  {"id":29903,"date":"2026-02-06T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&#038;p=29903"},"modified":"2026-03-24T14:26:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T06:26:09","slug":"seven-unexpected-perks-to-living-at-curtin","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/seven-unexpected-perks-to-living-at-curtin\/","title":{"rendered":"Seven unexpected\u00a0perks\u00a0to\u00a0living\u00a0at Curtin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>You might think living on campus is&nbsp;just about convenience&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;shorter&nbsp;walks to class, easy&nbsp;access to the library,&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;some&nbsp;socialising&nbsp;on the side. But at&nbsp;Curtin,&nbsp;living on campus is its own kind of adventure. Between pop-up food trucks, secret gardens, late-night&nbsp;trivia&nbsp;and study sessions that somehow turn into karaoke,&nbsp;there\u2019s&nbsp;a whole world&nbsp;waiting just beyond your door.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;deciding whether to live on or off campus, here are some of the unexpected&nbsp;perks&nbsp;and hidden gems that make&nbsp;accommodation&nbsp;on campus&nbsp;so much more than just a place to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1.&nbsp;A foodie paradise right outside your door<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Living at Curtin means living in&nbsp;the middle of a culinary playground. The campus is&nbsp;dotted with&nbsp;a wide variety of&nbsp;restaurants&nbsp;and&nbsp;caf\u00e9s&nbsp;that&nbsp;can&nbsp;cater to&nbsp;every&nbsp;craving.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grab&nbsp;your morning flat white from&nbsp;any of our cafes including Concept, Common Ground and&nbsp;Mallokup,&nbsp;indulge in bao buns or sushi&nbsp;in the Exchange Precinct, or&nbsp;check out which food trucks are visiting campus this week.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And when&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;tired of choosing,&nbsp;there\u2019s&nbsp;always The&nbsp;Tav&nbsp;\u2013 our&nbsp;legendary campus bar&nbsp;\u2013 where&nbsp;you can grab lunch, unwind with friends, or&nbsp;even grab an evening snack.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hidden&nbsp;perk:<\/strong>&nbsp;Living on campus means&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;first in line for pop-up&nbsp;markets,&nbsp;limited-edition menu drops and surprise freebies&nbsp;\u2013 all&nbsp;announced on Curtin\u2019s&nbsp;socials.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out which bite is best in this sandwich showdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sandwich Showdown \ud83e\udd6a\ud83c\udfc6\ud83e\udd4a | Who makes the best sandwich on campus? | Food for Thought @ Curtin\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k3Rd7r9Cs7M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2.&nbsp;Green spaces&nbsp;perfect for recharging<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might expect the occasional lawn or courtyard, but Curtin\u2019s&nbsp;<strong>Perth campus<\/strong>&nbsp;(similar in size to Perth city&nbsp;centre!)&nbsp;feels more like a series of connected parks. Between&nbsp;our hammock hotel, yarning circle&nbsp;and&nbsp;hidden gardens tucked away,&nbsp;there\u2019s&nbsp;always somewhere to relax, read or reset.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;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?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-tiktok wp-block-embed-tiktok\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"tiktok-embed\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@curtinuniversity\/video\/7085935916765760770\" data-video-id=\"7085935916765760770\" data-embed-from=\"oembed\" style=\"max-width:605px; min-width:325px;\"> <section> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"@curtinuniversity\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@curtinuniversity?refer=embed\">@curtinuniversity<\/a> <p>There are lots of hidden treasures to be found at our Bentley campus\ud83d\udc8e <a title=\"curtinuniversity\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/curtinuniversity?refer=embed\">#CurtinUniversity<\/a> <a title=\"fyp\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/fyp?refer=embed\">#fyp<\/a> <a title=\"university\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/university?refer=embed\">#university<\/a> <a title=\"collegelife\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/collegelife?refer=embed\">#collegelife<\/a> <a title=\"perth\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/perth?refer=embed\">#perth<\/a> <a title=\"studentlife\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/studentlife?refer=embed\">#studentlife<\/a> <a title=\"university\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/tag\/university?refer=embed\">#university<\/a><\/p> <a target=\"_blank\" title=\"\u266c original sound - Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ - Âé¶¹Ö±²¥\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-Curtin-University-7085935916346264321?refer=embed\">\u266c original sound &#8211; Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ &#8211; Âé¶¹Ö±²¥<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote> <script async src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hidden&nbsp;perk:<\/strong>&nbsp;Ready to count how many koi you can spot in our Koi Pond, swap a book at our Little&nbsp;Libraries&nbsp;or sprawl out on our giant macarons?