Best Student Accommodation near Australian National University, Melbourne

International students make up about 43% of ANU's total student body. ANU has one main campus and several specialist research campuses and field stations across Australia, including the following:

• Acton (Canberra): The main campus, home to all six academic colleges, student accommodation, libraries, research facilities, and the Kambri student precinct.
• Mount Stromlo Observatory (Canberra): A leading centre for astronomy, astrophysics, and space science research.
• Siding Spring Observatory (New South Wales): Australia's largest optical astronomy research observatory, supporting advanced astronomical research and telescope operations.
• Kioloa Coastal Campus (New South Wales): A coastal field station dedicated to marine biology, ecology, environmental science, and climate research.
• North Australian Research Unit (Darwin): A research centre specialising in Indigenous studies, tropical environments, archaeology, and northern Australian development.
• Spring Valley Farm (Australian Capital Territory): An agricultural research facility focused on sustainable farming, biodiversity, and environmental management.

The university is organised into seven academic colleges covering arts and social sciences, business and economics, engineering and computer science, law, medicine and health, and science.

Many of Australia's leading researchers, policymakers, diplomats, and Nobel Prize winners have studied or worked at ANU. Notable figures include former Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Kevin Rudd, Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist Brian Schmidt, and former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

The student accommodation near ANU is straightforward, as Canberra offers a wide selection of student accommodation and private rentals within easy reach of the Acton campus. Students can select depending on their budget and preferred lifestyle. Casita makes it simple to compare student housing near Australian National University using smart search filters.

Distance & Commute to Campus

Acton

Acton is home to the Australian National University campus, making it the most convenient location for students who want to walk to lectures. Surrounded by green spaces and Lake Burley Griffin, the suburb offers a peaceful environment while remaining close to Canberra City. Many of Australia's major cultural attractions include the National Museum of Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. Average rent in this area is between A$420 and A$650 per week.

Braddon

Braddon is one of Canberra's most vibrant neighbourhoods and a popular choice among Australian National University international students. Located approximately 15-20 minutes on foot from the university, Braddon is famous for its cafés, restaurants, independent shops, and modern apartment developments. Some of the attractions include Haig Park and Haig Park Village Markets.

Students looking for student housing near Australian National University often choose Braddon because it offers an excellent balance between student life and easy access to campus. The average rent is between A$350 and A$550 per week.

Canberra City

Canberra City is the commercial heart of the capital and is only a short walk or bus ride from ANU. Students living here enjoy excellent public transport links, shopping centres, supermarkets, and entertainment venues. It's an excellent location for students looking for modern Australian National University accommodation close to both campus and city amenities. Canberra also has Glebe Park, Verity Lane Market and Canberra Theatre Centre. Its average rent is between A$380 and A$600 per week.

Alongside finding student accommodation near Australian National University, students should also budget for their day-to-day living expenses. Canberra generally offers a lower cost of living than Sydney while maintaining an excellent quality of life.

Accommodation Costs

Estimated Monthly Living Expenses (Excluding Rent)

Popular Courses at Australian National University

Australian National University is internationally recognised for its research excellence and consistently performs well in global subject rankings. According to the ANU, it ranked in the global top 20 for the following subjects:

• Anthropology: The university is ranked 9th, which gives students opportunities to participate in fieldwork, interdisciplinary research, and studies of human societies.
• Development Studies: It ranks 14th worldwide. It offers programmes that explore sustainable development, public policy, humanitarian issues, and global challenges across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Politics and International Studies: It also ranks 14th, and it is widely recognised as one of the world's leading universities for politics and international relations.
• History: The university is ranked 17th worldwide. The programme explores historical events, cultures, and societies while developing students' research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Sociology: It ranks 19th globally. Students examine social structures, inequality, culture, public policy, and contemporary social issues through research-led teaching.

Students living in student accommodation near Australian National University benefit from Canberra's reliable and well-connected public transport system.

Student Travel Discounts: Eligible full-time students can apply for a concession MyWay+ card, which offers discounted fares on Transport Canberra buses and light rail services.

