Uni student rental guide: Melbourne

Melbourne is renowned for its arty cafe culture and cosmopolitan lifestyle – so what better place to study and indulge in a bit of personal expressionism?

If you’re attending one of the major universities like the University of Melbourne, RMIT, Monash, La Trobe and Swinburne, we’ve found a variety of accommodation options that are bound to suit your lifestyle.

Berwick

Located roughly 30 mins south-east of Melbourne CBD, Berwick is an ideal option for Monash residents given its proximity and accessibility to the university’s newsest campus.

If you enjoy a mix of the old and the new, Berwick might be just what you’ve been looking for. The old Berwick Inn remains one of its landmark watering holes, and you can also enjoy modern retail shopping in a 19th century tree-lined setting.

There are also a number of parks where you can roll out a picnic blanket and review your study notes with friends, the most notable of which is Pioneers Park on Lyall Road.

Prices start from around $300 per week for a two- to three-bedroom house to share.

Caulfield

If partying into the late hours is not your scene, and you’re seeking a relaxed lifestyle, you might want to live in or around Caulfield. While the suburb caters mainly to families, you can find a one-bedroom modern apartment for under $350 per week – great if you’re a mature-aged student, or if you are working and studying at the same time.

It’s also close to Melbourne’s CBD and Monash University, which makes it a very popular choice for students. Who says university living can’t be classy?

Collingwood

Hipster alert! Collingwood is rapidly transforming into the place to be. Have a post-seminar soy latte or organic muffin while enjoying free wi-fi in the cafe surrounds.

It’s no wonder that with its diverse and dynamic lifestyle to suit so many tastes and budgets, Collingwood has become an increasingly popular home away from home for both domestic and international students. It is only a tram ride away from Melbourne University and RMIT; you can also hop on a bike and ride to uni like a true Melburnian.

Prices start from around $250 per week for a studio apartment.

Docklands

Docklands, on the outskirts of Melbourne’s CBD, is one of Australia’s largest urban renewal projects under construction.

It offers a mix of uses including residential, commercial, retail, dining and leisure, and while it is still undergoing development, there are some great modern apartments on offer with transport links directly into the CBD. RMIT is but a stone’s throw away.

Prices start from around $360 per week, which isn’t cheap, but it’s a great option if you work in the city and are looking to embrace the whole Melbourne experience. Not to mention that the views of the water and city skyline from here are amazing.

Abbotsford

A cheaper option at around $300 per week is Abbotsford, which is close to the University of Melbourne. It is located less than 5 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD and has easy access to all transport links.

You can enjoy a dynamic shopping lifestyle with Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre on your doorstep, or stroll down to the popular Yarra River for a bike trail, BBQ area and peaceful bush surroundings.

Northcote

La Trobe University students will love living in Northcote. The suburb has cafes and restaurants as well as bars and pubs, including Northcote Social Club. You can rent in the suburb for around $300 per week. It’s a trendy suburb on the rise in reasonable proximity to La Trobe.

Melbourne is a blend of the old and the new, and has something for every taste and budget – it just depends on what you’re after.

What are your best suburb tips for students in Melbourne?