Top 16 Best Suburbs In Ipswich For Students 2025

Moving to Ipswich for your studies? You’re in for a chill, student-friendly city that perfectly balances Queensland vibes with affordable living and a strong community feel. Whether you’re heading to the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) or just exploring your options, finding the right area can make student life a lot smoother. From cozy cafés to easy transport, the best suburbs in Ipswich have everything students need without the big-city chaos. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best Ipswich suburbs that are affordable, safe, and close to everything that matters.

Top 16 Best Suburbs in Ipswich for Students

If you’re exploring the best suburbs in Ipswich, this list highlights areas that offer the right mix of affordability, accessibility, and safety, ideal for student life. From central spots to peaceful outer neighbourhoods, these are Ipswich's best suburbs known for their comprehensive transport links, nearby universities, and welcoming communities.

1. Ipswich CBD

Rent: $210–$260/week
People: 2,500+
Close to University: 2.5 km (University of Southern Queensland Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.2/10
Best for: Students who like a busy, easy-to-walk-around, and well-connected area.

Ipswich CBD is in the city centre and is one of the best suburbs in Ipswich for students who want to be near everything. You can easily walk around, and the Ipswich Train Station and several TransLink bus stops connect to the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and Brisbane City in less than an hour. Students can enjoy Riverlink Shopping Centre, Pumpyard Bar & Brewery, and Fourthchild Café & Restaurant. Queens Park and the Ipswich Nature Centre are also nearby if you want some green space. It's a safe and social area, perfect for a balanced student life. As one of the best Ipswich suburbs, it’s safe, social, and ideal for a balanced student lifestyle.

2. Woodend

Rent: $230–$280/week
People: 1,400+
Close to University: 3 km (University of Southern Queensland Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.8/10
Best for: Students who prefer a quiet, old-fashioned area close to the city.

Woodend is among the best suburbs in Ipswich for students seeking a peaceful life with charming old houses and tree-lined streets. You can walk to St Mary’s College and Ipswich Grammar School, and it's a quick bus ride to USQ Ipswich. Cafes like Rafter & Rose and Dovetails Restaurant are popular local spots, and Limestone Park is great for study breaks. As one of the safest neighbourhoods in Ipswich, Woodend offers calm, charm, and easy access to the city centre.

3. Eastern Heights

Rent: $220–$270/week
People: 3,700+
Close to University: 3.2 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.5/10
Best for: Students looking for affordable living near parks and local shops.

Eastern Heights is a top choice among the best suburbs in Ipswich for students who want affordable living and green spaces. It's close to Queens Park, Coles Silkstone Village, and Limestone Park, giving you places to relax and shop. Regular buses connect the area to USQ Ipswich and the CBD in under 10 minutes. This suburb has a friendly, residential feel and remains one of the safest suburbs in Ipswich for those who want a safe, budget-friendly area with easy access to cafes and study spots.

4. Brassall

Rent: $240–$300/week
People: 11,000+
Close to University: 6 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.6/10
Best for: Students who want a family-friendly, spacious, and well-connected area.

Brassall ranks among the best suburbs in Ipswich for students who like bigger spaces and a comfortable community. It’s just a 10-minute drive from USQ Ipswich and has good transport with buses from Brassall Shopping Centre. Students can relax at Denmark Hill Conservation Reserve or get coffee at The Yard on Glebe. With affordable rents, green areas, and nearby gyms, Brassall is one of the best Ipswich suburbs for a balanced student life.

5. Leichhardt

Rent: $210–$250/week
People: 3,800+
Close to University: 2 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.3/10
Best for: Students looking for affordable housing close to campus.

‍Leichhardt is one of the best suburbs in Ipswich for students who want convenience without high costs. It's only a few minutes from USQ Ipswich and is popular for its easy access to places like Leichhardt Swim Centre, George Alder Tennis Centre, and small cafes. Public buses often connect the area to the CBD. With affordable rents and close to university facilities, Leichhardt is one of the safest suburbs in Ipswich for practical, low-cost student living.

6. Churchill

Rent: $220–$260/week
People: 2,200+
Close to University: 1.5 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.7/10
Best for: Students who like peaceful surroundings and being close to classes.

‍Churchill is one of the best suburbs in Ipswich for USQ students, being just a 3-minute drive or short walk to campus. The area has a quiet, suburban feel with access to Churchill State School, Lobb Street Recreation Reserve, and quick routes to local shops. Cafes and bus services nearby make getting around easy. Its safety, calm environment, and affordability make Churchill one of the safest neighbourhoods in Ipswich for focused study and relaxed weekends.

7. West Ipswich

Rent: $230–$280/week
People: 2,000+
Close to University: 3 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.1/10
Best for: Students who prefer city-edge living with quick access to shopping.

Adjacent to the CBD, West Ipswich remains among the best suburbs in Ipswich for accessibility. It has Bunnings, Officeworks, and ALDI, so you can easily get what you need. The suburb has several bus routes to USQ and Ipswich Station, and local eateries like The Retro Diner add charm. Students benefit from affordable rentals and a mix of old and new housing. As one of the best Ipswich suburbs, it’s perfect for those who want practicality and proximity.

8. Raceview

Rent: $230–$280/week
People: 9,800+
Close to University: 5 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.6/10
Best for: Students seeking quiet neighbourhoods and suburban comfort.

‍Raceview is one of the best suburbs in Ipswich for students who prefer calm, residential areas. It’s well-connected by South Station Road and has nearby shops, cafes, and Raceview Tavern. Raceview Shopping Centre has everything for daily needs, while White Rock Conservation Park offers nice walking trails. Bus services connect easily to USQ and the city centre. With clean streets and a friendly community, Raceview ranks high among the safest suburbs in Ipswich for student living.

