Adelaide City Guide

Discover the best of student life with our Adelaide City Guide. If you’ve ever imagined studying in a place where your weekends could look like sunrise swims at Glenelg, coffee in the East End, and a night capped off with live music in a laneway bar, welcome to Adelaide. This city has a way of surprising you. It’s calm when you want to focus, and buzzing the moment you’re ready for fun. Here’s the big bonus for students. The cost of living in Adelaide is friendlier than in Sydney or Melbourne. You’ll also find a wide range of student accommodation in Adelaide, from modern studios in the CBD to cosy places near uni campuses.

This city guide Adelaide gives you the inside track. The neighbourhoods are worth knowing. The beaches locals love. How to get around without breaking the bank. And of course, the best things to do in Adelaide Australia, whether you’re here to study, explore, or both. You’re about to see why Adelaide is one of the easiest cities to call home, and one of the hardest to leave. Whether you’re looking for the best bars, restaurants, or cultural spots, this Adelaide city guide will help you explore the city with confidence, ensuring your stay is enjoyable, memorable, and hassle-free.

About Adelaide

Here’s the thing about Adelaide. It’s big enough to feel exciting, yet small enough that you never feel lost in the crowd. Around 1.4 million people call it home, which makes it Australia’s fifth-largest city. Beaches on one side, & hills on the other. And most of it is within a 30-minute scoot from wherever you are. That’s a win for students who like plans that actually happen.

The weather deserves its own shoutout. Warm summers, gentle winters, and plenty of sunshine to enjoy the parklands wrapped around the CBD. It’s also one of the safest major cities in the country, with a comfortingly high safety index that helps international students settle in faster. What this really means is you get a relaxed lifestyle, but not a sleepy one. Adelaide has a growing tech and startup scene, strong education and health sectors, and an employment rate that consistently stays above 62%, giving graduates solid job prospects. And when it’s time to switch off, the city goes all-in on fun, from the massive Adelaide Fringe festival to live music, galleries, and sporting nights at Adelaide Oval. In short, Adelaide gives students the space to grow academically, the community to feel at home, and the energy to enjoy the ride & Adelaide city guide briefs you about it.

Top Universities in Adelaide

Adelaide is known for its world-class universities and diverse student community. The city houses around 40,000 international students, many enrolled in Australia’s group of 8 universities.
1. University of Adelaide - A member of the prestigious Group of Eight, it’s ranked #82 in QS 2025. Offers top programs in engineering, medicine, and business. The average semester fee is around AU$18,000.
2. Flinders University - Known for innovation and research, especially in health sciences and technology. It's ranked #380 in QS 2025. The average semester fee here is AU$16,000. Additionally, there are many student accommodations near Flinders University, making it a plus point.
3. University of South Australia (UniSA) - Offers over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Business, health science, engineering & many more. It's ranked #326 in QS 2025. The average semester fee is around AU$17,000.
4. Torrens University - A newer private institution with flexible study options and industry-linked degrees, including cyber security, medical & much more. The semester fee here is around AU$14,000.

Food & Dining in Adelaide

Adelaide’s dining scene is a treat for food lovers. It’s where multicultural flavours meet fresh local produce, making the city one of Australia’s top culinary destinations. Think late-night food trucks, buzzing laneway eateries, and restaurants that regularly make national best-of lists. Consider this your mini Adelaide food guide with some great spots worth trying:
1. Africola - A lively spot famous for its peri-peri chicken and bold African-inspired menu. Expect an average dining cost of AU$45 per person.
2. Peel St Restaurant - Known for its seasonal menu and share-style plates. Try their spiced lamb with yogurt and herbs. The average cost for dining is AU$50 per person.
3. Shobosho - Blends Japanese street food with Australian ingredients. Don’t miss the yakitori skewers. The average cost of dining is AU$55 per person.
4. Luigi Delicatessen - A local favourite for handmade pasta and coffee. Must-try dish here is truffle fettuccine. The average dining cost is AU$40 per person.
5. Osteria Oggi - Stylish Italian eatery serving house-made gnocchi & tiramisu. The average cost for dining here is around AU$60 per person.

Nightlife in Adelaide

Adelaide isn’t just about daytime activities - the city also offers a lively nightlife scene, perfect for students, young professionals, and visitors looking to unwind after a day of exploring. With a variety of nightclubs, pubs, and the best bars in Adelaide, Adelaide’s nightlife adds an exciting dimension to student life and the city’s overall appeal. Here are some of the top bars & nightclubs:
1. Maybe Mae - Hidden cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe. Famous for their signature Mae Mule cocktails. Avg drink costs AU$15-20.
2. The Stag Public House - Relaxed pub with craft beers and live music. Known for its local beer selection. Avg drink costs AU$10-18.
3. Poli Rooftop Bar - Trendy rooftop bar with stunning city views. Popular for craft cocktails and tapas. Avg drink costs AU$15-22.
4. Fritz Bar - Modern nightclub with a dance floor and DJ nights. Famous for themed parties and student nights. Entry fee is AU$10-20.
5. HQ Complex - High-energy nightclub complex with multiple dance areas. Known for live DJ sets and events. Entry fee is AU$15-25.