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/chrome-extension\/\/efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj\/https:\/\/s38508.pcdn.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/07\/hidden-treasure-map.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Discover all the secret spots on campus.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3.&nbsp;A&nbsp;built-in community<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you live off campus,&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;easy to finish a lecture and head straight home. But&nbsp;living&nbsp;on campus, your world stays connected&nbsp;\u2013 socially,&nbsp;academically&nbsp;and personally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each&nbsp;property&nbsp;has its own vibe, but&nbsp;they all&nbsp;share&nbsp;a strong sense&nbsp;of community. There&nbsp;are&nbsp;resident&nbsp;advisors&nbsp;(RAs) who plan movie nights, cooking&nbsp;challenges&nbsp;and cultural events. There are study lounges, games rooms, and BBQ nights that&nbsp;attract a crowd&nbsp;\u2013 even&nbsp;midweek.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll&nbsp;meet students from across the world, form&nbsp;fast&nbsp;friendships, and share experiences&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;talk about long after graduation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hidden&nbsp;perk:<\/strong>&nbsp;Those casual chats in the common room? They often turn into collaborative projects, side&nbsp;hustles, or even research ideas&nbsp;\u2013 especially&nbsp;when&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;surrounded by other creative and curious minds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meet Rowan, a triathlete who chose to live at St Catherine\u2019s&nbsp;College&nbsp;for convenience, but quickly discovered&nbsp;a strong sense&nbsp;of community:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"St Catherine&#039;s College, Curtin - Rowan\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_4srMKHpj7U?list=PLOtDjpu6kUPRGCWS0L_Uvtag-FIRWYlCJ\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4.&nbsp;Insider access to everything happening on campus<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Living on campus puts you right at the&nbsp;centre&nbsp;of Curtin\u2019s vibrant student life. From clubs and societies to volunteering opportunities and sports teams,&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;perfectly placed to try it all.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not sure which club to join? Orientation Week&nbsp;is&nbsp;a great way&nbsp;to&nbsp;learn more about the 100+&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/students\/experience\/clubs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">clubs<\/a>&nbsp;on campus. Covering&nbsp;a huge range&nbsp;of interests&nbsp;from gaming to politics to ultimate frisbee,&nbsp;you\u2019re&nbsp;sure to find one that suits you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hidden&nbsp;perk:<\/strong>&nbsp;Do you see yourself as a future leader? Consider applying for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2L5EpDTopug&amp;t=5s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin\u2019s Leaders Program<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;grow&nbsp;your leadership skills with Curtin Volunteers!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Grow your leadership skills with Curtin Volunteers!\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HS_rdSqMiQw?start=9&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5.&nbsp;It\u2019s&nbsp;easier (and cheaper) to stay healthy<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Between study, work and&nbsp;your&nbsp;social life, staying active can slip down the list&nbsp;\u2013 but&nbsp;not when you live at Curtin.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As an on-campus resident,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;have full&nbsp;free&nbsp;access to the Curtin Stadium Fitness Centre. Included in your free membership is a fully equipped gym, more than 40 fitness classes&nbsp;a&nbsp;week, regular appraisals, a body composition&nbsp;scan&nbsp;and a&nbsp;personalised&nbsp;training program.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can roll out of bed and be in a spin class five minutes later.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/sport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin Sport and Recreation<\/a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through Curtin Experiences, you can try out five-week introductory courses&nbsp;to&nbsp;a range of sports like boxing,&nbsp;badminton&nbsp;and yoga.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Why register for Curtin Experiences? | Learn new sports! | Curtin Sport and Recreation \ud83c\udff8\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TV6_4KA_ON4?start=6&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hidden&nbsp;perk:<\/strong>&nbsp;Curtin Stadium also runs&nbsp;weekly&nbsp;social sports&nbsp;\u2013 so&nbsp;even if&nbsp;you\u2019ve&nbsp;never played volleyball in your life, you can sign up for a casual team and give it a go.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6.&nbsp;A&nbsp;campus that doubles as a creative hub<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin\u2019s campus is full of surprises for anyone who loves art,&nbsp;culture&nbsp;or creativity.