10 Best Suburbs In Wodonga For Students | 2025 Guide

Located in the scenic region of Victoria beside the Murray River, Wodonga is home to approximately 44,000 residents, with nearly 14% aged 18-24, the key student demographic. With more than 2,000 tertiary students enrolled at institutions like TAFE NSW Wodonga, the city offers a perfect blend of affordability, transport links, and lifestyle amenities. For students seeking the best suburbs in Wodonga, this guide highlights neighbourhoods that combine convenience, cafes, green spaces, and a strong social life, making your time studying far more enjoyable and stress-free.

Top 10 Best Suburbs in Wodonga for Students

Choosing the right neighbourhood can make your student life in Wodonga even better. From cafe-filled streets in the Wodonga CBD and sporty vibes in West Wodonga to modern living in White Box Rise, each area has its own student perks. With riverside walks, parks, affordable rentals, and quick access to TAFE NSW Wodonga, these are the best suburbs in Wodonga that combine convenience, comfort, and community for an easy, enjoyable student lifestyle.

1️. Wodonga CBD 

Known for: Shopping precincts, nightlife & transport
Why Students Love It: Walkable cafés, buses & job opportunities
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (5 min by bus)
Pros: Everything within a 1 km radius, very student-friendly
Safety Index: 7.8 / 10
Students Living Here: ~1,100

Wodonga CBD is one of the best suburbs in Wodonga for students who want cafés, study spots, and retail right outside their door. Groceries are easy at Aldi, Coles, and Marketplace Wodonga, while students grab coffee at BeanStation Café, Cafe Grove, and Coffee Mamma during study breaks. Weekends include Sumsion Gardens Lake walks, Hyphen Library + Gallery events, and movie nights at Regent Cinema Albury, just across the border. With Wodonga train station and frequent buses toward TAFE, High Street offers both convenience and part-time work opportunities, ideal for student living.

2️. West Wodonga 

Known for: Sports facilities & green parks
Why Students Love It: Active student lifestyle
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (10 min bus)
Pros: Affordable rent, great community facilities
Safety Index: 8.2 / 10
Students Living Here: ~950

West Wodonga stands out among the Best Suburbs in Wodonga for students who love sport, fitness, and good food. The Wodonga Sports & Leisure Centre features gyms and pools for student memberships, while Birallee Park, Valencia Park, and Golf Club Wodonga make outdoor fun easy. Nearby Birallee Shopping Centre has Woolworths, Stellar Coffee Co., China Star, and McDonald’s for quick food runs. Bus Route 907 connects students directly to TAFE, and residential streets make it secure and comfortable, perfect for shared accommodation setups.

3️. White Box Rise 

Known for: New-age living & modern estates
Why Students Love It: Everything nearby: eat, shop, study
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (12 min drive)
Pros: Trendy, well-planned for youth & students
Safety Index: 8.0 / 10
Students Living Here: ~700

White Box Rise is one of the best suburbs in Wodonga if you love new developments. Students shop and grab essentials at White Box Rise Shopping Centre with Woolworths, Domino’s, Zambrero, and Rise Café. Weekends include bowling and dining at The Clubhouse Bar & Bistro and Freight Bar & Restaurant, just 5 minutes away. Sports lovers enjoy training at Southern Rangers Oval, while Wodonga Dog Park gives a chill outdoor space. Modern homes + strong bus connectivity = a popular student pick.

4️. South Wodonga

Known for: Affordable rentals & quieter streets
Why Students Love It: Peaceful, study-friendly environment
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (8 min drive)
Pros: Close to parks, cafes & supermarkets
Safety Index: 8.3 / 10
Students Living Here: ~600

South Wodonga is among the best suburbs in Wodonga for students who love peaceful routines with city perks. Local hotspots include Cafe on High, Felltimber Community Centre, JG's Café, and scenic cycling paths near Belvoir Park. Students shop nearby at Wodonga Plaza, BIG W, and Woolworths Birallee. The suburb’s safe streets and proximity to West Wodonga Medical Clinic and bus route 906 help make student life smooth, stress-free, and budget-friendly.

5️. Baranduda 

Known for: Happening lifestyle & upcoming developments
Why Students Love It: Mountain views and outdoor adventures
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (15 min drive)
Pros: Clean, modern, community-focused
Safety Index: 8.6 / 10
Students Living Here: ~500

Baranduda deserves its spot among the best suburbs in Wodonga with its nature-packed surroundings. Students enjoy Baranduda Fields, Baranduda Skate Park, and nature trails leading toward Baranduda Range. Popular weekend eateries include Kickback Bar & Grill and cafés near Baranduda Boulevard. Supermarkets and takeaway spots are a short trip away in White Box Rise. It’s ideal for students who prefer modern homes, lower noise, and quick access to walking/biking adventures.

