The Iglu Guide | Blog
Best places to live near University of Queensland
The University of Queensland is a leading research and teaching institution and one of the world’s top 50 universities. As Australia’s most awarded university for teaching excellence, it makes for a popular choice with students from across Australia and around the world. With six faculties, eight globally recognised research institutes and over 100 centres, UQ offers academic opportunity across an incredibly wide discipline range. And with over 50,000 students at the main St Lucia campus, there are multiple accommodation options on offer ranging from on-campus accommodation and purpose-built accommodation through to private rentals. The excellent public transport system that interconnects the city means that UQ students can also explore accommodation options in the surrounding suburbs.
St Lucia campus: student accommodation options
Situated just 7km south of the city, the St Lucia campus is easily accessible by public transport with over 10 direct bus routes in and out of the CBD and beyond. There’s also a convenient riverside bicycle path and river bridge that connects the campus to the CBD. The campus itself has many accommodation options on site for that immersive university experience, with ten residential colleges situated in the university grounds. UQ students can also get campus accommodation in International House, student accommodation that predominantly caters for overseas applicants. For students that enjoy the whole campus environment but prefer some distance from university, Iglu Brisbane City offers purpose-built student accommodation in the nearby CBD. And stepping beyond the campus doors, there are many student-friendly suburbs to enjoy in close proximity to everything the University of Queensland has to offer.
St Lucia
This attractive suburb is comfortably nestled in a bend of the Brisbane River and is understandably considered a major student hub. A popular and affordable student accommodation choice, the campus amenities are just a quick stroll away – perfectly balancing accessibility with distance and saving on any transport costs. St Lucia is one of Brisbane’s oldest and established suburbs, and has a strong sense of community. The enthusiastic student cohort make a welcome addition with many of the UQ facilities open for public use such as the Library, the UQ Aquatic centre and UQ Art Museum. Factor in cafés, bars, parklands, cycle routes and a direct route to the CBD by bus or bike, and it’s easy to see why St Lucia makes such a great accommodation choice for UQ students.
CBD by bike: 25 mins
CBD by bus: 22 mins
Toowong
This inner-city suburb is just 5km west of the CBD and is a popular choice for many UQ students, who mingle seamlessly with young professionals and busy families. Vibrant and energetic, Toowong is well known for its city views, character-filled cafés and institutional pubs including the recently restored Regatta Hotel and the Royal Exchange Hotel. Locals can enjoy the retail delights of Toowong Village shopping complex, before taking a stroll around the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the foot of the impressive Mount Coot-tha. With easy access to campus and beyond, Toowong makes an obvious choice for University of Queensland student accommodation.
UQ, St Lucia campus by bike: 15 mins
UQ, St Lucia campus by bus: 20 mins
West End
If you like the sound of bustling eateries and thriving nightlife, West End is a cultural melting pot that attracts a diverse crowd, all keen to sample the West End lifestyle. Centred around the social precinct of Vulture and Boundary Street, there’s a whole stack of bars, cafés and retail stores for students to explore making West End the ultimate choice for those UQ students wanting accommodation in the heart of the action. Home to a large Greek community as well as many students, West End fast becoming known as the share-house capital of the city and this fun-filled package attracts a large University of Queensland student crowd. Nudging up to the cultural offerings of Southbank and just 10mins to the city by bike, this is student living at its most energetic – and possibly not for the faint-hearted.
UQ, St Lucia campus by bike: 15 mins (including ferry crossing)
UQ, St Lucia campus by bus: 30 mins
Taringa
A quiet, leafy suburb just west of the city, Taringa is a great accommodation choice for UQ students with the campus facilities a mere 15-minute cycle ride away. Capturing a pleasant suburban feel, Taringa oozes community, parklands, cafés and more. Nestled in between St Lucia, Indooroopilly and Toowong with a diverse mix of professionals and families, Taringa has access to all the amenities of the surrounding suburbs. It’s a great accommodation option for UQ students looking for a quieter living experience with good access to campus.
UQ, St Lucia campus by bike: 15 mins
UQ, St Lucia campus by bus: 20 mins
Herston campus: student accommodation options
Easily accessed by more than 12 direct bus routes from the city centre, UQ’s Herston campus sits just 3km North of the CBD. This compact suburb is home to UQ’s Medicine and Public Health schools, the UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Oral Health Centre, and the research activities of the School of Nursing and Midwifery and Centre for Health Services Research. Whilst the University of Queensland does not provide on-campus accommodation at the UQ Herston campus, there’s no shortage of options around for great student accommodation options, whatever your preference.
Herston
An inner north suburb, bordering Kelvin Grove and the QUT campus, Herston is UQ’s best kept secret when it comes to university accommodation. Conveniently placed for access to the University of Queensland’s Herston campus as well as direct transport into the city, lifestyle accessibility just doesn’t get any better. Close to sporting facilities, great parks and top-notch education, it’s no wonder that many UQ students seek accommodation in this leafy pocket of tranquillity.
CBD by bike: 15 mins
CBD by bus: 13 mins
Fortitude Valley
Brisbane’s unofficial entertainment quarter, Fortitude Valley sits just beyond the CBD and has a character and charm all its own. For leading restaurants, boutique shopping, glitzy bars and creative arts, there’s something here for every student to enjoy. Brunswick St is the centre of the arts and culture scene, and famous for the Fortitude Valley nightlife vibe that never fails to deliver. Lined with some of Brisbane’s favourite establishments, these are the go-to venues whatever your mood, and wherever your student accommodation. Meander around the laneway retail stores by day and sit back as they seamlessly melt into the evening scene. Situated less than 2km from the CBD and close to Herston campus, this is ideally located for UQ student accommodation.
UQ, Herston campus by bike: 10 mins
UQ, Herston campus by bus: 10 mins
Kelvin Grove
The epitome of student living, the Communiversity of Kelvin Grove is also home to the QUT Creative Industries department and Iglu Kelvin Grove. Considered the creative heart of Brisbane, this charming suburb is well known for the weekend Farmer’s Markets, having students on every corner and La Boite, the famous Theatre-in-the-Round. It’s hard to believe you’re just 3km away from the hustle of the city. For UQ students that want accessibility and affordability wrapped up in creative student vibes, this is unquestionably the place to beat.
UQ, Herston campus by bike: 10 mins
UQ, Herston campus by bus: 20 mins
