Best Student Accommodation in Melbourne, Australia

University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is a public research university in Melbourne and the highest-ranked university in Australia. It’s a member of the Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of leading research-intensive universities. UniMelb is recognised for its academic excellence across various disciplines, including law, medicine, business, and engineering, with an emphasis on research and innovation.

Monash University

Monash University is a public research university in Melbourne and a member of the Group of Eight (Go8). It’s a research-intensive institution with a global reputation, particularly known for programmes in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical medicine, engineering, and education. Monash is also known for its focus on research impact and industry collaboration.

RMIT University

Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) is a public research university based in Melbourne, with a strong focus on industry-led learning, innovation, and practical education. Its well-known programmes include design, architecture, engineering, media, and technology, with close links to industry and real-world applications. RMIT has a reputation for employability outcomes and global partnerships.

Deakin University

Deakin University is a public university in Victoria with campuses across Melbourne and regional areas. Its particularly recognised programmes include health sciences, business, education, and sport science. Deakin offers a student-focused approach, flexible learning options, and a focus on preparing career-ready graduates.

There are various student housing options in Melbourne to accommodate different budgets and university-specific locations. Here are some of our recommendations:

• Berkeley Street: A student accommodation offering studio options and rooms in shared apartments and townhouses. Amenities include Wi-Fi, laundry, card access, on-site management, various communal spaces, and CCTV.

• Scape Leicester: Features studios and one-bedroom and shared apartments, with Wi-Fi, laundry, all-inclusive bills, CCTV, and shared spaces, including a communal kitchen, games room, and study rooms.

• Scape Berkeley 2: Twin apartments and studios, with a range of amenities including Wi-Fi, all-inclusive bills, CCTV, laundry, a rooftop terrace, and shared spaces such as an on-site gym and a social area.

• Greenwood House: Offers fully furnished single, double, and twin rooms, with all-inclusive bills, Wi-Fi, on-site maintenance, a social area, and on-site management. 

Melbourne offers affordable student accommodation with practical amenities and security features such as CCTV and security, helping students enjoy a comfortable and safe living environment. 

• University Square: An accommodation option featuring rooms in shared apartments with Wi-Fi, central heating, all-inclusive bills, air conditioning, accessible features, bike storage, CCTV, and a communal kitchen, in addition to other shared spaces. 

• Scape Swanston: Offers fully furnished twin and studio apartments. Amenities include Wi-Fi, laundry, all-inclusive bills, CCTV, 24/7 security, accessible features, on-site maintenance, and shared spaces.

Choosing the right student accommodation in Melbourne starts with considering your budget, university location, and preferred lifestyle.

Before booking, compare room types, commuting times, transport links, bills, and tenancy terms to find accommodation that best suits your needs.

Choose the Right Location

Living close to your university or a nearby tram, train, or bus stop can make commuting quicker and more convenient. Popular student areas such as Carlton, North Melbourne, Clayton, and Burwood offer easy access to the University of Melbourne, RMIT University, Monash University, and Deakin University, as well as cafés, supermarkets, shopping centres, and everyday amenities.

Set Your Budget

Decide how much you can comfortably spend each month and compare different room types and neighbourhoods. Accommodation in inner-city areas such as Carlton and the Melbourne CBD is generally more expensive than options in suburbs like Clayton or Burwood. Also, check whether utilities and Wi-Fi are included in the rent.

Pick the Right Room Type

Choose a room type that suits your lifestyle. Shared rooms and single rooms are typically the most affordable options, while en-suite rooms provide added privacy with shared living spaces. Studios offer complete independence and are ideal for students who prefer their own space.

Check Transport Connections

If you won't be living within walking distance of campus, choose accommodation with easy access to Melbourne's tram, train, or bus network. Public Transport Victoria (PTV) services provide convenient connections between major universities, student neighbourhoods, and the CBD.

Consider Safety

Look for accommodation with features such as secure entry, CCTV, and on-site staff, and research the surrounding neighbourhood before booking.

The best room type depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how much privacy you prefer during your studies.

Melbourne offers a mix of inner-city student hubs like Carlton and North Melbourne, alongside suburban university precincts such as Clayton and Burwood, and they are some of the best student areas in Melbourne for students:

Carlton

Carlton is an inner-city suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, located north of the city’s central business district (CBD). It’s one of the top student areas in Melbourne, buzzing with student-friendly amenities and hangout spots. Carlton is known for its Victorian architecture, and key highlights include Lygon Street, also known as Little Italy, for its coffee and gelato, Carlton Gardens, and the Melbourne Museum.

