Best Student Accommodations in Melbourne 2025-26

It’s best to start looking for student accommodation in Melbourne 4 to 6 months before your university course begins. Most students begin searching between October and January for a February/March intake. Booking early ensures: 

• The best rooms in prime locations 

• More affordable rent options 

• A wider selection of room types and amenities 

Melbourne is a popular student city, and demand for accommodation is high, so planning early helps avoid limited choices and last-minute stress. 

Before booking, consider: 

• Location – Near your university or with good tram/train/bus access 

• Budget – Include rent, bills, food, and transport 

• Type of accommodation – PBSA, private rentals, homestays, or uni halls 

• Facilities – Wi-Fi, study rooms, laundry, gym, etc. 

• Lease terms – Match your academic schedule 

• Security – CCTV, secured entry, on-site staff 

• Reviews – Feedback from other students 

• Trusted platforms – Use verified sites like University Living 

These factors ensure a safe, convenient, and budget-friendly experience in Melbourne. 

Top student-friendly neighbourhoods in Melbourne include: 

• Carlton – Close to the University of Melbourne and RMIT, vibrant cafes 

• Parkville – Leafy suburb, home to major universities and medical institutes 

• CBD (Central Business District) – Close to multiple campuses, shops, and transport 

• Fitzroy – Trendy, artsy area with great nightlife and vintage stores 

• Southbank – Near arts precinct and Victoria University 

• St Kilda – Beachside lifestyle, perfect for students who enjoy the outdoors 

• Brunswick – Affordable, multicultural, and full of student-friendly spots 

These areas offer a balance of affordability, community, and university access. 

Yes, most student accommodations in Melbourne come fully furnished, especially PBSA and student apartments. Standard furnishings include: 

• Bed and mattress 

• Study desk and chair 

• Wardrobe and storage 

• Kitchen appliances 

• En-suite or shared bathrooms 

Furnished housing is ideal for international students or anyone looking for a ready-to-move-in space. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide: 

1. Start early – Begin searching 4–6 months in advance
2. Set a budget – Factor in rent, bills, transport, and living costs 
3. Pick a location – Close to university or transport links 
4. Use trusted platforms – Explore verified listings on University Living 
5. Compare options – Look at facilities, reviews, and room types 
6. Apply online – Submit documents and pay a deposit 
7. Read the contract – Understand the lease duration and cancellation policy 

This helps ensure a smooth and secure rental process in Melbourne. 

The average cost of living in Melbourne is between AU$1,400 to AU$2,200/month, depending on lifestyle and housing: 

• Rent: AU$800–AU$1,400/month 

• Groceries & food: AU$300–AU$500/month 

• Transport (Myki card): AU$100–AU$150/month 

• Utilities (if not included): AU$100–AU$150/month 

• Other expenses: AU$100–AU$200/month 

Living in shared housing or outer suburbs can reduce monthly costs. 

Student accommodation in Melbourne typically costs: 

• Shared rooms: AU$700–AU$1,000/month 

• En-suite rooms: AU$900–AU$1,300/month 

• Studios: AU$1,200–AU$1,600/month 

Central locations like Carlton or CBD may be pricier, but many PBSAs include utilities and amenities in the rent. 

Yes, most private student accommodations are secure and offer: 

• 24/7 CCTV 

• Secure key/card access 

• On-site staff or reception 

• Emergency support 

• Well-lit common areas 

Verified platforms like University Living only list trusted properties, ensuring peace of mind for students and parents. 

Yes, many student accommodations in Melbourne offer: 

• In-person tours – Schedule a visit to see the facilities 

• Virtual tours – Explore 360° videos or live video calls if you're overseas 

Check availability with the provider and book your viewing in advance. 

Melbourne can be affordable with the right budgeting. To save money: 

• Choose shared accommodation or outer suburb locations 

• Use student Myki discounts for public transport 

• Cook meals at home instead of eating out 

• Shop at student-friendly grocery stores 

Many universities also offer financial aid and student discounts to ease the burden. 

You can pay: 

• Monthly 

• Termly 

• In full upfront 

Payment methods include credit/debit card, bank transfers, or online gateways. International students may need to provide a guarantor or pay more rent in advance. 

Yes, most providers offer flexible payment plans, including monthly or term-wise instalments. Upfront payments may come with discounts. Always check the payment structure with your accommodation provider. 

In most cases, rent includes: 

• Utilities (water, electricity, gas) 

• Wi-Fi/internet 

• Fully furnished rooms 

• Access to study lounges, laundry, and gym 

• Security and maintenance services 

Some also include social events and cleaning services. Confirm the inclusions before booking. 

Yes, you can find: 

• Early-bird booking discounts 

• Free move-in offers or reduced deposits 

• Rent reductions for long-term leases 

• Discounted upfront payment options 

University Living and other platforms often list these offers—check before booking. 

Available room types include: 

• Shared Rooms – Share with another student 

• En-suite Rooms – Private bedroom and bathroom 

• Studios – All-in-one space with kitchen and bathroom 

• Single Rooms – Private bedroom with shared facilities 

Choose based on your privacy preference and budget. 

Yes, short-term stays are available: 

• Summer stays 

• Semester-long contracts 

• 3–6 month flexible lease terms 

These are ideal for exchange students, interns, or short academic programs. 

If you’re unhappy, speak to the property manager immediately. Solutions may include: 

• Room swaps 
• Transfers to a different property 
• Lease break with a fee (subject to terms) 

Always check the cancellation and transfer policy in your rental contract. 

University Living offers: 

• Wide variety of verified properties 

• Prime locations near major universities 

• All-inclusive rent options 

• 24/7 student support 

• Transparent, easy online booking 

It's a trusted platform designed specifically for student needs. 

Most student accommodations allow short-term visits, but not extended overnight stays. Guest policies vary, so always check with the provider. 

Yes, many accommodations offer dual occupancy or twin-sharing rooms. Alternatively, book a shared apartment with separate rooms. Always check the sharing policy and availability. 

Melbourne offers excellent public transport: 

• Trams (Free Tram Zone in CBD) 

• Trains 

• Buses 

• Cycling and walking paths 

Student housing is often located near tram stops or train stations for easy university access. 

Cheapest options include: 

• Shared rooms in PBSA 

• Outer suburbs like Footscray or Coburg 

• University-managed student housing 

Booking early and living with flatmates can help cut costs significantly. 

Yes. International students can easily book housing online with: 

• Valid passport 

• University offer letter 

• Visa (if required) 

• Financial proof 

No local guarantor? Some providers accept higher upfront payments instead. 

Deposits typically range from AU$500 to AU$1,000, depending on the property. This may include a bond and an application fee. Many deposits are refundable at the end of the lease. 

Yes, many providers don’t require a local guarantor. Instead, you may need to pay several months’ rent upfront or use a guarantor service. 

Yes, many PBSAs in Melbourne offer on-site gyms, along with: 

• Study lounges 

• Social spaces 

• Laundry rooms 

• Rooftop terraces 

These amenities support a balanced student lifestyle. 

Yes, some studios or larger rooms allow dual occupancy, ideal for friends or couples. There may be an extra fee, so check with the provider before booking. 

Usually, move-in is allowed only on or after your lease start date. However, some providers offer early move-in for a fee or if the room is available.