The Iglu Guide | Blog
Best places to live when studying at Macquarie University
Ranked among the top universities in the world, Macquarie University is one of Sydney’s most exciting places to study. Nestled in the leafy upper north shore suburb of Macquarie Park, it combines academic excellence with a vibrant campus culture and strong connections to industry. But choosing the right place to live is just as important as choosing the right university and Sydney gives you plenty of great options.
Whether you’re looking for on-campus residences, purpose-built student accommodation, a share house, or your own private rental, here are the best suburbs to consider – each with a distinct personality and easy access to campus via Sydney’s extensive public transport network.
Macquarie Park – Campus life, amplified
Macquarie University sits within this precinct, so living here means campus is a walk away rather than a commute. It has a corporate-meets-campus energy – a business district on one side, university life on the other – with Macquarie Centre on your doorstep for shopping, entertainment and dining. That proximity to major employers also makes it easy to pick up part-time work or tap into networking opportunities without going far. With on-campus accommodation available through the university, and plenty of off-campus options within walking distance, Macquarie Park is the natural first stop for students who want to live as close to campus as possible.
Chatswood – A city within a suburb
One of Sydney’s most cosmopolitan hubs, Chatswood has a vibrant East Asian cultural influence that shapes everything from the food scene to the atmosphere on the street. Steaming bowls of ramen, bubble tea shops, well-stocked Asian grocers, and restaurants representing cuisines from across the region make it a genuinely buzzing place to eat and explore. Add multiple shopping centres, a library, and cinemas to the mix and there’s no shortage of ways to spend your downtime.
Chatswood is also a major transport hub served by the Sydney Metro, train, and bus networks that connect it to all corners of Sydney. Macquarie University is just three stops away on the Metro, making the commute one of the easiest going. Students will find a mix of accommodation options including PBSA (Iglu Chatswood), private rental houses and apartments across the suburb.
Epping – Laid-back and liveable
Epping has a quieter, more settled energy, and for many students that’s precisely the appeal. It’s leafy and residential with a genuine neighbourhood feel — the kind of place where you have space to breathe between study sessions and a pace of life that makes it easy to find your rhythm. Local cafés, shops, and parks give it a comfortable, lived-in character. Private rentals – both houses and units – are available across the suburb, and the Metro keeps Macquarie University well within reach without the bustle of living closer to the city.
Waterloo – Unpolished and unpretentious
Waterloo has a rawness that many of Sydney’s more manicured suburbs have long since lost. It’s diverse, a little edgy, and genuinely interesting – inhabited by a mix of long-term locals and young creatives who’ve discovered that this pocket of inner Sydney still has real character. Independent cafés, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and a palpable neighbourhood energy make it a compelling place to put down roots. Surry Hills – one of Sydney’s best neighbourhoods for food and nightlife – is just a short walk away, and the growing Green Square precinct is close by too.
The Sydney Metro makes the commute to Macquarie University straightforward. Iglu Waterloo sits right on the line, and there are private rental options across the area for students wanting to explore further.
Chippendale – The classic uni neighbourhood
Creative, independent, and a little bohemian, Chippendale is the classic student neighbourhood with a distinctly Sydney edge. Street art lines the walls, independent coffee shops fill every block, and the local crowd is young, curious, and culturally switched on. Nestled between Broadway, the University of Sydney, and the CBD fringe, it’s a compact suburb that rewards exploration. Central Station on the Sydney Metro connects Macquarie University students to campus, and Iglu has three properties here – Iglu Broadway, Iglu Central, and Iglu Central Park – alongside private rental options throughout the suburb.
Frequently asked questions
The best suburbs for Macquarie University students depend on the kind of experience you’re looking for. Macquarie Park is the closest option – the university sits within the precinct, so campus is walkable. Chatswood is just three stops away on the Sydney Metro and offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle with excellent dining, shopping, and transport connections. Epping is a quieter, more residential choice with easy Metro access to campus. For students who want inner-city energy, Waterloo and Chippendale are both well connected via the Sydney Metro and offer two very different but equally compelling urban lifestyles.
The Sydney Metro is the most convenient way to commute to Macquarie University from the city centre. Students living in suburbs like Waterloo or Chippendale can access the Metro which connects directly to Macquarie University Station. The journey is straightforward and reliable, making it entirely feasible to live in Sydney’s inner city and study at Macquarie without the stress of a complicated commute. Buses and trains also service many of the surrounding areas, giving students plenty of flexibility depending on where they’re based.
Students at Macquarie University have a range of accommodation options to choose from. The university itself offers on-campus residences for those who want to live right on their doorstep. Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) such as Iglu properties in Chatswood, Waterloo, and Chippendale provides fully furnished rooms with bills included and a built-in student community. Share houses and private rentals are also widely available across suburbs like Epping, Chatswood, and Waterloo, offering more independence for students who prefer to find their own space.
Yes, Macquarie University offers on-campus accommodation for students. Living on campus puts you right in the heart of university life with lectures, libraries, and campus facilities all within walking distance. It’s a popular choice for first-year and international students who want to settle in quickly and build connections from day one. Places are limited, however, so it’s worth applying early. Students who miss out on campus housing will find plenty of excellent off-campus options nearby, particularly in Macquarie Park and Chatswood.
It depends on the lifestyle you’re after. Living close to campus in Macquarie Park or Epping means a shorter commute and more time on the ground at university. It suits students who want to be deeply involved in campus life or who prefer a quieter pace outside of study. Living in vibrant suburbs like Chatswood, Waterloo or Chippendale, on the other hand, puts you in the middle of exciting neighbourhoods with great food, culture, and nightlife right outside your door. The Sydney Metro makes the commute to campus a breeze, so the decision ultimately comes down to the kind of student life you want to build.
