Best Brisbane Suburbs For International Students

So, you've got your acceptance letter to a Brisbane university - congratulations! That's a massive win. Now comes the next big adventure: finding your new home away from home. Picking a place to live in a new city can feel like a huge task, but don't stress.  

Moving abroad is a bold move and finding the right base is key to making your experience epic. You need a place that’s safe, convenient and has a great vibe so you can focus on your studies and soak up everything Brisbane has to offer. This guide will walk you through the best suburbs for international students, breaking down what makes each one unique. Let's find the perfect spot for you to kick off your Aussie journey. 

South Bank & South Brisbane: The Cultural Heart 

If you want to be where the action is, South Bank and its neighbour, South Brisbane, are your go-to spots. Imagine stepping out of your door and into a vibrant hub of culture, food and entertainment. This area is packed with world-class attractions like the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). 

Why You'll Love It: 

• Unbeatable Location: It's right on the river, with stunning city views and beautiful parklands perfect for a weekend picnic or an afternoon study session by the water. You're also just a short walk or ferry ride from the CBD. 
• Transport Links: The area is a major transport hub with train, bus and CityCat ferry services, making it incredibly easy to get to campuses like QUT (Gardens Point), Griffith University (South Bank campus) and UQ (via a quick ferry or bus ride). 
• Endless Entertainment: From street markets and live music to countless cafes and restaurants, you'll never run out of things to do. Plus, Streets Beach - Australia's only inner-city, man-made beach - is perfect for a cool-down. 

Things To Consider: 

Living in the heart of the city's cultural precinct comes with a higher price tag. Rent here is among the highest in Brisbane and while you save on transport, your living costs will be more significant. 

West End: The Bohemian Soul 

Just a stone's throw from South Bank, West End offers a completely different vibe. It's Brisbane's bohemian and multicultural heart, known for its eclectic community, alternative culture, and incredible food scene. If you're looking for a suburb with character and a strong sense of community, West End is your place. 

Why You'll Love It: 

• A Foodie's Paradise: West End is famous for its diverse culinary offerings. From authentic Vietnamese and Greek eateries to trendy vegan cafes and bustling weekend markets at Davies Park, your taste buds will thank you. 
• Vibrant Community: The suburb has a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that welcomes everyone. It’s a place where artists, students and professionals mix, creating a dynamic and creative energy. 
• Close to Everything: You can easily walk or cycle to South Bank and the CBD. It’s also well-serviced by buses, providing convenient access to major universities. 

Things To Consider: 

West End's popularity means it can be competitive to find housing. While generally more affordable than South Bank, rents are still on the higher side for Brisbane. It can also get quite lively, so if you're seeking total peace and quiet, you might look further out. 

St Lucia, Toowong & Indooroopilly: The Student Hub 

This cluster of suburbs in Brisbane's inner-west is the ultimate student hub, primarily because St Lucia is home to the main campus of The University of Queensland (UQ). Living here means you're surrounded by fellow students and a wealth of resources tailored to academic life. 

Why You'll Love It: 

• Campus Proximity: If you're studying at UQ, living in St Lucia means you can roll out of bed and be in your lecture theatre in minutes. Toowong and Indooroopilly are just a short bus ride away, offering a great balance of convenience and a slight separation from campus. 
• Affordable Options: These suburbs offer a wide range of housing, from share houses to purpose-built student accommodation. Because the area is so student-focused, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly options. 
• Great Amenities: Indooroopilly Shopping Centre is one of Brisbane's largest malls, providing everything you need from retail and groceries to a cinema. Toowong also has its own shopping village with great amenities. 

Things To Consider: 

The area can feel like a "student bubble" at times, with less interaction with the broader Brisbane community. While transport into the city is excellent, it does take a bit longer to get to the CBD compared to inner-city suburbs. 

Kelvin Grove & Herston: The Health & Creative Precinct 

Located just northwest of the CBD, Kelvin Grove and Herston are perfect for students studying at QUT's Kelvin Grove campus or those in health-related fields at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH). This area is a thriving urban village with a strong focus on creativity and wellness. 

Why You'll Love It: 

• Academic & Health Hub: Home to the QUT Creative Industries Precinct and in close proximity to major health facilities, this area is ideal for students in these fields. You’ll be living and learning in a community of peers. 
• Modern Living: Kelvin Grove Urban Village offers modern apartments, a supermarket, cafes and fantastic farmers' markets every Saturday. It’s designed to be a self-contained, convenient community. 
• Excellent Transport: Frequent bus services, including the Northern Busway, provide a super-fast and direct route into the CBD and other key areas. 

Things To Consider: 

The area is highly modern and planned, which some people love, but it may lack the organic, historic charm of suburbs like West End. It's primarily geared towards students and professionals working locally, so the nightlife is quieter than in the inner city. 

Your Home Away From Home 

Choosing where to live is a huge part of your study abroad adventure. Each of these Brisbane suburbs offers a unique lifestyle and the best one for you depends on your personality, budget and where you'll be studying. 

Whether you crave the non-stop energy of South Bank, the bohemian vibe of West End, the studious atmosphere of St Lucia, or the modern convenience of Kelvin Grove, Brisbane has a place for you. Take your time, do your research and get ready to settle into your new community. This is your chance to build an incredible life abroad and it all starts with finding that perfect place to call home.