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, including en-suite, single, and studio options:

Best Student Accommodation in Melbourne

• Berkeley Street
• Together Co-Living Melbourne
• Scape Leicester
• Scape Berkeley 2

Affordable Student Accommodation in Melbourne

• UniLodge Victoria University
• Greenwood House
• University Square
• Scape Swanston

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.

North Melbourne 

North Melbourne is an inner-city suburb northwest of the CBD, making it a convenient choice for many students attending the University of Melbourne and RMIT University. It offers a balance between affordability and central location, with a growing student and young professional community. The area offers a mix of Victorian-style housing, modern student housing, and local cafés. You can visit Queen Victoria Market and Errol Street for shopping and recreation.

Transportation in North Melbourne is highly accessible, with multiple tram routes along Royal Parade and Errol Street, as well as North Melbourne Railway Station, offering quick connections to both the CBD and surrounding university campuses.

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

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.

• State Library of Victoria: A historic landmark in Melbourne’s CBD and a popular destination for students looking for a focused study environment.
• Royal Botanic Gardens: A vast green space near the city centre featuring landscaped gardens, lakes, and walking paths.
• Queen Victoria Market: One of Melbourne’s most iconic open-air markets, offering fresh produce, street food, and local goods.
• Melbourne Museum: A major attraction showcasing natural history, science, and Australian culture.
• St Kilda Beach: Offers seaside walks, sunsets, cafés, and recreational activities.