South Australia
South Australia offers students a wide range of education providers and courses, as well as stunning natural landscapes and a beautiful coastline to keep you busy over weekends and semester breaks.
Living in South Australia
South Australia is as famous for its festivals, food and wine as it is for the stunning desert and beach locales, all in easy reach of Adelaide. Known as the city of churches, Adelaide is the capital and cultural heart of South Australia. It boasts elegant colonial architecture, beautiful parks and gardens, museums, pubs, restaurants and numerous world-class arts, music, wine and food festivals throughout the year. Adelaide has the best of both worlds: it offers all the conveniences and excitement of a large city, but with a slower pace and a more relaxed lifestyle.
For students, Adelaide is big enough to offer all the essentials of a large city, but small enough to be less hectic and overwhelming than Sydney or Melbourne. There is plenty for students to see and do, whether they attend a campus in Adelaide or elsewhere in South Australia, and enjoying a lot of it won't break the bank either — South Australia is one of the cheaper states.
Close to the city, students can spend their time in leafy inner suburbs or enjoy some fun in the sun at the gorgeous beachside suburb of Glenelg. Further out, you will find the gourmet food and wine capital of SA, the Barossa Valley; the natural wonders of Kangaroo Island; the laid-back Fleurieu Peninsula; the fascinating underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy; and the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges. These are just a few of the state's gems. South Australians love their AFL, so you'll be sure to meet some locals cheering on either of the South Australian teams, the Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide Power.
Housing
The median weekly rental price for a house in South Australia is $360, while the median weekly rental price for a unit is $290.
The median weekly rental price for a house in Adelaide is $420, as is the median weekly rental price for a unit.
The student rental market is very competitive. Visit your institution's housing service for referrals or advice.
Note that figures presented here are estimates and are intended as a guide only. Prices vary between and within towns. Source: Realestate.com.au, May 2017.
Transport
You can get around Adelaide by tram, train or bus. Full-time tertiary students receive a concession fare. Single and daily tickets are available, as well as the rechargeable electronic Metrocard. For more information about public transport in Adelaide, see Adelaide Metro. Bikes are also a popular option for students who live close to the city. Public transport in the outer suburbs and regional centres may be more limited, so access to a car or other form of transport may be necessary.
Climate
The climate in Adelaide ensures hot summers and cool to mild winters. The average maximum temperature in January is 29°C, while the average drops to around 16°C in the winter months. Away from the coast, the temperature soars (expect averages in the mid-30s) and there is little rainfall.
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