Student Accommodation in Melbourne: Your Comprehensive Guide

Finding the right student accommodation is one of the most important decisions you'll make when studying in Australia, particularly in a vibrant city like Melbourne. This guide covers everything from choosing the right location and budgeting to essential checklists for moving in and out.

Introduction

Melbourne routinely ranks among the top student cities in the world, and for good reason. It’s Australia’s (unofficial) cultural capital and quite possibly the planet’s sporting capital too. The city is rich in diversity (people, food, and lifestyles), boasts one of the world's best coffee scenes, and is packed with live music venues and all-night dance floors. Plus 8,000+ festivals, exhibitions, and events a year and a big botanical garden for some R&R in the city. This guide is designed for students seeking student housing in Melbourne but unsure where to start.

Key Considerations for Choosing Accommodation

When selecting student accommodation, there are several factors to consider: location, budget, and amenities. Each plays a role in shaping your student experience and lifestyle.

Location

For international students, location is often the first priority. Do you want the buzz of a big city or a quieter lifestyle? If you want to be close to campus, it's best to live in the Inner North, Inner South or CBD (which is in between). These areas offer easy access to public transport, as well as plenty of amenities like shops, cafes, and restaurants. Areas like Brunswick, Carlton, and Southbank are buzzing with students. These places are close to universities, packed with food joints, and well-connected.

The University of Melbourne has two campuses, located in Parkville and Southbank.

Budget

Where you live will also depend heavily on your budget. Rent varies across cities, suburbs, and types of accommodation, so set clear limits before you begin your search. Don’t forget to account for extras such as food, transport, and utilities. In Melbourne, you can expect slightly more affordable values, between 350 and 550 AUD per week.

Define your budget and don't forget to include bills related to electricity, water, and internet.

Amenities

Modern student accommodation offers far more than just a room. Many students now look for on-site gyms, study lounges, parking, social areas, and even rooftop terraces.

Types of Student Accommodation in Melbourne

There are various types of student accommodation in Melbourne to choose from. In summary, there are a range of accommodation options available for students studying at the University of Melbourne. From on-campus residential colleges and student villages to short-term accommodation and off-campus housing, there's something to suit every student's needs and budget.

University Residential Colleges

University Residential Colleges are a popular option for many students who prefer to live on-campus. These colleges vary in size and style, but most offer communal living spaces, meals, and other amenities. There are two types of University Residential Colleges - those that are owned by the University and those that are affiliated. The differences between the two are relatively minor, but it's worth noting that the affiliated colleges are independently run and may have different application processes and deadlines.

Read also: Guide to UC Davis Student Housing

Student Villages

Student Villages are another popular option for students who prefer a college-style of accommodation. One benefit of living in a student village is that they are usually located close to the University, making it easy to get to classes and other activities.

Short-Term Accommodation

If you're only planning to stay in Melbourne for a short period of time, there are a range hotel options, hostels, and Airbnbs. If you're looking for a more comfortable and private short-term accommodation option, a family-stay hotel could be the right choice for you. Some hotels around the University of Melbourne campuses offer economical rates on family-stay hotel rooms, most of which have a 24-hour reception.

For budget-friendly short-term accommodation, hostels can be a great option. Hostels are a popular option for travellers on a budget, and they offer the opportunity to meet other travellers and make new friends.

Private Off-Campus Accommodation

If you prefer more privacy and comfort, a hotel or Airbnb may be the best option for you. There are many hotels located near the University of Melbourne campuses, including budget-friendly and luxury options.

If you're looking for private accommodation off-campus, the University of Melbourne offers a free peer-to-peer information exchange platform. The platform allows students to find or list private accommodation located off-campus. Students can also use the Flatmates tool to find other University of Melbourne students looking for shared accommodation.

