How to Find Student Accommodation in Melbourne (2026 Guide)

Moving to Melbourne to study is exciting, but finding somewhere to live from overseas can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through how to find furnished student accommodation in Melbourne, what it costs, and how to secure a room before you arrive.

When should you start looking?

Start 3 to 6 months before your course begins, especially for the busy February and July university intakes. Rooms in popular suburbs near the universities fill quickly, so the earlier you enquire, the more choice you’ll have.

What does student accommodation in Melbourne cost?

Furnished rooms with all bills included typically range from around $199 to $300 per week, depending on the area and room type. Here’s a rough guide by zone:

• Inner North-West (Brunswick, Kensington, Ascot Vale): from $199/wk
• Bayside (Elwood, St Kilda, Elsternwick): from $205/wk
• City & Carlton (CBD, Carlton, Port Melbourne): from $229/wk
• Inner South & East (South Yarra, South Melbourne, Richmond): from $225/wk

With all bills included, your weekly price covers electricity, water, gas and internet, so there are no surprise utility costs on top.

Furnished vs unfurnished: which is better for students?

For most international students, fully furnished is the easier choice. You arrive with just a suitcase and everything is ready, beds, storage, kitchen and shared living spaces. Unfurnished rooms are cheaper up front but mean buying furniture you’ll have to sell when you leave.

How close should you live to your university?

It helps to choose an area with a quick, reliable commute:

• University of Melbourne and RMIT City: City & Carlton is walking distance
• Monash Caulfield: Bayside is right beside it; Inner South & East has a direct train
• RMIT Brunswick: the Inner North-West has it on the doorstep

What do you need to apply?

As an international student, you usually need:

• A valid passport with more than 12 months until expiry
• Your initial payment, typically 2 weeks bond plus 2 weeks rent in advance

You’ll often complete a short online questionnaire and a quick interview before viewing, and once approved you’ll sign a lease agreement with a move-in checklist and condition report.

How to avoid scams

Never pay a deposit before you’ve verified the property and the provider. Work with established providers who lodge your bond with the RTBA (the Victorian government bond authority), so your money is protected and refunded when you move out.

Ready to find a room?

At Rentals Melbourne we match international students to furnished, all-bills-included rooms across Melbourne’s best suburbs, with a low bond and a flexible lease. Tell us your budget, preferred area and move-in date, and we’ll send you what’s available.