Finding quality student accommodation in Melbourne can be stressful, especially if you’re new to the city. Student.com makes it easier by bringing together a variety of options, from shared houses to private student apartments.

We have a fantastic range of accommodation across the city, near the main university campuses and in popular areas like Carlton, Brunswick and Hawthorn. You can also filter by price, amenities and type of housing to find suitable properties that fit your needs.

Start exploring your options at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn about student life in the city, including the best neighbourhoods for students, the cost of living and top tips for adapting to local life.

Universities in Melbourne

Melbourne offers a high standard of education with up to nine major universities based in the city. So, whether you’re looking for diverse courses, vibrant campus life or excellent career opportunities, there are plenty of options. 

University of Melbourne 

Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne (UniMelb) is Australia’s second-oldest university. It’s regularly ranked as the best university in the country, while also placing among the top 10 in the world.

Known for its strong academic reputation and graduate employability, UniMelb offers world-class courses across business, engineering, medicine and the arts. It's home to over 50,000 students – almost half of whom are international – with the main Parkville campus combining historic charm with a great location just minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.

Does this feel like the university for you? Browse our range of UniMelb accommodation! 

Monash University 

Monash University is another one of Australia’s top universities, generally placing among the top 40 universities in the world. Founded in 1958, it’s known for its huge variety of courses across 10 distinct faculties.

Home to over 85,000 students, including a large international community, it’s a vibrant and welcoming place to study. The main Clayton campus is based around 20km southeast of the CBD, with other key locations in Caulfield, Frankston and Parkville.

Want to take the next step? Discover our list of apartments near Monash’s Clayton campus! 

La Trobe University 

Founded in 1964, La Trobe University is the third-oldest university in Victoria and hosts around 38,000 students, including a large international community. Ranked in the world’s top 250 universities, it offers top-rated programmes in health sciences, arts and engineering.

The main Bundoora campus has a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere and is home to around two-thirds of La Trobe’s students, while the secondary City campus offers vibrant student life right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.

Looking for somewhere to live close to campus? We offer an excellent range of La Trobe accommodation! 

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology

The prestigious Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) is often ranked among the top 10 universities in Australia and is a major hub for technology and design, with top-rated courses across engineering, business, creative arts and IT.

With over 90,000 students, it's one of the biggest universities in the country. Around half of RMIT’s students are stationed at the City campus, offering easy access to Melbourne’s coffee culture, nightlife and cultural spots.

Heading here for your studies? Be sure to explore our dedicated list of RMIT accommodation! 

Other universities in Melbourne

Melbourne is also home to several other great universities. Swinburne University of Technology is known for strong programmes in engineering, design and business, with its modern main campus in Hawthorn.

Victoria University, established in 1916 and gaining university status in 1991, offers both vocational and higher education across multiple campuses in Melbourne’s CBD and western suburbs.

Deakin University is another solid option with a strong focus on health, education and technology, while the Australian Catholic University‘s Melbourne campus provides courses in education, nursing and arts.

Things for students to do in Melbourne 

In a city as large as Melbourne, there is a lot to do for students. Visit the heart of Melbourne’s city centre, check out the Southbank area for cultural venues, or hike and bike your way around the historic Yarra River Trail. 

Arts & culture 

If you feel like getting a dose of culture, head over to Federation Square (or “Fed Square”, as the locals call it). This trendy arts destination hosts regular events and is also home to the ACMI – Australia's national museum of screen culture.

Located next to Flinders Street station on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD, Fed Square is easy to reach by public transport and a great place to spend an evening, with plenty of surrounding cafés and bars to explore. 

Outdoors

A beautiful city like Melbourne is well worth exploring on foot. You can take a scenic walk by the river, and cross over to Southbank to look back at the city skyline and gardens. Nestled in the east is St Kilda, where you can stroll along The Esplanade, filled with kayakers and swimmers.

If you want to check out your new city from above, take a lift to the top of the Eureka Tower, which has the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere at 285 metres. It offers great views of Melbourne and the surrounding area. 

Food & drink 

Melbourne is a foodie’s dream. From bustling markets to trendy restaurants, there’s something for every preference and budget. Don’t miss out on Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, where you can try fresh local produce and grab some street food.

For a full day of shopping and dining, head to Melbourne Central, home to over 300 shops and plenty of cafés to refuel. And if you’re in town in September, the Royal Melbourne Show is a must-visit. This annual event combines local food, entertainment and a true Aussie community feel – complete with adorable farm animals and amazing eats. 

Nightlife 

Melbourne has a buzzing nightlife scene that’s perfect for students, with rooftop bars, pubs and intimate music venues spread across the city. Section 8, a famous open-air bar in the CBD, is a student favourite for casual drinks and live DJs.

If you’re after a big night out, Lucky Thursdays hosts one of the longest-running student nights in Australia, where you can get discounted entry and cheap drinks all night. For a more laid-back vibe, head to Fitzroy’s The Night Cat, renowned for live jazz and gigs. 

Sports 

For sporting events, head over to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, the largest cricket stadium in the world, and the main stadium for the 1956 Olympic Games. Fun fact: the first ever Test cricket match was played here in 1877.

