Deciding where to live as a university student can be one of the biggest choices you make—impacting your finances, wellbeing, time, and overall university experience.
According to official UQ sources, there are going to be over 4,500 on-campus accommodation places at St Lucia once the new $285 million, 1,000-bed student residence complex is opened in Semester 2, 2027.
This significant expansion signals UQ’s commitment to making student housing more accessible and emphasises the growing importance and popularity of living on campus.
1. Proximity to Classes, Facilities & Community
One of the most compelling reasons students opt for UQ on-campus accommodation is simply how close everything is. Whether you live in one of the UQ residential colleges or a UQ Res facility like Kev Carmody House, you’re just minutes away from your lectures, libraries, labs, and UQ’s many sporting and recreational facilities. This proximity means less time commuting, less expense on travel, and more time for study and extracurricular activities. Being physically close also helps integrate you more fully into campus life.
2. Cost-Savings & Inclusive Services
Living on campus often includes many costs bundled into your fees: electricity, water, internet, communal amenities, security, and sometimes meals or cleaning. According to UQ’s “Is it better to live on campus or off?” guide, a standard room at Kev Carmody House (self-catered) starts at around $374 per week, including furniture, utilities, shared kitchen, and communal laundry. While catered residential colleges cost more (between ~$559-$752/week depending on services), having many essentials included can reduce unexpected extra costs that often come with off-campus living.
3. Support & Community Built In
If you’re new to university life—especially if you’ve come from another city, region, or country—adjusting can be challenging. On-campus accommodation provides structured support that you simply won’t get living by yourself off campus. Many residential colleges and UQ Res locations offer pastoral care, resident advisors, communal events, study supports and organised social programs. For example, International House (on campus) offers programs, social/cultural events, academic support, communal spaces and vibrant, diverse communities with students from many countries. This built-in support helps with homesickness, forming friendships early, and adapting to university rhythms.
4. Safety, Security & Convenience
Living on campus offers higher levels of safety and convenience compared to many off-campus options. Secure building access, well-lit common areas, and UQ’s support services are nearby. If you ever need help or an escort late at night, campus services are more accessible. Plus, you don’t need to worry about finding parking, managing multiple utility bills, or enduring long commutes via public transport. The ease of simply walking to classes, grabbing a bite nearby, or using campus facilities without travel adds up in saved time, energy, and stress.
5. Quality & Future-Proofing
UQ is actively expanding its on-campus accommodation, with developments like the new St Lucia resident complex that will more than double UQ-owned accommodation at that campus. Such investment ensures newer, purpose-built infrastructure, often with better amenities, modern design, and more attention to students’ needs (e.g. study zones, communal kitchens, recreation spaces). Choosing on campus now might mean better value and fewer headaches down the track.
On-campus accommodation at UQ offers a compelling package for many students: closeness to academic life, bundled costs, safety, support, and community.
If these are important to you, living at UQ might not just make your life easier—it has the potential to enrich your university experience.
Before you make your decision, carefully compare the costs, your lifestyle preferences, and how much value you place on convenience and community.
If balanced well, on campus may very well be the right choice.
