From Surf to Study: Best Suburbs In Wollongong 2025

Beach mornings, uni days, and sunset walks, that’s everyday life in Wollongong, one of Australia’s coolest coastal student cities. With over 310,000 people and more than 35,000 students studying at the University of Wollongong (UOW) and TAFE NSW Illawarra, this city is abuzz with youth, culture, and a positive atmosphere. Known for its mix of beach views, affordable living, and excellent public transport. But the real question is, where should you live? From beachside hangouts to quiet, leafy lanes, these are the best suburbs in Wollongong that bring together convenience, community, and student-life energy all in one place.

Top 10 Best Suburbs in Wollongong for Students

Choosing the right neighbourhood can level up your student life in Wollongong. From the beachy vibe of North Wollongong and the budget-friendly rentals in Fairy Meadow to the green, peaceful streets of Keiraville, every suburb offers something special. With cafés, surf spots, shopping centres, and quick access to the University of Wollongong, these are the best suburbs in Wollongong that perfectly mix convenience, comfort, and community, helping you balance study, hangouts, and chill days by the coast.

1️. North Wollongong 

Known for: Beach lifestyle, cafés, and proximity to UOW
Why Students Love It: Coastal charm with quick uni access
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (5 min drive / 10 min walk)
Pros: Surf beach, cafés, train connectivity
Safety Index: 8.7 / 10
Students Living Here: ~1,500

North Wollongong is one of the best suburbs in Wollongong for students who want to live near the beach and the UOW main campus. Grab a coffee at Diggies Café or Ari’s by the Sea before heading to class via North Wollongong Train Station or bus routes 9, 55A, and 55C, which run frequently to the university. Cycling is another easy option with the Blue Mile Pathway connecting the suburb to the CBD. It’s the perfect mix of study convenience and coastal lifestyle.

2️. Fairy Meadow 

Known for: Affordable housing, shops, and food options
Why Students Love It: Budget-friendly and well-connected
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (7 min drive / 12 min bus)
Pros: Great shopping, dining, and transport
Safety Index: 8.4 / 10
Students Living Here: ~2,000

Fairy Meadow is among the best suburbs in Wollongong for students who value accessibility and affordability. Students shop at Fairy Meadow Shopping Centre or Aldi, and grab bites at Fraternity Club, Maya Da Dhaba, and Lettuce B. Frank. Bus routes 55A, 55C, and 7 directly connect to UOW, while Fairy Meadow Train Station provides quick access to North Wollongong and Sydney. The Coastal Cycleway links Fairy Meadow to the beach, making commutes scenic and student-friendly.

3️. Gwynneville

Known for: Proximity to UOW & community vibe
Why Students Love It: Cafés, parks, and short walks to the university
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (3–5 min walk)
Pros: Central, sociable, and walkable
Safety Index: 8.6 / 10
Students Living Here: ~1,800

Gwynneville is one of the best suburbs in Wollongong for students who prefer walking to lectures. Home to cafes like The Barrow, Brown Sugar Espresso, and Society City Café, it offers an active yet calm lifestyle. Students can use bus routes 9 and 55C to reach other city areas or bike via the Campus East cycle path. Beaton Park Leisure Centre nearby provides gym and pool access, making this suburb both convenient and community-oriented.

4️. Keiraville 

Known for: Nature, peace, and cultural diversity
Why Students Love It: Green, quiet, and walkable to the university
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (10 min walk)
Pros: Safe, friendly, village atmosphere
Safety Index: 8.9 / 10
Students Living Here: ~1,000

Keiraville ranks high among the best suburbs in Wollongong for its leafy streets and close distance to UOW. Students love weekends at the Wollongong Botanic Garden or studying at Keiraville Village Cafe. Public transport includes bus route 9 running through Keiraville to the CBD and UOW shuttle services (North Gong Shuttle) for free student transport. Walking or cycling to the main campus is effortless, and most rentals are within 1 km of UOW.

