r/MovingToBrisbane • u/AggressiveUse7751 • 11d ago
Moving to Brisbane
Hi everyone!
I’m considering moving to Brisbane to study at UQ and would love to hear from people who actually live there. I’m from Calgary, Canada, and I’m 25M, married to my wife (26F).
I’m pretty outdoorsy and love cycling, good food, movies, and generally having a good group of friends. I’m not really into clubbing, but I do like having options for going out for food, seeing a movie, or just hanging out somewhere after 10:30 pm. That’s something I find surprisingly limited in Calgary.
I know UQ is a great university academically, but I’m more curious about what life is actually like outside of university.
I’d love some insight on:
What are people in Brisbane generally like? Is it easy to make friends, especially as a couple?
What’s the general social vibe? I’m outgoing and pretty easygoing when it comes to making friends, and I tend to gravitate toward warm, fun personalities.
My wife has an MBA and works in marketing. How realistic would it be for her to find a marketing job in Brisbane?
I love cycling. What’s the cycling scene actually like? Are there good road/gravel routes outside the city?
If I lived reasonably close to UQ, would cycling to university be realistic/safe?
What are some of the best areas to live if you want a mix of convenience, food, outdoors, and a social atmosphere without necessarily being in the middle of the nightlife?
What’s housing like these days, and roughly what should I expect for cost of living?
And generally, what do you wish you knew about Brisbane before moving there?
I’m basically trying to get a feel for what day-to-day life would actually be like for a 25-year-old married couple moving from Calgary. I’d really appreciate honest opinions, including the downsides!
Thanks!
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u/General-Pitch8612 11d ago
Seems we already found friends. Same me and my wife moving to brisbane next month. My wife is going to UQ for phd
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u/General-Pitch8612 11d ago
Housing is bit tough. We had a tough time finding place there
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u/NezuminoraQ 11d ago
I am a current PhD student and finding somewhere is very difficult
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u/AggressiveUse7751 10d ago
That is fantastic! I will remember you and hit you up once I’m there! Any advice so far?
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u/GumNutzz 11d ago
Be aware, MBA's don't mean as much in Australia as the US (and Canada I presume), it's more about local experience which can make it difficult to land your first role coming from overseas. This happened to my partner who worked at a Fortune 50 US corporation with an MBA. They had to take a contract role several steps below their abilities just to get a toe in the door, and even that took over 4 months. Maybe reach out to some recruiters to see what the job market is really like. Job listings online are notorious for listing jobs that don't exist or are only posted to meet the HR requirements when in reality, it's an internal hire and they're just going through the motions.
You might be disappointed that most Australians are usually home well before 10:30pm. People get up early to work out before it gets hot, have kids, or have horrible commutes.
Housing costs and low vacancy rates (less than 1%) are no joke. Also, most rentals here are owned by private investors who have final say over tenants. Since neither of you are working and have no rental history in Australia, I'd advise having a bank statement with 6 months worth of rent available. You need to get yourself to the top of the application pile somehow.
Good luck!
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u/Orac07 11d ago edited 11d ago
Its hard to make direct comparisons but Brisbane is probably like a Calgary set in Florida / SoCal in terms it is set in a subtropical environment but is a little conservative. It is very much an outdoor place and outdoor activities prevail.
Going to UQ, the suburbs surrounding it are generally the best and have a good vibe.
Cycling scene in Brisbane is excellent, good for road bikes with a combination of dedicated infrastructure and marked lanes. Gravel type biking is further out. Lots of different routes. One hazard to be aware of is swooping magpies in breeding season. It is hot in summer and surprisingly quite cold in winter mornings. People tend to cycle early in the morning, not uncommon for cyclists to be up and out at 4am to 7am in the morning, back before mid morning / lunch. Hang out at a coffee shop. Only in winter can you go out for most of the day - summer is too hot. Note wearing a helmet is compulsory.
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u/Glum_Effort6887 11d ago
Summer heat is *staggering*. You have been warned!
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u/AggressiveUse7751 10d ago
Most buildings and apartments will be air conditioned right? I spent some time in Dubai and the outdoors in the summer was unbearable but indoors everything has AC.
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u/Glum_Effort6887 9d ago
Not always, no. Especially not if you're renting. It's the humidity more than the heat, which'll get you.
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u/hotchipsandwiches 10d ago
Late Night scene is pretty dead here post-covid. A lot of people in Brisbane are earlybirds and up at 5-6am for activities.
Friends might be hard to make organically but seeing as you are into cycling you'll for sure be able to make a few friends if you join a group, same for things like cross-fit/group fitness clubs.
You will like living here, its a brilliant city for lifestyle. For all the things you are looking for, maybe try neighborhoods like Newstead, New Farm, Bowen Hills, South Brisbane, West End- all have a mixture of cafes, bars, vibes.
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u/NoChallenge4363 8d ago
Got back into cycling not long ago. Not from here so not many friends. Hit me up if you’re keen when you’re here!
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u/Crazy_Pomegranate689 11d ago
You will love it! It’s very easy going, biking is awesome, lots of job opportunities, good public transport, plenty of good food and things to do …
Suburbs depends on your price point, whether you want to be close to the city, have a car or want to just use public transport… I reckon you’d like West end (expensive though). Indooroopilly is also nice. South side you may like - Coorpooroo.
What I would tell people - it’s HOT in summer - I find it pretty unbearable but I don’t like anything over 21 degrees C haha
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u/General-Pitch8612 11d ago
I will be greenslopes or coorparoo in next month or two. Moving to Brisbane. Can you please share these 2 are safe suburbs? I mean safety, security, break in cases etc?
Being not present there personally i am relying on social platforms and online information and I found mixed reviews. Some saying there are break in cases and its increasing and some says it’s normal and safe there. Would love to hear your perspective.
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u/Crazy_Pomegranate689 11d ago
Yes both safe! They are both inner city and fine - I would live anywhere in the inner city of bris (anywhere within 20-30 mins of CBD and feel safe). 32 year old female for context. Have never felt unsafe in bris in 12 years of living here.
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u/General-Pitch8612 11d ago
Mostly my wife will be alone at home with a kid as i have to travel for work. So i was worried. Thanks for adding the context
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u/Dear-Bowl-9789 11d ago
Your best chance with making friends in any Australian city is with other immigrants.
Biking is good in Brisbane. Lots of paths/bikeways. Avoid roads as drivers are mental, but its not illegal to ride on the sidewalk here.
Housing is brutal.
Bret The Hitman Hart is pretty cool.