Your course is sorted, now it’s time to find a place to live!
FROM private rentals and student residences to homestays and share houses, there are plenty of accommodation options to suit Melbourne students.
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YOU’VE chosen your course and institution, the next step is to start thinking about your housing options. For some students, the decision to remain at home is simple — you can leave your breakfast dishes in the sink, and mum (usually) won’t blink an eyelid. Lucky you!
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For many others relocating to Melbourne to study, they need to think about much more than just a dish. Before stressing about how to navigate the accommodation options (and how you’ll pay for it all), keep in mind there are organisations who can help you with both. Full time students who are Australian residents may be eligible for Rent Assistance or relocation scholarships through the Department of Human Services. University housing offices will also have plenty of helpful resources.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
You’ll want to hit the ground running when you arrive in Melbourne. whether you’re new to the city or you’ve decided to move out of home, you’ll need to do your homework first: read about renting in Melbourne, which suburbs are close to the campus and meet your budget, and the different types of housing options and lease agreements available to students.
Arrive in Melbourne early
If possible, try and arrive in Melbourne a few weeks before O Week. This will give you enough time to find suitable digs and settle in before classes commence.
Arrange temporary accommodation
This is especially important if you’re someone who prefers to err on the side of caution — you’ll have some peace of mind and the chance to attend room viewings in person. Ask Melbourne friends (and friends of friends) if they’re able to put you up for a week in exchange for dog walking and the like, or rework your budget to allow for a week in temporary accommodation like a backpackers or Airbnb.
Don’t feel pressured to sign on the dotted line
We know, easier said than done! Saying yes to the first room you see but don’t love will just lead to problems down the track (can you really live with an outside loo and be a 20 minute walk away from the closest train station?).
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
Residential colleges
Residential colleges are a popular choice for those who want to really experience uni life and all it offers. Colleges are usually on the campus itself or located a walk or tram ride away. The University of Melbourne has multiple colleges so it’s best to read through what each has to offer and apply for the one that best suits them. St Hilda’s College for example, is a smaller college that boasts a close-knit community of undergrad students who are also offered tutorial and mentoring programs. First year students in addition to receiving one-on-one mentoring, enjoy weekly dinners with resident tutors.
Victoria University on the other hand, offers new and continuing full time domestic and international students an accommodation guarantee at their purpose built UniLodge @VU facility in Footscray. Non full time students are also welcome to apply but not guaranteed a place. Victoria Place, close to VU’s Footscray campus, offers more of a student dorm setting. At Monash and Deakin there are multiple options available such as self-contained studio and shared apartments plus more traditional hall of residence type rooms.
Private rentals
There are plenty of options if you decide to rent a room through a real estate agent or privately. Either way, it’s important that you take the time to research and learn about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Most rental agreements in Melbourne are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act. This information is available in languages other than English via or Consumer Affairs Victoria or the Tenants Union of Victoria. Keep an eye on rental scams too, via Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Share houses
In a share house, you’ll have your own room with use of all household facilities like the kitchen and bathroom. The room or house may be furnished, unfurnished or semi furnished and the cost of gas, electricity and water may or may not be included in the rent. Best to discuss this, plus the bond requirements, when you view the room.
Properties for lease
Grab some friends and house hunt together - it’s the Great Aussie Student Dream! Whether you’re after a house, flat, unit, or apartment, you’ll need to work your budget as will your mates - include one-off expenses like removal vans (if needed) and any furniture if you’re opting for an unfurnished rental. Also decide which name or names will appear on the lease and bills. Utilities are not included in the rent and will need to be reconnected and transferred to a name before you move in.
Staying at home
Obviously the cheapest option (even if you have to pay board) and often the most favourable because of the money saved.
Homestay
Opting for a homestay is like being part of an adopted family. International students apply to stay at a host’s home and there’s the option to provide accommodation only or accommodation and meals. The Australian Homestay Network has hosts all over Australia and is an excellent option for first year students landing in Melbourne.
“My host family is very warm-hearted and helpful and they can answer all of my questions,” says Charlie, an international student who is currently living with a Homestay family. “You can add a requirements like meals and transportation to make your life easier. My host family also helps clean my room and take care of my things when I’m travelling,” says Charlie.
Monash College and RMIT also offer international students the option of applying for a homestay spot. Hosts in most cases are required to provide students with a bed, desk, wardrobe and three meals a day.
HELPFUL STUDENT ACCOMMODATION DATABASES
Most universities have their own accommodation databases and are a great first port of call for those looking at renting a private room in a share house or leasing a property with friends off campus.
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