Student Accommodation near University Of Western Australia

Welcome to UWA, aka The University of Western Australia, aka U-Dub, aka the place where sandstone buildings, swan selfies, and serious brainpower collide. 

Perched right on the sparkling edge of the Swan River in Crawley, UWA is what you'd get if academic prestige and coastal lifestyle had a baby. It’s WA’s oldest university (but not in a dusty, irrelevant way), and it’s consistently ranked in the world’s top 100 unis. So yes, you’re studying somewhere that actually looks amazing and gives you legit bragging rights. 

But don't let the “Group of Eight” status and gothic-style architecture fool you — this isn’t some stuck-up institution full of tweed jackets and outdated overhead projectors. UWA's vibe is all about forward-thinking, sustainability, student experience, and turning you into a future legend, whether you're into biomedical science, marine biology, fine arts, or data science with AI flair. 

What Makes UWA the Main Character? 

Location, Location, Matilda Bay – The University of Western Australia Crawley campus sits in one of the most scenic spots in Perth. You’ve got the river to your left, Kings Park to your right, and enough Insta-worthy corners to fill an entire grid. 

Flexibility That Works With Your Chaos – Whether you want to double major, do an exchange, or mix arts and science like the academic baddie you are, UWA lets you build a degree that works for you. 

Research Powerhouse – University of Western Australia is big on innovation, and even bigger on research impact. Think Nobel Prize-winning alumni and climate scientists who actually get listened to. Not bad company to be in. 

A+ Campus Culture – More than just “study hard,” UWA does student life right. There are 160+ clubs and societies (including weirdly niche ones), regular campus festivals, cultural weeks, wellness days, and a student guild that actually does stuff. 

Career and Industry Ties – Partnerships with WA’s top companies mean networking doesn’t just mean awkward cheese platters and suits. It means internships, grad programs, and industry mentoring before you even graduate. 

University of Western Australia Crawley Campus = Main Stage 

Everything goes down at Crawley — it’s where the faculties, major lectures, student guild, libraries, and iconic Winthrop Hall live. You’ll study under palm trees, walk past peacocks (no joke), and probably host at least one mental breakdown near the Reflection Pond. Classic. 

And living near UWA Crawley campus? That’s a smart move. It means more sleep, shorter commutes, and easy access to both caffeine and crisis support. Don’t worry — House of Students knows all the prime suburbs around Crawley, so you can live the close-to-campus dream without sacrificing your sanity or your savings. 

International? Welcome to the Club 

University of Western Australia has one of the most diverse student populations in Australia, with over 7,000 international students. It also means the food on and around campus slaps. Plus, support services are genuinely helpful — visa help, language support, and events that help you not feel like a lost exchange kid who accidentally signed up for four group assignments. 

Bottom line? UWA isn’t just a university — it’s a whole ecosystem. One that pushes you academically, supports you emotionally, and somehow still gives you time to eat ice cream on the Matilda Bay foreshore while you pretend you’re not drowning in readings.

So, you’ve seen the rankings, admired the campus, Googled “student accommodation near UWA Crawley” ten times in a panic spiral — but what’s it really like being a student at UWA? 

Here’s your unofficial welcome kit to the University of Western Australia: part academic powerhouse, part coastal daydream, part social experiment where everyone’s pretending they have their life together (they don’t). 

The Vibe Check: Chill, Smart, and Slightly Sunburnt 

University of Western Australia has a whole energy. You’ve got architecture majors sketching on the lawn, commerce kids networking at 10 a.m., and marine bio students casually flexing about coral reef field trips. It’s laidback, but not lazy. Ambitious, but not cutthroat. It’s like someone mashed together an academic conference and a beach day — and somehow it works. 

The University of Western Australia Crawley campus itself is almost offensively pretty. Sandstone buildings, palm trees, and lawns so green they look fake. You’ll study with swans gliding past the river and peacocks wandering around like they own the place (they might). There are picnic tables with million-dollar views, Instagrammable sunsets at Matilda Bay, and lecture halls where you’ll question all your life choices. 