&nbsp;There\u2019s&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/jcg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John Curtin Gallery<\/a>, one of Western Australia\u2019s major public art galleries;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/properties.curtin.edu.au\/visit-curtin\/art-culture\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">public sculptures and murals<\/a>&nbsp;scattered across campus; and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/haymantheatre.curtin.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin\u2019s Hayman Theatre Company<\/a>&nbsp;which produces more than 100 performances a year.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But&nbsp;it\u2019s&nbsp;not just about what you can see&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;it&#8217;s&nbsp;what you can&nbsp;do.&nbsp;As a resident on campus, you can get involved in a wide range of creative projects. At&nbsp;UniLodge\u2019s&nbsp;Twin Dolphin accommodation,&nbsp;you\u2019ll&nbsp;have access to&nbsp;an art and craft room and music room. At St Catherine\u2019s College, why not start your own&nbsp;chat show&nbsp;in the podcast studio&nbsp;or join an art or music class.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hidden&nbsp;perk:<\/strong>&nbsp;Tucked away in Curtin\u2019s library is our incredible&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/makerspace.library.curtin.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Makerspace<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 a place&nbsp;where curiosity meets creation.&nbsp;You\u2019ll&nbsp;find an exciting mix of high-tech and hands-on tools at your fingertips: from 3D printing, laser cutting and scanning, to electronics, multimedia&nbsp;gear&nbsp;and crafting materials.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. It saves time,&nbsp;money&nbsp;and stress&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s&nbsp;easy to underestimate the practical benefits of living on campus. But once you add up the cost of commuting, petrol or public transport, groceries,&nbsp;bills&nbsp;and Wi-Fi \u2014 plus the time spent travelling \u2014 living at Curtin&nbsp;can be an appealingly affordable&nbsp;option.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Managed and&nbsp;operated&nbsp;by&nbsp;UniLodge&nbsp;and St Catherine\u2019s&nbsp;College,&nbsp;the accommodation&nbsp;options on campus&nbsp;include utilities, internet, and access to communal facilities \u2013 and at St Catherine\u2019s, even your meals \u2013 all in one simple payment.&nbsp;You\u2019re&nbsp;close to shops,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/students\/personal-support\/health\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">health services<\/a>, the library and classes, so everything you need is within walking distance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And when something goes wrong (say,\u00a0a leaky tap or a lost key), there\u2019s on-site support\u00a0\u2013 so\u00a0you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have to call a landlord or spend time sorting out the repairs yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Hidden&nbsp;perk:<\/strong>&nbsp;With less time spent travelling and fewer bills to manage, you can focus your energy on what really matters&nbsp;\u2013 studying,&nbsp;socialising&nbsp;and enjoying&nbsp;uni&nbsp;life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ready to discover it for yourself?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore&nbsp;the properties on&nbsp;campus&nbsp;\u2013 each&nbsp;with&nbsp;their&nbsp;own style,&nbsp;community&nbsp;and&nbsp;perks&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;and&nbsp;see&nbsp;which one feels like home.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/study\/campus-life\/accommodation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore&nbsp;your accommodation options.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You might think living on campus is&nbsp;just about convenience&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;shorter&nbsp;walks to class, easy&nbsp;access to the library,&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;some&nbsp;socialising&nbsp;on [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2670,"featured_media":29904,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"7929,6883,15108,6956,5930,7435","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","wds_primary_category":3,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[1375],"class_list":["post-29903","advice","type-advice","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-campus-and-global-community","tag-accommodation"],"acf":{"post_options":{"":null,"additional_content":{"title":"","content":"","image":false},"related_courses":[{"title":"","qualification":"","link":"","description":"","faculty":""}],"credits":{"author":"","photographer":"","media":false},"display_author":true,"banner":{"image":false}}},"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2403020-CURTIN-UNI-ACCOMMODATION-183-1000x500.jpg","author_meta":{"first_name":"Anne","last_name":"Griffin-Appadoo","display_name":"Anne Griffin-Appadoo"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/29903","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/advice"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2670"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/29903\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29904"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}