The Iglu Guide | Blog
Why living in Mascot is a great choice for students
Students that crave accommodation in an area that blends connectivity with convenience need look no further than Sydney’s very own Mascot. This inner south suburb is almost unrecognisable from the Mascot of old, and has hugely benefitted from an urban facelift that makes it a highly attractive proposition for the Sydney student community. If the idea of modern amenities at a fingertips’ stretch sound just like the student living you’re after, here’s what you need to know.
Location location location
If you want to make the best of the student years, getting the location spot on has to be your number one priority. Mascot is one of the major gateways into Sydney and is perfectly situated for everything the city has to offer – starting with its very own railway station. As well as offering unbelievably easy access into Sydney airport, the T8 train line will take you directly to Redfern and Central in 15 minutes. With the CBD just 10 minutes train ride away, this is student living at its most convenient. Enjoy everything on your doorstep and beyond with the comprehensive transport network literally at your doorstep. And if the location could possibly get any better, the peaceful surrounds and access to open spaces are the perfect antidote to city living, whenever you need a well-earned break from the books.
Out and about
Thanks to the recent Meriton development on Coward Street, this open-air village hub has brought numerous specialty stores, cafés and restaurants to the area. From nail bars and hair salons to Asian supermarkets, coffee haunts, and al fresco dining, there really is something for everyone. Offering a range of delicious foodie options from ramen and sushi through to pizza and brownies, the Meriton Retail Precinct doesn’t miss a trick. And this infusion of retail opportunity has successfully recharged the entire area, making Mascot a proper student playground when the study sessions have ended. Head to the station and try Mr Nam for authentic Vietnamese, or Hong Ha for some of the best banh mi in the whole of Sydney. Serving up the same delicious recipes for over 30 years, this is a true Mascot favourite and the queues will tell you a similar story. Don’t miss the pizzas at La Buffala, hand-made and lovingly fermented for 36 hours to produce the very best in new-style Neapolitan pizza. But never fear, the wood-fired pizza option is still very much available and continues to satiate student appetites around the suburb. Go old school at the Newmarket Hotel and check out the Thursday Trivia night, or grab your mates and pop into the Superbowl next door for a slice of Sydney’s only Pub n Bowl combo. And for the best of the rest, jump on a bus to Westfield Eastgardens where you’ll find everything you need and more. Student living just doesn’t get any better.
Student chill-out zones
Mascot has a surprising number of green spaces peppering the suburb, where students can find some peace and calm whenever they need it. The John Curtin Memorial Reserve is a recently upgraded little treasure right in the centre of Mascot, with plenty of mature trees and shrubs and children’s play equipment. Sparks Street Reserve is a much wider space some 2km from Mascot station. Take a stroll from your student housing and enjoy the peace and tranquillity with a book, or pack a picnic and have some fun with friends. It’s the perfect alternative to Sydney’s student accommodation when you want to enjoy the fresh outdoors. Lionel Bowen Park takes first prize for green space in a central location, at just 2 minutes’ walk from the station and situated super close to Iglu Mascot. With BBQs, sheltered seating, play equipment and more, it’s like sitting out in your own back yard. Golfing enthusiasts will find it hard to ignore the impressive Lakes Golf Club, where there are limited opportunities to experience this major venue for non-members.
Student living
Reasonable prices and affordable living mean that Mascot is incredibly popular with young professionals and small families. This is great news for students planning on booking their accommodation nearby. It means the area not only caters well for urban entertainment, it also provides green spaces, safe environs and family-friendly amenities at the same time. Iglu Mascot is located right next to the station and close to the heart of the new Mascot development. With easy access to Marrickville, Alexandria, Waterloo and Central, getting around the city and getting to university has never been easier.
Image by Anna Kucera
