Best Areas to Rent Student Accommodation near Universiti Sains Malaysia

As one of the top public universities in Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) attracts many local and international students. For prospective students, it is crucial to find a comfortable, convenient and cost-effective place to live off-campus, and USM's main campus is located in the Gelugor district of Penang, which is surrounded by a number of neighbourhoods that are popular with students. In this article, we will look at the most popular student accommodation areas near USM to help you make the best choice based on your budget, transport and living needs!

1. Taman Pekaka & Taman Sri Nibong

These two neighbouring neighbourhoods are the most concentrated residential areas for USM students, and are within 10-15 minutes walking distance to the campus, which makes life very convenient. USM accommodation rents for around RM400-800/month, and there are convenience stores, restaurants and photocopying shops right downstairs. The proximity to the campus and the USM CAT Bus routes make it ideal for new students without transport. It is recommended to book 2-3 months in advance because of the tight supply of rooms during the school season.

2. Desa University & Desa Permai Indah

Located near USM's South Gate, these two upscale apartment complexes are popular with students looking for quality living. Most of the flats are well-equipped with a gym, swimming pool and 24-hour security, and the rent for student accommodation near Universiti Sains Malaysia is around RM600-1,200/month. Although it takes about 20 minutes to walk to campus, you can catch the USM school bus or Grab, and there are medium-sized supermarkets and restaurants in the neighbourhood, making it a quiet place to study. Recommended for postgraduates or international students who are on a budget and are concerned about safety and quality of life.

3. Sungai Dua & Farlim

This area is known for its great food choices and affordable prices, dotted with Penang speciality restaurants and night markets. Rent is quite affordable (RM300-600/month) and is about 3-5 kilometres from campus by motorbike (about 10 minutes) or bus (15-20 minutes). Suitable for students who like city life, want to experience Penang food culture in depth and have a limited budget to rent Universiti Sains Malaysia student accommodation in this area.

4. Bayan Lepas

This area is ideal for students who need to do an internship or part-time job in the Penang Technology Park (Bayan Lepas Industrial Estate). Flats are of high quality (RM800-1,500/month), and commuting to USM is about 30 minutes by car. Surrounded by large shopping malls, multinational companies and a good public transport system. Recommended for senior interns, postgraduate students or those who plan to stay in Malaysia to work after graduation, so that you can build up a circle of contacts in the workplace in advance.

5. Bukit Jambul

This well-established residential area is located between USM and Bayan Lepas, with good amenities (shopping malls, hospitals, banks). Rents are moderate (RM500-900/month), ranging from townhouses to flats, and it takes about 15-20 minutes to commute to USM. It is especially suitable for students who need to commute between campus and an industrial area, as well as postgraduate students who prefer urban convenience but do not want to live in the city centre.

Conclusion

When choosing accommodation near USM, it is recommended to consider the three main factors of budget, commuting time, and convenience of living. Freshmen can prioritise walkable areas such as Taman Pekaka, while graduate students or interns can focus on job-friendly neighbourhoods such as Bayan Lepas. We wish every USM student the best of luck in finding a "second home" to start their exciting journey of studying in Penang!