La Trobe University Accommodation

La Trobe University was established in 1964 and welcomed its first students to the Bundoora campus in 1967. The university was named after Charles Joseph La Trobe, Victoria’s first lieutenant-governor.

Today, La Trobe is a public research university with campuses across Victoria and New South Wales. Its main Melbourne campus is in Bundoora and covers a large area of parkland. The campus includes green spaces, wetlands, and a wildlife sanctuary, giving you plenty of open space around your study areas.

La Trobe also has regional campuses in Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Mildura, and Shepparton, along with a Melbourne CBD study centre.

The university has around 22,000 students at its Bundoora campus. It offers courses across areas such as health, law, business, education, arts, science, engineering, and technology.

La Trobe is also known for its research activity. Facilities such as the AgriBio Centre and La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science support research in areas including agricultural science, microbiology, biochemistry, and molecular science.

The large campus also means your accommodation location matters. Living close to the university can save you time each day, while moving further away may give you access to a wider range of homes and rental prices.

Student life at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus combines university activities with the wider Melbourne experience.

The La Trobe Student Union (LTSU) supports students through clubs, societies, advocacy, welfare services, and events. Orientation activities and campus events can also help you meet people during your first few weeks.

You’ll find student groups covering a wide range of interests, including cultural associations, academic societies, sports clubs, and social groups.

Clubs and Societies

Joining a club can be one of the easiest ways to meet people when you first arrive.

La Trobe has societies linked to different cultures, study areas, and interests. Groups such as the La Trobe Indian Students' Association, Malaysian Students' Society, Debating Society, and Nepalese Students' Society can give students opportunities to connect with others.

You can also join clubs based on sports, hobbies, or academic interests.

Sports and Fitness

La Trobe Sport provides several sports and fitness facilities at the Bundoora campus.

Facilities include the sports stadium, gym, sports ovals, and courts. The university also supports a range of sporting clubs and activities.

Nightlife and Socialising

Bundoora has a quieter atmosphere than central Melbourne, so your nightlife options will be more limited around the campus itself.

Preston is a good alternative when you want more cafés, bars, restaurants, and breweries. High Street is one of the main areas to visit.

For larger events and Melbourne nightlife, you can travel into the CBD. The journey takes longer than it does for students living in central Melbourne, so check public transport services before making late-night plans.

Shopping and Markets

La Trobe’s campus has shops and food outlets for everyday needs.

For a wider choice, you can head to Preston Market and High Street. These areas can also be useful if you’re looking for fresh produce, groceries, and affordable places to eat.

Culture and Green Spaces

One of the most distinctive features of the Bundoora campus is its wildlife sanctuary.

The large campus also has open spaces and wetlands, giving you somewhere to take a break from lectures and study.

For a wider cultural experience, Melbourne’s CBD has galleries, museums, theaters, festivals, and live music venues. La Trobe also contributes to the wider arts scene through its galleries and cultural programs.

Healthcare and Student Support

You’ll have access to university support services as a La Trobe student, including health, wellbeing and counselling services.

International students need Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Australian student visa.

It’s useful to learn where your nearest medical center, pharmacy, and other essential services are before you need them.

For campus safety, check La Trobe’s latest security information and available after-hours services once you enrol.

La Trobe University’s main Melbourne campus is in Bundoora, in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. When you start looking for La Trobe accommodation, think about more than the distance from your lecture hall.

Consider your transport options, access to supermarkets, local cafés, social activities, and the type of neighborhood you’d enjoy living in.

Bundoora (VIC 3083)

• Distance to campus: 0-1.5 km, around 5-20 minutes on foot or by campus shuttle

• Vibe: Green, student-focused, and centered around the large La Trobe campus

• Best for: First-year and international students who want to live close to university

• Average weekly rent for a shared room: Around AU$220-320/week

Bundoora is the easiest choice if you want your university close to home. You can find student residences on or close to the La Trobe campus, which can reduce your daily travel time.

The area has supermarkets, cafés, food outlets and everyday services, while the university itself provides additional facilities for students.