6️. Huon Creek

Known for: Rural charm & larger homes
Why Students Love It: Quiet lifestyle = focused study
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (18 min drive)
Pros: Low noise, scenic breaks
Safety Index: 8.7 / 10
Students Living Here: ~350

Huon Creek is one of the best suburbs in Wodonga for students seeking calm days and scenic nights. Study breaks often lead to Huon Hill Lookout, ATO Trail, or Les Stone Park for nature downtime. Grab a bite at Pink Pepper Indian Café or coffee from Frankie’s Cafe + Bar, just 10 minutes away in the CBD. With easy access to Huon Creek Road and shops at White Box Rise, students enjoy independence without chaos, best if you have a car.

7️. Castle Creek

Known for: Adventure trails & quiet neighbourhoods
Why Students Love It: Fresh air & fitness-friendly
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (15 min drive)
Pros: Great for hiking & cycling
Safety Index: 8.5 / 10
Students Living Here: ~420

Castle Creek ranks among the best suburbs in Wodonga for outdoorsy students. You’ll find Castle Creek Reserve for runs and sunrise hikes, easy access to Baranduda Range Trails, and cafés just minutes away, including The Grind House and Piccolo Pod. Students shop and eat at Birallee Village or White Box Rise Shopping Centre. Affordable housing and safe streets make it perfect for students who need a balance of nature and accessibility.

8️. Leneva 

Known for: Rapid growth + young demographic
Why Students Love It: Modern living & future-friendly planning
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (12 min drive)
Pros: Safe, stylish, connected
Safety Index: 8.4 / 10
Students Living Here: ~680

Leneva is one of the best suburbs in Wodonga thanks to its newly built estates and emerging dining scene. Students enjoy recreation at Leneva Sports Park, cafés like Frankies nearby, and scenic spots along Yaralumla Drive. Quick access to the Kiewa Valley Highway takes you to White Box Rise Shopping Centre in 7 minutes. It’s ideal for students who prefer fresh interiors, new builds, and community amenities.

9️. Killara 

Known for: Murray River views & leafy urban pockets
Why Students Love It: Relaxation & nature escapes
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (10–12 min drive)
Pros: Peace + quick CBD link
Safety Index: 8.6 / 10
Students Living Here: ~450

Killara is one of the best suburbs in Wodonga with outdoor living right at your doorstep. Students enjoy Gateway Island, High Country Rail Trail, and riverside BBQ areas for social weekends. Grocery trips are easy with Coles at the CBD or Woolworths at White Box Rise. Cafés like Cafe Grove and BeanStation keep caffeine flowing. It’s perfect for those who want nature vibes while staying near nightlife and work opportunities.

10. Gateway Island 

Known for: Cultural events & adventure zones
Why Students Love It: Nature activities + arts scene
Nearby Campus: TAFE NSW Wodonga (8 min drive)
Pros: Social weekends + creative community
Safety Index: 7.9 / 10
Students Living Here: ~300

Gateway Island makes the list of the best suburbs in Wodonga for students who stay active and creative. It’s home to Arts Space Wodonga events, Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, and cycling tracks along the Murray River. Students attend weekend markets near Gateway Village and grab eats at nearby Pinchos Cafe & Tapas. With the CBD just over the causeway, you get the perfect mix of lifestyle, learning, and leisure.

Wodonga Student Accommodation

Finding student accommodation in Wodonga is simple and affordable, with plenty of modern options close to TAFE NSW Wodonga and the city centre. Students can choose from ensuite and non-ensuite rooms, shared apartments, or private studios, depending on their lifestyle and budget. With Wodonga student accommodation, you’ll get furnished spaces equipped with Wi-Fi, laundry, study desks, and secure access. Most properties are within minutes of cafés, supermarkets, and public transport, making daily life easy and connected. Below are some of the top properties available in Wodonga.

1. McFarlane's Hill Residences:  It offers non-ensuite shared student rooms with bills included, free parking, and a strong community feel, making it a top choice for Wodonga student accommodation.

2. UniLodge Wodonga East End: It provides affordable non-ensuite rooms just minutes from campus, with study spaces, BBQ zones, and excellent public-transport connections for the student lifestyle.

The best suburbs in Wodonga offer more than just a place to live - they shape your entire student experience. From riverside escapes on Gateway Island to modern housing in White Box Rise and the cafe culture of the CBD, Wodonga gives students the right mix of study, community, and adventure. With safe streets, affordable rent, and easy travel to TAFE NSW Wodonga, settling here means enjoying a well-balanced and fulfilling student life.