As a student, finding the best places to live in Melbourne for students is crucial to making the most of your university experience. Melbourne is not just a city, it’s a student-friendly place welcoming international students for so many years. But with so many areas to choose from, how do you decide which one is the best place to live in Melbourne?
Choosing the right place to live can significantly impact your student experience, influencing factors like commute time, social life, and overall expenses. Here for your help, we will go through the 7 best places to live in Melbourne for international students. Without further ado let’s get started.
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List of Best Places to Live in Melbourne for Students
When looking for the best places to live in Melbourne as a student, it’s important to consider factors like proximity to universities, the local vibe, available accommodation options, and nearby attractions. Each neighborhood in Melbourne has its own unique charm and advantages, making it essential to find one that suits your lifestyle, budget, and academic needs.
Below is a detailed comparison of the top student-friendly areas, highlighting their proximity to key universities, the atmosphere, types of housing, and popular attractions:
| Area | Proximity to Universities | Accommodation Options | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlton | Close to University of Melbourne and RMIT University | Affordable apartments and shared houses | Melbourne Museum, Lygon Street cafes |
| Fitzroy | Short tram ride to RMIT and University of Melbourne | Affordable student housing | Street art, boutique shops, live music |
| Southbank | Close to Melbourne’s Arts Precinct | High-end apartments, some student housing | National Gallery of Victoria, Yarra River views |
| Brunswick | Good transport to RMIT and Melbourne Uni | Budget-friendly shared housing and apartments | Cafes, live music venues, street art |
| Parkville | Close to University of Melbourne | Houses, apartments near parks | Royal Park, peaceful environment |
| Melbourne CBD | Close to several universities like RMIT | City apartments, some shared options | Shopping, dining, entertainment |
| St Kilda | 15-20 min by tram to Melbourne Uni and RMIT | Beachside apartments, affordable shared housing | St Kilda Beach, cafes, nightlife |
| Northcote | Close to University of Melbourne and RMIT | Family-friendly houses, some student flats | Parks, local cafes, family atmosphere |
| Richmond | Close to Melbourne Uni and RMIT | Affordable rental options | Cafes, shopping, sports (AFL), nightlife |
| Hawthorn | Close to Swinburne University | Spacious apartments, student housing | Parks, cafes, family-friendly |
Best Places to Live in Melbourne for Students: Neighborhood Overview
Melbourne is a vibrant city with a wide range of neighborhoods that offer something special for students. Whether you’re looking for a bustling, urban lifestyle or a more relaxed, suburban vibe, the city has it all. Each area provides a unique experience, making it easy to find a place that suits your personality, budget, and lifestyle.
Let’s dive into some of the best places to live in Melbourne where students thrive.
Carlton
Carlton is one of the best places to live in Melbourne for students. If you are studying at the University of Melbourne and RMIT University, then this place is one of the best areas to live in. The average cost of living here is AUD 5,000 to 7000. Here you will also find many Italian cafes and restaurants, beautiful Victorian buildings, and leafy parks.
Carlton is well-connected to public transport, so you’ll always have a way to get around. So if you are searching for a perfect blend of study and social life Carlton is the place to be. Check out the tourist attractions of Carlton below.
- Melbourne Museum
- Royal Exhibition Building
- Carlton Gardens
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Richmond
Richmond is your answer if you’re looking for a safe and best places to live in Melbourne that offers a great lifestyle. It’s a top choice for students who prioritise security without compromising on their lifestyle. Richmond in Melbourne offers a mix of residential areas, parks, and a lively community.
It’s one of the great places to live if you’re looking for a balance between safety and convenience. Here the average cost of living is AUD 5,000 – AUD 7,000/per month. You can also find many tourist attractions in Richmond like:
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Yarra River
- Bridge Road Shopping Precinct
- Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre
- Church Street Shopping Precinct
- Swan Street
- Citizens Park
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Seaholme
Seaholme is a suburb in Melbourne that’s perfect for those who love living near the beach. It’s a bit of a drive from the city centre, but it’s worth it for the beautiful environment and the beachfront living. In Seahoime the average price of living is AUD 1,500 – 2,000/per month. Which makes it best place to live in Melbourne for students.
If you’re into outdoor adventures in Melbourne or just want to relax by the sea, Seaholme is the place for you. Compared to other areas, it is a bit quieter, making it the perfect spot for students looking for a relaxing environment. Check the tourist attractions below
- Seaholme Beach
- Cherry Lane
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Clayton
Clayton is a great option if you’re looking for a best place to live in Melbourne that’s close to the city but still offers a bit of a suburban feel. This place is well-connected by public transport as well. Clayton is known for its parks, cafes, and a community that’s welcoming to newcomers.