Bundoora can also be useful for students who are new to Melbourne. You’ll have the university community close by, making it easier to meet other students and take part in campus activities.

The main trade-off is that Bundoora is further from central Melbourne. If you plan to visit the CBD several times a week, check the tram and bus journey before signing your tenancy agreement.

Macleod (VIC 3085)

• Distance to campus: Around 4 km

• Vibe: Quiet and residential, with local shops, parks, and a train station

• Best for: Students who prefer a calmer neighborhood and public transport access

• Average weekly rent for a shared room: Around AU$240-340/week

Macleod gives you a more residential setting while keeping you within reach of La Trobe.

The suburb has its own train station, which can be useful if you regularly travel to other parts of Melbourne. You’ll generally combine train and bus services when travelling to campus.

If you prefer living away from the busy student areas, Macleod can be worth considering. You’ll also have access to local parks and green spaces for a quieter break from university.

Heidelberg (VIC 3084)

• Distance to campus: Around 5 km

• Vibe: Established suburb with shops, cafés, healthcare facilities, and access to Yarra River parklands

• Best for: Students looking for a more established neighborhood with good local amenities

• Average weekly rent for a whole 3-bedroom house: Around AU$550-750/week

Heidelberg offers a more established suburban feel. You’ll find a local shopping area, cafés, and restaurants, along with parks and riverside spaces nearby.

The Austin Hospital precinct is also located in Heidelberg, making the area especially relevant for students who may need regular access to the healthcare precinct.

Rent can be higher than in some Bundoora options, especially if you’re looking for an entire property. Sharing a house with other students can make the cost easier to manage.

Preston (VIC 3072)

• Distance to campus: Around 7 km

• Vibe: Multicultural, lively, and popular with renters

• Best for: Students who want more entertainment, food, and housing choices

• Average weekly rent for a shared room: Around AU$260-360/week

High Street has cafés, restaurants, shops, markets, and other local businesses. Preston Market is also useful for buying fresh food and everyday groceries.

Transport is another advantage. You can use buses or combine Tram Route 86 with another service to reach La Trobe.

Preston may suit you if you want a more active neighbourhood while keeping your accommodation costs below some inner-city options.

Reservoir (VIC 3073)

• Distance to campus: Around 9 km

• Vibe: Larger northern suburb with a mix of older homes, newer developments, shops, and local dining

• Best for: Students looking for more housing choices and potentially lower rents

• Average weekly rent for a whole 3-bedroom house: Around AU$500-680/week

Reservoir gives you a larger residential area to search through. You’ll find a mix of houses, units, and shared accommodation.

The suburb has train services and local buses, although your exact journey to La Trobe will depend on where you live.

If you’re sharing a house with several students, Reservoir can give you access to larger properties. Just remember to factor your daily commute into your overall budget.

Budget Pick: Bundoora can help you keep both rent and commuting costs under control, particularly if you choose accommodation on or close to campus.

Premium Pick: Heidelberg offers an established neighbourhood with local amenities, healthcare facilities, and access to parklands, although accommodation can cost more.

La Trobe’s Bundoora campus is large, so your accommodation’s exact location can make a difference even if you live in the same suburb. Campus shuttles and local bus routes such as 550, 551, and 552 can help you get around.

Melbourne can suit a range of student budgets, but you’ll need to plan for more than rent.

Expense	Approx. weekly cost
Groceries and food	AU$110-160
Transport	AU$45-55
Household bills	AU$45-65
Socializing and going out	AU$65-110
Mobile plan	AU$15-25
Course costs	AU$10-20

When searching for La Trobe University student accommodation in Melbourne, you’ll come across several room types.

Studio Flat

A studio usually combines your bedroom, living area, and kitchen into one private space, with a separate bathroom.

This can be a good option if you prefer having your own space and want a quieter place to study. You also have more control over your routine since you don’t need to share your main living areas.

The main consideration is cost. Studios generally come with a higher weekly rent than shared accommodation.

Entire Place

An entire place can mean renting a full apartment or house. You could live alone, with a partner or with friends.

