What Do Campus Reviews Reveal?
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is located in Gelugor on the southeastern part of Penang Island. It ranks 134th in the QS World University Rankings (2025 data), has a Google rating of 4.6 (1,048 reviews). Many students mention the campus itself as an attraction point.
“Studying at Universiti Sains Malaysia feels like learning in the heart of nature,” writes reviewer LIJUN. “The campus is peaceful, green, and beautifully maintained — perfect for focusing on your studies or just relaxing between classes. With modern facilities and a calm atmosphere, USM truly offers a one-of-a-kind university experience.”
Another reviewer, PhD student Md. Abdullah Al Ahad, who had just been enrolled for one month, gave the campus environment 5 stars: “The environment is very soothing, people are friendly/cooperative.” He expects research challenges to be significant, but believes “good days are coming once the hard times pass.”
Regarding the course experience, hairongyan xu evaluated the IMC (Integrated Marketing Communication) program: “The IMC program has been an incredible journey, thanks to the world-class faculty and the inspiring ‘University in a Garden’ environment. It’s more than just a degree; it’s a life-changing experience.”
Long-term student Muhammad Nurudeen Mashin adds: “The academic staff are knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about their subjects, which makes learning here a joy. The facilities, including libraries and labs, are well-equipped.”
These reviews consistently point to USM having a quiet, green campus suitable for focused study. But for accommodation, this means: on-campus dormitories are limited, most students need to find housing off campus, and the campus’s tranquil environment often requires a certain commute to balance living convenience.
City Background: Penang and George Town
Gelugor, where USM is located, is a residential area without large commercial centers. Daily meals, supermarkets, and entertainment require going to the surrounding areas of Sungai Dua, Bayan Lepas, or northeast to George Town.
George Town is the capital of Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in street art, diverse cuisine, and a strong fusion of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures. It is also the main place for students to socialize, work part-time, and shop. The distance from USM to downtown George Town is about 10–15 km, about 20–30 minutes by car, or about 30–50 minutes by bus or taxi (depending on traffic conditions).
Public transportation in Penang is mainly Rapid Penang buses, covering major routes, but with long intervals between services. Ride-hailing platforms (Grab) are commonly used and reasonably priced. Many students choose to ride motorcycles or bicycles, but need to be mindful of Penang’s rainy weather.
Budget Ranges (2026 Reference)
Below are typical rental ranges in Gelugor and surrounding areas (all are indicative prices, please confirm with landlords or operators).
- Low Budget (300–600 Malaysian Ringgit per month)
A room in a shared house, or a shared room in a small apartment. Usually located within Gelugor or the Sungai Dua area, a 15–30 minute walk from campus. Basic facilities: fan, shared bathroom. Suitable for students on a tight budget who do not mind sharing. - Mid Budget (700–1,200 Malaysian Ringgit per month)
A studio unit or a master bedroom in a large apartment, with air conditioning and private bathroom. Commonly found in the main residential areas of Gelugor, Bayan Lepas, or the Queensbay area. These places are close to shopping centers (e.g., Queensbay Mall) and bus stops, with a commute to USM of about 10–20 minutes by car. - High Budget (1,300–2,000 Malaysian Ringgit per month)
A brand new condo or serviced apartment, with gym, swimming pool, 24-hour security. Near George Town or sea-view areas. Commute time is longer (25–40 minutes by car), but living convenience is high, suitable for students with stable income or those sharing costs with roommates.
Note: The above prices do not include utility bills or internet fees (usually an additional 100–200 Ringgit per month). Please confirm whether these fees are included before signing.
Walking vs. Commuting Trade-offs
Walking
Living around the Gelugor campus (10–15 minute walk) can save transportation costs and time, suitable for students who like to attend early classes and do not want to rely on buses. However, dining options within Gelugor are limited, nightlife is essentially zero, and convenience stores and laundromats are scattered. Evening walks are convenient, but going to George Town on weekends still requires taking a vehicle.
Commuting
Living in George Town or the Bayan Lepas–Batu Maung area provides a rich variety of daily shopping, eating, and socializing. Rent in George Town is slightly higher, but quality of life is better. Commuting costs: daily round-trip bus fare is about 4–6 Ringgit, taxi one-way is about 10–20 Ringgit. If going to campus 3–5 times a week, monthly transportation costs are roughly 100–300 Ringgit. Time cost: 30–50 minutes one way; you can use this time to read or listen to podcasts.
Compromise: Sungai Dua / Near the Campus Edge
Sungai Dua is located between Gelugor and George Town, a 20–30 minute walk to USM, and also has direct bus routes. There are more restaurants and grocery stores here; it is a semi-suburban, semi-urban zone, with mid-range rent, and is a choice for many local students.
Screening Logic for Candidate Accommodation
Since USM does not require on-campus housing (on-campus dormitories are mainly available to freshmen and graduate students in limited numbers), you need to prioritize the following factors: budget, commuting method, required privacy, living convenience. Below are recommended screening steps:
- Determine your budget ceiling (including electricity, internet, water). If the budget is below 600 Ringgit, focus on shared rooms within Gelugor or Sungai Dua. If the budget is 700–1,200 Ringgit, consider studio units or master bedrooms in condos.
- Decide whether you are willing to commute daily. If you do not want to spend time on the road, prioritize properties within walking distance (1–2 km). If willing to commute, expand your search to George Town, Bayan Lepas, or even Batu Ferringhi (the latter is farther; not recommended as a first choice).
- Check transportation routes. There is a Rapid Penang bus stop at the main entrance of USM (lines 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, etc.). Choose areas near bus trunk lines or easy to get a taxi.
- Shared vs. solo living. Sharing can lower rent, but pay attention to roommates’ living habits. USM student forums and Facebook groups often have posts looking for roommates (please search on your own; this article does not provide links).
- In-person viewing or video viewing. Before signing, confirm the room’s orientation, noise level, whether it is furnished, and the air conditioning condition. Penang has high humidity; air conditioning and dehumidification are important.
- Safety and surroundings. Overall public security in Gelugor is acceptable, but still need to be careful when walking alone at night. Choose apartments or residential areas with surveillance and access control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does USM have on-campus dormitories? What is the preferred area for off-campus housing?
Yes, but on-campus dormitory spots are limited, mainly provided to undergraduate students and some graduate students. The preferred area for off-campus housing is the Gelugor area, within walking distance or a short bus ride. If you value living convenience and accept commuting, George Town or Sungai Dua are also common choices. All rents are indicative prices; please confirm with landlords or operators.
Do I need to sign a contract to rent a house in Penang? How much is the deposit?
Usually, a lease of at least one year is required. The deposit is generally two months’ rent, plus one month’s rent in advance. Some apartments also require an additional deposit for utilities. Read the terms carefully before signing, clarify whether subletting is allowed and the conditions for termination. Prices are indicative; refer to the actual contract.
I am a graduate student (e.g., PhD) at USM. Are there dedicated graduate student accommodations?
USM has graduate dormitories (such as Desa Budiman), but the spaces are few and competition for applications is fierce. Most graduate students choose to rent off campus, especially studios or apartments with independent space, for a quiet environment to write their thesis. Likewise, all accommodation information should be confirmed with operators for the latest prices and availability.
Data collection date: March 27, 2026. All rents in the article are indicative prices; please contact landlords or operators directly for confirmation.
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