Carlton is well served by trams, offering direct access to the University of Melbourne, as well as RMIT University and the CBD.

Clayton

Clayton is a popular student neighbourhood in Melbourne, Victoria set south-east of the Melbourne CBD. It’s a main student hub and an affordable living option for students at Monash University. The area features a famous shopping strip on Clayton Road, UFO Park (The Grange Reserve), and Namatjira Park.

Transportation in Clayton is primarily served by bus (routes 601, 630, 900) and train (Huntingdale Station), serving students attending Monash University.

Burwood

Burwood is situated east of the Melbourne CBD, and is a budget-friendly area for students attending Deakin University (Melbourne Burwood Campus). The suburb is a key student area in Melbourne, offering a quieter residential setting while still maintaining strong access to essential student amenities. The area features Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre, Gardiner Creek Reserve, and Wattle Park, as well as a range of cafés and everyday services that support student living.

Transportation in Burwood is well-connected, with tram route 75 providing direct access along Burwood Highway, stopping right at Deakin University’s Melbourne Burwood Campus, along with several bus routes linking the area to surrounding suburbs and the CBD.

The cost of living in Melbourne depends on several factors, including lifestyle choices and accommodation.

According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single student in Melbourne is A$1,737.20, excluding rent. Here’s an estimated monthly breakdown for student expenses in Melbourne:

Student Accommodation

Groceries

Utilities

Everyday Lifestyle Costs

I checked the latest Melbourne cost-of-living data, and a few of the ranges can be tightened to better reflect current prices. Here's what I'd recommend:

Note: Prices are estimates and may vary. Most international students in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their student visa. Some students may be eligible for Medicare under Australia's reciprocal healthcare agreements, depending on their nationality.

Transportation

Melbourne has a well-developed public transport system made up of trains, trams, and buses, each operated by a different provider but managed by Public Transport Victoria (PTV) as an integrated network.

Trams mainly operate in the inner city, trains connect the suburbs to the city centre, and buses serve outer areas and fill gaps between routes.

International students in Melbourne use the Myki card system, which is the standard way to travel across trains, trams, and buses. Students simply top up their Myki card and tap on and off when using public transport. However, not all international students are eligible for a concession Myki, as it depends on visa type.

Trams

Tram services are operated by Yarra Trams and are widely used in the inner city. Trams are especially convenient for students travelling within the CBD and surrounding university areas.

Popular routes include Route 1, 6, 86 and 96. The CBD also features a free tram zone, allowing free travel within the city centre.

Trains

Train services are operated by Metro Trains Melbourne and form the backbone of Melbourne’s suburban transport network. The train system connects outer suburbs with the CBD, making it a common option for students commuting from residential areas.

Key lines include the Cranbourne-Pakenham line, the Sunbury line, the Hurstbridge line, and the Sandringham line. Most routes connect through major central stations such as Flinders Street and Southern Cross in the CBD.

Bus

Buses are managed by the Victorian public transport system with multiple contracted operators and play an important role in connecting areas not directly served by rail or tram networks.

Key routes include Route 601, which provides major cross-suburban connections across Melbourne. Local bus routes also serve residential suburbs such as Footscray, Box Hill, and Clayton.

Cycling

Cycling is a practical option for students in inner and middle-ring suburbs, with dedicated bike lanes and shared cycling paths available in many areas. Bikes are commonly used for short commutes between accommodation, campuses, and nearby amenities.

There's plenty to explore in Melbourne outside of lectures, from relaxing in scenic parks and visiting world-class museums to discovering bustling markets, iconic laneways, and beautiful coastal destinations.

• Parks & outdoor spaces: Unwind at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, stroll through Carlton Gardens, walk or cycle along the Yarra River, or spend a day by the sea at St Kilda Beach.
• Museums & culture: Explore natural history and science at the Melbourne Museum, admire Australian and international art at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), or visit ACMI at Federation Square for interactive film and digital culture exhibitions.
• Markets, cafés & shopping: Browse fresh produce, international street food, and local products at the Queen Victoria Market, then explore Melbourne's famous laneways, including Degraves Street and Centre Place, renowned for independent cafés and street art.
• Landmarks & entertainment: Visit Federation Square, study beneath the magnificent dome of State Library Victoria, catch a match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), or take a scenic day trip along the Great Ocean Road.