Hi, there! Staying in a student residence in Melbourne is one of the most practical and popular options for those planning an exchange or studies in this lively Australian city. These residences offer comfort, access to modern facilities and an environment specially designed for university life. In this article, you’ll find key information about this type of accommodation in Melbourne, including its advantages and disadvantages, as well as details about the options offered by universities and private companies. We’ll also guide you in finding affordable alternatives and answer the most frequently asked questions about this type of accommodation. Let’s go!
In this section are the most important pros and cons of living in this type of housing:
Student residences in this Australian city are located in various neighbourhoods that offer proximity to universities, the city centre, and leisure and entertainment venues. For example, some may be in areas such as South Yarra, Melbourne Central, Melbourne CBD, and even Footscray.
These residences offer a variety of accommodation types, so that everyone can choose according to their preferences and budget. Options include fully equipped single studio flats and shared flats with several bedrooms (two, three or four), allowing you to choose between privacy or a more communal and economical experience.
The communal facilities in these residences are designed to enrich student life. Among those available are gyms, study rooms, games areas, common rooms, cinemas, and rooftop terraces with panoramic views.
As for the services that are included, internet access, all utility bills (water, electricity, gas) and maintenance of common areas are generally provided. In addition, some residences provide additional services such as room cleaning, social activity programmes and academic support, which may be included in the fee or available at an extra cost.
Melbourne universities offer a range of accommodation options for students, both on campus and off campus. For example, Swinburne University of Technology offers accommodation on its campus in Hawthorn, a suburb east of Melbourne's city centre, while the University of Melbourne has residences in different parts of the city.
The types of accommodation available can vary considerably between residences. For example, some have single rooms with shared bathrooms. There are also options for studio flats, which have their own bathroom and kitchenette, as well as shared flats with two to five bedrooms (in this case, the bathroom and facilities are shared between the occupants of those bedrooms).
University residences in Melbourne also have a variety of common areas that encourage community building. Among the most common are: gyms, study rooms, recreation rooms, and terraces. Some may also have gardens, music rooms, libraries, and even a theatre, so pay attention to these features.
As regards the services included in the rental price, these normally include utility bills (water, electricity, internet), 24-hour security and cleaning of common areas. Some may also offer a catered option, which means that meals are prepared daily, significantly increasing the monthly price.
The campuses of this institution are located in different parts of the city, and many of them have student residences nearby. These usually offer a choice between single rooms, shared rooms and studio flats.
If you’d like to know about accommodation near the University of Melbourne, read this article.
This institution doesn’t have its own student residences, but it does have agreements with some private residences to offer places to its students. These are located near the Bundoora Campus.
If you want to know about accommodation near RMIT University, read this article.
On our Erasmus Play comparison site, you can explore a wide variety of verified and available private residences in Melbourne. The platform allows you to filter according to criteria such as price, location and services included, making it easier to find your ideal accommodation. What's more, you can make your booking completely online and securely. This will leave you more time to plan activities to enjoy the city, such as exploring the streets filled with urban art or enjoying the iconic coffee in Melbourne's bars and cafés.
Requirements typically include being enrolled at a local university, submitting an online application, and meeting enrollment deadlines. In addition, additional documentation may be required, such as proof of admission, personal identification or visa, and in some cases,
The cost varies depending on the type. For example, private residences range in price from AUD 350 to AUD 600 per week, depending on the location and amenities offered. University residences typically cost between AUD 280 and AUD 450 per week (although catered residences tend to be more expensive).
Yes, some universities offer scholarships for student accommodation, such as the University of Melbourne, which has financial aid programmes for students with financial needs. These scholarships can cover part or all of the cost of accommodation. In addition, some private residences also offer discounts or specific scholarships for outstanding international students.
In Melbourne, a room in a shared flat is usually cheaper than a student residence, with prices ranging from AUD 150 to AUD 300 per week, depending on the location and condition of the flat. Although residences offer more amenities and a student atmosphere, the cost is usually higher. The choice depends on each student's budget and preferences.
We recommend that you apply between three and six months before the start of the semester. Demand is very high! Some universities open their applications on specific dates, while private residences accept applications throughout the year, subject to availability.