Merrylands, located approximately 25 kilometres west of Sydney CBD, is a major residential and commercial suburb in Western Sydney that has become increasingly popular among students seeking affordable accommodation with excellent connectivity to Parramatta and Sydney’s wider education network. Known for its multicultural community, strong transport links, and budget-friendly housing options, Merrylands offers a practical base for both domestic and international students.

Students studying at the Western Sydney University, University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and various TAFE NSW campuses frequently choose Merrylands due to its strong public transport access and lower rental costs compared to inner Sydney suburbs.

Students searching for student accommodation in Merrylands will find a wide range of housing options including shared houses, private rooms, apartments, granny flats, and student-friendly units. Many properties are located close to Merrylands Station or major bus routes, making daily commuting convenient and affordable.

Merrylands is well known for its highly multicultural population, with strong Middle Eastern, South Asian, East Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. This diversity is reflected in the suburb’s vibrant food scene, local markets, religious centres, and community organisations. International students often find Merrylands comfortable and familiar due to easy access to culturally diverse groceries, halal food, and community support networks.

Daily living in Merrylands is highly convenient. The suburb is home to Stockland Merrylands, a major shopping centre offering supermarkets, retail stores, cafés, restaurants, banks, medical centres, and essential services. Students can complete most daily tasks within walking distance of accommodation options.

Transport connectivity is a major advantage of living in Merrylands. Merrylands Railway Station is on the T2 Inner West & Leppington Line, providing direct train services to Parramatta in approximately 8–10 minutes and to Sydney CBD in around 40–45 minutes. Multiple bus routes also connect Merrylands to Parramatta, Guildford, Granville, Auburn, and surrounding Western Sydney suburbs.

From a cost perspective, Merrylands is considered one of the more affordable suburbs for students in Greater Sydney. Shared accommodation and private rooms are generally priced lower than in inner-city or Inner West areas, allowing students to manage rent while covering tuition, transport, and living expenses more comfortably.

Recreational facilities and green spaces support a balanced student lifestyle in Merrylands. Nearby parks, sports fields, fitness centres, and community spaces provide opportunities for exercise and social interaction. Parramatta’s riverside precinct, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions are also easily accessible by train.

Safety and community wellbeing in Merrylands are supported by its strong residential character and active local community. While it is a busy urban suburb, most student accommodations are located in residential streets. Standard safety practices, such as using well-lit routes and public transport, are generally sufficient.

Part-time job opportunities are widely available in Merrylands and nearby Parramatta. Students frequently find work in retail, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, warehouses, logistics centres, and service-sector roles. Proximity to Parramatta — one of Sydney’s fastest-growing business hubs — further expands employment options in administration, customer service, and professional services.

Overall, student accommodation in Merrylands offers an excellent mix of affordability, connectivity, and cultural diversity. For students seeking budget-friendly living with reliable access to universities and employment hubs, Merrylands stands out as a practical and student-friendly suburb in Western Sydney.

Merrylands offers affordable student living costs compared to many Sydney suburbs. Shared student accommodation typically ranges from A$200–A$280 per week, while private studios or self-contained units usually cost between A$300–A$450 weekly. Monthly living expenses, including groceries, utilities, transport, and leisure, generally fall between A$800–A$1,300.

Merrylands is a busy residential suburb with strong community presence. Student accommodations are often located in family-oriented areas. Standard urban safety precautions are recommended, particularly when travelling late at night.

Merrylands is well connected via Merrylands Railway Station on the T2 Inner West & Leppington Line. Students can reach Parramatta in approximately 8–10 minutes and Sydney CBD in around 40–45 minutes. Bus routes further connect the suburb to surrounding Western Sydney areas.

Student life in Merrylands is affordable, community-focused, and practical. Access to shopping centres, diverse food options, parks, and fast links to Parramatta supports a balanced study-work lifestyle. The suburb suits students who prioritise value and convenience.