Charles Sturt University Accommodation

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a public Australian university with campuses across the country. Its Melbourne campus opened in 2025 in partnership with Navitas and is based at Level 2, 222 Bourke Street, Melbourne.

The campus sits within the Bourke Street Mall retail area, with another entrance on Little Bourke Street near Chinatown. You’ll be right in the middle of Melbourne’s CBD, surrounded by shops, cafes, restaurants and public transport.

The Melbourne campus has a different setup from CSU locations with larger grounds and residential facilities. It is primarily a teaching site, so you’ll arrange your accommodation off campus. You can therefore choose a private rental, shared house, private room or purpose-built student accommodation based on your budget and preferred lifestyle.

Courses available at the Melbourne campus include the Bachelor of Accounting, Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Information Technology. You can also study postgraduate courses such as Business Data Analytics, Professional Accounting and Project Management.

Across its campuses, CSU has more than 36,000 students, including students from many countries. At the Melbourne campus, you’ll get a more city-based experience. Your daily routine may involve walking through the CBD for lunch, taking a tram to another part of the city, studying at a nearby library or meeting friends after class.

For many students, the biggest benefit is convenience. Once you’re settled into your accommodation, much of Melbourne’s inner city can become part of your everyday routine.

Studying at CSU Melbourne gives you access to one of the busiest student environments in Australia, even though the campus itself is smaller than a traditional university campus.

You won’t have large residential halls, sports fields and a huge campus lawn right outside your classroom. Instead, Melbourne’s CBD becomes part of your student experience.

Socialising and Nightlife

You’ll have plenty of places to meet friends after class.

Chinatown is right beside the campus, making it an easy option for dinner or a quick meal. Bourke Street Mall also gives you access to shops, cafes and food outlets.

For a different evening atmosphere, you can head towards Hosier Lane, Curtin House or Southbank. These areas give you plenty of choices for food, drinks and entertainment.

If you prefer quieter plans, you can meet friends at a cafe, walk along the Yarra or spend time around Federation Square.

Shopping and Markets

You won’t need to travel far for everyday shopping.

Melbourne Central Shopping Centre is around 250 metres from the campus, while QV Melbourne and Emporium Melbourne are also nearby.

For groceries and fresh produce, Queen Victoria Market is around 1.2 km away. You can walk there in roughly 15 minutes or use public transport.

Having these options nearby can make weekly errands much easier, particularly if you live in the CBD.

Culture and Events

Melbourne has plenty to offer once you want a break from your coursework.

You can spend a few hours at State Library Victoria, visit the Melbourne Museum, see exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) or attend events at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Federation Square also hosts events and festivals throughout the year.

The benefit of living in the CBD is that you can often fit these activities around your study schedule without planning an entire day of travel.

Sports and Recreation

The CSU Melbourne campus does not have its own large sports facilities.

You can instead use commercial gyms around the CBD, join local sports clubs or use Melbourne’s parks, walking routes and cycling paths.

If fitness is important to you, check the distance to a gym before booking your accommodation. Having one close to home makes it easier to fit workouts around classes.

Healthcare

You’ll use local GP clinics, pharmacies and other healthcare providers around the CBD rather than an on-campus health centre.

If you’re an international student, keep your OSHC details accessible and check your policy before using healthcare services.

For everyday safety, follow normal city precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas, use well-lit routes at night and plan your journey home after late events.

Your ideal area will depend on your budget and how you want your student life to look.

Living in the CBD gives you the shortest commute and puts shops and entertainment outside your door. Moving a little further out can give you more space, a quieter setting or lower rent.

Here are some of the main areas to consider.

Melbourne CBD Core

Distance to Campus: 0–800m
Vibe: High-rise apartments, busy streets, shops, restaurants and offices
Best For: You if you want to walk to class and stay close to the centre of Melbourne
Average Weekly Rent: AU$462–870/week for 1–2 bedroom units

If convenience is your main priority, the CBD is hard to beat. You can potentially walk to class in just a few minutes, grab breakfast on the way and head home between lectures.