Class is in Session (But So Is Life) 

Uni life at UWA is the art of juggling. Classes, tutorials, assignments — sure. But also: 

Clubs – Over 160 of them, from chess to chocolate appreciation, anime to activism. If you’ve got a niche, there’s probably already a society for it. 

Events – The UWA Student Guild puts on market days, themed parties, cultural festivals, and weirdly specific events like “puppy therapy day” during exams. 

Live Music & Lawn Hangs – There’s always something happening on Oak Lawn or the Reid Library steps — whether it’s a DJ set, sausage sizzle, or just everyone collectively avoiding deadlines in the sun.

Sport & Fitness – University of Western Australia Sport hits hard. There’s a gym, courts, pool, yoga classes, and competitive sports if you’re feeling athletic (or just need a break from your desk spiral). 

Study Spaces for Every Mood – Want total silence? Head to Reid. Want a noisy, buzzy zone with snacks? EZONE’s your place. Want to study by the water like the main character? Matilda Bay’s got you. 

It’s Not All Vibes – There’s Support, Too 

Behind the peacocks and palm trees, University of Western Australia actually takes student support seriously. Whether you’re stressing about grades, mental health, career stuff, or just wondering where the nearest microwave is, there’s help. 

UniAccess for accessibility needs 

Wellbeing services with actual humans who listen 

Peer mentors who’ve made all the mistakes already 

Academic skills workshops so your essays stop sounding like AI-generated chaos 

A Global Crew 

UWA is one of the most internationally diverse unis in Australia, which means you’ll never feel like the odd one out. From language exchanges and global networking nights to food festivals and cultural clubs, it’s a genuinely inclusive environment — and yes, the food trucks reflect that. 

TL;DR? 

Student life at University of Western Australia is a choose-your-own-adventure — and you’ll probably live ten different versions of it before you graduate. 

You’ll cram at Reid, nap under a tree, scream into the Swan River, and meet people who’ll either become your best mates or group assignment nemeses. It's all part of the experience. 

And if you want to actually enjoy student life without stressing over rent, broken heaters, or hour-long bus rides to Crawley? Let House of Students sort your accommodation near UWA — because your housing should be the least chaotic part of uni life.

Let’s get real: where you live can either fuel your student glow-up or fast-track you into a daily routine of rage-commuting and reheating two-minute noodles in an overpriced box with zero airflow. So if you’re studying at The University of Western Australia, picking the right suburb near the University of Western Australia Crawley campus is basically a strategic life move. 

Perth’s inner-west is full of housing hotspots — each with its own flavour. Some feel like student meccas, others give more “quiet suburb energy with suspiciously well-maintained gardens.” Here’s a detailed rundown of the neighbourhoods that UWA students either swear by… or wish they’d found sooner. 

Nedlands – The UWA Staple 

If you're into rolling out of bed and somehow still making it to a 9 a.m. tutorial, Nedlands is your suburb. It’s basically an extension of the University of Western Australia Crawley campus, packed with student share-houses, old-school weatherboard homes, and plenty of casual rentals that don’t break the bank (too badly). You’re surrounded by other students, Broadway shops are within walking distance, and the entire area has that lived-in uni vibe — think textbooks on café tables and people in trackpants 24/7. 

The housing here leans toward older homes with multiple bedrooms, ideal for group living. It’s perfect if you’re the type who wants to walk to class, walk to the gym, and still walk to the servo at midnight for emergency snacks. Nedlands is where convenience meets chaos. 

Crawley – Campus, but Residential 

Living in Crawley is basically the closest you can get to camping on UWA turf without setting up a literal tent. The suburb wraps right around the university grounds, with leafy streets, apartment complexes, and heritage homes that serve serious main-character energy. 

Crawley’s tiny in size but mighty in demand. If you can snag a room here, you’ll be five minutes from everything — lectures, the library, Matilda Bay, and every second-year student who thought a riverside picnic would fix their burnout. You’ll pay a bit more for the convenience, but the trade-off is a commute so short, you might start scheduling 8 a.m. classes voluntarily. (Don’t.) 

