Alright, so you’ve accepted your spot at Curtin, you’re daydreaming about your degree (or at least about skipping 8AM lectures), and now comes the real question: where exactly are you going to live?
Because — surprise — Perth is big. Like, “spend 45 minutes on the bus rethinking your life choices” big if you don’t plan smart. And while Curtin’s Bentley campus is the main event for most students, not every suburb nearby is created equal. Some are ideal for student life. Others? Not so much unless you enjoy tumbleweeds and a solid 6PM bedtime.
Here’s your insider map — no fluff, just real talk.
Bentley
Obviously. This is the campus’s postcode and where the Bentley Bubble lives. You’ll find tons of student accommodation near Curtin Bentley campus, ranging from shared houses to student apartments. It’s walkable, bikeable, and full of people just like you — half-stressed, half-thriving. Bonus: you'll never be too far from the library or that one café that knows your coffee order.
Best for: No-car life, last-minute roll-outs to class, and constant proximity to student chaos.
Karawara
Literally next door to Bentley, Karawara is the quieter twin. A little more leafy, a little more residential, but still close enough to walk or cycle to campus without breaking into a sweat. Plus, it’s home to the Waterford Plaza — a food court, Woolies, and enough bubble tea to power you through finals.
Best for: Suburb vibes without isolation, plus bonus points if you want to live close to the shops.
Waterford
Small, peaceful, slightly bougie. Waterford is basically the glow-up suburb. Think student share houses but with nicer front lawns. It's more polished than Bentley but still within 10 minutes of campus. You’ll pay a little more, but it’s a trade-off for fewer broken fences and more reliable street lighting.
Best for: Quiet living, late-night Woolies runs, and pretending you have your life together.
East Victoria Park (a.k.a. East Vic Park)
Want to escape the Bentley bubble while still staying close enough to get to class without a bus breakdown? Say hello to East Vic Park — the cool cousin. It’s got cafés, bars, vintage shops, and actual nightlife. You’ll probably have to commute 15–20 minutes, but the lifestyle upgrade is real.
Best for: Foodies, creatives, and anyone who wants to be close to action without full-on city chaos.
Como
Fancy a view? Como sits by the river and is lowkey gorgeous. It’s a little pricier than Bentley or Karawara but still very accessible to Curtin — especially if you’ve got a car or live near the main bus lines. Expect leafy streets, cute apartments, and slightly more mature neighbours.
Best for: Chill vibes, pretty walks, and people who enjoy early morning runs (or pretend to).
South Perth
Look, if you’re balling on a bigger budget or have a job that pays better than casual retail, South Perth is a bit of a dream. City views, river walks, trendy cafés — it’s basically lifestyle goals. It’s a bit further out but not impossible with solid bus access to Bentley and the CBD.
Best for: Boujee students, young professionals, and people who don’t mind paying extra for aesthetics.
Perth CBD & Surrounds
If you’re attending Curtin Perth City campus, this is your zone. The CBD is perfect for students juggling classes, internships, and a deep-seated love for real barista-made coffee. Housing is mostly in the form of apartments — solo studios, PBSA-style options, or shared urban living.
Best for: City slickers, postgrads, and the "I’m busy networking" crowd.
Honourable Mentions:
St James – Bordering Bentley with similar housing vibes, slightly more suburban and affordable.
Victoria Park – Close to East Vic Park with a younger population and great public transport.
Kensington – Quiet, close to the river, and a hidden gem for those who want a balance of calm and access.
Final Word?
There’s no one-size-fits-all neighbourhood. Some of you want night markets and chaos, others want peace and a fridge that isn’t communal. Wherever you land, just make sure it ticks three boxes: proximity to uni, decent transport, and a vibe that won’t drive you up the wall.
If you’re not into trial and error or dodgy rental listings, House of Students has your back. Their suburb insights, location filters, and no-BS listings are the easiest way to land the right pad without ending up miles from campus or surrounded by boomers.