You’ll also have Melbourne Central, QV Melbourne, Emporium Melbourne and Bourke Street Mall nearby. There are plenty of cafes and takeaway options too, which can be useful during busy study weeks.

The main downside is the cost. City apartments can be more expensive than shared accommodation further out, and the streets can stay busy well into the evening.

Chinatown / Eastern CBD

Distance to Campus: Right beside the campus
Vibe: Lively, food-focused and convenient
Best For: You if you want food, shops and campus facilities within a short walk

The Little Bourke Street side of the CBD gives you easy access to Chinatown. You’ll find restaurants, cafes, Asian grocery stores and plenty of places to grab a quick meal.

This area can work well if you enjoy having things close by. You can finish class, meet friends for dinner and walk home without planning a long trip across the city.

Accommodation prices vary, so compare individual properties carefully. Shared accommodation can make this location more manageable on a student budget.

Docklands

Distance to Campus: Around 1.5km
Travel Time: About 10 minutes by tram or 20 minutes on foot
Vibe: Modern apartments, waterfront areas and a quieter evening atmosphere
Best For: You if you like newer buildings and want to stay close to the CBD
Average Weekly Rent: AU$745–1,065/week for studios to 2-bedroom apartments

Docklands gives you a more modern residential setting while keeping the CBD within easy reach.

The area has waterfront walks, restaurants, apartment buildings and tram connections into the city. It can suit you if you prefer a quieter place to return to after a busy day in the CBD.

The higher rental prices are the main consideration. If you are looking at Docklands, sharing an apartment can help spread the cost.

Southbank

Distance to Campus: Around 1.2km
Travel Time: Around 15 minutes by tram and walking
Vibe: Riverside apartments, restaurants, arts venues and city views
Best For: You if you enjoy dining, entertainment and a more modern city setting
Average Weekly Rent: AU$600–970/week for 1–2 bedroom apartments

Southbank sits across the Yarra River from the CBD. You can walk across Princes Bridge or use public transport to reach campus.

The area is popular for its restaurants, riverside paths and access to Melbourne’s arts precinct. You’ll also be close to attractions around Federation Square and the National Gallery of Victoria.

Southbank is a good fit if you want a lively city lifestyle while having a little more separation from the busiest CBD streets.

Carlton

Distance to Campus: Around 1.8km
Travel Time: Around 10–12 minutes by tram or 20–25 minutes on foot
Vibe: Student-friendly, leafy and full of cafes
Best For: You if you want a neighbourhood feel and are open to sharing
Average Weekly Rent: AU$480–775/week for 1–2 bedroom options

Carlton is one of the areas worth checking if you want to balance location and rent.

You’ll be close to Lygon Street, cafes, restaurants, parks and several university facilities. Tram connections make getting into the CBD fairly simple, while walking is also possible if you enjoy being on foot.

Some one-bedroom listings start around AU$480–495 per week, making Carlton our budget pick among the main inner-city areas listed here.

North Melbourne

Distance to Campus: Around 1.5–2km
Travel Time: Around 15 minutes by tram or train, plus a short walk
Vibe: Residential, quieter and more local
Best For: You if you want to stay close to the CBD while having a calmer home environment

North Melbourne can give you a break from the busy city centre without putting you far away from campus.

The area has local cafes, shops and residential streets. Queen Victoria Market is also nearby, which is useful for grocery shopping and weekend visits.

You can use trains and trams to travel towards the CBD, so you can still reach campus without a long commute.

East Melbourne / Fitzroy Fringe

Distance to Campus: Around 1.5–2km
Travel Time: Around 15–20 minutes by tram and walking
Vibe: Leafy streets, heritage homes and independent cafes
Best For: You if you want more character and a neighbourhood atmosphere

The eastern side of the CBD gives you access to areas with older buildings, green spaces, cafes and independent businesses.

You’ll still be close enough to the city for classes and social plans, while your home environment can feel more residential.

Which Area Should You Pick?

A simple way to narrow your options is to start with your biggest priority.

