Guide for Student Accommodation Melbourne: Costs, Types & Top Resources

Want to study in Melbourne but don’t know where to start your student accommodation hunt? Here’s a guide to aid you in finding apt student accommodation in Melbourne. Indian student accommodation in Melbourne can be found across different websites and resources. Everything is given in this blog, so check it out. 

If you would study in Australia across different universities in Melbourne, you will need a place to stay. The majority of universities in Melbourne offer student accommodation, there may be a few where there are no options at all. In such cases, students will have to look for accommodation off-campus if Australian universities are not offering accommodation.

International Student Accommodation Melbourne 

Melbourne is considered one of the best student cities in Australia for international students as per the QS rankings. Since universities in Melbourne make it to the top universities in Australia, international students prefer studying here. The question of international student accommodation in Melbourne is based on multiple factors, including the types of accommodation available, the student budget and the distance at which the accommodation is available. Various resources in Australia offer student accommodation in Melbourne. Before understanding the types and factors, here's a brief look at the living expenses in Melbourne for a month for an international student:

Expenses	Cost of Living in Melbourne (Monthly)
Housing and Utilities	AUD 2,300
Public Transport	AUD 156
Private Transport*	AUD 30,000
Food and Drink	AUD 15 - AUD 25
Clothes and Shoes	AUD 200
Entertainment	AUD 40
Personal Care and Hygiene	AUD 69
Insurance	AUD 200
Total Cost	AUD 2,990 (Public Transport) or, AUD 32,834 (Private Transport)

Now that you have a picture of how much expenditure will be required to stay and live in Melbourne, it will be easy for you to understand the possibly best options to choose for accommodation as a student. We will discuss each factor and help Indian students find suitable accommodation in Melbourne.

Check: How to Find Student Accommodation?

Types of Student Accommodation Melbourne

Broadly, there are four types of student accommodations in Melbourne. Students who’d study in any of the Melbourne universities can choose from any of these options. Check out the types of student accommodations in Melbourne and understand their pricing. 

Managed Student Accommodation in Melbourne

Managed student accommodations in Melbourne are those accommodations which are purposely built for students. Students can choose these accommodations because:

• These residences are located near the university the student is going to. 
• Public transportation is easily accessible from managed student accommodation in Melbourne.
• The costs of utilities and basic services are included in the total costs. Thus, there are no additional costs to be borne. 
• The cost of living in managed student accommodations in Melbourne is relatively inexpensive and is similar month-wise. 
• The student accommodation is usually well furnished, so the students are not required to bring anything except for their stuff. 
• The average cost of purpose-built student accommodation in Melbourne is around AUD 250 - AUD 600 monthly. These costs can be lower if the accommodation is on a shared basis. 

Residential Colleges Melbourne

The universities in Melbourne may or may not offer on-campus accommodation. Thus, students may have to look for other options if on-campus accommodation is unavailable. Following are the universities in Melbourne which offer on-campus student accommodation in Melbourne. 

University of Melbourne 

The University of Melbourne offers on-campus student accommodation across various residence colleges. Check out the details below and the weekly accommodation costs for international students: 

UniMelb Accommodation On Campus	Fees per Week (2024)
Lisa Bellar House	AUD 404 - AUD 563
Little Hall	AUD 411 - AUD 636
The Lofts	AUD 405 - AUD 669
International Hall	AUD 689 - AUD 810
Medley Hall	AUD 762

Related Reads:

• University of Melbourne Courses
• University of Melbourne Admissions
• University of Melbourne Campus

Monash University

Monash University also offers on-campus student accommodation options. Following is a list of international student accommodation in Melbourne along with the costs below: 

Monash University Accommodation	Total Fees (2024)
Clayton Residential Village
Halls of Residence	AUD 13,230 - AUD 14,905
Normanby House	AUD 13,656 - AUD 14,494
South East Flats	AUD 13,656 - AUD 13,230
Clayton Urban Community
Briggs, Jackomos, Turner, Holman, Campbell and Logan Halls	AUD 18,244
Peninsula Residential Village
Student Village | Bloom Street | Samada Street | Lardner Road | Holmes Street	AUD 13,656 - AUD 16,170
Peninsula Studio Apartments
Gillies Hall	AUD 18,244

Please note: The visitors who wish to come and stay at Clayton’s residential campus, will have to pay separately an additional amount.  

Related Reads:

• Monash University Courses
• Monash University Admissions
• Monash University Reviews 

La Trobe University

La Trobe University is another famous Australian university recording a whopping international student footfall. Thus, this university offers student accommodation and here are the options available along with the costs: 

La Trobe Residence Colleges	Type of Room	44-Week Contract Fee (2024)	22 Weeks Contract Fee (2024)
Chisholm College	Single Room	AUD 220	AUD 370
Glenn College	Single Room including Catering	AUD 360	AUD 250
	Single Room only	AUD 240	AUD 250
Menzies	Single Room	AUD 265	AUD 275
Menzies Annex (Renovated)	Single Room	AUD 280	AUD 290
North & South Apartment	Self Contained Studio	AUD 360	AUD 370
	Shared Apartment	AUD 295	AUD 305
Catering: Breakfast & Dinner (Open to all students)		AUD 140

Related Reads:

• La Trobe University Courses
• La Trobe University Admissions
• La Trobe University Reviews

Swinburne University of Technology

International students applying to Swinburne University of Technology can opt for on-campus accommodation. Some of the accommodation options that international students can look out for are as follows: 

