As a student at the Queensland University of Technology, I'd say I know my way around pretty well by now. Therefore, in this blog I will be mentioning my favourite parts about being a student in Brisbane.
Getting around the city is cheap and easy
Queensland’s 50-cent fares for all public transport has made getting around the state much easier. As a student, I have no concern that commuting across the state could empty my wallet, the same can't be said for other big cities across the country which offer much more expensive means to travel around the district.
There are trains, buses and the free CityHopper ferry (which connects both sections of the city across the stretch of the river - making for a free, yet fun sunset boat ride experience.) Further up Queensland, trams are also available.
The weather
Brisbane has approximately 280 sunny days per year, and winter in Brisbane consists of only needing a light jacket. Assignments are completed in the grass near the river, lunch is a walk in the City Botanic Gardens, and weekends are guaranteed to include an activity outside. It is true that summer rainfalls can be spectacular, but they move fast, and seeing a storm illuminate the city skyline from the balcony is very thrilling at first until it becomes 'very Brisbane.'
South Bank - a backyard for students
South Bank and the Parklands are the most student-friendly places in the city. Apart from the vast number of cafes and restaurants, along with the theatre nearby, South Bank also offers the Streets Beach; a man-made free-to-swim lagoon.
Just near that, we have the massive Wheel of Brisbane, and going a bit further up, there is the Queensland Museum, State Library and my favourite, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). GOMA has many interesting events with big concessions but some of these events also offer cheaper food as well. Also, the State Library is ideal for any students who want to come and lock in with their studies.
The food
Australia is home to a diverse population, and Brisbane, in fact, has been the city that never stopped flaunting how multicultural it is. Which is something you can even taste when you try out the food spots here.
The late night food and bars in the Fortitude Valley, the cafes across West End and CBD and even the Asian food available in Sunnybank, are all just a few of my favourite spots from the top of my head.
So, as long as you are in Brisbane, if you ever feel like you are missing home, just know you can find your native cuisine somewhere in the city.
Top tip: A recommendation as a student, would be to download the EatClub app. EatClub genuinely feels like a hack with it shows us restaurants or cafes near us with heavy discounts.
The natural side
In Queensland, nature is never far away. If you travel barely 20 minutes away from the city, you could find yourself up the top of Mount Coot-tha, where you could see almost the whole city.
Kangaroo Point Cliffs offer rock climbing too, where there is a brilliant public view that is visible even in evening due to the night lighting, setting up for an ambient evening.
If these are not for you, and instead you want something a bit more intense like a trek, travel a bit further to the Sunshine Coast and there are countless hiking and trekking spots there.
My verdict
Brisbane offers a brilliant balance which other cities across Australia will find hard to match. The combination of world-class universities, diverse restaurants and cafes, cheaper prices, close travel spots and being much less busy and bustling, make it a relaxing home to millions of people, including the multicultural population. One thing I would say as a student is to just explore, and discover what this place offers for yourself.
