Living in Melbourne as a Student: 2026 City Guide

Top universities in Melbourne

If you’re looking for a university, Melbourne is the place to be with many well-known universities to choose from. Your university will largely dictate where you live, particularly if you want to remain close to campus.

Some of the major universities are based in the city, such as:

• University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• RMIT University
• Deakin University
• La Trobe University
• Victoria University
• Swinburne University of Technology

Before booking your accommodation, check the location of your actual campus. Two places that look close on a map can have very different commute times.

Best areas to live in Melbourne

One of the best things about Melbourne is that every area has its own feel. Some suburbs are lively and full of students, while others are quieter and better suited to people who prefer a slower pace.

Here are some areas you can consider:

Carlton

Carlton is a natural choice for many students, particularly if you study at the University of Melbourne. The campus is close by, and you have plenty of cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and shops around you.

It is also close enough to the CBD that you can head into the city without much hassle.

Melbourne CBD

If you want to be right in the middle of everything, the CBD is hard to beat. Universities, shops, restaurants, entertainment and public transport are all close by.

The trade-off is space and rent. Apartments in the city can be smaller and more expensive than what you may get further out.

Brunswick

Brunswick has a relaxed, creative atmosphere and is popular with students and young professionals. Sydney Road is packed with cafés, restaurants, shops and places to spend an evening with friends.

Trams also make travelling towards the CBD fairly easy.

South Yarra

South Yarra suits you if you like having plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops and green spaces close by. The area is well connected by public transport and gives you easy access to the city.

Richmond

Richmond is close to the CBD and has plenty happening throughout the week. You will find restaurants, cafés, shops and entertainment options, along with train, tram and bus connections.

Footscray

Footscray is worth considering if you want to stay relatively close to the city while looking beyond some of the more expensive inner-city areas. It also has a diverse food scene and good public transport links.

Student accommodation in Melbourne

Where you live can have a big effect on both your budget and your daily routine. There are purpose-built student accommodation Melbourne, shared houses, apartments and private studios to choose from.

Purpose-built student accommodation

Purpose-built student accommodation is built for the student. Depending on the property you may get a furnished room, kitchens to share, space to study, laundry, gyms and social spaces.

If you’re coming from another city or country, it can also help you settle into Melbourne more easily. You will probably meet other students living in the same building.

Shared houses and apartments

One way to keep accommodation costs manageable is to share a house or flat. Usually you have your own bedroom but share the kitchen, bathroom and living room.

It can also be a good option if you enjoy having people around rather than living alone.

Private apartments and studios

If privacy is your priority, you can look at a studio or private apartment. You get your own space, but you will generally pay more for it.

Remember to check the full cost before signing a lease. Rent may not cover utilities, internet or other household expenses.

Cost of living in Melbourne

Your spending in Melbourne will depend on where you live and how you spend your time. Rent is likely to be one of your biggest expenses, while groceries, transport and entertainment can add up over the month.

Here is a rough guide:

These are general figures rather than fixed costs. Your actual expenses can be quite different depending on your accommodation and spending habits.

Simple ways to manage your budget

You do not have to cut out everything you enjoy to manage your money. A few small habits can help:

• Compare different accommodation options before booking.
• Cook some meals at home instead of eating out every day.
• Use student discounts where available.
• Check if you qualify for public transport concessions.
• Keep an eye on subscriptions and small daily purchases.
• Look for free events and activities around Melbourne.

Getting around Melbourne

You can live in Melbourne without owning a car, especially if you choose an area with good public transport.

The city has:

• Trains
• Trams
• Buses

Trams are particularly useful around the inner suburbs and CBD. The Free Tram Zone also covers parts of central Melbourne, which can be handy for getting around the city centre.

If you choose accommodation further away, check the actual journey to your university before booking. Saving a little on rent may not feel worthwhile if you have to spend hours commuting every week.

Things to do in Melbourne

Student life in Melbourne does not have to revolve around campus. There is plenty to see and do when you have a free afternoon or weekend.

Spend time at Federation Square

Federation Square sits in the heart of Melbourne and is close to many of the city’s main attractions. It is an easy place to start if you want to walk around the CBD.

Walk along the Yarra River

The Yarra River runs through the city, with paths where you can walk, cycle or simply sit for a while. It is a nice change of pace when you want to get away from busy streets.

Head to St Kilda

St Kilda gives you a different side of Melbourne. You can walk along the beach, visit Luna Park or grab food and coffee around Acland Street.

Check out the laneways

Melbourne’s laneways are full of cafés, restaurants, small shops and street art. Hosier Lane is one of the better-known spots, but you can find plenty of smaller laneways around the CBD too.

Visit Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is a popular spot for fresh produce, food and other everyday items. It is also an easy place to visit with friends when you have a free morning or afternoon.

Food and nightlife in Melbourne

Food is a big part of life in Melbourne. You can find almost every type of cuisine across the city, from inexpensive takeaway spots to restaurants for a special night out.

International students will also find plenty of familiar food, with strong Indian, Asian, Middle Eastern and European food scenes across different neighbourhoods.

For a casual evening out, you can look around:

• Brunswick
• Fitzroy
• Richmond
• Carlton
• South Yarra
• Melbourne CBD

You will also find plenty of cafés around university campuses, so grabbing coffee between classes can easily become part of your routine.

Part-time jobs for students

Many international students work part-time while studying in Australia, subject to their visa conditions.

Hospitality and retail are common choices because some roles offer flexible shifts. You can look for jobs in cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, customer service and administration.

Your studies should be your priority still, so find work that comfortably fits around your timetable Before you begin work, you must check your current visa conditions.

Is Melbourne a good city for students?

If you want a busy city with plenty of universities, food, culture, public transport and things to do outside class, Melbourne can fit you.

Your budget is usually the biggest factor by far. Rent can vary quite a bit from one neighbourhood to another, so picking your area well can make everyday life easier.

Choose somewhere close to your university, or with a good transport link, so you can spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the city.