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Finding accommodation

Brisbane offers a range of student complexes, residential colleges, and rental accommodation options near QUT. We recommend living close to campus so you can easily walk or use public transport to get to classes.

Your living space should provide a happy and safe environment for you during your time in Brisbane, while also fitting within your budget. The facilities your accommodation includes, such as furniture, catering and shared or private amenities, will depend on your needs and budget.

QUT’s Accommodation Service can help you:

  • understand types of accommodation and what suits your needs
  • find safe, reliable accommodation
  • apply for accommodation.

Visit QUT Accommodation Service

Places to live

student complex

Student complexes are apartment buildings designed for students, usually centrally located within walking distance from campuses, supermarkets and restaurants.

They offer facilities including a bed, a desk and some storage, and have private or shared spaces like a bathroom, kitchen and laundry. The size of your room and whether you share with other students will depend on your budget and the accommodation provider. Student complexes may also have facilities like a gym, a swimming pool and shared recreational spaces.

Check out the following student complexes close to QUT Gardens Point or Kelvin Grove campuses:

residential-college

Residential colleges are off-campus student accommodation designed to be a supportive, inclusive and social environment for students living away from home. Colleges have regular events to get involved in, comprehensive pastoral care, and up to three meals per day included in your fees. They’re a great option if you want to make friends and access support before moving out to cheaper and more independent accommodation.

There are residential colleges across Brisbane, including in the suburbs of St. Lucia, Auchenflower and Ascot. Every college has a unique environment and community, so research your options to find a college that suits you.

The following residential colleges are located in the suburb of St. Lucia. These colleges welcome QUT students and are a short bus or ferry ride away from QUT Kelvin Grove or Gardens Point.

rental

Rental accommodation is an affordable and flexible option for students who are confident organising their tenancy more independently. You can rent a room in a shared student home, rent a whole house or apartment with people you know, or rent a house or apartment on your own.

Before you apply, make sure you check:

  • if it is furnished or unfurnished
  • if utility bills (like water, gas and electricity) are included in rent or paid separately
  • if you trust the people (housemates) you are signing a rental agreement with
  • that the lessor is a trustworthy site or agency.

Visit QUT Accommodation Services or the Queensland Government Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) for tips on how to protect your rights while renting.

The following sites offer student-specific housing, where you can rent a room in a shared student house that is managed by a trusted student accommodation provider.

The following sites list rental properties advertised by real estate agencies, private property owners and other organisations.

Discover student complexes

Getting around

When choosing a place to live, keep in mind the travel distance from your home to QUT campuses, supermarkets, transport stations and other essentials. You’ll need to consider if you can walk to campus or if you’ll need a bicycle, a car, a bus or a train.

QUT campuses are in the heart of the city – QUT Gardens Point is right next to the river and the Brisbane CBD, while QUT Kelvin Grove is three kilometres north of the CBD within the Kelvin Grove suburb.

There are lots of commuting options, including the free QUT shuttle bus between campuses, and Brisbane is a safe and welcoming place for students. Check out our useful campus maps to help you plan.

Maps and getting here

Hear from our students

Peaceful, family-friendly community

‘I’ve lived in the Kelvin Grove suburb during my studies which is the home of the QUT Kelvin Grove campus. The campus was strongly integrated with, and is an essential part of, the local community. I loved that the area is quiet and calm, which is ideal for families with children, despite being near the CBD. The free QUT shuttle bus service between the campuses was the most convenient transportation for me.’

Purevdorj Ochirbat, Mongolia
Master of Project Management graduate

QUT’s location is a great advantage

‘I chose to study at QUT primarily because of the convenient location of the Gardens Point campus in Brisbane City. For an international student like me, residing in student accommodation within a 10- to 15-minute walk to campus is not only convenient but also a cost-effective choice compared to relying on public transport. Brisbane is an ideal study destination, offering students easy access to vibrant city life, cultural events, entertainment, and an abundance of parks.’

Ilhami Thurayya Md Shuhaime, Malaysia
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice graduate

Scape was a great start

‘When I first arrived in Brisbane, I got picked up at the Brisbane airport by the QUT airport pick up service, which was very convenient. I had already made a prior booking for staying at Scape student accommodation, where I lived for the first six months. It was a very good starting place as there were many international students to interact with, lots of free facilities to use and the proximity to uni was perfect. Now, I’ve moved into a share house with friends.’

Dyllon Jia Jun Tan, Malaysia
Bachelor of Data Science student

Brisbane is worth the commute

‘I currently live in Gold Coast with my family. It is an hour away from Brisbane, but every kilometre is worth it when going to uni. I chose to study in Brisbane because QUT offers excellent education to pursue my academic aspirations and goals. It’s a very multicultural city offering opportunities for global friendships. What I love the most is the laid-back charm and the genuine warmth from people, which create a sense of belonging.’

Gianne Nicole Acosta, Philippines
Bachelor of Justice and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student

International Insights

Discover more student stories on what it's like to study at QUT and live in Brisbane, at our International Insights blog.

Read the blog

The QUTube

Discover more videos about studying at QUT and living in Brisbane on our YouTube channel.

Visit the QUTube

Support

Adjusting to university life can be difficult, and we want to see you thrive. We’re here to help you with learning and language support, study skills, health services, financial advice, LGBTIQA+ support, spirituality and disability services, and much more.

How we support you

Managing finances

Accommodation will be one of your biggest expenses while studying. If you need financial support, we want to help you. You may be eligible for our Equity scholarships for low-income students, our Equity Emergency Bursaries or our Equity Work Integrated Learning Bursaries to help you meet basic study and living expenses.

Explore Equity scholarships

Under 18

Will you be under the age of 18 when you start studying in Australia?

The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires that students under the age of 18 have appropriate accommodation, support, and welfare arrangements in place before they start their studies at QUT. It is a condition of your student visa.

You will need to choose a guardian, select your accommodation, and complete the under 18 guardianship form before you accept your offer to study at QUT.

Download the under 18 supervision application form (PDF file, 484.6 KB)

We know that leaving home to study overseas can be both exciting and scary, so we are here to guide you through the process and help you settle into your new life and study in Brisbane.

If QUT is your guardian, you will join the Under 18 Supervision Program (U18SP) and receive dedicated support from our friendly student services team until you turn 18.

Learn more about the U18SP

QUT-approved under 18 supervision

If you choose the U18SP, you will need to select an accommodation option from one of our approved accommodation providers.

Each of the approved accommodation options offers private rooms, great facilities, and a secure environment located in or near Brisbane's city centre.

Explore approved accommodation options

Contact student services

Emergency accommodation

Community and non-government organisations offer many types of short-term accommodation for people in emergency situations.

If you unexpectedly find you have no place to stay, you should contact Homeless Persons Information Queensland or use the directory for Brisbane Emergency Relief.

Living in Brisbane

Learn about the capital of the Sunshine State.

Explore the city

Student life

Discover the vibrant student community at QUT.

Explore student life

Connect with us

Call us and chat with an adviser

+617 3138 8339
(outside Australia)

07 3138 8339
(within Australia)

Ask us a question

We are here to help with every step of your journey to studying at QUT.

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