Student Accommodation in Melbourne

Melbourne is the clear choice for your foreign study location in Australia if you’re looking for a top-notch education, a vibrant cultural experience, and a comfortable living. There are many wonderful accommodations to pick from, including cosmopolitan inner-city living, green suburban garden areas, and stunning regional centres. Students can choose from a wide choice of accommodations in Melbourne, from housing facilities to flats, based on their budget and lifestyle. This blog helps you in exploring different types of student accommodation in Melbourne. 

Why Choose Melbourne?

The following factors will convince you to consider enrolling in a postgraduate programme in the city awarded the most livable in the world:

• Ranked as the world’s most livable city: The Economist’s annual global liveability study has named Melbourne the world’s most livable city for the sixth consecutive year. Former postgraduate RMIT student Jatin Lamba, who is currently an RF Engineer at Telstra, concurs.

• World’s Top Universities: There are several universities in Melbourne, each of which offers programmes in a variety of fields, including engineering, information technology, biotechnology, ICT, medical research, the environment, energy technologies, and more.

• Employment Opportunities:  Melbourne is regarded as a top-knowledge city, drawing numerous foreign businesses to establish R&D facilities there. It is also a significant commercial hub and the location of numerous global corporations. Postgraduate programmes frequently have close relationships with business partners. It’s important to find out if your course provides chances for interaction with business through initiatives like networking events or internships.

• Arts, Culture and Diversity: Melbourne is a thriving, multiethnic metropolis that frequently celebrates its variety by hosting cultural festivals and events. In addition, Melbourne boasts a strong traditional and underground arts scene. For example, fans of traditional art will enjoy the internationally acclaimed exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), while movie enthusiasts may get their fix at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

• Sports capital of Australia: Nothing beats attending an Aussie rules football game at the storied MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) for a truly Melbourne sporting experience. High-profile international athletic events like the Grand Prix, the Australian Open Tennis Championships, the Boxing Day test cricket series, and the Spring Racing Carnival are all held in Melbourne.

Types of Student Accommodation in Melbourne

When visiting Melbourne, there are lodging options available for everyone, including rentals, homestays, and more. Mentioned below are some of the most preferred housing facilities: 

Hostel Accommodation

The greatest option for students doing short-term courses in Melbourne is hostel lodging. Due to their relatively low cost and ability to fit even the tightest budgets, hostels are a very popular choice for students. In Melbourne, there are typically two types of hostel rooms available. There are traditional hostels and hostels for travellers. Hostels for travellers have a laid-back attitude and offer their residents a lively, comfortable environment. There are various service categories from which one might select. One can choose the basic services bundle or sign up for the special services.

On the other side, renowned lodging services are offered by traditional Melbourne hostels. Similar to backpacker hostels, traditional hostels offer a variety of services that a student can select from. Students receive fully equipped rooms as well as access to other shared amenities. One of the most affordable housing options in Melbourne is a hostel, where students often pay between AUD 90 and AUD 150 (INR 4K- 8K) per week in rent, depending on the sort of hostel they pick.

Residential Colleges

The choice of residential colleges has always been a common lodging option in Melbourne. These residencies always have an added benefit because they are practical possibilities for living in Melbourne and are located on or close to the university. Transport costs significantly drop, and one gets to fully enjoy academic life. Although residential college costs vary widely, one should anticipate paying on average between AUD 200 and AUD 750 (INR 10K-INR 40K) per week.

Residence Halls

Residence halls are a type of lodging that is typically situated on or close to campus and is associated with or largely owned by educational institutions. Depending on their budget, renters can choose between single bedrooms with shared amenities and apartment-style rooms with private kitchens and laundry rooms. Students typically have access to free internet in their dorms, and the utilities that are provided to them are typically included in their tuition. The monthly charges range from AUD 320 (INR 17K) to AUD 1000 (INR 53K).

Managed Student Apartments

Another well-liked option for lodging in Melbourne is specialised apartment buildings that can accommodate 100 to 140 students. There are alternatives for single or double rooms with communal bathrooms and kitchens, as well as rooms with beds that can accommodate four to five students. The rent is relatively reasonable because several students share the units. In general, prices vary depending on the flats, but on average, a person can anticipate paying between AUD 200 and AUD 500 (INR 10K and INR 26K) every week. The apartments are fully equipped with all contemporary amenities, as well as 24-hour security and on-site staff.

Homestays

One of the most cost-effective and accommodating forms of housing in Melbourne is homestay. Homestays are a cheap and excellent way to discover a new place and culture. International students are given the opportunity to live with an Australian family and get basic necessities. For first-year students who might want additional direction and mentoring, this is a great option. In a homestay, you are given a furnished room, daily meals, and access to all necessary amenities. It might also involve pick-up at the airport. But always choose a homestay that has come highly recommended by a reliable source. The price of a homestay may range from AUD 250 to AUD 400 (INR 13K to 21K) per week, however, the packages can be tailored based on the type of meals,  utilities, and rooms chosen. 

Apartments

Since many students get uncomfortable around new people, you always have the option of choosing a private apartment if you don’t want to live in housing that is shared by other students. But be sure to carefully read the rental agreement’s terms and restrictions.

Private rentals could also be a bit more expensive than other housing options in Melbourne. Students must pay for each utility separately and must provide their own food, which might be challenging if they have a busy academic schedule. However, some private rentals do provide tenants with the choice to share an apartment with friends. Private rentals can be expensive, but on average a student should anticipate paying between AUD 101 and AUD 500 (INR 5K-26K) per week.

Also Read: Types of International Student Accommodation

Cost of Living in Melbourne

After Sydney, Melbourne has Australia’s second-highest average rental rates. The average weekly rent in the Metro Melbourne area is $430 (INR 22,000), according to the Department of Health and Human Services of the Victorian Government.

This table provides a broad overview of Melbourne’s cost of living. All numbers are approximations that could change based on where you are in the city:

Weekly rent for an apartment	$430 (INR 22,000)
Monthly public transport ticket	$155 (INR 8,162)
Overseas Student Health Cover	$400 (INR 21,000)
Groceries average per household in (VIC)	$257 (INR 13,000)
Meal in a mid-range restaurant	$20 (INR 1053)
Meal in a high-end restaurant	$50 (INR 2,632)

Tips to Find Student Accommodation in Melbourne

Here are a few more tips that might be useful to you or things to keep in mind:

• In order to help you understand your options, several institutions in Melbourne and rural Victoria employ housing officers or residential services.

You can reach them by: 

• Before you leave for Victoria – Contact them via email or phone to ask for information
• When you arrive in Victoria – Book an appointment to ask for support in person.
• Be aware of online fraudsters and scammers, and never send money through any platforms without doing extensive background checks and meeting the owner in person.
• Students may be told to find lodging on their own, be directed to a placement agency, or receive housing assistance from the university itself. Take initiative and find out the school’s rules.
• No matter what you decide, make sure you live somewhere you feel safe and secure, where you can learn and prosper while you are in Melbourne.

Also Read: Universities in Melbourne

FAQs

International students studying in Melbourne have a selection of accommodation alternatives to choose from. While there is some on-campus housing available, most students who come to Melbourne for higher education live off-campus in homestays, hostels, or rented apartments. Are you interested in studying in Australia but uncertain how to apply? Do not panic; simply call our Leverage Edu experts at 1800 572 000.