Understanding the Campus Through Reviews
Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) holds an impressive QS rank of 287 and a Google rating of 4.5 based on 458 reviews. Student feedback offers a balanced picture of campus life — both the strengths and the friction points that can affect your housing decision.
One reviewer, Agusta Perdana Prijambodo, gave 5 stars and praised the physical environment:
“Nice education campus, clean and good arrangement. Easy to find park. The challenge is we had to pay parking fee when entering the campus.”
This highlights a clean, well-organised campus that is car-friendly, though parking fees apply. If you plan to drive, factor parking costs into your budget.
Another 5-star review from Alif Hulawarman notes UNAIR’s reputation:
“One of 4 best universities in Indonesia according to QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE), dan Webometrics.”
The sense of prestige attracts students seeking academic excellence, which can influence your choice of neighbourhood — areas with a strong student community may be preferable.
A third positive review from Hikmatullo Saidzoda summarises:
“Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), a leading Indonesian university, known for academic excellence, strong research culture, global partnerships, and commitment to innovation, ethics, and community impact.”
However, a critical 1-star review from international student Thomas San Hong Yi reveals a key challenge:
“I am writing a completely brief and true review to express my profound disappointment with the overall experience I have had as an international student at your institution. First and foremost, the language barrier has been a significant obstacle for international students like myself.”
This is a crucial signal. If you are an international student with limited Bahasa Indonesia, your housing choice should consider proximity to English-friendly services, or areas where international students commonly live. The language barrier may also affect daily errands, so living near campus (where staff and students are more multilingual) could reduce friction.
Surabaya City Context and UNAIR’s Location
UNAIR is located at PQJM+GMH, Mulyorejo, Surabaya, East Java. Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city, a major port and commercial hub. The city has a tropical climate (hot and humid year-round) and a relatively low cost of living compared to Jakarta.
Mulyorejo is a residential sub-district in northern Surabaya, close to the city centre. The area is known for its mix of middle-class housing, small shops, and student-friendly amenities. The campus itself is near the Airlangga University Hospital and several faculties.
Key factors for housing:
- Transport: Surabaya has a limited public transport system (buses, angkot minibuses). Most students rely on motorcycles, ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab), or walking if they live very close.
- Safety: Surabaya is generally safe, but like any large city, petty theft can occur. Gated communities and kos-kosan (boarding houses) with security are common.
- Daily needs: Warungs (food stalls), minimarkets, and laundry services are abundant in Mulyorejo. You will find everything you need within a 1 km radius.
Budget Bands for Student Housing
Housing options near UNAIR fall into three typical bands. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
1. Budget (Shared/Simple Kos-kosan)
Indicative monthly rent: IDR 500,000 – 1,500,000
- Single room in a shared house (kos) with shared bathroom.
- Basic furniture: bed, desk, wardrobe.
- Often includes water, electricity, and sometimes Wi-Fi.
- Located within 1–3 km from campus, often in narrow gang (alley) areas.
- Suitable for students who prioritise low cost and don’t mind limited privacy.
2. Mid-range (Standard Kos or Small Apartment)
Indicative monthly rent: IDR 1,500,000 – 3,500,000
- Private room with en-suite bathroom or shared with one other person.
- Air conditioning, desk, good Wi-Fi.
- Often includes cleaning service, laundry, or meals.
- Closer to campus (walking distance or short ojek ride).
- Preferred by international students and those who need a quiet study space.
3. High-end (Studio Apartment or Exclusive Kos)
Indicative monthly rent: IDR 3,500,000 – 6,000,000+
- Fully furnished studio or 1-bedroom apartment with private bathroom, kitchenette.
- Modern amenities: gym, pool, 24-hour security.
- Located in newer apartment buildings within 1–2 km of campus.
- Ideal for couples, those with higher budgets, or students who value privacy and comfort.
Prices may vary seasonally. Always confirm current rates and what is included (utilities, internet, cleaning) before signing any contract.
Walk vs. Transit: Trade-offs for UNAIR Students
Your choice of housing depends heavily on whether you prefer walking or using transport.
Walking
- Advantages: Zero transport cost, no traffic stress, flexible timing. Mulyorejo’s campus area is reasonably pedestrian-friendly in the immediate vicinity. You can attend classes in under 10 minutes if you live within 500 metres of the main gate.
