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8 Student-Friendly Suburbs in Adelaide

As one of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide is becoming an increasingly popular student hub. Moving to Adelaide means getting to enjoy its natural beauty, with the hills to the east and the coastline just 20 minutes from the city.

But which Adelaide suburbs are best for student living? Whether you’re just moving in or looking for a change of pace, there are plenty of vibrant areas to live. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the most student-friendly suburbs in Adelaide.

North Adelaide

Just north of the city centre, and in close proximity to the University of Adelaide and UniSA, North Adelaide has long been a popular suburb for students. O’Connell St and Melbourne St are home to restaurants, boutique shopping, cafes and the beautiful Piccadilly Cinema, while cricket and AFL games are held at Adelaide Oval, just around the corner.

The median weekly rent in North Adelaide is $400 for a one-bedroom apartment and $250 for a room in a share house. North Adelaide is also home to four independent residential colleges, whose weekly fees range from $550-600 per week.

Bowden

Up and coming Bowden is a hotspot for young people and students, with plenty of new apartments, cool places to eat and drink, and a five-minute drive from the city. Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $467 per week, and $200 per week for a room in a share house.

Home to indie music venue The Gov, and mere minutes from the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where you can watch bands, comedians and professional sports, Bowden is a hive of creativity and entertainment.

Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide is a vibrant multicultural suburb. With plenty to do, including visiting the Maritime Museum, having a pint at Pirate Life Brewing, or sampling seafood down by the waterfront, Port Adelaide is a unique historic suburb. 

Port Adelaide is easily accessible, with trains and buses taking you into the city in half an hour. Median weekly rent costs around $200 for a room in a sharehouse, or $350 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Norwood

Safe, leafy Norwood is the perfect spot for students who prefer a more low-key lifestyle. Take a stroll along the Parade, where you can window shop at Australian stores, eat at one of many popular cafes, go to the cinema or watch a local AFL game at Norwood Oval.

Median weekly rent in Norwood is $250 for a sharehouse room or $320 for a one-bed apartment. Adelaide city centre is a short bus ride away, so you won’t be too far from campus or nightlife, and there are plenty of parks in the area for nature lovers.

Prospect

With its tree-lined streets, multicultural community, and close proximity to both the city and beautiful parks, Prospect has the best of both worlds. Its cafes, local shops, and cultural events have a lively vibe, perfect for students looking to explore the local community while enjoying a quiet study environment. 

Median weekly rent is $245 for a room in a share house and $340 per week for a two-bedroom apartment. Public transport is easily accessible, allowing residents to travel almost anywhere in Adelaide efficiently.

Henley Beach

If you’re looking for a classic Aussie experience, you might like to live at Henley Beach, one of Adelaide’s most popular beach suburbs. Weekly rent is likely to cost between $200-400, depending on how close you live to the beach.

With its beautiful beachfront, perfect for walking and swimming, many eateries, and a variety of recreational activities, Henley Beach provides the perfect balance between study and leisure. 

Goodwood

Heritage suburb Goodwood is full of vintage charm. The suburb is known for its cafes, restaurants and the iconic Capri Theatre, offering plenty of opportunities for entertainment and relaxation. You can expect to pay between $220 – 550 per week for rent depending on the type of accommodation.

With multiple university campuses within reach, and home to the Adelaide Showgrounds, holding weekly markets, events and the Adelaide Show, you’ll never run out of things to do in Goodwood.

Adelaide CBD

If you’re looking to live in the heart of the action, with easy access to nightlife, shopping and events, Adelaide city centre is the place for you. UniSA, the University of Adelaide and Flinders University all have campuses in the city, while student accommodation is common, making it a super convenient place to live.

The Adelaide Fringe takes over the city during March of each year, and Adelaide Oval is a short walk across the river. Median weekly rent for a room in a city sharehouse is about $220, while a one-bedroom apartment will set you back $460 per week.