About Perth
Perth is a beautiful, bright, and friendly city on Australia’s west coast. International students appreciate working in Perth for its relaxed lifestyle and outstanding natural assets. With its golden beaches, a lively city center and great green spaces, just to name a few, life in Perth offers a mix of leisure and opportunity. Perth is also home to world-leading institutions, including the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, Murdoch University and Edith Cowan University (ECU), attracting thousands of international students each year.
The best areas for affordable long-term student accommodation in Perth are well-connected to the universities, have a bang of the café, library and student scene. You could be studying by the Swan River, having social time at Elizabeth Quay, or going on weekend adventures to Fremantle. There is a great balance between student life and living in Perth while enjoying the sun. Other major centers like Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide are only a flight away.
Best Student Accommodation in Perth
Alphaway offers the best student accommodation in Perth whether it be budget rooms in shared student apartment in Perth, mid-range ensuite student rooms in Perth or high-end private student studio in Perth. Every property is verified, safe, and designed for students so they can live with ease. All that with purpose-built student accommodation in Perth, 24/7 support, and trusted listings, Alphaway has made it easy and trustworthy for finding student homes in Perth. Here are some best rated students' accommodations Perth:
Why Choose Perth for Higher Education
Perth is an excellent choice for students for its globally recognized universities, relaxed lifestyle, and excellent career opportunities. The city is safe, clean, and has a student-friendly environment, offering a high quality of life with easy access to beaches, parks, and the city center. Perth’s universities offer a wide range of career focused courses, strong research opportunities, and active student communities. With a growing job market, and a perfect balance between academics and outdoor living, Perth attracts many students from around the world.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Perth
Finding the right neighborhood is key to enjoying student life. Here are some popular areas for student flats near universities in Perth:
- Crawley: A riverside suburb not far from the University of Western Australia, Crawley offers quiet streets, good cafés, and proximity to campus.
- Bentley: Very popular with Curtin University students, Bentley has affordable Perth housing for students and good public transport routes into the city.
- Mount Lawley: A lively area close to Edith Cowan University which offers a high density of bars and restaurants, as well as entertainment and cultural areas.
- Murdoch: A great option for Murdoch University students, with a good mix of housing options for students in Perth, and super close to the libraries and labs.
- East Perth: Centrally located with good transport links, East Perth is well-suited for international students wishing to live in the city, close to shopping, transport, cafes, and nightlife.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Perth
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA): Perth's purpose-built student accommodation is the most popular option. These homes consist of private student studio in Perth, ensuite student rooms, and shared student apartment in Perth. All the homes are fully furnished and include inclusive rents (i.e., rent covers Wi-Fi, electrical utilities, security, and additional on-site facilities such as gyms, study lounges, laundry facilities, and social spaces).
- University Halls: These vibrant homes for students in Perth are run by universities such as UWA, Curtin and ECU. They can be quite supportive, community driven.
- Shared Apartments: Some students may rent shared student apartment in Perth from private owners with their friends and handle their own bills and utilities as part of an independent lifestyle.
Cost of Living in Perth for International Students
The cost of living in Perth for students is more affordable compared to other Australian cities, but budgeting smartly is key. Here’s an average breakdown of the cost of living in Perth for students:
- Rent: AUD 200-400 per week based on whether you select shared rooms, studios, or luxury student accommodation Perth.
- Groceries: AUD 200-300 per month if you cook at home. You'll find Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi are popular student shops.
- Travel: AUD 40-80 per month for public transport, with student discounts on buses and trains.
- Dining Out: AUD 12-25 per meal at casual and cheap cafes and restaurants.
- Entertainment & Shopping: AUD 80-120 for the month for movies, concerts, or weekend trips.
Transportation in Perth
Getting around Perth is easy and student-friendly:
- Buses: They're reliable, affordable, and provide transport across the entire city.
- Trains: The train network connects the suburbs to central Perth and universities around the area.
- Ferries: A fast and scenic way to travel across the Swan River.
- Biking: Perth is bike friendly, with safe bike paths and cycle-friendly lanes close to most universities.
- Discounts: International students can get discounted travel passes that significantly reduce living expenses in Perth!
Student Life in Perth
Perth offers a balanced lifestyle full of academic and social opportunities:
- Restaurants & Cafés: Popular places in Northbridge or along the waterfront by the Swan River.
- Student Clubs & Events: Very active student societies, and there are cultural festivals taking place throughout the city.
- Markets & Malls: Visit the Fremantle Market before checking out the shops available at Westfield Carousel.
- Weekend getaways: Rottnest Island, Margaret River, and the Pinnacles.
- Libraries & Study spaces: Modern university libraries as well as public spaces for quiet study.
- Live music & art: Northbridge has plenty of nightlife, with many venues offering live music and art, including galleries.
Universities in Perth
- University of Western Australia (UWA): The University of Western Australia (UWA) is a world-class institution with an outstanding reputation, particularly in respect to science, engineering and the humanities.
- Curtin University: Curtin University is noteworthy for its commitment to innovation, world-class research, and its strong partnerships with industry to ensure students can gain practical exposures and career education.
- Murdoch University: Murdoch University is noteworthy for its programme offerings in education, health and creative arts, particularly its emphasis on creativity and critical thinking.
- Edith Cowan University (ECU): Edith Cowan University (ECU) has also built a reputation for applied learning and graduate industry readiness. Collectively, they offer students an exciting environment in which to obtain qualifications from a Perth-based university.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: Universities in Perth offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to local and international students.
- Government Support: Scholarships and grants from the Australian government are available for students that qualify.
- GCC Countries Scholarships: Students from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the Gulf region can apply through their ministries and embassies.
- Other Scholarships: There are also other scholarships from sources like Australia Awards and private foundations.
Tips for International Students
- Open an Australian bank account to make it easy to pay rent etc.
- Get a local SIM card from Optus, Vodafone, or Telstra. Each of these three cheap plans have provided one of our sponsors in Australia.
- Learn a few Aussie phrases- "No worries" and "Cheers" go a long way!
- Develop a budget and stick to it so you can afford the cost of living in Perth, which is average.
- Alphaway offers support like airport pick-up, travel help, and essentials kits to help support ease of settling into Perth.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Identify a local GP under Australia's healthcare system (Medicare for eligible students).
- Have emergency contacts readily available-dial 000 in case of emergencies.
- Use public transport or ride services to travel safely at night, and remember, safety is always the priority.
- Universities located in Perth offer free counselling, wellbeing workshops, and peer-support groups.