- Disadvantages: The heat and humidity can be draining, especially midday. Limited housing stock directly next to campus tends to be older and pricier per square metre. Walking after dark in quieter alleys may feel less safe.
- Best for: Students who have early morning or late evening classes, or those who want to save money on transport.
Transit (motorcycle, Gojek, public bus)
- Advantages: Wider housing options — you can live 2–5 km away in quieter, more affordable, or newer areas. Using a motorcycle (either owned or via Gojek) cuts commute time to 10–20 minutes. Angkot (minibuses) are cheap but irregular.
- Disadvantages: Monthly transport costs (Gojek rides can add up to IDR 300,000–600,000) and the hassle of finding parking (review noted parking fees on campus). Traffic jams occur during peak hours.
- Best for: Students who value a better living environment (more space, quieter neighbourhood) and are comfortable with daily short commutes.
Trade-off summary: If your budget is tight and you need to study late, walk. If you can afford a scooter or regular Gojek rides, you can save on rent by living slightly farther while upgrading your living quality.
Shortlist Logic: How to Choose a Residence Near UNAIR
Although specific residence names are not provided in this data, the following decision framework will help you evaluate any listing you find (e.g., through local Facebook groups, property portals, or on-campus notice boards).
Step 1: Define your non-negotiables
- Maximum commute time: 20 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by ojek.
- Budget band: Choose one band from above.
- Room type: Do you need a private bathroom? Air conditioning? Meals included?
- Language: If you are an international student, look for kos-kosan that advertise “English friendly” or near areas with other foreign students (often around the International Office or guest houses).
Step 2: Search by distance zones
- Zone A (0–1 km from campus): Highest rent per square metre, but zero commute. Many options are older kos in residential houses. Check for noise from road or prayer calls.
- Zone B (1–2 km): Sweet spot. Moderate rent, 10–15 minute walk or 5 minute ojek. Many standard kos and budget apartments available in streets like Jalan Dharmahusada or Jalan Mulyorejo.
- Zone C (2–4 km): Lower rent, more spacious options. You will likely need a motorcycle. Areas like Kertajaya, Manyar, or Sukolilo are popular among UNAIR students. Confirm bus routes if you prefer public transport.
Step 3: Verify with reviews
- When you find a specific kos or apartment, search its name on Google Maps. Look at recent reviews (last 6 months) for comments on cleanliness, landlord behaviour, internet stability, and water pressure.
- For international students, check if the host speaks English or has assisted previous foreign tenants.
Step 4: Visit in person (or send someone)
- Photos can be misleading. Always ask for a video call or visit during the day and evening to assess noise levels and safety of the neighbourhood.
- Note the closest minimarket, warung, and minimarket — essential for daily life.
Step 5: Analyse total monthly cost
- Rent + utilities (if not included) + transport (if not walking) + estimated food (if no meal plan). Compare this total across shortlisted options. Sometimes a slightly more expensive room with included meals and Wi-Fi ends up cheaper overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I find a kos near UNAIR without using agency websites?
Use local social media groups (Facebook: “Kos di Surabaya Timur” or “UNAIR student community”). You can also walk around Mulyorejo and look for “Kos” signs displayed on gates. Approach the building’s caretaker directly. This method gives you realistic prices and immediate occupancy.
2. Is it safe for an international student to live in a typical kos?
Most kos have security gates and are in residential areas with neighbours who know each other. However, language barriers exist. Choose a kos where the owner or other tenants speak basic English, or live in a building that has a 24-hour security guard. Avoid isolated alleys with poor lighting. Surabaya is generally safe, but standard precautions apply: lock your room, do not flash valuables, and use ride-hailing apps at night.
3. What additional costs should I budget for besides rent?
- Electricity and water (often separate if using AC or a private room). Estimate IDR 200,000–500,000 per month depending on usage.
- Internet (many kos charge extra for high-speed package).
- Transport (Gojek/Grab rides or petrol for motorcycle).
- Food (eating at warung costs about IDR 15,000–30,000 per meal).
- Parking fee on campus (if you bring a vehicle).
- Initial deposit (typically one month’s rent refundable at contract end).
- Cleaning supplies, laundry, and personal items.
Data as of 2026 – always confirm with the operator.
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