Living Near Curtin University: Campus Reviews, City Context, and Housing Tips
What Campus Reviews Reveal
Online reviews of Curtin University on Google (4.0 out of 5.0 from over 1,000 ratings) reflect a mix of praise and criticism. Two reviews from the past year illustrate different aspects of student life.
A 1-star review by Himashi isuri, posted four months ago, highlights serious administrative issues: “I now have a permanent black mark on my visa profile due solely to the fault of Curtin University, including Curtin Perth. I was selected to represent the university at a program called the Curtin Sustainability Challenge, which was advertised as fully funded by the university.” This points to potential risks around visa compliance and student support — something to keep in mind when choosing accommodation, as being far from campus can make it harder to attend urgent appointments or escalate problems.
A contrasting 5-star review by Yumi Tse, posted ten months ago, praises the university’s efficiency: “Extremely Satisfied !! Efficient Service and Professional Support! I applied for the Nursing program at Curtin University, and the entire process has been nothing short of excellent. From the moment I received my offer, the staff at Curtin University have been incredibly supportive and helpful.” A positive onboarding experience can make housing decisions easier, especially if the university provides guidance on accommodation.
Another 1-star comment from “000 1” (three months ago) criticises campus parking: “That’s the worst place to bring your car. The so-called management courses here must be an absolute joke — if this is the level of “management,” no wonder the car park is chaos. Hundreds of cars just circling the uni like idiots because no one can organise basic parking.” This directly affects students who plan to drive — living within walking distance or near a reliable bus route may be wiser than relying on a car.
Finally, a 5-star review by Mada O’Donnell (four months ago) praises a graduation event: “My daughter’s graduation was so beautiful and so well organised. Curtin knows how to make an event functional and enjoyable, there were many people and everyone was having a great time. They even had fireworks at the end of the ceremony.” While not housing‑related, it suggests that Curtin’s campus is well‑maintained for large events, which can make living close by attractive for access to facilities and social activities.
City Context: Perth, Western Australia
Curtin University is located at Kent Street, Bentley, about six kilometres southeast of Perth’s city centre. Perth is a relatively affordable Australian capital, though housing costs have risen in recent years. The university is well‑connected by bus routes (Transperth) and a nearby train station (Curtin University Bus Station, with connections to the Perth CBD). The suburb of Bentley itself is a mix of residential houses, student apartments, and low‑rise units. Surrounding suburbs like Victoria Park, Como, and Kensington offer more cafes and shops but are slightly pricier.
Curtin is ranked 183rd globally (QS), which influences the student population — many international students choose the university, and the surrounding rental market caters to that demand. Living costs in Perth are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, but still warrant careful budgeting. Expect to pay for water, electricity, and internet in addition to rent; flat‑sharing is common among students.
Budget Bands for Student Housing
All prices below are indicative — confirm with the operator for 2026 or 2027.
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$160–$230 per week (budget)
Typically a room in a shared house or a small studio in older buildings. Areas within a 30‑minute bus ride from campus, such as Bentley, St James, or Waterford. Usually unfurnished or partly furnished. Expect to share a kitchen and bathroom. -
$230–$330 per week (mid‑range)
A room in a purpose‑built student accommodation or a newer shared apartment. Often close to campus or in suburbs like Victoria Park or Como. May include utilities. Some residences offer study areas and social events. -
$330–$450+ per week (premium)
Studio or one‑bedroom apartment near campus or in the Perth CBD (with a longer commute). High‑end features, private bathroom, and often all‑inclusive bills. More common in central Perth or recently built complexes.
Walk vs Transit Trade‑Off
Walking distance (≤15 minutes to campus)
Living within a 1‑km radius of Curtin’s main entrance gives you the convenience of not relying on public transport or parking. You can attend evening study sessions, use the library late, and avoid the parking chaos mentioned in reviews. However, rents in Bentley (immediately surrounding the university) are in the mid‑to‑upper range due to demand. Noise from student parties can also be an issue.
Transit commute (15–40 minutes)
Suburbs like Victoria Park, Como, and East Victoria Park are well‑served by buses to Curtin. Buses run frequently during semester, and a weekly Transperth SmartRider card costs around $30‑$40 (2026 indicative). The trade‑off is time and schedule dependence — if you miss a bus, the next may be 15–20 minutes away. Rent may be lower than on‑campus options, especially if you share a house. For example, a room in a shared house in Como could cost $180–$240 per week, compared to $250–$300 in Bentley.
Driving
As the review noted, parking on campus is poorly managed. A parking permit for students is expensive (indicative $400–$600 per semester) and spaces are limited. If you drive, consider living further out where street parking is free, but factor in the cost of fuel and time.
Shortlist Logic: How to Choose Your Housing
Because no specific nearby residences are listed in the given data, here is a general logic for building a shortlist:
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Prioritise safety and proximity to bus stops
Check the Transperth website for routes serving Curtin University. The bus station on campus is a major hub. Suburbs with frequent bus services (e.g., routes 34, 72, 75, 99, 100) reduce commute stress. -
Match your budget to your tolerance for sharing
If you want a low rent, expect to share a house with 2–4 others. If you prefer privacy, you’ll need a studio or apartment — these are more common in the city than in Bentley. -
Check lease duration and utilities
Student accommodations often offer semester‑based contracts, while private rentals require 6–12 months. Ask whether bills are included — some places advertise a low rent but then charge extra for electricity and internet. -
Walk through the area before signing
Visit at different times of day to see if the neighbourhood is quiet at night and well‑lit on footpaths. Reviews on Google Maps or student forums can help. -
Verify with the university’s accommodation service
Curtin has an official housing database (do not name specific brand). Use it to cross‑check prices and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to live for Curtin students?
There is no single “best” area — it depends on your budget and lifestyle. Benton (within walking distance) offers maximum convenience but higher rents and more noise. Victoria Park provides a blend of shops, restaurants, and a 15‑minute bus ride, while costing slightly less. Waterford is cheaper but farther (20–30 minutes by bus). For a quieter environment, consider suburbs like St James or Manning.
How much does it cost to live near Curtin University?
Living costs vary widely. A shared room in Bentley may cost around $180–$250 per week (2026 indicative). A studio near campus can be $300–$400 per week. Don’t forget utilities and food — a student budget for all expenses (rent, food, transport, bills) is typically $400–$600 per week. Confirm exact figures with the accommodation provider.
Is it better to walk or use public transport?
Walking is best if you can afford a place within 1–2 km of campus. It saves time and avoids parking costs. If you need to save on rent, public transport is a good option. The Transperth bus network is reliable during peak hours, but late‑night services are less frequent. Consider buying a SmartRider card for discounted fares. If you own a car, be prepared for a difficult parking situation on campus.
Data as of April 2026. All prices are indicative and subject to change — confirm with the accommodation operator before committing.
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