01 Feb 2021

Moving for uni is an exciting rite of passage. It’s a fresh start away from all the people who have seen you stumble through puberty and a chance to develop a newfound independence – mainly because you can’t rely on Mum to whip up her famous roast.

With so many options in the big cities of Sydney, Melbourne and even Brisbane, one place in particular is often overlooked. We’re talking about illustrious Canberra.

Look, Canberra bashing is a national pastime. We’re all guilty of it. But it’s time to end the belittling of our capital city, because tbh life in Canberra is awesome.

While it may seem ironic that the destination of your low-key boring primary school excursion is now a prospering destination for young people, you should definitely check it out if you’re considering moving away for uni. Here’s why.

 

1. Prime location

Canberra often cops some flack for being in the middle of absolutely nowhere, but the location is actually prime. Being perfectly positioned between Sydney and Melbourne as well as the Snowy Mountains, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to a cheeky weekend away.

It’s also conveniently near Australia’s top uni The Australian National University (ANU). Kiss traffic congestion and long commutes goodbye, because ANU is a cruisy commute from anywhere in Canberra, with bicycle trails and paths throughout the city.

2. There’s a tonne of young people

If you’re wanting to move to Canberra, you definitely won’t be alone. Canberra has the highest student population of any Australian city, largely because of all the peeps that study at ANU.

Canberra is bursting at the seams with students and all the fun they bring with them. So if you’re keen to make some new mates, living in Canberra is like living in a small pond with a lot of fish.

3. It’s thriving and you can be independent as hell

Hear us out. Canberra is far from boring. It’s actually a thriving hub of millennial culture and some pretty good times. Thanks to the abundant student population, Canberra knows how to party. With a thriving nightlife, you’ll certainly enjoy a rowdy night or two on the town (with no lockout laws - yeehaw!).

On the other hand, it’s the perfect place to find your independence and figure out who you are. These are the formative years of our life and living out of home in a foreign place is a true testament for the years ahead of ya.

4. Questacon

Ah Questacon, it’s been a hot minute. Moving to Canberra means you can visit Questacon as many times as your heart desires.

Picture this. You, your date, the Free Fall slide as many times as you want. Now who wouldn’t want that?

5. It’s cheaper

With being a student comes lack of money, living off the old faithful Mi Goreng. But Canberra is heaps cheaper than other cities, giving you more money to spend on brunch and booze. The necessities if you’re a student!

Coming out at 14% cheaper than Sydney, that’s some big savings you can pile away for weekends, travel or rather to put towards some big investments once you graduate.

6. Heaps of job opportunities

If your bank account is telling you to get a job, look no further than your own uni at ANU!

There’s plenty of jobs in Canberra for students especially in retail and hospo, but it’s made even easier with jobs on campus at ANU. Suss it out here!

7. Plenty of accommodation

Finding accommodation as a student can sometimes feel like an overwhelming challenge. You’ve got to consider location, pay, roomies and how many plants you’re able to fit in your humble adobe.

But in Canberra, 90% of graduates are able to find accommodation with most of it on campus! On campus living at ANU will help you meet heaps of like-minded people but also international students from all over the world. You’re bound to find someone who tickles your fancy. Check out on-campus living here if you’re keen.

No doubt when you’re picking a uni to move for, you wanna make sure the vibe is right. Luckily, ANU nails it. Not only the top uni with top class facilities, ANU is perfectly situated in our thriving capital city. It’s definitely worth sussing ANU out here to see everything they have to offer from scholarships and courses to accommodation.