Canberra
ANU · University of Canberra
Studying in Canberra?
Open your university's guide for a tailored plan and questions from students already there.
Political capital, highest average wages, cold winters — underrated for students
Food & eating in Canberra
Canberra's best value Asian food hub. Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai restaurants in a compact strip — most meals $13–18.
Lonsdale Street has excellent cafes and restaurants. More expensive than Dickson but better atmosphere. Good for weekend brunches.
Open Thursday–Sunday. Wholesale produce prices, good Asian grocery section, deli goods, and imported foods at competitive prices.
Lakeside dining near the city. A few student-friendly options but mainly mid-range to upmarket. Worth visiting once for the setting.
The Dickson area has the best Asian grocery stores in Canberra. Rice, noodles, and fresh vegetables at significantly better prices than Coles or Woolworths.
What to do in Canberra
The National Museum, National Gallery, Australian War Memorial, and National Portrait Gallery are all free and world-class. A different cultural experience to other cities — genuinely worth visiting.
Central to the city. Cycling paths, kayaking hire, and walking tracks around the lake. The annual Dragon Boat races and Enlighten Festival (Feb/Mar) are held here.
Perisher and Thredbo are roughly 2 hours from Canberra by car. Closer to world-class skiing than any other Australian capital city. Some students do day trips in winter.
ANU is one of Australia's top universities and its campus has good student facilities, regular free public lectures, and a large international student community.
Canberra has none of the chaos of Sydney or Melbourne. Lower stress, easier to navigate, and most things are accessible without long commutes. Popular with students who want to focus on study.
Cost of living
Best suburbs for students
Close to ANU, largest town centre, good bus links
Next to AIS, affordable, quiet suburban feel
Trendy cafe strip, nightlife, close to city centre
What will it cost you?
Based on your selections below. Estimates only.
Things Canberra students wish they knew
Canberra is a car city — some suburbs have very infrequent buses in the evenings. Check bus routes before choosing where to live if you don't have a car.
The national institutions (National Gallery, War Memorial, etc.) are genuinely worth visiting. All free and internationally significant — don't ignore them just because they're nearby.
Winter is cold. Budget for a proper winter coat — Canberra's winters are colder than Melbourne's most years. Frosts are common Jun–Aug.
The Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets are the best value for produce in Canberra. Worth the short trip on weekends if you cook at home.
MyWay card is required for bus travel — exact cash isn't accepted. Download the Transport Canberra app for real-time departures. Limited late-night services.
Full transport guide →Cold winters — snow is possible (Jul–Aug hits 1°C nights). Hot dry summers. Spring and autumn are beautiful but Canberra is landlocked so no beach.