Subiaco – Inner-City Edge Meets Brunch Culture 

Subiaco, known as Subi if you’re trying to sound like a local, is a little further from University of Western Australia but makes up for it with personality. It’s trendy without being intimidating, filled with cafés, op shops, markets, and just enough boutique weirdness to keep it interesting. While you’ll find fewer uni-specific rentals here, there’s a decent range of one-bedroom flats, modern units, and group rentals. 

It’s well-connected via train and bus, so commuting to UWA doesn’t feel like a full-on mission. Plus, Subiaco is ideal if you want your weekends to include brunch, markets, and lowkey vintage furniture shopping for your rented room that you 100% won’t take with you when you move. 

Shenton Park – Chill and Leafy 

Shenton Park is the kind of suburb that doesn’t try too hard — and that’s exactly why students who live there never shut up about how good it is. It’s quieter than Nedlands or Subi, with tree-lined streets, local parks, and old-school houses that are surprisingly affordable when split between housemates. 

You’re a quick ride to campus, near local grocery stores, and still close enough to the action without the constant soundtrack of someone testing their new Bluetooth speaker. It’s an underrated choice, ideal for students who want to focus without giving up proximity. 

Dalkeith – Luxe, But Make It Walkable 

If you’ve got a bit more wiggle room in your budget — or you’ve somehow found the deal of the century — Dalkeith is an option worth checking out. It's got huge riverside homes, leafy streets, and some serious peace and quiet. While it’s not student-heavy, it’s walking distance to University of Western Australia and has that hidden-suburb energy that works if you want a low-stress basecamp for your degree grind. 

You’re unlikely to find purpose-built student housing here, but if you land a room in a share house or manage to split a small unit with a mate, Dalkeith delivers big on aesthetics and location. 

Claremont – Social, Stylish, Slightly Further 
Claremont is where suburban calm meets bougie social life. Slightly further out from UWA, it’s popular among students who don’t mind a short train ride in exchange for a beachy lifestyle, decent nightlife, and a shopping centre that doubles as a procrastination trap. 

Claremont has a good mix of townhouses, student-friendly units, and a few share-house options. It's more of a social base than an academic one, but that’s not always a bad thing — especially if you’re balancing uni with a part-time job or just like having more to do on weekends than scroll through recorded lectures you won’t watch anyway. 

Final Thoughts: Location = Lifestyle 
Choosing a neighbourhood near University of Western Australia is less about pin-dropping a spot on Google Maps and more about finding a balance. Ask yourself: Do I want sleep or social life? A view or a walkable commute? A cheap rental or something that won’t make me cry during summer? 

Nedlands and Crawley are the go-to picks for convenience, while Subiaco, Shenton Park, and Claremont offer personality, peace, and perks — especially if you don’t mind a short bus or train ride. Dalkeith is ideal if you luck into a sweet deal and want luxe surroundings without being miles from uni. 

No matter which suburb you land in, House of Students can help you decode the housing landscape and actually find something that fits your schedule, budget, and tolerance for other people’s dishes in the sink.

Let’s not pretend budgeting is anyone’s favourite part of uni life. It’s less “how to build generational wealth” and more “can I afford groceries and a Friday night Uber?” But if you're studying at UWA, especially near the Crawley campus, you need to know what kind of financial reality you’re signing up for — before your bank account flatlines mid-semester. 

Here’s the brutally honest cost-of-living breakdown for students around The University of Western Australia, with everything from rent to ramen included. 

Rent: The Big One 

Housing will chew the biggest chunk out of your budget — no surprises there. The good news? Perth is still one of the more affordable major cities in Australia. The bad news? If you want to live right next to campus and also have things like air con, decent Wi-Fi, and a bathroom door that locks — you’re going to pay a bit for it. 

Approximate weekly rent (per person): 

Shared house in Nedlands or Crawley: $220–$280 

One-bedroom private apartment: $400+ 

Room in purpose-built student accommodation: $300–$450 

Group house in suburbs like Shenton Park or Subiaco: $250–$320 

The closer you are to the Crawley campus, the higher the price tag — but you're also saving on transport and commute-induced rage. That’s where House of Students helps you balance distance, budget, and sanity to find a fit that won’t break your spirit (or your savings). 

Utilities: The Sneaky Add-On 

If you’re not living in an all-inclusive student complex, utilities are your next hidden cost. And no, unfortunately, Wi-Fi isn’t free just because your housemate promised to “sort it.” 

