Brisbane has come into its own in the past decade. With a vibrant and diverse culture, it offers an affordability that its counterparts (Melbourne and Sydney) cannot match and a climate that has its southern cousins green (and shivering) in envy. There are a host of reasons you should study in Brisbane, but here are the top five.
1. Climate
As Australia’s largest sub-tropical city, Brisbane boasts bright sunny days and mild nights most of the year. Even in winter, clear, soul-warming sunshine creates average daytime temperatures of 21 degrees Celsius, meaning outdoor dining, activities and even beach-going are standard fare.
2. Affordability
When it comes to affordability, Brisbane has Sydney and Melbourne beat. Student accommodation in Brisbane ranges from share houses to apartments, with specialists such as Iglu offering complete accommodation packages that include rent, utilities and even internet in a fixed weekly price.
3. Culture
From South Bank to West End, from Fortitude Valley to the picturesque heights of Paddington, Brisbane is a bevy of culture. Having found its true feet as a city to suit all tastes and desires, each weekend Brisbane serves up a bounty of festivals, fairs and activities.
In August, the once country town pays homage to its agricultural roots with the hugely popular Royal Queensland Show, or ‘The Ekka’ as it’s more fondly termed. Thousands turn out for this nine-day event that sees prize cattle shoulder to shoulder with the finest fare, most amazing produce, and carnival attractions.
In spring, the city comes alive with the Brisbane Festival, culminating in the city’s night of nights – ‘Riverfire’, when the entire river city is lit up with music and fireworks.
That’s not to mention the permanent fixtures of the casual friendly lifestyle, vibrant music and arts scene, and the funky café and restaurant culture.
4. Transport
If you have the good fortune to obtain student accommodation in Brisbane, you’ll soon discover that it’s a city that is easily navigated and should be freely explored. The city welcomes outdoor living, meaning cycleways, walking paths and parks abound.
Traversing from the outskirts to the city is equally simple, with trains and buses servicing the city’s transit routes while ferries scoot along the river.
5. Activities
Due to its climate, Brisbane is a sporting and leisure paradise. From rowing the Brisbane River to leisurely cycling its banks, there is always something to do in the city.
Within an hour’s drive are two of Australia’s most picturesque coastal areas, with the Gold Coast and its iconic Surfers Paradise to the south and the more rugged beauty of the Sunshine Coast and the tourism gem Noosa to the north.