Swinburne University of Technology Accommodation Facilities	Cost per week (2024)
College Room & Facilities	AUD 290
Shared apartment including facilities	AUD 295 - AUD 335
Studio Apartment (Deluxe)	AUD 425
Studio Apartment (Standard)	AUD 385

Related Reads:

• Swinburne University of Technology Courses 
• Swinburne University of Technology Admissions

Deakin University - Burwood Campus

One of the campuses of Deakin University is located in Melbourne, commonly known as the Burwood campus. This university offers student accommodation in Melbourne campus and the options are as follows: 

Deakin University - Burwood Campus Accommodation	Cost per week (2024)
Studio Apartments	AUD 345
Shared Apartments	AUD 299
2 Bedroom Apartments	AUD 293
Burwood Student Village	AUD 279

Related Reads:

• Deakin University Courses
• Deakin University Admissions
• Deakin University Reviews

Apart from the universities in Melbourne offering on-campus student accommodation, there are a few universities which do not offer on-campus housing. They are as follows:

• RMIT University - There is no on-campus student accommodation in Melbourne campus of RMIT. but those admitted to RMIT can look at the resources for finding student accommodation. 
• Victoria University - offers guaranteed accommodation with a partnership with UniLodge. Students can get guaranteed accommodation and a spot within 24 hours by paying the deposit in advance. 
• Melbourne Institute of Technology (Melbourne campus) does not offer on-campus accommodation. Hence, students can explore accommodation options off campus nearby.  

Private Rental Accommodation in Melbourne

Private rental accommodation in Melbourne is the student and the agent (or landlord) are in touch directly. The student willing to opt for private rental accommodation in Melbourne can connect with the agents. The students must understand that they also have certain rights when they choose private rental accommodation. 

Private rental accommodation in Melbourne can be slightly more expensive than on-campus accommodation. There can be additional charges like security, regular maintenance, and other miscellaneous charges. 

Homestays for Students in Melbourne

Apart from the above-given options for accommodation in Melbourne for international students, there is one more option - homestays. The homestays are more like student accommodation for students with a family. It is like an exchange program only but the purpose is different. Students can search for a few options at the International Homestay Agency (Melbourne).

Under 18 Student Accommodation Melbourne

Usually, the universities in Melbourne will take charge of the under 18 student accommodations. Under 18 student accommodation Melbourne is aided by submitting a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW). This CAAW will help the government know about the charge of students taken by the relevant set of Australian visa holders. Thus, accommodation can be provided either by the university in Melbourne or could be arranged by the parent over to a guardian.

Check: Cost of Studying in Australia

Factors Affecting Student Accommodation in Melbourne

Different types of student accommodation in Melbourne may get international students confused. Here are some factors students must take care of before choosing an accommodation in Melbourne:

• Budget: Decide how much you can pay for the student accommodation. Understand the cost of living in Australia and then make up your mind.
• On-campus or off-campus stay: Decide which is better on-campus or off-campus accommodation based on cost, security and facilities.
• Location: Check if the student accommodation you choose is nearby and if your university is at the shortest possible distance from your temporary accommodation. 
• Facilities: Check if basic facilities are in place like - hygiene, cleanliness, electricity, sufficient space for study, sports facilities if you are a sportsperson and others. 
• Reviews: The internet is filled with reviews of student accommodation in Melbourne. Thus, always check the reviews before making a choice. 
• Transportation: If you have to travel, check the ease of mobility. First, check the distance and the mode of transportation. Also, check if you can use public transport at a stone’s throw distance. 

Tips to Find Best Student Accommodation in Melbourne

There are certain steps which international students must look out for when looking for student accommodations in Melbourne. Some of these tips to find the best student accommodation in Melbourne are as follows: 

1. First and foremost, check if your university offers on-campus accommodation or not. If yes, sign up, if not look for options. 
2. Choose your accommodation based on a long or short-term accommodation plan. Based on your study in Australia. 
3. Check out cheap student accommodation options in Melbourne and see if they fit your requirements.
4. Look for off-campus accommodation recommendations or if universities offer accommodation with partnering agencies like UniLodge with RMIT. 
5. Go for trusted and authentic third-party resources to shortlist student accommodations in Melbourne. 
6. Lastly, you can network with seniors or request information from authentic university personnel for accommodation recommendations. 

Check:

Student Guide to Australia	Why Study in Australia?
Australia University & Subject Rankings	Requirements to Study in Australia

Resources to Find Student Accommodation in Melbourne

Resources to find student accommodation in Melbourne can be referred to the official university website or Australia’s higher education website. In cases where universities in Melbourne don’t offer accommodation, they do have some recommendations which you can check.

Always trust official websites and be aware of what and where you are choosing your student accommodation. Doubly check and then make a decision using trusted resources only when going to study in Melbourne. 

When to Start Looking for Student Accommodation in Melbourne?

International students can look for accommodation in Melbourne once they have received their CoE (Confirmation of Enrollment). Also while they are in the process of applying for their Australian student visa, they can begin their process of searching. The ideal time to start looking for accommodation is when students receive the admission confirmation. Also if the students know that there is no on-campus accommodation available, they should begin their search for a home away from home.

Hopefully, international students by now will have an idea about student accommodation options, types, costs, tips to choose and ultimately how to choose best possible options while they study in the universities of Melbourne.