You might think living on campus is just about convenience – shorter walks to class, easy access to the library, maybe some socialising on the side. But at Curtin, living on campus is its own kind of adventure. Between pop-up food trucks, secret gardens, late-night trivia and study sessions that somehow turn into karaoke, there’s a whole world waiting just beyond your door.
If you’re deciding whether to live on or off campus, here are some of the unexpected perks and hidden gems that make accommodation on campus so much more than just a place to stay.
1. A foodie paradise right outside your door
Living at Curtin means living in the middle of a culinary playground. The campus is dotted with a wide variety of restaurants and cafés that can cater to every craving.
Grab your morning flat white from any of our cafes including Concept, Common Ground and Mallokup, indulge in bao buns or sushi in the Exchange Precinct, or check out which food trucks are visiting campus this week.
And when you’re tired of choosing, there’s always The Tav – our legendary campus bar – where you can grab lunch, unwind with friends, or even grab an evening snack.
Hidden perk: Living on campus means you’re first in line for pop-up markets, limited-edition menu drops and surprise freebies – all announced on Curtin’s socials.
Find out which bite is best in this sandwich showdown:
2. Green spaces perfect for recharging
You might expect the occasional lawn or courtyard, but Curtin’s Perth campus (similar in size to Perth city centre!) feels more like a series of connected parks. Between our hammock hotel, yarning circle and hidden gardens tucked away, there’s always somewhere to relax, read or reset.
If you’re looking to let off some energy, why not take on a life-sized chess challenge at the Pines in Henderson, shoot some hoops in a three-on-three basketball game at the Creative Quarter, or smash a few rounds of ping pong at one of the campus tables?
Hidden perk: Ready to count how many koi you can spot in our Koi Pond, swap a book at our Little Libraries or sprawl out on our giant macarons?
Discover all the secret spots on campus.
3. A built-in community
When you live off campus, it’s easy to finish a lecture and head straight home. But living on campus, your world stays connected – socially, academically and personally.
Each property has its own vibe, but they all share a strong sense of community. There are resident advisors (RAs) who plan movie nights, cooking challenges and cultural events. There are study lounges, games rooms, and BBQ nights that attract a crowd – even midweek.
You’ll meet students from across the world, form fast friendships, and share experiences you’ll talk about long after graduation.
Hidden perk: Those casual chats in the common room? They often turn into collaborative projects, side hustles, or even research ideas – especially when you’re surrounded by other creative and curious minds.
Meet Rowan, a triathlete who chose to live at St Catherine’s College for convenience, but quickly discovered a strong sense of community:
4. Insider access to everything happening on campus
Living on campus puts you right at the centre of Curtin’s vibrant student life. From clubs and societies to volunteering opportunities and sports teams, you’re perfectly placed to try it all.
Not sure which club to join? Orientation Week is a great way to learn more about the 100+ clubs on campus. Covering a huge range of interests from gaming to politics to ultimate frisbee, you’re sure to find one that suits you.
Hidden perk: Do you see yourself as a future leader? Consider applying for Curtin’s Leaders Program or grow your leadership skills with Curtin Volunteers!
5. It’s easier (and cheaper) to stay healthy
Between study, work and your social life, staying active can slip down the list – but not when you live at Curtin.
As an on-campus resident, you’ll have full free access to the Curtin Stadium Fitness Centre. Included in your free membership is a fully equipped gym, more than 40 fitness classes a week, regular appraisals, a body composition scan and a personalised training program. You can roll out of bed and be in a spin class five minutes later.
You can also join in fun games and challenges to earn points for your residence through the Residence Cup at the Stadium. All skill levels are welcome.
Curtin Sport and Recreation has plenty of other ways to get active, make friends and improve your wellbeing from free court usage to joining one of our Curtin affiliated clubs.
Through Curtin Experiences, you can try out five-week introductory courses to a range of sports like boxing, badminton and yoga.
Hidden perk: Curtin Stadium also runs weekly social sports – so even if you’ve never played volleyball in your life, you can sign up for a casual team and give it a go.
6. A campus that doubles as a creative hub
Curtin’s campus is full of surprises for anyone who loves art, culture or creativity. There’s the John Curtin Gallery, one of Western Australia’s major public art galleries; public sculptures and murals scattered across campus; and Curtin’s Hayman Theatre Company which produces more than 100 performances a year.
But it’s not just about what you can see – it’s what you can do. As a resident on campus, you can get involved in a wide range of creative projects. At UniLodge’s Twin Dolphin accommodation, you’ll have access to an art and craft room and music room. At St Catherine’s College, why not start your own chat show in the podcast studio or join an art or music class.
Hidden perk: Tucked away in Curtin’s library is our incredible Makerspace – a place where curiosity meets creation. You’ll find an exciting mix of high-tech and hands-on tools at your fingertips: from 3D printing, laser cutting and scanning, to electronics, multimedia gear and crafting materials.
7. It saves time, money and stress
It’s easy to underestimate the practical benefits of living on campus. But once you add up the cost of commuting, petrol or public transport, groceries, bills and Wi-Fi — plus the time spent travelling — living at Curtin can be an appealingly affordable option.
Managed and operated by UniLodge and St Catherine’s College, the accommodation options on campus include utilities, internet, and access to communal facilities – and at St Catherine’s, even your meals – all in one simple payment. You’re close to shops, health services, the library and classes, so everything you need is within walking distance.
And when something goes wrong (say, a leaky tap or a lost key), there’s on-site support – so you don’t have to call a landlord or wait around for a repair.
Hidden perk: With less time spent travelling and fewer bills to manage, you can focus your energy on what really matters – studying, socialising and enjoying uni life.
Ready to discover it for yourself?
Explore the properties on campus – each with their own style, community and perks – and see which one feels like home.
