The Iglu Guide | Blog
7 reasons why UNSW students choose off-campus accommodation
Choosing the right student accommodation is one of the most important – and challenging – decisions that any uni student has to make. As well as taking personal preferences into consideration, incoming UNSW students face the additional problems of limited campus accommodation, rising demand and a competitive rental market around the local area. But the idea of restricting choice to on-campus accommodation is well in the past. Today, students are looking to balance proximity, independence and lifestyle freedoms with academic support and a community feel. Here’s why UNSW students are now choosing off-campus accommodation from the very start.
1. When demand exceeds supply
UNSW attracts students to Sydney from around the world, all drawn to the university for its vibrant campus life, proximity to Sydney CBD and strong academic reputation. That demand has put immense pressure on campus-based accommodation, which means students have been forced to look further afield. But what started out from necessity has evolved into preference as students discover the benefits of independent living, and the opportunity to explore nearby suburbs such as Kensington, Zetland, Redfern, Waterloo and Mascot – areas that better fit their budget and lifestyle.
2. Location matters
As a student in a new city, there is so much to discover and so it’s important to be able to easily get around. Thanks to Sydney’s excellent transport links including the light rail and the Anzac Parade bus corridor, UNSW students are easily able to access university without necessarily having to live on-campus. Combined with the wider availability of off-campus housing options, students really can have the best of all worlds – access to university, as well as the CBD, beaches and more.
3. UNSW’s trimester structure
UNSW currently operates on a trimester system, an academic rhythm which can place additional pressure on students.
- Three shorter terms
- Higher intensity workload
- Faster academic pace
- Demanding study schedule
As a result, students value the opportunity for quiet study areas, flexible living arrangements, and the chance to mix in or out of social activities in order to maximise their academic potential. Purpose-built off-campus accommodation better supports the demands of UNSW’s trimester schedule, as it provides a comfortable and stable living environment that works in harmony with the process, rather than in conflict.
4. UNSW is a global university
UNSW is recognised as one of Australia’s most globally connected universities, and prides itself on consistently producing Australia’s most employable graduates (2020-25). Also boasting powerful industry partnerships, it’s no wonder that students flock here from all over the world. UNSW welcomes large cohorts of students from China, India and Southeast Asia, where needs are diverse around lifestyle, privacy and independence. Many students prefer private rooms and private facilities, and the opportunity to meet like-minded communities. This is not always practical or available with on-campus accommodation, and students are now seeking off-campus alternatives that align with how they want to live today.
5. Avoiding the campus bubble
UNSW students are quick to immerse in student life, balancing study, social activities and potentially a part time job all at the same time. It’s very easy to get ‘stuck’ in the UNSW campus bubble and feel disconnected from city life or anything that exists beyond. Many students come to Sydney specifically to experience the beachy lifestyle, as well as easy access to the harbour city and everything it has to offer. Off-campus accommodation avoids that feeling of campus isolation, and helps facilitate integration into the Sydney lifestyle.
6. Choosing student accommodation that adds value
Picking between on-campus and off-campus student accommodation is no easy task. There are many considerations including space, flexibility, location, inclusions and cost to name just a few. But it’s about much more than just convenience, it’s about value. UNSW students are choosing student accommodation based on how they want to live.
- On-campus rooms are often:
- Smaller
- More expensive
- Less flexible
- Rigid dining inclusions
- Off-campus options offer:
- More space
- Shared living cost savings
- Lease flexibility
- Private facilities
- Inclusions
- Community support
7. Off-campus purpose-built student accommodation is more available
Students look for a strong student community, combined with independence, safety and security. The rise of PBSAs around the UNSW travel corridor has provided the perfect alternative for those wanting to get off campus, but without compromising on experience. Check out Iglu Redfern, Iglu Mascot and Iglu Waterloo for flexible, lifestyle-oriented housing opportunities.
FAQs
1) Why are UNSW students choosing off-campus accommodation more often?
Because on-campus places are limited and highly competitive, many students start looking off campus from day one. Off-campus options also give students more choice around lifestyle, privacy, space, and budget—without sacrificing access to uni.
2) Which suburbs are popular for UNSW students living off campus?
Common choices include Kensington, Zetland, Redfern, Waterloo, and Mascot, as they offer a mix of student-friendly housing, transport connections, and access to both UNSW and the CBD.
3) Can you live off campus and still commute easily to UNSW?
Yes. Many students rely on Sydney’s light rail and major bus routes (including along Anzac Parade), which makes commuting to UNSW practical even if you don’t live on or right next to campus.
4) How does UNSW’s trimester system influence accommodation choices?
Trimesters can mean a faster pace and more intensive workload, so students often prioritise housing that supports study—like quieter spaces, stable routines, and flexibility to balance social time with downtime. Off-campus purpose-built student accommodation can be a good fit for that structure.
5) What’s the difference between on-campus and off-campus student accommodation for UNSW students?
On-campus rooms can be smaller, more expensive, and less flexible, sometimes with fixed inclusions like dining plans. Off-campus options often provide more space, shared-cost savings, flexible leases, private facilities, and community features—especially in purpose-built student accommodation along the UNSW travel corridor.
Photo by Dominic Kurniawan Suryaputra on Unsplash
