Living in Adelaide

Reasons to Live in Adelaide

Your city Adelaide, is the capital of South Australia and hosts over 15,000 international students and is known locally as the ‘20-minute city’, as it takes 20 minutes from the city to get to the beaches or the hills.

Adelaide is cosmopolitan city with a burgeoning food, sport and art scene – but importantly, it is also safe, respectful and very inclusive with 100 different ethnic communities living in harmony. While global pressures on the cost of living have increased living costs, Study Adelaide still says that the city is up to 12% more affordable to live in than other Australian cities.

This means students will have more money to spend on food, accommodation, supplies, travel and entertainment. The average weekly budget required is between AU$350-700. Affordability, accessibility, safety and a friendly community spirit – arguably makes Adelaide a great learning environment.

Adelaide is very affordable

Adelaide is the perfect place to live and explore on a student budget. Adelaide is one of the most affordable capital cities in terms of living costs, with rent around 45% lower than Sydney. Rent prices vary depending on where you choose to live and how many people you want to share a house with, but on average you can expect to spend between $170-510 per week for a room in a share house.

To find out just how affordable Adelaide is, you can use Cost of Living Calculator to get an idea of your expected costs.

Transport in Adelaide is super convenient

In Adelaide, you’ll notice many inner-city trams weaving through the city CBD, which gives the city a lot of charm. Many city transport services are free (including buses), so you can enjoy, experience, and explore Adelaide very affordably. There are also systems of trains and buses, and as an international student, you can access a concession MetroCard which offers discounted trips on Adelaide’s public transport system. Adelaide is also bicycle-friendly.

There are safe cycling paths throughout the city and the suburbs. Free bicycles are also available to use around the CBD, which not only promotes a healthier, greener, and more active lifestyle but is also super convenient when you’re running late to class! 

Adelaide has a thriving food and bar culture

Adelaide’s food and drink scene are one of the best in Australia. Be adventurous and go hunting for Adelaide’s hippest hidden laneway and rooftop bars. Head to Adelaide’s West End (named one of the coolest neighborhoods in Australia by Lonely Planet!) for a taste of everything.

From the busy bars and bustling restaurants along with Peel and Leigh Street to the pubs and live music venues packed with students around the University of South Australia’s City West campus. Start your morning with great coffee from Abbots and Kinney or My Kingdom for a Horse.

For lunch, enjoy a bánh mì from Sit Lo in the sunshine, or explore the incredible fresh produce and the huge range of international cuisine at the Adelaide Central Market. In the evening, grab a pizza from Sunny’s, stop for drinks at the West Oak Hotel or Grace Emily Hotel, then enjoy a night dancing at Jive or check out what’s on at the Lion Arts Factory.

The city is full of cultural activities

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In the heart of Adelaide’s CBD lie many of South Australia’s major arts and cultural institutions, and the majority of them are free to visit! Some of these include the State Library of South Australia, the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, the South Australian Museum, MOD. – Australia’s leading future-focused museum at the University of South Australia, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide Zoo. What could be better than taking an afternoon study break at the zoo?

Adelaide is festival central

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Ask any international student and they’ll tell you the same thing: there’s always something happening in Adelaide. Major festivals in Adelaide include WOMADelaide, Adelaide Festival, FEAST Festival, Adelaide Fringe, OzAsia and IndoFest – just to name a few!

But it’s also pretty calming and relaxing

On one hand, Adelaide has all the benefits of a thriving city. On the other, it can be refreshingly laid-back, quiet, and relaxed. So, once you’re done sightseeing, partying, or working, you’ll always be able to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the city to focus more on your studies.

This makes Adelaide a fantastic place for dedicating time to study and increasing your productivity. Take your books to the State Library of South Australia or one of the city’s many great study cafés for a change of scenery.

For a quick break to recharge your brain, head to Pridham Hall’s City West Pool – it’s open to the public so you can swim a few laps.

Adelaide offers plenty of great getaways

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to weekend getaways, with lots of great trips just a short distance from the city. You can explore wine regions like the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, and the Clare Valley, head to the Adelaide Hills and check out the area’s quaint villages, hop over to Kangaroo Island, or see some of the most stunning natural wonders Australia has to offer.

There are big opportunities in Adelaide for internships and employment

There’s ample opportunity to participate in internships and find part-time employment whilst studying in Adelaide. After graduation, you can join one of Adelaide’s many major thriving industries. These include food and wine, bioscience, health, agriculture, information and communications technology, defence, tourism and the arts.

It’s the best of all worlds

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Adelaide offers balance. It’s a city famous for colorful and diverse communities, beautiful rural landscapes, historic sandstone cityscapes, thriving local industries, bustling businesses, low unemployment rates, and a healthy economy. It’s at once an exciting and relaxed city that celebrates diversity, opportunity, and education.

*Source: insiderguides.com.au