The Iglu Guide | Blog
Best places for students to live in Melbourne
If you’ve decided to spend your student years in Melbourne, you won’t leave disappointed. The combination of high-quality education, international outlook and cosmopolitan lifestyle makes this city one top notch student destination. But with so many cool suburbs on offer, where’s the best place for Melbourne students to call home? Here’s what you need to know.
What to consider when choosing student accommodation options in Melbourne
Melbourne is like a connected string of villages, each with its own different culture and vibe. From quirky terraces and cool cafés to open spaces and leafy streets, there’s something for all students to enjoy when choosing their new student accommodation in Melbourne. Many students prefer to live close to university, others are happy to utilise the excellent public transport system to travel in and out of college each day. Find out where you are likely to be studying and check out a map of Melbourne to identify which suburbs are located closest to campus. Check in with your college as they also may have some recommendations and have a think about what type of student accommodation will best suit your needs.
Melbourne CBD
Inner city living is a great option for students that want to enjoy the city buzz and live in a central location at the heart of the action. Take advantage of all that Melbourne has to offer and soak up all the opportunities just outside your door – whatever the weather throws at you. From arts and culture through to cosmopolitan living and culinary treats, this is a truly multicultural city that’s packed with adventure. One day you might be perusing the National Gallery of Victoria or enjoying one of the festivals as part of a jam-packed calendar of events. Another might find you lost in the Melbourne Laneways, cycling along the Yarra River or cheering on your new favourite AFL team. And even if you hate sport, you’ll learn to love the infectious atmosphere that sweeps the city with every big match. There are numerous transport options to get you around the city and beyond with lots of day trips easily accessible such as The Great Ocean Road. And as well as having the entire city at your fingertips, students are close to many of the central university campuses such as Melbourne University, La Trobe, RMIT and Deakin.
Pros
City living is all about accessibility and convenience. Student accommodation this close to the action means you’ll never miss out on a thing.
Cons
Living in the CBD can be more expensive with higher rents.
South Yarra
Just outside the CBD and bordered by Prahran, Windsor and Toorak, South Yarra is the more sophisticated sibling to the CBD. Home to Chapel Street, an iconically long stretch of fashion, dining and entertainment options that’s loved by locals and tourists alike, South Yarra is home to a young professional crowd that happily rub shoulders with the established community. There’s coffee and food par excellence on every corner, and when the lights go down there’s plenty of options to have fun well into the early hours. And for students that enjoy access to the great outdoors, you’re less than 2km from the unmissable Royal Botanic Gardens, or try the more local Falkner Park for over 100 acres of picnic and study space. Check out the local cinemas and munch your way around Prahran Market, proudly offering organic wares since 1864. Just outside the city but with everything the CBD has to offer, South Yarra is a great accommodation choice for Melbourne students.
Pros
South Yarra Station has direct access to Monash University (Caulfield campus), as well as great links to the CBD university campuses.
Cons
A lively suburb that some students may find too busy.
Brunswick
Located north of the city, Brunswick is a top student accommodation choice for those studying at the University of Melbourne or Melbourne Medical School – and a short ten-minute bike ride will have you in the heart of the city without costing a cent. Brunswick is a laid-back neighbourhood with an established multicultural community that have lived there for generations. Steeped in Italian heritage and brimming with European charm, Melbourne students can enjoy the seemingly endless array of delicious delis and Mediterranean food offerings, before dancing the night away at one of the many salsa venues or jazz clubs. It also offers plenty of scenic trails and beautiful parklands including CERES, a community environment park complete with animals, an organic café and resident bike shop.
Pros
Brunswick Station goes directly into Flinders Street Station for great access to university campuses.
Cons
If this vibe is too laidback, try nearby East Brunswick for a more upscale version.
Caulfield
This inner-city suburb strikes the perfect balance of distance when you need it, and proximity when you don’t. Popular with families and professionals alike, Caulfield is also home to the second largest Monash campus which means there is a significant student population present, all drawn to the great location and student-friendly vibes. An affluent suburb, Melbourne students will enjoy Caulfield’s leafy streets, character and charm, as well as lush green spaces like Caulfield Park to while away the days. Close to the bright lights of Prahran and the bustling nightlife of beachy St Kilda, it’s no wonder that so many students consider this the perfect spot to call home.
Pros
A perfect accommodation choice for all Monash Caulfield students. The direct trainline into Flinders Street Station means great access to the CBD and beyond.
Cons
Possibly a little on the quiet side for students who thrive on a busy scene.
Clayton
Home to the largest of Monash’s campuses, Clayton is a thriving student hub and one of the largest centres of science, technology and research in Australia. And with just a convenient 15-minute train ride back to Monash’s Caulfield campus or a 30-minute ride to the CBD, it is a popular choice for student accommodation in Melbourne. Thanks to the multicultural community, there is a wide array of retailers on offer that includes a number of great Asian eateries as well as grocery stores that offer something more than the usual selection. Get everything you need on Clayton Road and enjoy the street art as you browse, or jump on your bike and check out the 6km Rail Trail that links popular shopping precincts – and will even deliver you to Monash University.
Pros
Many students love to live on or close to campus as it can help you settle more quickly into student life.
Cons
Not such convenient student accommodation if your university campus is based closer to the CBD.