Your Priority	Area to Consider
Shortest commute	Melbourne CBD
Food and city life	Chinatown / Eastern CBD
Modern apartments	Docklands
Riverside lifestyle	Southbank
Student-friendly area	Carlton
Quieter residential setting	North Melbourne
Leafy, local feel	East Melbourne / Fitzroy Fringe

A few practical points are worth keeping in mind:

• CSU does not run halls of residence near the Melbourne campus, so you’ll arrange accommodation yourself.
• The campus is inside the pedestrianised Bourke Street Mall.
• Tram stops around Swanston Street, Elizabeth Street and Collins Street are within a short walk.
• The campus area sits within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone, which can help with short CBD journeys.

Accommodation will probably take up the largest part of your weekly budget, especially if you choose a private apartment in the CBD.

Charles Sturt University suggests a total budget of around AU$2,500–4,000 per month, which works out at roughly AU$577–923 per week. This covers areas such as accommodation, food, clothing, transport and entertainment.

Your actual spending will depend on your accommodation and lifestyle.

Expense	Approximate Weekly Cost
Groceries and food	AU$80–250
Transport	Up to AU$53
Socialising	AU$100+
Household bills	Depends on accommodation
Mobile	Depends on plan
Course costs	Varies by course

Food is one area where your habits can make a clear difference. Cooking most of your meals at home can keep your grocery spending lower, while eating out several times a week can push your budget up quickly.

Transport can also be manageable if you live close to campus. Many CBD tram journeys fall within the Free Tram Zone, while trips outside the zone require a Myki fare.

Before signing a lease, check the bills carefully. Electricity, gas, water and internet may be included in some accommodation options and charged separately in others.

If you’re an international student, you’ll also need to meet the Australian Student visa financial capacity requirement. The amount can change, so check the latest Department of Home Affairs figure before making your financial plan.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is also required for international students. Add this to your overall study budget rather than treating it as an unexpected expense later.

Your room type affects both your rent and your day-to-day experience. You’ll have several choices when looking at private rentals and purpose-built student accommodation around Melbourne.

Studio Flat

A studio gives you your own private living space, usually with a bedroom and living area combined with a kitchen and private bathroom.

Best for: You if you value privacy and prefer living independently.

Keep in mind: Studios usually cost more than a private bedroom in shared accommodation. You’ll also have fewer opportunities for casual interaction with housemates.

Entire Place

An entire apartment or unit gives you control over the whole property. Depending on the property, it may have one or more bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and living area.

Best for: You if you want more privacy or plan to live with friends.

Keep in mind: You’ll take responsibility for the lease and household arrangements. Rent and bills can also be higher, although sharing the property can spread the cost.

Private Room

A private room gives you your own bedroom while you share areas such as the kitchen and living room with other residents.

Best for: You if you want your own bedroom while keeping your accommodation costs more manageable.

Keep in mind: Your housemates will become part of your everyday routine, so agree on cleaning, noise and shared expenses early.

Shared Room

A shared room means you share your bedroom with another student or students.

Best for: You if keeping rent low is your main concern and you’re comfortable sharing your personal space.

Keep in mind: You’ll have less privacy, so it helps to discuss sleeping schedules, guests, cleaning and study time with your roommate.

Since the Melbourne campus has no residential halls, you can look at private rentals, share houses and PBSA properties. PBSA can be useful if you want student-focused facilities and a ready-made community.

CSU Melbourne’s CBD location means you can look at student accommodation across the inner city and nearby suburbs.

House of Student has several accommodation options that may suit students at the Melbourne campus. Compare the location, weekly rent and journey to campus before making your decision.

West Tower, Melbourne Quarter

• Distance: 1.09 km

• Travel Time: 13 min walk, 11 min transit, 5 min drive
• Starting Price: AU$700/week

UKO Melbourne Central

• Distance: 1.84 km

• Travel Time: 24 min walk, 15 min transit, 8 min drive
• Starting Price: AU$620/week

UniLodge Lincoln House

• Location: Carlton

• Starting Price: AU$449/week
• Distance: The source data lists 0.0 km, which refers to the property's own location data rather than its actual distance from CSU Melbourne

UniLodge Park Avenue

• Location: Parkville

• Starting Price: AU$329/week
• Distance: The source data lists 0.0 km, referring to its own location data

The Archive - Residential Living

• Distance: 2.2 km

• Travel Time: 28 min walk, 22 min transit, 8 min drive
• Starting Price: AU$990/week

Living further from the CBD can bring your accommodation costs down. The trade-off is a longer commute, so you’ll need to decide how much travel time you are comfortable with each day.

