Housing near University of Brawijaya: What Students Say and Where to Look
Choosing where to live when studying at University of Brawijaya (UB) depends on what you value: walkability, budget, or social atmosphere. Student reviews on campus ratings – UB holds a 4.7 out of 5 from over 6,100 reviews – offer direct clues. This guide unpacks those clues, lays out the city context, and explains how to shortlist accommodation around the main campus in Malang.
What Campus Reviews Reveal About Daily Life
Current and former students consistently point to two aspects: solid facilities and supportive social networks. One reviewer, Nabilla Brilliant, who finished her studies in 2026, wrote: “Universitas Brawijaya provides a dynamic environment for any student willing to explore into their field. The facilities and the supportive network of peers made my study and research experience much more manageable. It’s been an incredible few years in Malang.”
Another reviewer, YahahaWahyu, praised the academic side but flagged a practical pain point: “I study here, the facility are great. The staff are so kind, but the parking lot is always stuffed. Anyway, good university overall.” The parking issue is recurring – if you plan to drive or ride a motorbike, expect to compete for space. Many students respond by choosing housing close enough to walk or cycle.
A third comment, by Mr. RF, simply stated: “Absolute Experience🤚🗿🤚 Can’t say much, experience it for yourself.” While brief, it reflects a sentiment that the university environment itself is worth exploring.
The founding story, shared by reviewer Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, adds context: “Founded on July 11, 1961 and officially designated as a state university on January 5, 1963, Universitas Brawijaya takes pride in its name inspired by the illustrious Majapahit kings. Located in Malang, known as a major educational city, UB serves over 60,000 students across diploma, bachelor’s, mas…” This scale directly affects housing demand – tens of thousands of peers are looking for rooms at the same time.
City Context: Malang as a Student Hub
Malang sits in East Java, about 90 km south of Surabaya. It enjoys a cooler climate than many Indonesian cities thanks to its elevation. The city is known for its concentration of universities, and UB is one of the largest. With over 60,000 students, the area around Jl. Veteran (UB’s address: Jl. Veteran No.10-11, Ketawanggede, Kec. Lowokwaru) is dense with boarding houses, small apartments, and food stalls.
The local term for student rental housing is kos (or indekos). Most are single rooms in a house, with shared bathroom and kitchen. A few newer buildings offer private studios with ensuite bathrooms. Rent is typically paid monthly or semester-wise, and most contracts run for one semester (about six months) or one academic year.
Because Malang is a student city, the infrastructure around UB is tuned to student needs: affordable eateries (warung), photocopy shops, laundry services, and minimarkets are everywhere. The main campus gate on Jl. Veteran is busy, but the side streets – Jl. Sumbersari, Jl. MT Haryono, and Jl. Soekarno Hatta – are quieter residential areas where most kos are located.
Budget Bands: What You Can Expect to Pay
No two kos are exactly the same, and prices shift with distance from campus, room size, and amenities (air conditioning, private bathroom, Wi-Fi, regular cleaning). Because of this variability, all figures below are indicative – confirm with the operator. In 2026 and 2027, typical monthly rent bands in the UB area are roughly:
- Low budget: basic room in an older house, shared bathroom, no AC, fan only. Usually within 15–20 minutes walk from campus. Indicative price: confirm with operator.
- Mid budget: room with private bathroom, AC or fan, often includes Wi-Fi. Located within 10–15 minutes walk or a short ojek ride. Indicative price: confirm with operator.
- Higher budget: studio or apartment-style unit with private bathroom, AC, kitchenette, and more space. Often in newer buildings near Jl. Soekarno Hatta or inside a housing complex. Indicative price: confirm with operator.
Standard practice: pay one month rent in advance plus a deposit (equal to one or two months rent, refundable when you move out). Some operators ask for a semester payment upfront.
Walk vs. Transit: The Trade-Off
The UB campus is not tiny – faculties are spread across a large green area. However, most lecture buildings are clustered within walking distance from the main gates. Living within a 10- to 15-minute walk of Jl. Veteran means you avoid the parking congestion mentioned in reviews. You also save on transport costs and time. The trade-off: rent in the immediate campus ring (Ketawanggede, Jl. Sumbersari, Jl. Bendungan Sigura-gura) tends to be slightly higher than rooms farther out.
