The Iglu Guide | Blog
Where To Live When Studying At Monash University

Founded in 1958, Monash University is Australia’s largest university and the second oldest in Victoria. Split across multiple campuses, Clayton and Caulfield are the two biggest sites in Victoria and are located just South East of the city centre. A popular student choice, Monash is a highly prestigious university offering more than 6,000 course options across 10 faculties. Student accommodation near Monash University is many and varied, with the option to explore a range of suburbs beyond the immediate city centre. Wherever your student accommodation is located in Melbourne, an excellent public transport network means that the entire city remains accessible at all times.
Monash University Clayton campus: student accommodation options
Accommodating over 40,000 students, Clayton is the largest campus at Monash University and is located some 20km SE of Melbourne city centre. On-campus student accommodation is available, with easy access to classes, all-inclusive rates and an inter-campus shuttle bus complete with wi-fi. Situated in a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood, the area greatly benefits from the large cohort of international students that are based in and around the campus. For students that enjoy a campus feel but prefer some distance from university, Iglu offers purpose-built student accommodation in nearby South Yarra, Flagstaff Gardens and Melbourne City
Chadstone
Just 30 mins away from campus by train, and some 40 mins from the CBD, Chadstone is a popular student accommodation choice for Monash’s Clayton Campus. Primarily a residential suburb for families, professionals and students, Chadstone is known for delivering a pretty decent shopping experience with Melbourne’s largest regional shopping centre. Well-served by public transport and with plenty of parks and open spaces, Chadstone is a great accommodation option for Monash students.
Monash, Clayton campus by train: 35 mins
Monash, Clayton campus by bike: 25 mins
Clarinda
Not far from Chadstone and only 20 mins travel to Clayton campus by bike, Clarinda is a relatively small suburb that boasts an incredible six parks. Just perfect for students that like to get outside and study in open spaces. Combining the bustle of South Melbourne with the sophistication of South Yarra, it even has access to the water with Mentone Beach just one hour away by public transport.
Monash, Clayton campus by train: 25 mins
Monash, Clayton campus by bike: 20 mins
Notting Hill
A young and diverse population give this suburb a vibrancy and buzz that is enhanced by the local Monash student community. Compact and bijou, it’s an easy 10-minute ride to campus which makes it the ideal place for Monash students to call home.
Monash, Clayton campus by train: 10 mins
Monash, Clayton campus by bike: 10 mins
Oakleigh
A welcoming suburb with European overtones, Oakleigh packs a big punch when it comes to residential amenities. This thriving district is powered by an influx of young people which drives the cultural scene and boosts business along the way. Known for its Greek heritage, it’s further evidenced in the delicious array of restaurants and cafés on offer. Eaton Mall provides everything you need in the world of retail making Oakleigh the perfect student accommodation option for range, choice and location.
Monash, Clayton campus by train: 15 mins
Monash, Clayton campus by bike: 18 mins
Monash University Caulfield campus: student accommodation options
What once started out as the Caulfield Technical School has since grown to become the second largest campus at Monash University. Today with five faculties and a number of undergrad and postgrad research programs, Caulfield campus has developed into a global institution that enriches the local community. The suburb is situated just 9km SE of the city centre. With no on-campus student accommodation available, students can benefit from living in an area that is infused with family charm and leafy streets, as well as close proximity to the CBD and neighbouring suburbs such as Prahran and St Kilda. Iglu offers purpose-built student accommodation in nearby South Yarra for students that prefer the benefits of modern, all-inclusive accommodation.
Carnegie
Conveniently located in the inner east, Carnegie definitely has a vibe all its own. With community shopping hubs, global cafés and multiple cuisines serviced authentically to perfection along Koornang Road, this is a place that any Monash student would happily call home. Multicultural, vibrant and popular with young families and professionals, the accommodation is spacious and modern with more and more townhouses and apartments popping up around town.
Monash, Caulfield campus by train: 12 mins
Monash, Caulfield campus by bike: 8 mins
St Kilda
For students that like to live by the sea, St Kilda ticks all the boxes. Just 20 minutes from Monash University and 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD, it really does have it all. Home to the famous St Kilda Beach, this is the place where all walks of life collide – from students and backpackers, to tourists and families. There’s something for everyone in this seaside town – think Luna Park and café culture, to market mooching and late-night fun. It might cost a little more than a student budget can manage, but the experience could well be worth it.
Monash, Caulfield campus by train: 25 mins
Monash, Caulfield campus by bike: 20 mins
Malvern East
If convenience is the name of the student accommodation game, then Malvern East is definitely vying for first place. With tree-lined streets, open spaces and charming homes on tap, Malvern East is also just 20 quick minutes from the bustle of the CBD. Central Park is where it all happens on a summer’s day in this community-centric suburb – so grab your books and head on down and watch the world go by while you study.
Monash, Caulfield campus by train: 10 mins
Monash, Caulfield campus by bike: 5 mins
Murrumbeena
Attracting a younger crowd, Murrumbeena has the best of both worlds with local amenities on tap and easy access to the CBD along the Freeway. Nestled between Carnegie and Hughesdale, the area has an eclectic charm along with the wide open space of Murrumbeena Park. Once home to Nick Cave, the area has also spawned some of Australia’s most famous artists. A quiet achiever, this suburb perfectly suits the brief for student accommodation near Monash University.
Monash, Caulfield campus by train: 25 mins
Monash, Caulfield campus by bike: 15 mins