It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for a balance between city life and a bit of suburban charm. Here you can find many budget-friendly student accommodations near the University of Melbourne. The average cost of living here is AUD 1800 to 2200 per month. Check out some tourist attractions below.
- Monash University
- Monash Medical Centre
- Monash Gallery of Art
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Caulfield
Caulfield is a popular suburb for students, especially those attending Monash University’s Caulfield campus. Known for its blend of residential charm and urban convenience, Caulfield offers a peaceful yet lively environment. The Caulfield is well-connected by public transport, making it the best place to live in Melbourne.
It’s close to the city, making it easy to get to class and explore the city’s attractions like:
- Caulfield Racecourse
- Caulfield Park
- Monash University Caulfield Campus
- Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC)
- Caulfield South Community House
- Caulfield Plaza Shopping Centre
- Glen Huntly Road Shopping Strip
Caulfield is known for its cafes, restaurants, and lively community to be living in student housing in Melbourne. It’s also a great place to live if you’re looking for a lively area that’s close to the city centre. Here the average cost of living is AUD 2,100 – AUD2,600/ per month.
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Port Melbourne
Port Melbourne is also one of the best places for students to live in Melbourne. Although it’s a bit of a commute to the city centre, the stunning views and beachfront living make it worth it. Port Melbourne is known for its marina, parks, and lively community that’s welcoming to newcomers.
You will also love to explore some of the nearby nightclubs in Melbourne after a hectic college day. Here the average cost of living is AUD 2,000 – AUD 2,500/ per month. Check out some tourist attractions in Port Melbourne below.
- Port Melbourne Beach
- Station Pier
- Bay Street Shopping Precinct
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St Kilda
Those who love party they will love this place. St Kilda is packed with cool cafes, live music joints, and even a cinema, it’s full of energy. Plus, you’ve got awesome events like the St Kilda Festival to look forward to. This student housing in Australia is also super close to Charles Sturt University, just a hop, skip, and a jump away! Oh, and did I mention it’s right by the beach? Yep, perfect for those sunny days and evening walks.
You will find many budget-friendly accommodations here too. The average cost of living here is AUD 2000 to 2600 per month. Check out some tourist attractions below.
- St Kilda Beach
- Luna Park Melbourne
- St Kilda Pier
- Acland Street
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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live in Melbourne
Choosing a place to live in Melbourne involves more than just proximity to your university. As a student, you’ll want a neighborhood that balances affordability, convenience, and lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a place to live in Melbourne:
- Proximity to your university – Living near your campus can save you time and money on transportation.
- Budget – Melbourne has options for all budgets, but student-friendly areas are generally more affordable.
- Transportation – Make sure your location is well-connected with public transport.
- Amenities and lifestyle – Look for areas with cafes, parks, libraries, and recreational spots that suit your lifestyle.
Tips for Finding the Best Place in Melbourne
Finding the right place to live in Melbourne as a student can feel overwhelming, given the numerous options available. Each neighborhood offers a distinct lifestyle, ranging from buzzing cultural hubs to serene, green suburbs. To help you navigate this, here some tips for finding the best place in Melbourne:
- Start Early: Good accommodation gets booked quickly, especially at the beginning of the academic year.
- Visit in Person: If possible, visit the accommodation before signing any contracts.
- Use Trusted Websites: Websites like UniLodge, Student.com, and realestate.com.au are great for finding student-friendly housing.
- Consider Shared Housing: Sharing a house or apartment can significantly reduce living costs.
FAQs on Best Places to Live in Melbourne
Some of the best places to live in Melbourne for students include Carlton, Richmond, Seaholme, Clayton, Caulfield, Port Melbourne, and St Kilda.
Richmond is often considered one of the safest parts of Melbourne to live in, offering a great lifestyle without compromising on safety.
Clayton and Caulfield are known for being more budget-friendly options for students, offering a balance between affordability and convenience.
Melbourne is generally considered more affordable than Sydney, especially in terms of housing and cost of living.
Moving to Melbourne can be a fantastic idea, especially for students. With its culture excellent education opportunities, and welcoming atmosphere, Melbourne offers a great quality of life for residents.
Melbourne’s eastern suburbs are popular for their peaceful environment, top-rated schools, and tree-lined streets. These areas offer a family-friendly vibe, ideal for those looking for a calm lifestyle with access to excellent amenities.
Melbourne can be affordable if you choose the right suburb and manage your expenses. Suburbs like Footscray and Brunswick offer budget-friendly housing and are well-connected to public transport.
Yes, Melbourne has an extensive public transport network, including trains, trams, and buses, making it easy for students to travel within the city and surrounding suburbs.
It depends on your preferences. On-campus accommodation offers convenience and a ready-made social environment, while off-campus housing can be more affordable and provide greater independence.
Thank you for reading our blog. This blog is all about the best places to live in Melbourne. Hope you liked it. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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