Finding a suitable place to stay is essential to your life and studies as a graduate student. When you begin your search for a new home, you will need to consider your own unique needs.
Maybe you prefer to live alone, with friends, or with your family. You might prefer to live near campus, or close to public transport. There are different types of housing available, offered through different providers.
Purpose Built Student Accommodation
Dedicated student accommodation options offer easy-access apartment-style living focused on providing student-specific housing in close proximity to campus. The rooms in these residences typically come furnished and include utilities (e.g. water, electricity, and internet) as part of the accommodation fees. Many of these dedicated student accommodation providers offer a variety of amenities accessible to residents such as study rooms, gyms, support services, social activities, and recreational facilities. In most student accommodation residences, meals are not provided for residents.
University of Melbourne Owned Accommodation:
Other student accommodation providers:
Student Village (Partnered with Uni Melb)
Unilodge Lincoln House (Partnered with Uni Melb)
Scape, Iglu, Journal, Yugo, Y Suites, Dwell Village, Unilodge, Birch Ridge, Student Housing Australia, and Carlton Melbourne College (CMC)
Residential Colleges
Residential colleges offer students on-campus living in furnished rooms. Included in the fees are meals, utilities, and access to academic support, social events, and career development initiatives. Many residential colleges feature facilities like gyms, study spaces, and libraries.
University-owned colleges:
Affiliated residential colleges available to graduate students:
Private Rental Properties
Renting through the private rental market allows you to choose a home or apartment suitable to your own needs, in the location of your own choosing. You can also choose to live with other people in a Share house or apply with someone you already know.
While it can often be cheaper than other housing options, the application process can be harder as rental providers often prefer those with previous rental history. It can also be more competitive, with many potential tenants applying for the same rental property.
If you decide to live in a private rental property, you may need to pay for utilities in addition to rent. You will also need to factor in travel times to and from campus.
Homestays
A homestay allows you to live with a local person or family in their own home. If you are new to Victoria, a homestay can help you transition to life with the support of people who are familiar with the area. Many homestays provide a furnished room and meals as part of your fees. However, internet and phone use may not be included.
Short-term Accommodation
Short-term accommodation options allow you stay in a temporary location while you search for a place to live. Options for short-term accommodation include hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals (like those advertised on Airbnb and Stayz).
It is a good idea to book before you arrive, especially if you plan to arrive during busier periods in the year – like during the Australian Open in January – when accommodation is in high demand.
This information is intended as a guide only. You should learn more about housing providers (for example, through their websites) when deciding if they are suitable for your needs.