities like UQ (via bus to the Eleanor Schonell Bridge) and Griffith University. The suburb offers many share houses, which can help students reduce their living costs.

Cons

Due to its central location, rent can be higher than in the outer suburbs. The area also experiences heavy traffic during major events at The Gabba, which can lead to noise and limited parking.

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