From inexpensive accommodation to affordable food options, Perth is a cosmopolitan city with one of the lowest costs of living in Australia.
Student.com will provide opportunities for you to take advantage of affordable student accommodation in Perth. We currently list lots of student housing options in Perth. If you’re thinking about studying in the “Education City” of Australia and need a trusted source for international student accommodation, don’t hesitate to give us a call or contact us on live chat.
Get to know Perth
Perth, with a population of about two million people, is Australia’s fourth-largest city and the capital of the thriving state of Western Australia. Students who study in the city renowned for higher learning will be receiving the very best education that Australia has to offer.
But Perth has a lot more in store for international students than just a great education. Australia’s sunniest state capital offers an inspiring study environment with sunny weather, stunning beaches, a relaxed outdoor environment, and beautiful natural scenery.
It’s famous for being one the most isolated major cities in the world, surrounded by nature sitting between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Scarp, and bisected by the Swan River.
Lots to do and see
Beyond its wonderful aesthetics, Perth holds international appeal with its strong cultural diversity, urban sophistication, and laid-back, friendly people. Perth has evolved from indigenous and British roots into the diverse, inclusive, multicultural cosmopolitan city it is today where considerations of different culture, religion, and lifestyle are embraced. That inclusive and welcoming philosophy is one of several reasons why people from more than 200 different countries speaking as many as 170 languages call Perth home.
Tourists are drawn to the city to explore its characteristic landscapes and unique plants and animals. The region’s hub for music, theatre, film, and art, Perth hosts several art shows, festivals, and exhibitions from around the world. It’s cosmopolitan and multicultural society lends its art scene a distinctive depth and diversity. Indigenous Australian art draws on thousands of years of history of the world’s oldest living culture.
Perth is safe and liveable
Like most Australian cities Perth is considered extremely safe. The city has 24/7 CCTV, adequate lighting in most places, and technology that provide quick and direct communication to local police.
Perth is also the first and only city in Australia, notorious for its below-par internet service, to offer free public Wi-Fi in the Central Business District.
All these factors, among many others, contribute to Perth being ranked the seventh most liveable city in the world in both the 2016 and 2017 Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Ranking.
Student life in Perth
Perth may be one of the most isolated cities in the world but that doesn’t mean nothing is going on, students just need to know where to go.
Not only is Perth home to some of the best beaches with pure white sand and crystal-clear water where you can swim with dolphins, go whale watching or watch coral spawning, the city’s surrounding areas also give easy access to the beautiful natural sights of Western Australia.
Explore the great outdoors in and around Perth
Perth’s close proximity to amazing destinations from its beautiful coastline at Rottnest Island to the Pinnacles Desert is what sets it apart from other cities.
Exploring prehistoric caves and walking in the treetops of an ancient forest are just some of the many places in Western Australia where students can visit that are cheap and easy enough to reach.
Here are a few of the popular ones among students:
Pinnacles Desert
Escape the city and take a trip up to Cervantes to explore the Pinnacles Desert, ideally between August and September when the wildflowers bloom. It’s a unique spot near some pretty nice beaches and a favourite of international students.
Injidup Natural Spa
Cool off at one of Western Australia’s best-kept secrets. The rocks shelter the pool from large waves, creating spa-like bubbles with crystal clear blue water. You’ll have to climb some rocks to get there but it’s a great place to go if you need to de-stress from your exams.
Rottnest Island
Just two hours away by car, Rottnest Island or Rotto, is a must-do for international students and locals alike. University students usually head there during the winter months for ‘Mid-Year Rotto’ to explore the beautiful island, its history and the friendly native quokkas, small marsupial animals that are found in very few places in the world.
The Margaret River Region
The southwest of Western Australia, only three hours south of Perth, is one of Australia’s most beautiful regions. With its many beaches, caves, and forests, Margaret River is a favourite getaway for students over a study break or weekend.
Swan Valley
If you can’t make your way to the beautiful southwest region check out Swan Valley and indulge on some delicious food and good wine.
While there are many cool and trendy food options from exquisite fine dining at Waterfront restaurants to salt-of-the-earth pub grub or food trucks that serve up tasty Asian, French, or Italian cuisine, Swan Valley is one of several that have proven to be a hit amongst university students.
It’s home to many wineries and gourmet food outlets and tasting tours where you can sample chocolate (Margaret River Chocolate Factory) coffee, cheese or wine for free.
Events and Festivals
If you get tired of the incredible outdoors, Perth hosts some of the best events and festivals that are also suited for university students.
Whether you want to watch a runway fashion show or laugh out loud at a comedy show, there are numerous options such as the Perth Fringe Festival, the decades-old traditional Perth Royal Show or the Telstra Perth Fashion Festival, which highlights some of the state’s best designers. The Perth Comedy Festival is great for comedy lovers while the Falls Festival is great for live music.
Transportation in Perth
Perth has an efficient public transportation system. Getting around is easy with the Transperth network that’s well connected to all of Perth’s universities and offer student discounts with its tertiary Smartrider card.
University options in Perth
Perth is regarded as the “Education City” for a reason.
If you’re thinking about studying in Perth you can rest assured that you’ll get a quality education plus stellar student support services from one of its five universities.
University of Western Australia - Perth’s oldest and grandest university, established in 1911.
Curtin University - the largest university in Perth and Western Australia.
Murdoch University - the only university in Western Australia that offers veterinarian science courses.
University of Notre Dame Australia - one of the best places to study nursing or physiotherapy.
Edith Cowan University – according to many the best university in Perth for performing arts students.
Frequently asked questions about student accommodation in Perth
How do I apply for student housing in Perth?
After finding a property you like from our search and mapping features, click ‘View rooms’ to go to the property page. Then choose the room type you’d like and click ‘Enquire’ or ‘Book Now’.
One of our booking consultants will then be in touch with you either to give you more information or to take you through the steps of the booking process.
Do you offer accommodation options near the University of Western Australia?
Yes, we do. You can use our map function to find these, but St Thomas More College, 26 Portland Street and Shannon House are particularly close.
What are the different room types you offer?
We offer three different types of student apartments with the properties we list in Perth.
You’ll be sharing a bedroom with at least one other person, as well as sharing other living spaces like the bathroom and kitchen if you book a Shared Room.
You’ll get a private bedroom and, in some cases, a private bathroom as well as shared additional living facilities with inhabitants of other rooms if you book one of our Private Room options.
Booking the Entire Place will provide you your own bedroom, bathroom, and cooking facilities in a self-contained studio. This is a great options if you love your own space and don’t want to share facilities with other students.
Can you arrange a viewing for me?
Yes. Our booking consultants will be happy to arrange a viewing for you if you’ll be in Perth before your move-in date.