The Iglu Guide | Blog
Best suburbs for student living near UNSW
If you’re studying at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), finding the right place to live is key to making the most of your student experience. You’ll want a neighbourhood that balances convenience, community, and lifestyle – all while staying connected to campus.
Luckily, UNSW is surrounded by great suburbs, each offering something a little different. Here’s a guide to some of the best areas to live as a UNSW student, how to get around, and the kind of accommodation options you’ll find along the way.
Kensington and Kingsford – Right next to campus
These two suburbs are practically on UNSW’s doorstep, making them ideal for students who want to live close to class. Kensington is home to a mix of students and professionals, while Kingsford has a more residential feel with strong ties to the uni.
You’ll find plenty of casual eateries, Asian supermarkets, and cafes along Anzac Parade, plus easy access to light rail and bus services straight into the city or eastern beaches.
Most accommodation here is in shared houses or older-style apartments, though there are some purpose-built student options around. It’s a top pick if you value proximity above all else.
Randwick – A leafy local favourite
Just east of campus, Randwick is a long-time student favourite. It has a relaxed suburban vibe, great cafes and cinemas, and it’s just a short bus ride or walk from Coogee Beach. The L2 Randwick light rail line connects straight to UNSW and Central Station, making commuting easy.
Randwick offers a mix of house shares, units, and more upmarket rentals – great for students who want a quieter living environment with good access to campus and outdoor spaces.
Coogee – Beachside living
If you want to live by the beach, Coogee is hard to beat. It’s about a 25-minute walk or a short bus ride to UNSW, and offers a perfect blend of student life and laid-back coastal energy.
While rentals can be a little more expensive here, especially during summer, many students find share houses or split apartments to make beachside living work. Plus, starting your day with a swim or coastal walk is a pretty nice perk.
Mascot – Inner south convenience
Just south of the city, Mascot is a rising star for student living. With a direct train line to Central Station and regular buses to UNSW, it offers a good balance of affordability, convenience, and access to the CBD.
It’s well connected for students who are also working part-time in the city or travelling regularly, and the area has grown rapidly in recent years with new apartments, cafes, and shops popping up. Iglu Mascot is a modern student accommodation option here, offering a social community and easy links to UNSW by bus or train-plus-bus combo.
Chippendale, Ultimo and Redfern – City-adjacent and student friendly
For students who want to immerse themselves in Sydney’s urban energy, Chippendale, Ultimo, and Redfern are fantastic options. These inner-city neighbourhoods are known for their creative vibes, diverse food scenes, and cultural events – all just a short light rail ride from UNSW and within walking distance of Central Station.
With a mix of share houses and purpose-built student accommodation, including Iglu Broadway, Iglu Central, Iglu Central Park, and Iglu Redfern, it’s easy to find a place that suits your lifestyle. Living here puts you close to job opportunities, buzzing cafes, and everything the city has to offer – while staying conveniently connected to campus.
Getting around: Public transport to UNSW
UNSW is well served by public transport, with several key options:
- Light Rail (L2 Line): Runs from Circular Quay through Central to UNSW and Randwick.
- Buses: Frequent services run along Anzac Parade, connecting Kensington, Kingsford, and Coogee to the city and surrounding suburbs.
- Cycling: UNSW has bike parking and end-of-trip facilities, and some students choose to cycle from nearby areas like Randwick or Coogee.
With an Opal card, students get discounted fares, and the network makes it easy to live a little further out without sacrificing access to class.
Choosing where to live as a UNSW student really comes down to your priorities – whether it’s being close to campus, near the beach, or right in the middle of Sydney’s buzzing inner-city life.
And whether you’re after a share house with mates or purpose-built student living like the Iglu properties in Sydney – the options are there to help you settle in, stay connected, and enjoy everything Sydney has to offer during your uni years.
