The Iglu Guide | Blog
Top areas to live near the University of Melbourne
Choosing accommodation near to the University of Melbourne is a smart choice for convenience-seeking students and puts you right at the heart of city life. But with so many fantastic neighbourhoods to choose from, it can be hard to know which is the right one for you. The best news of all is that it’s extremely difficult to make a bad choice, with each Melbourne suburb offering a blend of convenience, lifestyle and community buzz. Whether you want leafy streets, quiet vibes or nightlife options, here’s 5 of the best options near the University of Melbourne that should make it straight to the top of your shortlist.
1. Carlton
Nestled a stone’s throw away from the iconic uni building, Carlton is an unsurprisingly popular living choice for many students. Just minutes from campus, the suburb has that perfect mix of convenience and lifestyle, with a strong student body making it easy to meet like-minded people in like-minded places. Famous for its strong Italian heritage, the area is spilling over with European charm featuring cafés on every corner, not to mention a whole suburb worth of Italian eateries on the Lygon Street artery that dominates the area. Featuring excellent public transport, cycle ways and green spaces, Carlton is a great landing spot for uni life.
From University of Melbourne to:
- Carlton Gardens: 12 min walk
- Lygon St Italian precinct: 10 min walk
2. Fitzroy
Well known for its bohemian vibe, street art, boutiques and vintage stores, Fitzroy packs a mighty punch for such a small square footage. At just a quick tram ride or cycle ride away from university, it’s no wonder that students flock to this area to set up home. Renowned for its live music and vibing social scene along Gertrude and Brunswick Street, Fitzroy certainly wears the cultural crown of the city and is even home to the popular Fringe Festival every year. Although much gentrified over the years, it has not lost that heritage charm which plays such an important role in its character and charm. Students seeking fresh air and recovery time should head to the nearby Edinburgh Gardens.
From University of Melbourne to:
- Edinburgh Gardens: 8 min cycle
- Gertrude St / Brunswick St: 20 min walk, 9 min cycle
3. North Melbourne
Located just a short distance from campus, North Melbourne boasts a rich multicultural mix of heritage charm and modern living. With a history stretching back to the gold rush era of the 1850s, today the heritage-listed buildings cohabit effortlessly alongside sleek new developments and tell the timeless story of that transformation. Featuring ample green spaces and opportunities to unwind, North Melbourne is the perfect antidote to the stresses of student life. For students who enjoy a little boutique shopping, independent galleries and cultural hubs such as the Meat Market and the Arts House, there’s nothing not to love. Save a few cents from your budget to splurge on the buzzing culinary scene.
From University of Melbourne to:
- Meat Market: 9 min walk
- Arts House: 15 min walk
4. Melbourne CBD
If you’re the type of student that likes to live in the heart of the action, it doesn’t get much better than Melbourne CBD. Not only are you at the epicentre of city life, you’re just minutes away from campus making it the perfect combination of academic convenience and social variety. Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s rich culture, wander the laneways, shops and arcades, and soak up the cultural energy of this fantastic city. You’ll be spoiled for choice at every turn with shops, cafés and bars lining every corner. The free city circle tram is a great way to get around the city and discover student-friendly study spots, and you’re never very far from green spaces to top up on fresh air. This city has no limits.
From University of Melbourne to:
Iglu Melbourne City: 5 min cycle, 15 min walk
Iglu Melbourne Central: 5 min cycle, 19 min walk
Iglu Flagstaff Gardens: 8 min cycle, 23 min walk
Bourke St Mall: 20 min walk
5. Parkville
Parkville is home to Melbourne Uni’s flagship campus – which means it offers unbeatable convenience for student living. A calm, leafy and peaceful suburb, Parkville has a quieter feel than the hustle of nearby locations, and yet you’re never far away from the buzz of the city hotspots. With study spaces and class just a short walk away, and plenty of green space to chill out and relax, Parkville is an ideal choice for students wanting a quieter pace of life, with access to hotspots on tap when required.