5️. Wollongong CBD 

Known for: City lifestyle, nightlife, and amenities
Why Students Love It: Urban energy and convenience
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (10 min bus)
Pros: Entertainment, shopping, and jobs
Safety Index: 8.1 / 10
Students Living Here: ~2,200

The Wollongong CBD is among the best suburbs in Wollongong for students who enjoy a vibrant lifestyle. With shopping at Crown Street Mall and cafés like Lee & Me, The Tuck Shop, and Balthazar Café, everything’s within reach. The free Gong Shuttle (routes 55A and 55C) connects the CBD to UOW, North Wollongong Station, and Fairy Meadow. Train services from Wollongong Station make travel to Sydney and surrounding suburbs convenient, while the Blue Mile Pathway is perfect for walking or cycling.

6️. Figtree 

Known for: Calm suburban living
Why Students Love It: Budget-friendly and quiet
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (10 min drive)
Pros: Affordable rent, easy access, safe
Safety Index: 8.5 / 10
Students Living Here: ~800

Figtree is one of the best suburbs in Wollongong for students who prefer peace without isolation. It’s home to Figtree Grove Shopping Centre, Michel’s Patisserie, and The Broken Drum Café. Regular bus routes 23 and 28 connect to UOW and the CBD. Princes Highway offers a direct driving route, while Wollongong Station is just 7 minutes away for interstate travel. It’s a top pick for affordable shared housing with all the essentials nearby.

7️. Coniston

Known for: Connectivity and affordable living
Why Students Love It: Great transport and accessibility
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (9 min drive)
Pros: Train links, convenience, low rent
Safety Index: 8.2 / 10
Students Living Here: ~700

Coniston ranks among the best suburbs in Wollongong for students who need reliable transport options. Coniston Train Station connects directly to Sydney and the South Coast, while bus routes 23 and 57 serve the area. Students grab breakfast at Coniston Bakery or Manee Thai, and shopping at Figtree Grove is just minutes away. It’s perfect for those balancing classes, part-time work, and weekend adventures.

8️. Mount Ousley 

Known for: Family-friendly and quiet
Why Students Love It: Close to UOW and nature
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (5 min drive)
Pros: Green surroundings, peaceful homes
Safety Index: 8.8 / 10
Students Living Here: ~500

Mount Ousley is one of the best suburbs in Wollongong for students who value peace. Located just off Mount Ousley Road, it’s a short drive or bus ride (routes 55A and 55C) to the UOW campus. Students often relax at Harry Graham Park or enjoy easy access to Wollongong Botanic Garden and Fairy Meadow Beach. The suburb’s wide roads and quiet environment make it ideal for car owners or cyclists.

9️. Towradgi 

Known for: Beachside community & leisure
Why Students Love It: Surf, cafés, and weekend chill spots
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (12 min drive)
Pros: Coastal walks, cafés, train access
Safety Index: 8.6 / 10
Students Living Here: ~600

Towradgi stands out as one of the best suburbs in Wollongong for beach-loving students. Towradgi Train Station connects to the CBD and North Wollongong, while bus routes 2 and 55C make commuting easy. Grab brunch at Ari’s by the Sea or Towradgi Beach Hotel, and enjoy surfing or walks along Towradgi Beach Park. It’s a scenic and well-connected suburb ideal for active students.

10. Mangerton

Known for: Green streets and peaceful living
Why Students Love It: Quiet, safe, and close to city life
Nearby Campus: University of Wollongong (12 min drive)
Pros: Near CBD, leafy vibe, affordable rooms
Safety Index: 8.7 / 10
Students Living Here: ~450

Mangerton is among the best suburbs in Wollongong for students seeking a calm home base with easy access to the city. Students can reach UOW via bus routes 23 and 28 or cycle through Gladstone Avenue toward the CBD. Cafes like Ebb & Flow, Delano Coffee Roasters, and The Blue Jay Café are local favourites. With Wollongong Station just 5 minutes away, it’s ideal for students balancing study, work, and social life.

Student Accommodation in Wollongong

Finding student accommodation in Wollongong is simple, with a wide range of options to suit every lifestyle and budget. From ensuite and non-ensuite rooms to private studios and shared apartments, students can find comfortable, fully furnished spaces close to the University of Wollongong and the city centre. Most Wollongong student accommodation options come with essentials like high-speed Wi-Fi, study desks, laundry facilities, and secure access.