Common Modes of Transportation in Adelaide

Getting around Adelaide is simple and affordable, thanks to its well-connected public transport system. Most students rely on the city’s buses, trams, and trains, all managed under the Adelaide Metro network. The Adelaide city guide briefs about some of these modes of transport.
1. Buses - Cover the entire city and suburbs, including university routes. The average fare is around AU$3.80 per ride. Students get discounted Adelaide MetroCards for up to 50% off.
2. Trams - Free within the CBD and along popular spots like Glenelg. Beyond the free zone, fares start at AU$2.20.
3. Trains - Ideal for long-distance commutes to outer suburbs. The average fare is AU$4.50 per trip, with student concession cards available.
4. Taxis & Rideshares (Uber, Ola) - Convenient for late-night travel; cost about AU$20-25 for short city rides.
5. Cycling & Walking - Adelaide is a flat, bike-friendly city with extensive cycling lanes and walking trails. Many campuses offer bike-share programs or discounts.

Cost of Living in Adelaide

Living in Adelaide is more affordable compared to other Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Students can comfortably manage their expenses with careful budgeting. To get a more detailed analysis, check out the cost of living in Adelaide. Here’s an estimated monthly breakdown:

Attractions in Adelaide

Adelaide’s attractions showcase its natural charm, art, and culture, making it a must-visit for anyone following this Adelaide city guide. Historic landmarks as well as natural escapes, this Adelaide travel guide highlights the top destinations for students, tourists, and locals.
1. Adelaide Botanic Garden – A lush escape in the city centre filled with rare plants and glasshouses. As one of the top places to visit in Adelaide, it also hosts seasonal events, including outdoor concerts and flower shows, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
2. Art Gallery of South Australia – Visitors can explore both permanent and temporary exhibitions, making it a must-see for anyone following an Adelaide guide. The gallery also hosts workshops and cultural events, making it a hub for Adelaide attraction lovers.
3. Adelaide Oval – An iconic sports and concert venue with rooftop tours offering stunning skyline views. It’s home to cricket and Australian rules football matches, attracting locals and tourists. Alongside sporting events, it hosts music concerts and community activities, making it one of the best things to do in Adelaide.
4. Rundle Mall – A popular shopping destination with over 700 stores and street performances. Beyond shopping, it’s a hub of social activity with seasonal markets and live performances. As one of the most visited places to visit in Adelaide.
5. Glenelg Beach – Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and beachside cafés while soaking in the coastal vibe. Easily accessible by tram from the CBD, it’s one of the top Adelaide attractions for both students and travellers.
6. Cleland Wildlife Park – The park has with native animals, including feeding kangaroos and wallabies. It’s an educational and fun destination, perfect for anyone looking for things to do in Adelaide, Australia.
7. Barossa Valley – Just an hour’s drive from the city, students can tour vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and dine at gourmet restaurants amidst scenic landscapes. Recognised as one of the  things to see in Adelaide, it’s ideal for day trips or weekend escapes.
8. Adelaide Hills - It is known for rolling hills, charming villages, and panoramic views of the city and coast. The region is also famous for its local produce and wineries, making it another top highlight in Adelaide.

Best Places to Stay in Adelaide as a Student

Finding the right neighbourhood is crucial for convenience and comfort. Here are some of the best places in Adelaide for students:
1. North Adelaide: This area is close to the University of Adelaide, and it is filled with cafes and green parks. The average rent here is around AU$350-450 per week. Top properties in this area are Scape Adelaide Central & UniLodge Metro.2. Adelaide CBD: It is Ideal for students who prefer living in the city centre, near nightlife, restaurants, and trams. The average rent is around AU$400-500 per week, with top properties including Scape Waymouth & Accolade On Waymouth.
3. Mitcham: It is a quiet, leafy suburb popular with Flinders University students. The average rent here is around AU$300-400 per week. The top property in this area is UniLodge On Waymouth.
4. Pasadena: A budget-friendly area that consists of student accommodation near Flinders University, offering affordable student apartments and a relaxed vibe. The average rent here is around AU$280-350 per week, with the top property being 6 Glandore Avenue.

Conclusion

Adelaide city guide gives you a overview of the life in the city. Adelaide gives students the best of both worlds. You get a city that feels alive with festivals, nightlife, great food and world-class education, but without the overwhelming chaos or sky-high living costs you might find elsewhere in Australia. Everything is close enough to reach without stress. Beaches. Hills. Campus. Cafés. It’s a place where you can focus on your goals, enjoy your downtime, and still keep to a reasonable budget.

If you’re planning your move and want to lock in a comfortable place to live, check out student accommodation in Adelaide early. The good ones go fast. Once you’re settled, the rest is easy. Study hard, explore often, and make the most of this student-friendly city.

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