Brisbane is Queensland’s capital, situated on the east coast of Australia with a population of more than two million it is small enough to be friendly and welcoming, but big enough to be filled with culture, attractions and adventure. Brisbane’s perfect weather, unbeatable lifestyle and proximity to beautiful beaches make it one of the best places in the world to study. It is a green city with many famous tourist attractions. It has one of the fastest growing economies in Australia.
Brisbane is well and truly on its way to becoming a world leader in sustainability. There’s more than 2000 parks and more than 2500 animal species, making Brisbane Australia’s most biodiverse city.
Overview
- Population: 2.24 million
- Average age: 35 years old
- Average daily temperature: 15-25°C
- Average of 283 days of sunshine per year
Homestay
$250 - $300/wk
Homestays give students the opportunity to experience life as part of a Queensland family. They are an excellent way to learn about Australian culture and to improve your English language skills. Australian Homestay Families provide safe, clean accommodation with flexible options for the provision of meals, internet, utilities and room sharing as required. ACCCO has partnered with the Australian Homestay Network (AHN) to give international students the opportunity to be hosted by a specially trained AHN Homestay Host for their introduction to accommodation and living in Australia.
For further information please visit http://www.homestaynetwork.org/accco-students
Private Renting
$175 - $400/wk
This is true independent living - renting a room in a shared apartment or house or rent alone. For most international students, rental accommodation is the easiest and most convenient housing option. Rental accommodation in Queensland varies from small studio apartments to large houses, which are normally rented by a number of tenants living together as “housemates”.
For further information please visit https://www.accco.com.au/international/accommodation/renting
Student Accommodation
$250 - $500/wk
Student accommodation in Brisbane is designed to provide the best student living experience. From the fresh, fully furnished living spaces to the fabulous communal facilities to the supportive environment, everything is ready for you to move straight in. Have the advantage of living in Brisbane City while you study surrounded by shops, supermarkets, award-winning restaurants, inner-city parklands and river views.
For further information please visit https://www.accco.com.au/international/accommodation
Hostels and Backpackers
$130 - $600/wk
Great for a short-term stay while looking for permanent accommodation. Hostels provide budget-oriented, sociable accommodation where guests can rent a bed and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available. These can be a very good short-term option while you are settling in Brisbane and looking for more permanent accommodation.
For further information please visit https://www.hostelworld.com/hostels/Brisbane/Australia
Boasting Australia’s best climate, the city has a subtropical climate with warm summers, mild winters and more sunny days than any other Australian capital city. With 283 days of sunshine, the weather in Queensland is mostly warm and sunny throughout the year, even during winter! This means that people are able to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle all year round. Average temperatures range between 20°C to 29°C in summer and 10°C to 21°C in winter.
Our seasons include:
- Summer (December – February)
- Autumn (March – May)
- Winter (June – August)
- Spring (September – November)
ACCCO is centrally located near business and lifestyle precincts with nearby transport networks and opportunities for part-time work whilst studying. Brisbane’s public transport network is clean and green with an integrated network of trains, ferries and buses which make for a hassle-free commute to classes. Fortitude Valley train station is conveniently located within a five minute walk to the college.
Brisbane students receive a 50% discount on local public transport and 25% discount on CityCycle bike hire. There’s also a free CityHopper ferry to jump between the city, South Bank and Kangaroo Point.
With directional boutiques, home-grown designers and big-name brands, Brisbane has earned its title as the new home of fashion. The Queen Street Mall is the heart of this shopping mecca, housing luxury retailers, flagship stores of Australian labels and hole-in-the-wall boutiques. International brands Cartier, Burberry and Forever 21, along with Australia’s Paspaley, are the most recent additions to the city’s sartorial mix, with more fashion heavyweights set to open.
Luxury lovers can peruse high-end stores, including Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Louis Vuitton at Queens Plaza. The heritage-listed Brisbane Arcade is worth a visit to marvel at its stunning timber panelling and local designers. Head to MacArthur Central for flagship stores including Apple and Ralph Lauren, The Myer Centre for Myer, or browse the shops behind Wintergarden’s butterfly-studded, kaleidoscopic façade.
To continue your boutique journey, head to Fortitude Valley and Paddington, where unique shops, galleries and boutiques dot the streets. In Fortitude Valley, James Street is the place to find local designer wear and quality home wares amidst cool bars and fine al fresco dining spots. Or venture into the creative designer hub of Bakery Lane set in an intimate space off Ann Street.
When it comes to dining, there’s a world of options at your fingertips. Brisbane is flourishing with new restaurants, cafes and bars, from elegant riverside dining, to hip laneway eateries, bustling food markets, and airy rooftop bars overlooking the best views in town. Brisbane’s dining scene offers something for all tastes and budgets, with the city’s multicultural flavour reflected in it's cuisine. From cheap eateries and farmer's markets, through to reasonably priced cafes and pubs, there’s plenty to choose from. If you prefer to eat at home or need items for a relaxing picnic in the park, you can find all you need at the city's local supermarkets.
An advantage of living in one of the world’s most multicultural countries is the vast array of food and activities at your doorstep. Brisbane hosts a huge number of multicultural events each year including the popular Regional Flavours food festival, Paniyiri Greek Festival, Oktoberfest and BrisAsia festival.