The Iglu Guide | Blog
Where to live when studying at the University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected universities, with a diverse and welcoming environment. Perfectly located just moments from the CBD, it’s no wonder that students flock here from all over the world to experience the iconic sandstone campus, wide range of degree opportunities and excellent global reputation. It’s certainly a place to build friendships and experiences, but much of this will depend on the type of student accommodation you choose. Where you choose to live will have a considerable impact on your overall uni experience in terms of your commute times, social life and budgets. Think about whether you prefer quiet or busy areas, the opportunity to live on or off-campus and whether you like easy access to transport in order to get around the city. Here’s some of the most popular suburb choices for USYD students.
Newtown
Creative, social and full of student vibes, Newtown is a popular choice for many Sydney students chasing a faster pace of life. Just a short walk from the University of Sydney, it’s the kind of place where there’s always something happening, whether that’s live music, weekend markets, hidden bars or late-night ice cream spots along King Street’s endless strip. Think vintage stores, eateries, bookshops and record outlets. And with quick access to the CBD and beyond via Newtown Station, life doesn’t get much better!
Accommodation options: Share houses and apartments (competition can be high)
Distance to USYD: 16 min walk / 7 min cycle
Best for: Students who thrive amongst culture, convenience and a lively social scene
Camperdown
Calm, convenient and right on the edge of campus, student living doesn’t get much easier. If your priority is rolling out of bed and walking to class in minutes, this suburb really ticks the boxes. Combining leafy residential streets, heritage terraces and the green space of nearby Victoria Park, Camperdown offers a relatively quieter pace of life, but it’s still only a short walk from busier neighbours such as Newtown, Broadway and Glebe. And with campus facilities, libraries and lecture halls located just moments away, you get more hours back in your schedule to spend as you choose.
Accommodation options: Share houses, apartments, on-campus student accommodation
Distance to USYD: 5 min walk / 3 min cycle
Best for: Students who value convenience and calm
Redfern
Convenience, charm, character, community – you name it, Redfern has it in spades. Just a short walk from Sydney Uni, it offers easy proximity to student life as well as access to one of the most well-connected transport hubs in the city. With direct links to the CBD, the beaches, and the city beyond, weekend exploring could not be more simple. This spirited pocket of cool cafes, vibrant bars and traditional pubs blends the best of community living with an evolving gentrification, that only adds to its popularity. Perfect for students and locals alike, Redfern’s story has many chapters to go.
Accommodation options: Share houses, apartments, purpose-built student accommodation
Distance to USYD: 20 min walk / 6 min cycle
Best for: Students who value transport links and a lively atmosphere
Glebe
Often thought of as a Sydney village, Glebe is known for its leafy streets and laid-back charm. Located just minutes from USYD, it offers a relaxed neighbourhood feel while still being close to campus life. Glebe Point Road is lined with cafés, eateries and shops while the ever-popular Glebe Markets continues to attract a weekend crowd which adds to the energy and atmosphere. And when it’s time to ramp up the volume, neighbouring Broadway and Chippendale are happy to oblige.
Accommodation options: Share houses, apartments
Distance to USYD: 13 min walk / 4 min cycle
Best for: Students happy to return back home to a calmer pace of life
Darlington
Located right on the doorstep of Sydney University, student living in Darlington could hardly get more convenient. With close connections to campus, the suburb has an academic feel, maintaining a quiet and residential atmosphere. Situated just moments from lecture halls, libraries and study spaces, it’s the ideal solution for students needing early starts or late nights. And when you’re ready for a change of scene, neighbouring Eveleigh and Redfern offer plenty to explore.
Accommodation options: Share houses, apartments, on-campus accommodation
Distance to USYD: 1 min walk / 1 min cycle
Best for: Students loving the campus environment and keen to immerse in uni life
USYD student corridor
Broadway, Central Station and Redfern have evolved to form a convenient type of walkable student corridor – which means you don’t have to live in a specific suburb to enjoy all the benefits it has to offer. Many students choose this central strip location, taking advantage of the purpose-built student accommodation lifestyle benefits, off-campus living perks and proximity to university life.
Iglu Redfern to USYD: 14 min walk / 5 min cycle
Iglu Central Park to USYD: 15 min walk / 5 min cycle
Iglu Broadway to USYD: 18 min walk / 6 min cycle
Iglu Central to USYD: 20 min walk / 7 min cycle
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best suburbs to live in near the University of Sydney?
Some of the most popular suburbs for University of Sydney students include Newtown, Camperdown, Redfern, Glebe and Darlington. These areas are all within walking or cycling distance of campus and offer a mix of share houses, apartments and purpose-built student accommodation.
Which suburb is closest to the University of Sydney?
Darlington and Camperdown are the closest suburbs to the University of Sydney. Both sit directly next to campus, allowing many students to walk to lectures, libraries and study spaces in just a few minutes.
Is Newtown a good place for University of Sydney students to live?
Yes. Newtown is one of the most popular suburbs for University of Sydney students because it’s close to campus and known for its vibrant social scene. King Street is full of cafés, restaurants, live music venues and vintage shops, making it ideal for students who enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Is Redfern a good area for students?
Redfern is a popular choice for students thanks to its excellent transport connections and growing café and dining scene. Redfern Station provides easy access to the Sydney CBD, beaches and other parts of the city, while the University of Sydney is within walking or cycling distance.
Where do most University of Sydney students live?
Many University of Sydney students live in nearby suburbs such as Newtown, Camperdown, Glebe, Darlington and Redfern. Others choose purpose-built student accommodation along the Broadway–Central–Redfern corridor, which offers easy access to campus and public transport.