Expect to pay: 

Electricity & Gas: $20–$30 per week 

Water: Often included in rent, but if not, around $5–$10 per week 

Internet: $15–$20 per week (split across housemates) 

Budget around $50 extra per week to be safe — and yes, turn the lights off when you leave a room. It adds up. 

Food: The Meal Prep vs. MenuLog Dilemma 

Grocery costs depend on how good you are at meal prepping — or how often you convince yourself that sushi counts as a budget meal. 

Weekly grocery shop (if you’re somewhat responsible): 
 $70–$100, depending on whether you’re a Woolies loyalist or hitting up ALDI and pretending it’s a personality. 

If you eat out twice a week: 
 Add another $40–$60 to that. 

Cooking with housemates can save you money. Just prepare for the occasional fight over who used the last of the oat milk and didn't replace it. 

Public Transport: For When You Can’t Be Bothered to Walk 

Perth has a decent public transport system, and University of Western Australia is decently serviced by buses (especially the ones running along Stirling Highway). With a Tertiary SmartRider card, students get discounted fares. 

Concession fare per trip: $1.10–$2.50 

Weekly budget: Around $15–$25 if you’re commuting from nearby suburbs 

Bonus tip: If you live in Crawley or Nedlands, you may not need to spend anything on transport at all. Invest in a bike or strong walking shoes and use the savings for... anything else. 

Study Supplies: Not Just Notebooks 

Pens, books, lab coats, software subscriptions — uni costs creep up on you like group project responsibilities. 

Textbooks: $50–$150 each (but check second-hand groups or the UWA Guild Bookshop) 

Stationery & Extras: $20–$30 per semester 

Software & Tech: Some programs are free through University of Western Australia; others may require a small subscription 

Pro tip: Digital downloads or PDFs > $120 textbooks you’ll read twice. 

Gym, Social Life, and the ‘I Deserve This’ Fund 

UWA Sport gym membership: Around $45/month 

Clubs and society fees: Usually $5–$20 per year per club 

Weekend fun budget: Depends entirely on your self-control. $30–$70 is pretty standard if you're doing brunch, drinks, and maybe a spontaneous concert you didn’t plan for.

Life outside class is half the point of uni, so leave some cash for those spontaneous plans that start with “just one drink.” 

The Final Verdict: How Much You’ll Actually Spend 

If you’re living in shared housing near UWA and not splurging every weekend, you’re looking at $400–$600 per week all up, including rent, food, transport, and the occasional dopamine-boosting treat. 

Is it manageable? Yes — especially if you plan ahead and don’t try to live like a celebrity on a student budget. 

Is it worth it? Absolutely. Studying at UWA is an experience, and with the right accommodation (ahem, House of Students, cough), you can live comfortably without missing out. 

So, you’ve locked in your degree, scouted your suburb, and now you’re trying to figure out what kind of home base won’t completely drain your soul — or your bank account. Near the University of Western Australia, especially around the Crawley campus, you’ve got options. A lot of them. The trick is figuring out which type of accommodation fits your vibe, your budget, and your ability to share a fridge shelf with strangers. 

Here’s your ultimate cheat sheet on student housing setups near University of Western Australia — no sales pitch, no real estate fluff, just the truth. 

Shared Housing (Group Rentals) 

The classic student setup. You and a few mates (or total strangers you met online and are now hoping for the best) split a rental house. Everyone gets a room, and the rest — kitchen, bathroom, emotional baggage — is shared. 

Pros: Cheap(ish), social, often bigger spaces, backyards for barbecues or breakdowns. 

Cons: Cleaning rosters that never get followed, mystery smells, at least one housemate who brings their partner over full-time. 

Best for: Students who want to save money, don’t mind noise, and are okay with negotiating over toilet paper. 

Private Studios or One-Bedroom Apartments 

The dream: your own space, no one stealing your leftovers, no label wars over almond milk. 

Pros: Full privacy, control over your space, zero drama over dirty dishes. 

Cons: Expensive. Like, significantly more expensive. Also, a little lonely unless you’re a hermit by nature. 

