This article was originally published in Broadsheet on 17 February 2025 by Monique Foy.
With its stunning beaches, rich cultural scene and reignited nightlife, Sydney is a great place to live – and study. And while certain things can cost a pretty penny here, living on a student budget doesn’t mean you need to sit out on the fun.
There’s plenty to do between lectures, late-night study sessions and navigating a new social life – use our handy cheat sheet to the top student-friendly things to eat, drink and do so you can make the most of life in sunny Sydney.
Eat
Located near Central Station, Spice Alley is situated walking distance from the University of Technology Sydney, the University of Sydney and the University of Notre Dame. The lively alleyway is filled with a variety of Asian cuisines, served outdoors underneath fairy lights. Enjoy cheap eats under the stars after a solo study session, or bring a group of friends for a night out and share chicken laksa, fried wontons, satay skewers and more. Don’t want the night to end? Wander around the laneway post-dinner for dessert or a cheeky digestif at Gin Lane, or make your way over to Haymarket for some late-night karaoke.
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If you do find yourself in Chinatown, don’t pass up the chance to visit Emperor’s Garden Cake & Bakery. This hole-in-the-wall is a Sydney institution, churning out hot, freshly made Chinese-style puffs filled with custard at just 60 cents a pop. Crispy on the outside, light, fluffy and airy on the inside, you won’t be able to stop at just one. There’ll likely be a line – but these are well worth the wait.
And students closer to UNSW don’t need to go all the way into the city for flavourful finds: Indonesian mainstay Ayam Goreng 99, Manpuku (and its signature “long name” ramen), hawker-style diner Albee’s Kitchen and the eponymous stuffed pancakes at Rosebery Martabak all have you covered.
Drink
Revered by musicians for its contribution to Sydney’s live music scene and loved by students from neighbouring universities, The Lansdowne is a local legend. This historic pub has been around since the ’30s and continues to serve classic pub grub and killer deals. Round up your roommates or uni friends from Wednesday through to Saturday for $6 schooners and $8 spirits during happy hour (5pm to 7pm). Whether you’re staying for trivia or a gig, or just looking to blow off some steam, The Lansdowne is the place to escape those looming assessments.
Over in Surry Hills, meanwhile, you’ll find late-night retro diner The Soda Factory. Its fun vibe, ’80s-inspired decor and themed nights are the backdrop to American comfort food, fun cocktails and DJ sets or live bands. Plus, with $7 house wines, beer or spirits at happy hour (Tuesdays to Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm), dollar dog (that is, $1 hotdogs) Tuesdays and $1 wing Wednesdays, your wallet won’t hate you in the morning.
Do
Every student or newcomer in Sydney needs to do the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk at least once. The stunning six-kilometre path offers spectacular ocean views and plenty of opportunities to take a dip, making it an idyllic spot for a study break. Pack lunch and enjoy it on a headland overlooking the Pacific, or drop into one of the cafes on Hall Street for a caffeine hit.
If you want to explore more of Sydney’s east outside its beaches and coastline, you can mosey on over to Centennial Park (which hosts festivals and events like Moonlight Cinema), catch a show at the National Institute of Dramatic Art cheer for your team at the Randwick Rugby Club, or watch the latest flick at Ritz Cinemas.
Want a dose of arts and culture? Head into the city for an afternoon of art at one of Australia’s leading museums, the Art Gallery of New South Wales – general entry is free. Soak up some Rembrandt or Turner at the permanent European Masters section, explore a decommissioned oil tank-turned-subterranean gallery space in the Naala Badu building, or pop into one of five restaurants, cafes and kiosks spread around the gallery. Be sure to bring your student ID to get discounted entry rates to special exhibitions.
If weather permits, pack a basket, grab a rug (or a beach towel) and mosey over to the Royal Botanic Garden for a picnic with a view. The verdant grounds wrap around the harbour foreshore and are protected in part by stunning trees. We recommend picking a spot with some shade to settle in and enjoy your goods. After your picnic, make your way over to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for a view of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as the sun goes down.
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Scape. Looking for a place to call home while studying? With locations near Sydney’s top unis, Scape offers next-level, award-winning student accommodation to keep you close to the city’s best eats, drinks and activities.
