The CBD aka 'Civic' is a stones throw from uni - as said straight up university av left onto london cct and left again abit past the sydney building and you're there.
The is 'The Canberra Centre' canberras shopping centre containing Myer, DJs, Target, Supabarn, hundreds of boutiques and a food court. Whilst the centre is being expanded this is not slated for completion until the end of the year (personally I'm tipping august september completion though).
However just outside the canberra centre (between it and uni) is garema place - this is home to a whole load of cafes, restuarants, bars, fast food joints and more boutiques.
There is no shortage of jobs and a constant turnover so get in and apply. I recommend applying for supabarn (where I work) as we are currently taking on staff. Also apply where you have strengths eg a friend of mine with subway experience applied online and the next day they rang her offering her the position complete with a carte blanch to write her own hours.