Best for: Postgrads, introverts, students with part-time jobs, or anyone over the share-house chaos. 

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) 

Think of this as student housing with hotel vibes. Furnished rooms, utilities included, and access to communal spaces like gyms, study lounges, and rooftop hangouts. 

Pros: Convenient, secure, maintenance-free, no furniture shopping stress. 

Cons: Pricey. Also, you’re still surrounded by students 24/7 — so forget peace and quiet if someone’s pre-gaming upstairs. 

Best for: First-years, international students, or those who want a plug-and-play living situation near UWA without adulting too hard. 

Homestays 

Live with a local Perth family, get your own room, and maybe a couple of home-cooked meals thrown in. 

Pros: Great for international students, culturally immersive, generally more structured and stable. 

Cons: Less independence. You’ll have to follow house rules — and probably won’t be throwing a party any time soon. 

Best for: New arrivals to Perth who want support settling in, or students looking for a quieter, more guided lifestyle. 

Short-Term & Temporary Rentals 

Maybe you’re only in Perth for a semester. Maybe you’re in between leases. Maybe you’re still deciding whether you even like University of Western Australia. Short-term lets — from furnished share-houses to budget studios — give you the breathing room. 

Pros: Flexible lease terms, low commitment, great for trial periods. 

Cons: You might have to move again soon, and options can be limited during peak times. 

Best for: Exchange students, placement students, or indecisive commitment-phobes. 

Living at Home (Yes, It’s Still a Thing) 

If you’re Perth-based and have supportive parents (or just really love your dog), staying home is 100% valid. 

Pros: Save money, eat decent food, never do your own laundry (if you play your cards right). 

Cons: Long commutes if you’re not near Crawley, less freedom, zero party hosting privileges. 

Best for: Local students, commuters, and anyone okay with explaining what you’re studying for the 15th time at the dinner table. 

So... What Should You Pick? 

It all depends on what you value most: 

Want independence? Go private. 

Want community? Shared house or PBSA. 

Want security? Homestay. 

Want flexibility? Short-term rental. 

Want your own bathroom and no one touching your oat milk ever again? Studio it is. 

Just remember: your accommodation isn’t just about where you sleep. It’s where you decompress after bad tutorials, celebrate small wins, and hide from deadlines. So, choose wisely — and if you’re completely overwhelmed? House of Students can help you sort it all, from preferences to pricing, without the drama. 

Here’s the thing: “top-rated” isn’t just about five stars slapped on a website by someone who stayed there for two weeks in 2019. For students near The University of Western Australia, the real ranking system goes like this: 

Does it feel like a second home?

Does the Wi-Fi actually work during Zoom calls? 

Is there a space to hang out that isn’t your tiny bedroom? 

And can you live there without selling a kidney? 

If the answer to most of those is yes, congrats — you’ve landed in top-tier student housing. If not, keep scrolling (or keep reading this section, which is way more useful than random reviews on the internet). 

1. Location That Doesn't Suck 

You know what’s not fun? Spending half your day on buses and pretending you're “getting reading done” during the ride. Top-rated housing near University of Western Australia Crawley campus is within walking or quick-cycling distance — because proximity = peace of mind. 

If your accommodation lets you roll out of bed and still make it to your 8 a.m. with seconds to spare? That’s an automatic win. Bonus points for being near Matilda Bay, Broadway shops, or at least one café that knows your order by week three. 

2. Actual Functioning Facilities 

We’re talking: 

Showers that don’t randomly switch to cold mid-rinse 

Kitchens that aren’t older than your parents’ VHS collection 

Study areas with enough power outlets (not a mythical two-for-40 students setup) 

Top-rated housing has the basics down and throws in a few extras — maybe a social lounge, gym, or study pod that isn’t just a plastic chair in a corner. It’s not asking for the Ritz; it’s asking for basic functionality and just a bit of flair. 

3. A Healthy Dose of Privacy 

Even if you're a social butterfly who thrives in group settings, everyone needs a door they can close. Top-rated student housing gets this. You should have the option to decompress, zone out, and not be forced into small talk at all times. 

Whether it’s ensuite rooms, quiet floors, or even well-designed common areas that aren’t built like echo chambers, privacy isn't a luxury — it's part of your sanity plan. 