La Trobe University - Chisholm College

• Location: Bundoora

• Starting Price: AU$250/week
• Distance: More than 20 km from CSU Melbourne
• Travel Time: Around 60 minutes by public transport

La Trobe University - North and South Apartments

• Location: Bundoora

• Starting Price: AU$265/week
• Distance: More than 20 km from CSU Melbourne

Campus Melbourne

• Location: Preston

• Distance: 11.54 km
• Travel Time: 58 min transit, 29 min drive
• Starting Price: AU$266/week

La Trobe University - Glenn College

• Location: Bundoora

• Distance: 21.7 km
• Travel Time: 60 min transit, 38 min drive
• Starting Price: AU$270/week

La Trobe University - Menzies College

• Location: Bundoora

• Distance: 21.93 km
• Travel Time: 63 min transit, 38 min drive
• Starting Price: AU$295/week

UniLodge Park Avenue

• Starting Price: AU$329/week

• Location: Parkville

When comparing cheaper accommodation, look beyond the weekly rent. Add transport costs and think about how much time you’ll spend travelling each week.

The campus at 222 Bourke Street is surrounded by public transport options, so you have several ways to get to class.

Walking

Walking is one of the easiest options if you live in the CBD or Chinatown.

Some properties can put you within a 10-minute walk of campus. You’ll also save on short transport trips and get to know the city as you travel between home, class and shops.

The campus sits within the pedestrianised Bourke Street Mall, so trams do not run directly outside the building. You’ll find tram stops on nearby streets such as Swanston Street, Elizabeth Street and Collins Street.

Trams

Melbourne’s tram network is particularly useful for students living in the inner suburbs.

The campus is within the Free Tram Zone, so many short CBD journeys can be made without a standard tram fare.

• From Carlton: Tram services around Swanston Street can take roughly 10–12 minutes, followed by a short walk.
• From Southbank: You can use a tram towards the CBD or walk across Princes Bridge.
• From Docklands: Collins Street and Bourke Street services provide connections towards the CBD, with the tram journey taking around 10 minutes plus walking time.
• From North Melbourne: Tram and train options can get you towards the CBD, with the full journey taking around 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point.

Trains

Melbourne Central railway station is around 150–250 metres from the campus, making it one of the most useful stations for students living outside the CBD.

The station is part of Melbourne’s City Loop and connects with services including Mernda, Hurstbridge, Craigieburn, Upfield, Lilydale, Belgrave and Glen Waverley.

If you live near a railway station, check your complete journey rather than looking only at the train travel time. You’ll also need to account for the walk or tram ride from the station to campus.

Cycling

Cycling can work well if you live in the inner suburbs and prefer travelling independently.

Melbourne’s CBD is relatively flat, and bike lanes are available across parts of the city, including sections of La Trobe Street.

Check your accommodation for secure bike storage before relying on cycling as your main form of transport. The CSU Melbourne campus does not list dedicated bike parking facilities in the information used for this guide.

Major Transport Hubs

Southern Cross Station is around 1.2 km from the campus, or roughly a 15-minute walk.

It is one of Melbourne’s main transport hubs, with metropolitan services, regional V/Line trains, interstate services, coaches and airport connections.

Living near Southern Cross can be particularly useful if you expect to travel around Victoria or visit other Australian cities during university breaks.

Airport Access

If you’re coming to Melbourne from overseas, Melbourne Airport will be one of the transport points you use most.

SkyBus Melbourne Airport operates from Southern Cross Station and provides a direct connection to Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine.

The journey usually takes around 20–30 minutes, although traffic can affect travel time.

If you’re carrying several bags when you first arrive, check your accommodation’s route from Southern Cross before travelling. A simple connection can make your first day in Melbourne much easier.