You might have heard all kinds of things about Brisbane. For some, it’s the best city ever. For others, it was a total disappointment.
After living here for about four months, I feel like I understand both sides.
In this article, I’ll share my honest experience as a student living in Brisbane, including what it’s really like in terms of lifestyle, money, studies, and whether it’s a good fit for international students. I’ll also highlight the must-do activities, because yes… There are plenty!
Is Brisbane a Good City for Students or Not?
After 4 months living here, I can say Brisbane is a really good city to live in.
What I mean by that is: if you stay long enough to work, study, or have a daily routine, Brisbane becomes a great place. During the week, you have your schedule. And on weekends, you can relax by the pool, hang out in one of the many parks with a book, go for a picnic with friends, or even spend a day at the Gold Coast, it’s all within reach.
There are lots of things to do, but let’s be honest: it’s not the kind of city where you discover something new every weekend. That’s why opinions vary so much.
If you’re just passing through on a road trip, Brisbane might feel a bit disappointing. There aren’t really good spots for camper-vans, and it doesn’t have that “backpacker” vibe like Byron Bay or Cairns. So when people say they didn’t love Brisbane, it’s often because they didn’t spend enough time to truly explore it.
But if you actually settle down for a while and take time to enjoy what the city has to offer. it’s a perfect match. A calm, sunny lifestyle that grows on you.
Cost of Living in Brisbane for Students
As a student, I know how important it is to stick to a budget. Compared to France, Australia can be cheaper for some things, like groceries and eating out, but when it comes to housing, it gets expensive pretty fast.
Personally, I pay $330 per week for a room in a shared house, that’s around $1,320 per month. I have my own bedroom but share the rest of the house. One of my friends lives in student accommodation and pays $250 per week, also for her own room but in a shared apartment.
If you want your own private room, expect to pay between $300 and $350 per week. If you're okay with sharing a bedroom, prices are more around $250–$270 per week.
Keep in mind that most rentals in Australia are charged weekly, not monthly, something that surprises many students at first!
Look on websites like Flatmates.com.au, Facebook groups, or ask around in student communities. You might find better deals than through agencies or university housing.
So yes, groceries are manageable, going out is reasonable, but rent is where a big chunk of your budget will go. It’s definitely something to plan for before arriving.
Brisbane Nightlife for Students: What to Expect
As a French student, you’ll probably want to go out on weekends, totally normal during your studies! But if you're used to partying in France, be ready for a cultural shock: nightlife in Australia is very different.
First of all, Aussies have dinner super early, usually between 5 and 6pm, so they start partying much earlier too. Nightclubs often open around 8pm and close between 2am and 4am, if you're lucky. That’s because the Australian lifestyle is all about waking up early and being active, even after a night out. It’s common to see people out running at 6am… even after drinking the night before.
So yes, don’t be surprised to see drunk people in the streets of Fortitude Valley at 10pm. That's totally normal here. I like to say that their 10pm is our 1am when it comes to partying.
If you’re looking for places to go out in Brisbane, here are a few good spots (all located in Fortitude Valley, the heart of nightlife here):
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The MET: Big nightclub with several rooms and different music styles. Great atmosphere, especially on Friday nights.
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Prohibition: Perfect for Thursday nights, especially for students. They offer $4 drinks and pizza all night!
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Maya Mexican: If you prefer a more chill vibe, this is a beautiful rooftop bar with a great view of the city and delicious cocktails. Perfect for sunset drinks.
So yes, the rhythm is different, but once you get used to it, Brisbane has some great nights out to offer, just earlier than what we’re used to in France!
Getting Around Brisbane: Transport for Students
Brisbane is a very spread-out city, which means there are lots of nice places to explore, but they’re often far from each other. So transportation becomes very important.
If you have a driver’s license, I’d honestly recommend buying a car. It’s by far the most convenient way to get around. A scooter or e-bike can also be a great alternative, especially if you live near the city.
As for public transport… Let's just say it’s not Brisbane’s strong point. The buses are rarely on time, either early or late, but almost never on schedule. That’s why it’s essential to check the Translink app, which shows real-time bus info and helps you plan your route. It works pretty well, but don’t expect perfect service.
Now the good part: it’s super cheap. You can tap on and off with your bank card when boarding, and each trip only costs $0.50! That applies to buses, trains, and ferries anywhere in Queensland.
For example, you can take a train to the Gold Coast, a 1.5-hour ride for just $0.50. The only exception is the train to the airport, which is run by a private operator and costs more.
One cool thing about Brisbane is the ferry network. Ferries run along the river and cost the same $0.50 per trip. Some of my friends even come to school by boat, pretty amazing, right?
What about the schools in Brisbane?
There are a lot of great universities in Brisbane! I actually wrote an article about the best cities to live in when you’re a student in Australia, and I already talked about universities there, why not check it out? You can find it right here: Best Cities to Live in Australia for International Students
Best activities in and around Brisbane
If there’s one thing that surprises many students, it’s that Brisbane doesn’t have a real beach. You’ll need to head to the Gold Coast, about 1.5 hours by train for just $0.50, to enjoy the ocean and surf. That said, the South Bank lagoon is a nice alternative. It’s a man-made beach in the middle of the city, and it’s perfect for chilling on weekends. I recommend the grassy area behind the pool, it’s quieter and great for sunbathing or reading.
For something more local, you can visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to see koalas and kangaroos up close. It’s a bit pricey, but definitely a cool “Australian” experience to tick off your list.
In the city, there are some great spots to grab a drink and enjoy the view. The casino rooftop offers a beautiful sunset over the river, and Felons Brewing Co., right under the Story Bridge, is perfect for a relaxed night out. If you like greenery, don’t miss the Botanic Gardens, both day and night, it’s super peaceful and a great break from city life.
For local vibes, head to the West End Markets on Saturday mornings, fresh food, handmade crafts, live music, and a fun community vibe. And if you’re around South Bank on the weekend, their Friday night and weekend markets are also worth a visit.
Outside Brisbane, you’ve got tons of great options for day or weekend trips:
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Gold Coast for iconic beaches like Surfers Paradise and quieter spots like Burleigh Heads and Currumbin
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Stradbroke Island or Moreton Island. Two must-do destinations with beaches, wildlife, sand dunes, and crystal-clear water
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Sunshine Coast to the north, with Noosa as a highlight, ideal for relaxing, surfing, or just enjoying the sun
Brisbane might not feel like the most exciting place at first, but if you take the time to explore, both in the city and around, it really has a lot to offer.
So is Brisbane a good fit?
After spending a few months living, studying, and exploring Brisbane, I can honestly say: yes, it’s a great fit for students.
The lifestyle is relaxed, the weather is (mostly) amazing, there’s plenty to do on weekends, and the city feels safe and welcoming. Sure, it’s not perfect, no beach in the city, public transport could be better, but once you settle in and find your rhythm, Brisbane really grows on you.
If you’re looking for a place where you can balance studies, work, and good quality of life without the stress of a huge city, Brisbane might just be the perfect choice.
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