4. A Decent Social Scene That Isn’t Just Forced Fun 

Top-rated doesn't mean party palace 24/7, but it does mean there’s a community vibe. The best student spots give you opportunities to connect — think shared hangouts, lowkey events, or the occasional movie night that doesn’t feel like a mandatory bonding session. 

You want somewhere that lets you choose your level of involvement, not trap you in endless “community building” workshops when all you wanted was to eat your dinner in peace. 

5. Fast, Reliable, Unlimited Internet 

If your Wi-Fi drops every time someone else logs in, it’s a no. We’re in the age of cloud-based everything, Zoom tutorials, and ten-tab study sessions. Your housing’s internet needs to keep up. 

No one wants to miss assignment submissions because the signal decided to vanish. If the internet runs smooth on a bad weather day with three Netflix streams, two online classes, and a cheeky gaming session all at once — that’s a top-rated green flag. 

6. Supportive Management That Isn’t MIA 

If something breaks, you shouldn’t have to file three requests, send a follow-up email, AND call three times just to get a lightbulb replaced. Top-rated housing has responsive staff, clear maintenance systems, and someone on-site or on-call when stuff hits the fan. 

And no, we don’t mean a “virtual concierge” bot that replies with “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” We mean real people. Helpful people. Ones that don’t disappear once you sign the lease. 

7. Safety and Security That Doesn’t Feel Overbearing 

You don’t need motion sensors and retina scanners. But you do want to feel safe walking home at night and confident your stuff won’t vanish while you’re at class. 

Top-rated places near University of Western Australia often come with secure entry points, lockable rooms, CCTV in shared areas, and maybe a bike rack that doesn’t scream “steal me.” It’s all about balance — secure without feeling like a prison. 

8. Cleanliness Without the Passive-Aggressive Notes 

In top-rated places, communal spaces don’t look like a crime scene, and shared kitchens don’t constantly reek of burnt toast and regret. Whether it’s regular cleaning rosters or on-site maintenance, the vibe should be: clean, not clinical. 

If you’re cleaning up mystery gunk for the third week in a row — sorry, that’s not a five-star experience. 

9. Flexibility in Lease Terms 

Let’s be real — not everyone wants to be locked into a 12-month lease. Life happens. You might switch majors, go on exchange, or simply decide this city isn’t for you. 

Top-rated student housing usually offers flexibility. Semester stays, shorter contracts, even early-exit options (without selling your soul). Because students deserve choices, not shackles. 

10. Feels Like Your Space, Not Just a Dorm 

At the end of the day, it’s about how it feels. Top-rated accommodation doesn’t just tick boxes — it actually makes you feel at home. It should be a place you can unwind after long lectures, have friends over without stress, and exist comfortably. 

No housing is perfect, but the best ones get close by making sure your uni life outside of class is easy, chill, and occasionally even fun. 

House of Students knows how to spot these gems. Whether you’re after something social, low-maintenance, or ridiculously close to UWA — we help students find places that aren’t just “good enough,” but actually make life better.

Ah yes, the golden question: “Where can I live near UWA without surviving on two-minute noodles and existential dread?” Welcome to the fine art of finding affordable student accommodation — not just the cheapest, but the kind that doesn’t make you question all your life choices by week three. 

Whether you’re budgeting hard or just want to stretch your cash further (hello, spontaneous road trips and overpriced coffee), there are budget-friendly housing options around The University of Western Australia. You just need to know where to look — and what trade-offs come with the price tag. 

1. Go Slightly Off-Centre… But Not Off-Grid 

Sure, living next door to UWA Crawley campus is the dream. But that dream can come with rent that makes your savings sob. 

If you’re flexible, look at neighbouring suburbs like Shenton Park, Daglish, or parts of Subiaco. You’re still close enough to uni that you won’t lose half your day commuting, but the rent drops a little — especially in older houses or lower-density streets. You're also more likely to find share houses and multi-bedroom places that are easier to split. 

Just make sure you check the bus routes before signing anything. Being "only 5km away" means nothing if you're also stuck waiting 20 minutes for a delayed 950. 