Read also: Investigating the Death at Purdue

Purpose Built Student Accommodations (PBSA)

There are multiple types of student accommodation in Melbourne to choose from that are available in Melbourne, currently called Purpose Built Student Accommodations (PBSA) which cost around AU$250-AU$510/week. You have entirely furnished rooms, high-speed WiFi, hot water and power 24/7. You also get laundry services, gym facilities, parking spots, and the security of your property!

They have a few different room types:

Studios: Studios are available in single or multiple occupancies, with a private bedroom, living space, kitchen, and bathroom.
En-suites: En-suites are designed for single occupancy and boast private bathrooms and even kitchen spaces for those who like to enhance their productivity by living independently.
Non-En-suites: Single or multiple occupancies, with a private bedroom, a shared living space, a shared kitchen, and a shared bathroom.

Top Student Accommodations in Melbourne

As an affordable city in Australia, Melbourne offers numerous student accommodation alternatives near every significant university, bus and train station, and famous market.

Here are some of the best well-kept and affordable student housing alternatives in Melbourne:

Scape Melbourne Central: Located a short distance from The University of Melbourne and RMIT University, this accommodation provides students with amenities like air conditioning, a cinema room, and iMac stations, starting at AU$199/week.
Carric House: Offering single, twin share, and four-bed en-suite dorms, Carric House is close to the University of Melbourne. Amenities include community programs, a laundry room, and bike space, with prices starting at AU$257/week.
Dwell Village Melbourne City: Situated on Flemington Road, near the University of Melbourne and Kent Institute Australia, Dwell Village offers apartments and studios with a large outdoor courtyard, gym, and heated outdoor pool, starting at AU$289/week.
Scape Berkeley One: Located in the heart of the city, Berkeley One offers studios and 2-bedroom apartments and is close to The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Institute of Technology, with prices starting at AU$299/week. Amenities include a social lounge and laundry facilities.
Student Village Melbourne: This accommodation offers 1, 2, and 4-bedroom apartments and studios, with amenities like a heated swimming pool, recreation room, and basketball court, starting at AU$299/week.
Lincoln House: Located near The University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Lincoln House offers fully-furnished en-suite rooms with lounges, a theatre room, and a rooftop garden terrace, with prices around AU$299/week.
Scape Swanston: Offering shared apartments and studios, Scape Swanston is close to the Melbourne Institute of Technology and Charles Strut University, with amenities like an outdoor terrace, gym, and communal kitchen, starting at AU$299/week.
Scape Berkeley 2: This Melbourne student apartment offers private and communal studio apartments near the University of Melbourne and Melbourne Institute of Technology, with amenities including a social lounge, gym, and study rooms, starting at AU$299/week.

Best Suburbs in Melbourne for Students

There are many areas to choose from while looking for student apartments in Melbourne.

Carlton: Carlton is a north Melbourne inner neighbourhood. It is close to several intriguing restaurants, cafes, and leisure facilities. This region is well-known for its landmarks, heritage, art, and culture, attracting millions of tourists each year. Carlton is famous for its easy access to Melbourne's city centre via its public transit system.
South Yarra: South Yarra is a thriving suburb for bargain hunters and grocers. This neighbourhood is well-known for its exquisite working-class lifestyle. South Yarra was voted Melbourne's most livable suburb because of its proximity to the city centre, schools, cafes, and restaurants, accessibility to trains, trams, and buses, and abundance of green space and trees. It provides the neighbourhood atmosphere that outer suburbs do, but it also allows you to be close to events and in the centre of whatever you need.
Ashwood: Ashwood is located to the city's southeast and is bounded by the Princess Theatre, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Collins Street. The universities and colleges are among the greatest in architecture and education. Ashwood is famous among Melbourne students for its attractive rooms and economical accommodation.
Parkville: Parkville is a popular choice for students looking for a great place to live. It is well-known for its multiculturalism and pleasant neighbourhoods. Because they mix rapid and slow-paced places, not all areas are quiet and friendly. This city region is near Baltimore County, where some prominent Melbourne colleges can be found, surrounded by magnificent greenery and distinctive towers. Several Parkville institutions attract international students.
East Melbourne: East Melbourne is also known as Melbourne's Central Business District. Many museums, institutional buildings, parks, public places, and antiques can be found here. Furthermore, it provides excellent accommodation alternatives to students from all over the world. It hosts various fascinating events, as well as public eateries and cafes.

