The Iglu Guide | Blog
Redfern is the place to be
Welcome to Redfern, the perfect blend of student community and convenience. Situated just 3km out from the CBD, this eclectic Sydney suburb offers all the fantastic benefits of a city location, combined with the individual character and charm of local living. Like a live art-work, this suburb continues to change and evolve every day right in front of our eyes.
Are you wondering what you need to take into account when considering your student accommodation options? Location? Accessibility? Convenience? Or all of these and more?
With your thoughts firmly fixed on getting the most out of your studies, where you choose to lay down your books takes on huge significance. It will be the focal point of your everyday life. The more practical and efficient this is, the easier life becomes – and the more energy you have available for studying. If you get this part right, it’s a total win-win.
1. Your ready-made community
With a strong indigenous heritage, Redfern has an incredibly established built-in community feel which draws a contemporary and progressive crowd to the mix. The proximity to the CBD makes it an attractive offering for students and professionals alike, all enjoying the quick commute and the local buzz. This intersection of communities fuels the collective mix, and underpins the fusion of cultures that is uniquely Redfern.
2. Shop til you drop
For your more interesting finds, Redfern is a little treasure chest with bespoke homewares and interesting gems dotted around the key shopping area of Redfern Street. The Carriageworks nearby is home to the popular Farmer’s Market, famed for delicious fresh produce and foodie treats or just to take a pew and watch the world go by. When you’re ready to tackle the bigger retail shops, Redfern station will have you in the middle of the CBD within 10 minutes. There you will find everything and more from high street fashion to back street boutiques and markets. Check out neighbouring Surry Hills and Waterloo for a quieter shopping experience a little closer to home.
3. Foodie hotspot favourites
The best part about living in Redfern is that you are completely spoilt for foodie choice. Reflecting the eclectic community mix, old timers like The Woolpack Hotel happily rub shoulders with the more on-trend newbies like Misfits and Little Evie – and new venues are springing up all the time. With food available from virtually any origin, the good news is that whatever you may fancy eating there is an option to suit (even if it’s just donuts, thanks to the first permanent store from Donut Papi). With many outlets placing emphasis on ethically sourced produce, eating and drinking has never felt so worthy. Alternatively, simply jump on a train and sample all the CBD favourites not far from your door.
4. Entertainment on tap
Redfern thrives on creative infusions and celebrates a community that generates ideas and inspires movements. Not surprisingly there are many venues available that offer opportunity for creative expression whether you want to be actively involved, or merely a spectator. 107 Redfern Street is a popular community space that houses productions and exhibitions, as well as live music and drama. The nearby Bearded Tit also combines a popular bar with art, music and drama and The Carriageworks is committed to representing social and cultural diversity. The recent influx of newer businesses means the Redfern bar scene is now a vibrant and thriving offering that happily services locals and visitors alike. For the lighter hours, Redfern Park is the perfect place to just chill out in the sunshine, or take a Sunday picnic break.
5. Location location location
For proximity to all your everyday needs, it doesn’t get much better than Redfern. This bike-friendly neighbourhood is super-easy to get around and for when you really do need to leave, the well-serviced Redfern Station will get you in to the CBD within minutes. The closest station to Sydney University, it’s the perfect spot for convenience living – with all the added benefits of character and charm. Iglu Redfern sits at the heart of this. It puts a cool spin on student accommodation with its stylish design, awesome events program and, most of all, proximity to everything mentioned here.
REDFERN to….
University of Sydney
How: Walk – 12 mins
Central Station
Why: UTS; Notre Dame; AIM; International Film School; William Angliss Institute; UNSW (+bus)
How: Train – 3 mins; Walk – 15 mins
The CBD
Why: Central Queensland University (Sydney); Charles Sturt University (Sydney); University of Newcastle (Sydney); JMC Academy; Navitas; SIBT
How: Train – 18 mins
North Sydney
Why: ACU (North Sydney Campus)
How: Train – 25 mins
Randwick
Why: UNSW
How: Bus – 30 mins
West Ryde
Why: Le Cordon Bleu
How: Train & Bus – 50 mins
North Ryde
Why: Macquarie University
How: Train – 50 mins
Pyrmont
Why: Langports Language College
How: Train & Walk – 20 mins
Enjoy living in one of Sydney’s hippest student suburbs, and know that you can always get exactly where you need to be.
You can also check out our Location Guide for even more reasons to love Redfern.