2. Shared Living = Shared Cost (and Shared Chaos) 

Let’s be honest: if you're hunting affordable, solo studios are probably off the table. But shared housing? That’s your golden ticket. 

Whether it’s a four-bedroom house with semi-permanent furniture and a questionably old kettle, or a simple flat with three like-minded chaos gremlins, splitting rent makes everything instantly more doable. 

Utilities? Shared. 

Internet? Shared. 

The fridge space? Fought over — but still shared. 

It’s a classic student experience for a reason. Find the right group, set clear ground rules, and you’re winning. 

3. Keep an Eye on Uni Bulletin Boards & Student Networks 

Sometimes the best deals aren’t even on property websites. They’re in messy Facebook groups, student portals, and community pages where students post spare rooms, sublets, or last-minute lease swaps. 

Perks of finding places this way: 

Often cheaper than what you’ll find through agencies 

You can ask the current tenants for the unfiltered truth 

Flexible lease lengths (like semester stays or mid-year entries) 

Downside? You’ll need to act fast — and maybe scroll through 47 posts about someone selling their old desk first. 

4. Consider Older Buildings — Not Everything Has to Be Aesthetic 

Listen, not every affordable place comes with white walls, minimalist furniture, and fake plants in every corner. But that doesn’t mean it’s bad. 

Older houses and flats in suburbs like Nedlands or Claremont often have lower rents, bigger rooms, and that lovely “character” feel (a.k.a. creaky floorboards and a mysterious attic). If you're okay sacrificing a bit of aesthetic for savings, these spots are underrated. 

Plus, once you move in, you can give it your own flair — a few posters, fairy lights, and maybe some actual furniture from somewhere other than the side of the road. 

5. Watch Out for “Too Good to Be True” Listings 

Let’s address the red flags. If you see rent under $150/week in Perth and it doesn’t include a catch like sharing a room with three strangers or living above a kebab shop — proceed with caution. 

Always: 

Ask for photos/videos 

Check the lease terms 

Visit in person if possible 

Ask what’s included (Wi-Fi? Utilities? Your soul?) 

Affordable doesn’t mean sketchy — and if it feels dodgy, it probably is. 

6. Time It Right: Off-Peak = Lower Rent 

Student housing demand peaks around February and July. Translation: everyone’s fighting for rooms, prices are up, and landlords know it. 

If you can time your move during a quieter period (like mid-semester or late winter), you’ve got more negotiating power and better access to deals. Landlords may even be desperate to fill rooms — which means perks like reduced rent or shorter lease terms can slide your way. 

Basically: if your schedule’s flexible, your bank account will thank you. 

7. Budget Doesn’t Mean Boring 

Yes, affordable housing usually means cutting corners — but not all of them. You can still find budget-friendly places with: 

Decent Wi-Fi 

Safe neighbourhoods 

Walkable access to uni, groceries, and a coffee place that won’t overcharge for oat milk 

Sometimes it takes a bit of digging, but affordable and liveable aren’t mutually exclusive. Don’t settle for a concrete shoebox just because it’s cheap. 

8. Use a Platform That Gets Students (Not Just Landlords) 

Finding student housing shouldn’t feel like solving a Rubik’s cube with one hand tied behind your back. Platforms like House of Students are built for exactly this — filtering out the chaos, helping you stay within budget, and avoiding places with horror-movie lighting and nonexistent maintenance support. 

Whether you're solo, sharing, local, or flying in from halfway across the world — affordability matters. And so does your quality of life. 

Final Thoughts: Cheap Doesn’t Mean Compromising Everything 

You don’t have to pay top dollar to have a decent uni experience. With a bit of planning (and maybe some negotiation skills), you can find something clean, connected, and actually worth living in — without living off toast and tears. 

Being broke is basically a rite of passage in student life. But with the right housing choice? At least you’ll be broke in a place that feels like home. 

Here’s the deal: The University of Western Australia’s Crawley campus is pretty well-connected — for Perth. But Perth is also a city where “near” can mean either a 5-minute walk or two buses, a train, and a prayer. So, if you don’t want to spend half your degree commuting, here’s your crash course in getting around. 