Despite its name, Melbourne Cricket Ground also hosts Australian Football League (AFL) games, which are actually played at the stadium more often than cricket matches. 

Best student areas in Melbourne

Melbourne is home to a number of popular student hubs, each with their own distinct character. From bustling inner-city hubs to leafy suburbs, there are lots of options to suit different lifestyles. 

Carlton 

Carlton is a top choice for students, especially those attending the University of Melbourne. It’s known for its “Little Italy” vibe on Lygon Street, lined with affordable cafés, casual pizzerias and other student-friendly restaurants, making it a convenient and social spot for student living.

Made up mostly of modern student apartments, the area is ideal for those who want to be close to campus without missing out on city life. Trams and buses run regularly into the CBD and outer suburbs, making it easy to get around. 

Brunswick 

Brunswick is a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood popular with students seeking a creative, laid-back atmosphere. Known for its street art, independent cafés, live music venues and boutique shops, there are plenty of cool spots to explore nearby.

The area offers a mix of student housing, from affordable shared flats to modern apartments. Public transport links are excellent, with trams and buses connecting to major university campuses across the city. 

Hawthorn 

Hawthorn is a popular choice for students attending Swinburne University of Technology, with a calm, residential vibe and plenty of cafés, parks and shops. Here you’ll find both upscale private apartments and cheaper shared accommodation to suit different budgets.

With trains and trams connecting to the CBD and all the main universities, Hawthorn is convenient for commuting and provides a more relaxed lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle. 

Student cost of living in Melbourne 

Melbourne is known for its high cost of living, but you can still live comfortably with a smart approach to budgeting and money management. Housing costs vary considerably, but broadly range from $1,300–$1,800 per month.

Factoring in other living costs like food, transport and going out, the monthly cost of living for most students in Melbourne will generally be around $2,000–$2,500. Using discounts, exploring free activities and cooking at home can help stretch your budget. 

Free things to do in Melbourne 

Melbourne has plenty of free activities for students on a budget. You can enjoy the Royal Botanic Gardens, wander laneways like Hosier Lane to discover street art and enjoy free, open-air performances at Fed Square.

Many museums and galleries, like the AMCI, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the Ian Potter Centre, offer free entry. You can also explore the State Library Victoria free of charge – perfect for an alternative study space! 

Student discounts in Melbourne 

Students in Melbourne can access a wide range of discounts to make life even more affordable. Show your student ID for cheaper public transport fares, discounted entry to attractions, or savings at cinemas and live music venues.

Check out iconic spots like the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium for a fraction of the price, or grab your friends for an ice-skating session at O’Brien Icehouse – they have cheap Tuesdays where students can cut costs by booking online. 

Public transport in Melbourne 

Melbourne has a reliable and extensive public transport network, including trams, buses and trains. Students can save money with discounted fares using a Myki card, making it easy and affordable to get around the city and reach university campuses.  

Tram 

Melbourne’s iconic tram network is one of the largest in the world, covering the CBD and inner suburbs. Trams run frequently, typically from early morning until around midnight, with services within the CBD and Docklands to universities like RMIT, UniMelb and Victoria. 

Bus 

Buses provide connections across the city and suburbs, generally operating from early morning to late evening. With discounts for students through a Myki card, they’re ideal for reaching suburban campuses like Monash’s Clayton campus and La Trobe’s Bundoora campus. 

Train 

Melbourne’s train network links the CBD with suburbs across the metropolitan area. Trains run frequently, especially during peak hours, and are a fast way to reach universities like Monash, RMIT, La Trobe and Deakin. Again, students can use a Myki card for discounted fares. 

Frequently asked questions 

Is Melbourne a safe place for students to live? 

Melbourne is generally safe for students compared with other major Australian cities, and the crime rate is low. Universities like the University of Melbourne and RMIT have strong campus security. As with any city, it’s wise to exercise basic precautions like sticking to well-lit streets, traveling with friends at night and keeping belongings secure. 

When should I start looking for student accommodation in Melbourne?

It’s recommended to start searching for student accommodation in Melbourne 3–6 months before your intended move-in date. The rental market can be competitive, especially for properties near the major universities – early planning will help you secure affordable options in preferred locations. 

How much does student accommodation in Melbourne cost?

Student housing in Melbourne varies considerably in cost, typically ranging from $1,300–$1,800 per month. Areas close to the CBD like Carlton and Parkville generally come with the highest prices, but you can find good value in the suburbs if you’re willing to have a slightly longer commute. 

Where are the best areas for students in Melbourne? 

Top student areas in Melbourne include neighbouring Carlton and Parkville for easy access to the CBD, the artsy hub of Brunswick and the quieter, more laid-back Hawthorn. Other areas like Fitzroy and St Kilda are also popular – the best one for you is likely to depend on where your university campus is based. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Melbourne? 

International students will need to apply for an Australian Student Visa before heading to Melbourne for university. Applications require confirmation of enrolment, financial proof and health insurance – check out the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website for full details. 

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