9. Booval

Rent: $240–$290/week
People: 2,700+
Close to University: 5 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.4/10
Best for: Students seeking efficient transport and shopping convenience.

Booval is one of the best suburbs in Ipswich thanks to its railway station and the Booval Fair Shopping Centre, which has Coles, Kmart, and local cafes. Trains to Brisbane City and buses to USQ Ipswich run regularly, making commuting easy. Students can relax at Clift Street Park or eat at Fourthchild Café nearby. Affordable rents, public transport, and social spots make Booval one of the safest neighbourhoods in Ipswich for connected student life.

10. Bundamba

Rent: $230–$270/week
People: 6,500+
Close to University: 7 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.2/10
Best for: Students who value access to training centres and easy commutes.

Bundamba ranks among the best suburbs in Ipswich due to its accessibility and affordable housing. It has the TAFE Queensland Ipswich Campus and the Bundamba Train Station, which offers direct access to Brisbane City and USQ. Local highlights include Bundamba Swim Centre and River Heart Parklands. Its strategic location and good transport make it one of the best Ipswich suburbs for both local and international students.

11. Goodna

Rent: $250–$300/week
People: 11,000+
Close to University: 15 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.3/10
Best for: Students who want affordable rent with quick Brisbane access.

‍Goodna is among the best suburbs in Ipswich for students who travel between Ipswich and Brisbane. With the Goodna Train Station, students can reach Brisbane CBD in 30 minutes and USQ Ipswich in 20 minutes. Local highlights include Goodna Marketplace, Eden Brewhouse, and Gailes Golf Club. The suburb’s mix of affordability, shopping, and connectivity makes it one of the safest suburbs in Ipswich for students balancing study and city life.

12. Redbank Plains

‍Rent: $240–$290/week
People: 20,000+
Close to University: 12 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.5/10
Best for: Students who want suburban living with great shops and facilities.

For students seeking modern housing and convenient nearby shopping, Redbank Plains is one of the best suburbs in Ipswich for students. The Redbank Plains Town Square has over 60 stores, while buses link to USQ and Springfield Station. Students can enjoy the White Rock Conservation Area or cafes like Espresso 25. With good transport and a young community, Redbank Plains is easily one of the safest neighbourhoods in Ipswich for students.

13. Springfield Lakes

Rent: $270–$330/week
People: 17,000+
Close to University: 18 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 8.1/10
Best for: Students seeking a modern, pretty, and connected lifestyle.

‍Springfield Lakes is among the best suburbs in Ipswich for students who enjoy living by a lake and urban comforts. The area has Orion Springfield Central, Robelle Domain Parklands, and Springfield Central Station with trains to Brisbane and Ipswich. University of Southern Queensland Springfield Campus is only 10 minutes away. With cafes, walking trails, and safe streets, Springfield Lakes is one of the best Ipswich suburbs for a student-friendly modern lifestyle.

14. Ripley

‍Rent: $260–$310/week
People: 8,000+
Close to University: 10 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.9/10
Best for: Students who want new homes and quiet surroundings.

Ripley is a fast-growing area and one of the best suburbs in Ipswich for students wanting peace with convenience. It offers new apartments, bike paths, and Ripley Town Centre with shops and restaurants. Frequent bus routes connect to USQ Ipswich and Springfield. With its safety, clean streets, and community feel, Ripley is one of the best Ipswich suburbs for modern, student-friendly living.

15. Yamanto

Rent: $250–$300/week
People: 5,800+
Close to University: 8 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 7.8/10
Best for: Students who like suburban calm with shopping convenience.

‍Yamanto is one of the best suburbs in Ipswich for students who enjoy quiet residential living. The Yamanto Central Shopping Centre has popular stores, gyms, and cafes, while the Deebing Creek Bikeway is perfect for cycling to nearby areas. Buses connect easily to USQ Ipswich. Safe, tidy, and affordable, Yamanto consistently ranks among the safest suburbs in Ipswich for a relaxed student lifestyle.

16. Augustine Heights

‍Rent: $280–$340/week
People: 4,000+
Close to University: 16 km (USQ Ipswich Campus)
Safety Score: 8.3/10
Best for: Students wanting upscale, peaceful living close to Springfield.

‍Augustine Heights is one of the best suburbs in Ipswich for students who prefer nice, safe, and well-planned communities. It’s close to Orion Springfield Central, Brookwater Golf Course, and Springfield Central Station. Frequent trains connect to USQ and Brisbane in under 45 minutes. With parks, walking trails, and modern apartments, Augustine Heights is one of the best Ipswich suburbs for students who enjoy comfort, safety, and a sophisticated lifestyle.

Student accommodation in Ipswich

Finding the right student housing is just as important as picking from the best suburbs in Ipswich. The city offers a variety of options, from shared apartments to private studios, all tailored to fit student needs and budgets. Most student accommodation in Ipswich is located close to the University of Southern Queensland (USQ Ipswich Campus), public transport, and everyday essentials like cafes, shops, and libraries. Students can explore verified listings provided by amber that prioritise safety, comfort, and convenience. Whether you want to live near the bustling city centre or in a quieter suburb, the Ipswich student accommodation scene offers something for everyone.

Ipswich is recognised as one of Queensland's most promising areas, blending heritage, development, and community expansion. Each suburb offers a distinct contribution, from the connectivity and culture of Ipswich CBD to Ripley's contemporary planning and Springfield Lakes' flourishing infrastructure. Exploring the best suburbs in Ipswich offers insight into how the city integrates progress, safety, and affordability while retaining its local appeal. Whether for education, recreation, or investment, the safest suburbs in Ipswich continue to reflect the city’s growing potential and forward-thinking lifestyle.