Public Transport

• Light Rail: Canberra's light rail network connects Gungahlin with Canberra City. Students travelling from northern suburbs can use the light rail to reach Alinga Street Interchange before walking approximately 15 minutes or transferring to a local bus serving the ANU Acton campus.
• Bus Services: Transport Canberra operates frequent Rapid bus routes, including R2, R3, R4, and R10, connecting Australian National University with Canberra City, Belconnen, Woden, Tuggeranong, and other major districts. Services operate throughout the day, with selected evening routes providing additional flexibility for students.
• Cycling: Canberra is one of Australia's most cycle-friendly cities, offering an extensive network of dedicated cycle paths. Students living in student housing near ANU often choose cycling as an affordable and sustainable way to commute.
• Walking: Many students living in Acton, Braddon, and Canberra City can walk to campus in approximately 10 to 20 minutes, making these neighbourhoods popular choices for Australian National University accommodation.
• Airport Connections:
  •  Canberra Airport (CBR): Canberra Airport is located approximately 8 km from the Acton campus. The journey takes around 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi, while public transport connects the airport with Canberra City and nearby areas in approximately 25 to 35 minutes, depending on the route and transfer times.
  • Sydney Airport (SYD): Many Australian National University international students arrive through Sydney Airport due to its wider range of international flights. The journey from Sydney to Canberra takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours by coach, train, or car.

Campus Facilities

Australian National University provides modern teaching buildings, collaborative learning spaces, research laboratories, libraries, innovation hubs, and recreational facilities designed to support student success.

The Chifley Library, the university's largest library, offers individual study desks, silent study areas, bookable group study rooms, computer facilities, and extensive digital and printed collections. Students also have access to specialised libraries supporting law, music, Asian studies, and science.

The campus also features the ANU Sport and Recreation Centre, fitness facilities, sporting fields, cafés, student lounges, dedicated postgraduate study spaces, and wellbeing services, allowing students to maintain a healthy balance between academic life and personal wellbeing.

Social and Cultural Scene

Home to students from more than 100 countries. Australian National University international students quickly become part of campus life through the Australian National University Students' Association (ANUSA), which supports hundreds of clubs and societies covering:

• Academic interests
• Cultural communities
• Entrepreneurship
• Volunteering
• Performing arts
• Music
• Gaming
• Sports

Sports and Recreation

Students can join a variety of sporting clubs, including:

• Football
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Rugby
• Tennis

Nearby Lake Burley Griffin also provides excellent opportunities for running, cycling, and kayaking.

Food and Dining

Students living in Australian National University accommodation enjoy easy access to many cafés, restaurants, bakeries, food courts, and takeaway outlets both on campus and throughout Canberra City, Braddon, and Acton.

Whether you're looking for affordable student meals, speciality coffee, Asian cuisine, vegetarian restaurants, or international food, there are plenty of options within walking distance of campus.

24-Hour Study Spaces

• Marie Reay Teaching Centre: This modern teaching and learning hub offers collaborative study spaces, computer facilities, comfortable seating, and extended opening hours during examination periods.
• Chifley Library: The university's largest library provides quiet study zones, bookable group study rooms, digital resources, and extended opening hours to support students throughout the academic year.

Popular Student Cafés

• The Cupping Room: One of Canberra's best-known speciality coffee cafés, The Cupping Room is a favourite among students thanks to its excellent coffee, brunch menu, and relaxed atmosphere.
• Kita Café: Located close to campus, Kita Café is popular for its affordable coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and light meals, making it an ideal stop between lectures.

Supermarkets

Students living in student accommodation near Australian National University have easy access to:

• Coles Canberra Centre
• Woolworths Canberra Centre
• ALDI Braddon

Medical Services

Healthcare is available through the ANU Health Centre on campus, while Canberra Hospital and Calvary Public Hospital are both easily accessible by public transport.

Laundry Facilities

Most Australian National University accommodation options include on-site laundry facilities.

• Australian War Memorial: One of Australia's most significant national landmarks, the Australian War Memorial is located around 10 minutes from the ANU campus by car or bus. It offers exhibitions that explore Australia's military history and honour those who have served in conflicts around the world.
• National Museum of Australia: Situated less than a 20-minute walk from the Acton campus, the National Museum of Australia showcases the country's social history, Indigenous cultures, and contemporary life through interactive exhibitions, artefacts, and special events.
• Lake Burley Griffin: Just a short walk from campus, Lake Burley Griffin is one of Canberra's most iconic outdoor destinations. Students can enjoy walking and cycling trails, kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnics.
• National Gallery of Australia: Located approximately 10 minutes by bus from ANU, the National Gallery of Australia houses one of the country's largest collections of Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Asian, and international art.
• Mount Ainslie Lookout: Around 15 minutes by car or 25–30 minutes by bus from the ANU campus, Mount Ainslie Lookout offers one of the best panoramic views of Canberra. Students can hike or cycle to the summit via well-maintained trails or drive directly to the lookout. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset, with sweeping views over the city's landmarks, including Parliament House.

• Finding student accommodation near ANU is simple with Casita. Whether you're looking for a private studio, an en-suite room, or shared apartments, Casita offers many verified student properties designed to suit different budgets, lifestyles, and study needs.
• Every property listed on Casita is carefully verified for quality, safety, and reliability, giving students confidence when booking their accommodation.
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