If you choose a place 2–4 km away, you will likely rely on angkot (public minibuses) or ojek (motorbike taxis). The ride to campus costs around IDR 5,000–15,000 per trip. The advantage is lower rent and possibly a quieter neighbourhood. The disadvantage is extra travel time (20–40 minutes each way) and less flexibility if you need to go back to your room between classes.
Some students use bicycles. Malang is hilly in parts, but the area around UB is relatively flat, making cycling a viable option for distances up to 3 km. Parking a bike on campus is much easier than a car or motorcycle – an important takeaway from the “parking lot is always stuffed” review.
Shortlist Logic: How to Narrow Your Options
Without a specific list of nearby residences to evaluate, the shortlisting process relies on your own criteria. Here is a logical sequence to apply, based on what real students mention.
1. Define your maximum walking time. If you value the convenience of being able to return home between classes, limit your search to a 15-minute walk from Jl. Veteran. Ask the operator: “berapa menit jalan ke gerbang utama?” (how many minutes walk to the main gate). Walk the route yourself at the time you would normally go to class – traffic and sidewalk conditions vary.
2. Check the room for your must-haves. Reviews mention “great facilities” on campus, but your room must also be comfortable. List non-negotiables: reliable Wi-Fi (not just mobile data), a desk, enough power outlets, and a window. If you need air conditioning, confirm it works and ask about electricity cost (often billed separately or included). If AC is not included in the rent, your monthly electricity could add a significant amount – get a written estimate.
3. Verify the security and atmosphere. Malang is generally safe, but always check if the kos has a security guard (satpam), CCTV, or a locked gate at night. Read any online reviews of the specific kos (on platforms like Google Maps or student forums – but remember not to cite other website domains here). Speak to current tenants if you can.
4. Consider the noise level. Rooms facing a main road like Jl. Veteran or Jl. Soekarno Hatta can be noisy, especially with traffic and street vendors. Rooms in gang (alley) are quieter. Student reviews often mention the “dynamic environment”, which includes social noise – factor that in.
5. Ask about contract flexibility. Some kos require a 6-month contract; others accept month-to-month after an initial period. Since your stay at UB might be for a single semester or a full degree, choose a term that matches your plan. Also clarify the cancellation policy: what happens if you need to leave early?
6. Visit at multiple times. A place that looks quiet at 10 am might be loud at 10 pm. Visit in the evening to gauge the neighbourhood activity and see how well-lit the streets are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical rental cost for a kos near University of Brawijaya in 2026/2027?
Rents vary widely by location, room type, and amenities. A standard room with shared bathroom and fan within a 10-minute walk may cost a certain monthly amount, while a private studio with AC further out will be higher. All figures are indicative – confirm with the operator. Always ask for the total monthly cost including any utility charges (electricity, water, Wi-Fi) before signing.
Is it better to choose a room within walking distance or to commute?
If you want to avoid the parking shortage mentioned in reviews and save on transport, walking distance is ideal. Rooms close to Jl. Veteran, Jl. Sumbersari, or Jl. Bendungan Sigura-gura let you walk to class in under 15 minutes. The trade-off is that these rooms often command slightly higher rent. If you are on a tighter budget and do not mind a 20- to 30-minute commute by angkot or ojek, you can find cheaper options further out. Weigh your time against your budget.
What should I look for when inspecting a room near UB?
Check the Wi-Fi speed (ask to test it), the condition of the bed and mattress, the water pressure in the shower, and whether the room has adequate ventilation. Confirm that the lock on the door works and that there is a place to store your belongings securely. Also ask about visitors policy – some kos restrict guests, especially after a certain hour. Finally, walk to the nearest campus gate at the same time you would attend a morning class to gauge the noise and crowd level.
Data from student reviews and campus references last updated in 2026.
See also: listing details · browse more