This option gives you more control over your living arrangements. If you share a multi-bedroom property with friends, you can split the rent and household bills.

You’ll also need to manage the tenancy and utilities more directly, so check the agreement carefully before signing.

Private Room

A private room gives you your own bedroom inside a shared apartment or house.

You’ll usually share the kitchen and living areas with other students. Depending on the property, you may also share a bathroom.

This is one of the most practical choices for many students because you get personal space without paying the full cost of a studio or entire apartment.

Shared Room

A shared room gives you the lowest level of privacy but can also be one of the more affordable choices.

You’ll share your bedroom with another student or several students, depending on the accommodation.

This setup can suit first-year students or anyone working with a tighter budget. It can also make it easier to meet people when you first arrive in Melbourne.

Before booking any room, check what furniture is included, how many people share the room, what facilities are shared, and what bills are included.

House of Student offers several options around Melbourne, including properties on or close to the La Trobe campus.

La Trobe University - Chisholm College

• Starting price: AU$250/week

• Location: La Trobe Bundoora campus

• Listed distance: 0.0 km

• Suits: Students who want to live on campus and keep their daily commute short

Chisholm College is one of the lower-priced options in the list and is located directly on the La Trobe campus. Your lectures, campus facilities, and student activities are close to home.

The listed 0.0 km distance reflects its campus location rather than a separate journey from the university.

La Trobe University - North and South Apartments

• Starting price: AU$265/week

• Location: La Trobe Bundoora campus

• Listed distance: 0.0 km

• Suits: Students who want campus living with apartment-style accommodation

La Trobe University - Glenn College

• Starting price: AU$270/week

• Distance: Around 2.06 km from campus

• Travel time: Around 20 minutes on foot or 13 minutes by public transport

• Suits: Students who want a community-focused student residence close to campus

La Trobe University - Menzies College

• Starting price: AU$295/week

• Distance: Around 2.29 km from campus

• Travel time: Around 20 minutes on foot or by public transport

• Suits: Students who want a student community close to university

Menzies College is another option for students who want to stay close to the Bundoora campus.

Its location gives you access to the university without the longer journey associated with accommodation in central Melbourne.

Campus Melbourne

• Location: Preston

• Starting price: AU$266/week

• Distance: Around 5.04 km from La Trobe

• Transit time: Around 16 minutes

• Suits: Students who want lower rent and a lively suburban setting

Campus Melbourne can give you a lower-cost alternative to accommodation directly on campus.

Preston also has plenty of local amenities, including shops, cafés, restaurants, and markets. You can enjoy the suburb’s social scene while still keeping your journey to La Trobe relatively short.

WeAreLiving Preston

• Location: Preston

• Starting price: AU$455/week

• Distance: Around 5.51 km from campus

• Transit time: Around 19 minutes

• Suits: Students who prefer a more contemporary accommodation option in Preston

WeAreLiving Preston is a higher-priced option compared with some of the other properties listed here.

The main benefit is its location in Preston, giving you access to the suburb’s food, shopping, and public transport options.

UniLodge Lincoln House

• Location: Carlton

• Starting price: AU$449/week

• Suits: Students who prefer living closer to central Melbourne

UniLodge Lincoln House is in Carlton rather than Bundoora.

This means you’ll have a longer journey to La Trobe’s main campus, but you’ll be closer to central Melbourne and the student areas around Carlton.

UniLodge Park Avenue

• Location: Parkville

• Starting price: AU$329/week

• Suits: Students who prefer a city-fringe location

UniLodge Park Avenue is another option outside Bundoora.

Its Parkville location can appeal to students who want to live closer to central Melbourne and are comfortable with a longer daily commute to La Trobe.

Some listings show these properties as 0.0 km from "Melbourne," which refers to the broader city location rather than their actual distance from La Trobe’s Bundoora campus. Always check the property address and route before booking.

Keeping accommodation costs under control can make a big difference to your overall student budget.

The most affordable options in this list are mainly around the La Trobe campus or further north of central Melbourne.