Practical Tips for Finding Student Accommodation

Start Early: You should start researching 4 to 6 months before classes begin because there is a lot of demand for student accommodation in Melbourne. Try not to wait until the last minute to book your student home to avoid any last-minute trouble, and secure student housing as soon as feasible. Booking your Melbourne student housing early will get you the most terrific deal because rates may rise depending on availability, and discounts and incentives may also be available.
Use Specialized Platforms: Use specialized and reliable platforms like Casita and Sharehouse. At Sharehouse, we're dedicated to making the process of finding student accommodation in Melbourne as easy as possible. With Sharehouse, you can create a housemate listing that outlines your accommodation preferences and what you're looking for in a roommate. This can include details like your budget, preferred location, and living habits. Our platform also allows you to browse available rooms in Melbourne. You can filter your search results by location, price, and other factors to find a room that suits your needs and budget. If you're struggling to find accommodation on your own, you can also use Sharehouse to form teamups with other students who are in the same situation.
Consider Your Lifestyle: Do you prefer a private space or do you want to share a house? Consider your lifestyle!
Check Transport Links: If you’re off-campus, make sure there's a tram, train, or bus nearby.
Check the Surroundings: Take note of whether there are essential services you would regularly require, such as grocery stores, vegetable vendors, and so on. We recommend that you always choose student housing near reliable transportation services so that you can be confident that if you need or want to go anywhere, you can do so without fear or spending too much money.
Read Reviews: Always check the reputation of the residence.
Tour if you can: Even a virtual tour helps.

Questions to Ask Before Finalizing Accommodation

This student housing guide has everything covered. We have listed all the essential questions you should ask before finalising your student accommodation.

Security Deposit: Ask about the security fee that is paid to the landlord.
Application Fee: Ask what will be the application fee while renting out accommodation.
Waiting List Charge: Ask if there is a charge lock your request for an apartment.
Lease: Ask about the lease and the breakdown.
Documents: Ask about all the required documents you need to submit.

Moving In Checklist

Being organised before you move in, and again before you move out, makes the process stress-free. Bring essentials such as bedding, towels, kitchenware, study supplies, and personal items that make your room feel homely. You’ll likely need to buy everyday basics like groceries, cleaning products, toiletries, and extra storage solutions.

You may find it difficult and daunting to determine what you require for the next year or longer that is why this Melbourne housing guide exists! Here are some items that should be on your checklist:

Documents like your passport, licence or official ID, and university documentation.
Bedroom Items like duvets, your favourite pillow and more.
Bathroom items like soap or body wash, toothbrush, loofah and more.
Toiletries like allergy medicines, lotions and more

Avoiding Rental Scams/Frauds

Being safe from scams and fraud in all aspects of your life is essential. Student accommodations scams might not seem real, but they are. That is why this student housing guide has a list to tell you about rental scams and frauds.

Non-existential rentals: The scammer lists a non-existing/phantom property.
Hijacked advertisement: The scammer hijacks the posted rental advertisements and poses as the landlord.
Clickbait Apartments: The landlord attempts to persuade you to sign a lease or pay a deposit for a home other than the one that was listed

Only use trusted platforms like Casita.

What to Pack

Light and practical clothing is necessary because the climate is mostly warm.

Adapter, essential for charging all your devices.
Sheets and towels, as many residences do not include them.
Personal items, from photos to small objects that turn your new room into a true home.
And also bring enthusiasm and openness to new experiences, the secret ingredients to make the most of academic life in Australia!

Don’t overpack: You can buy stuff here.

Safety Tips