1. Buses: Your New Best Frenemy 

Buses are the main mode of public transport to UWA — and the good news is, there are a lot of them. 

The most iconic is the 950 bus, which comes basically every 5 minutes during peak times and connects Perth CBD, UWA, and beyond. You’ll find students, staff, tourists, and about 42 different tote bags on it daily. It runs fast, it runs often, and it’s your lifesaver when you sleep through your alarm but still want to make that 10am tute. 

Other solid routes to know: 

102/107 (from Fremantle and surrounding suburbs) 

23/24/25 (from Claremont and Nedlands) 

97 Shuttle (if you’re fancy and want to zip between UWA and the nearest train station) 

They’re reliable most of the time — but yes, you’ll probably get ghosted by one eventually. It’s a rite of passage. 

2. Trains: Fast, But Not Super Useful Unless You Transfer 

University of Western Australia doesn’t have its own train station, which is a little unhelpful but very on-brand for Perth. The closest stops are: 

Claremont Station 

Shenton Park Station

Subiaco Station 

From any of those, you’ll need to grab a bus or cycle to campus. If you live further out (like Fremantle, Joondalup, or Midland), the train will get you most of the way — but factor in some extra time for the bus link. 

3. Cycling: The Secret Student Superpower 

If you’re living in nearby suburbs like Nedlands, Subiaco, or Crawley, grab a bike. Seriously. UWA has some decent end-of-trip facilities (bike racks, showers, etc.), the river-side ride is actually nice, and you get bonus cardio without dealing with peak-hour traffic or crying over bus delays. 

Cycling in Perth is very doable — just prep for some chaos during summer heatwaves and rogue drivers with no idea what a bike lane is. 

4. Walking: If You’re Lucky with Location 

If you’ve locked down student accommodation in Crawley, Fairway, Broadway, or anywhere hugging the campus — congrats. You get to wake up 15 minutes before your lecture and still roll in on time with a coffee in hand. 

Living walking distance from UWA is elite. You save on transport costs, you get spontaneous café trips, and you never have to worry about missing the last bus after an evening class. 

5. Driving: Do It Only If You Must 

Look, we get it. Perth is a driving city. But if you’re thinking of bringing a car to uni, just know: 

Parking at University of Western Australia is limited and expensive 

Traffic near campus can be a slow-motion nightmare during peak hours 

You’ll need a permit (which doesn’t guarantee a spot) 

If you're commuting from suburbs with no great bus links, it might make sense. But for most students, driving is more effort than it’s worth. 

6. Transperth App = Non-Negotiable 

Before you attempt anything, download the Transperth app. It’s Perth’s public transport planner, real-time bus tracker, and trip saver all in one. 

You can: 

Plan your route 

Top up your SmartRider card (Perth’s tap-on/tap-off student card) 

Check for delays 

And figure out if it’s faster to wait for the bus or just start walking dramatically into the distance 

Speaking of which… 

7. SmartRider: Get One Immediately 

If you’re a full-time student, you get a discounted fare on all public transport with a SmartRider card. Trust us — the student discount is decent, and manually buying a ticket every trip is pure chaos. 

Pro tips: 

Register your card online (so you don’t lose your balance if you lose your card) 

Set up autoload so it recharges when low 

Never let it fall below $1 or you'll be stranded and sad 

8. Late-Night Transport: Know Your Limits 

Nightlife in Perth is… manageable. But getting home from a late class or night out can be tricky. Some bus routes like the 950 run late into the evening, but after midnight, your options thin out. Plan ahead, ride with friends, and if all else fails — rideshare apps exist. 

Uber, Ola, and DiDi all work in Perth — and splitting fares makes it semi-affordable for those nights where public transport just isn’t vibing. 

TL;DR – UWA is Well-Connected (If You Play it Smart) 

If you live near Crawley, you’re golden. If not, don’t panic — buses will get you there, bikes will save your time, and apps will keep you sane. As long as you plan ahead and don’t sleep on the 950, you’ll be fine. 

And if you’re still choosing where to live? Look for accommodation that makes transport easy — walking distance, bike-friendly, and near major bus lines. That’s where House of Students can save your semester. We know what matters: not just a nice place, but a connected one.