La Trobe University - Chisholm College

Starting at around AU$250/week, Chisholm College is one of the lowest-priced options in the list.

Its campus location also means you can avoid a long daily commute. This can save money on transport and give you more time for university, work, and social activities.

La Trobe University - North and South Apartments

Starting from around AU$265/week, these apartments offer another relatively affordable campus-based option.

The immediate university location is particularly useful if you want to keep your daily routine simple.

La Trobe University - Orde House

• Location: Flora Hill, Bendigo

• Starting price: AU$265/week

• Listed distance from Melbourne: 159.26 km

Orde House is worth mentioning for students comparing La Trobe accommodation across different campuses.

It is in Bendigo, so it is relevant to students attending La Trobe’s Bendigo campus rather than the main Bundoora campus in Melbourne.

Campus Melbourne

Starting from around AU$266/week, Campus Melbourne in Preston is one of the lower-priced options outside the university campus.

The Preston location can also give you access to local shopping and dining, while the listed transit time to La Trobe is around 16 minutes.

La Trobe University - Glenn College

At around AU$270/week, Glenn College is another budget-friendly option close to Bundoora.

The location can help you keep commuting costs low while giving you access to a student-focused living environment.

La Trobe University - Menzies College

Starting from around AU$295/week, Menzies College gives you another option close to the La Trobe campus.

The shorter commute can make this more practical than cheaper properties located further from university.

UniLodge Park Avenue

Starting from around AU$329/week, UniLodge Park Avenue is more expensive than the lowest-priced La Trobe residences but gives you a Parkville location.

If you prefer city-fringe living, the higher rent may be worth comparing against your lifestyle priorities. You’ll need to allow extra time and money for travelling to Bundoora.

Overall, the cheapest option on paper may not always be the cheapest choice once you add transport. Compare rent, bills, and travel together before making your decision.

Public transport is an important part of student life at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus.

Melbourne uses the Myki system for trains, trams, and buses. Your best route will depend on your accommodation and the time of day you travel.

Bundoora

If you live close to campus, walking can be the easiest option.

Depending on your exact accommodation, you may be around 5-20 minutes from your destination. La Trobe also has campus transport options that can help you move around the large university grounds.

Macleod

Students living in Macleod generally combine bus and train services when travelling to La Trobe.

Macleod has its own train station, giving you a useful connection to Melbourne’s wider rail network. You’ll usually need another service for the final part of the journey to campus.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is around 5 km from La Trobe.

Students can combine bus and train services, including the Hurstbridge line, depending on their starting point and destination.

The area can work well if you want a more established suburb and access to local shops and services.

Preston

Preston is around 7 km from campus and offers several transport options.

You can use a bus or combine Tram Route 86 with a bus to reach La Trobe. Route 86 also provides a useful connection between the La Trobe area and Melbourne’s CBD.

Reservoir

Students in Reservoir can combine train and bus services to reach campus.

The exact route will depend on where you live, so check the journey from the property itself rather than relying on suburb-level estimates.

Cycling

Cycling can be another option, particularly if you live in Bundoora or a nearby suburb.

Melbourne has an established cycling network, although routes and cycling conditions vary between neighbourhoods. La Trobe also provides bike parking and related facilities on campus.

If you plan to cycle regularly, check the route before moving in and make sure your accommodation has secure bike storage.

Intercity Travel

Southern Cross Station in Melbourne’s CBD is the main hub for many regional and interstate journeys.

V/Line services connect Melbourne with regional Victoria, while interstate rail and coach services also operate from the CBD.

If you live near La Trobe’s Bundoora campus, you’ll need to combine local public transport with the CBD rail network to reach Southern Cross Station.

Airport Access

Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is around 20 km north-west of the CBD.

SkyBus operates services between Melbourne Airport and the CBD, including Southern Cross Station.

If you’re travelling with heavy luggage, check the full route before leaving your accommodation. You may need to change between bus, tram, or train services before reaching the airport connection.

A Melbourne Airport Rail link has been discussed as a future transport project, so check the latest official information before relying on any planned service.