Moving to Melbourne

Click on the links below to take you to the relevant section of this page.

Housing Options

There are various housing options available to University of Melbourne students, which include private rental, share housing, student hostels (rooming houses), student apartments, Residential Colleges and homestay/private board.

If you plan to stay in a Residential College at the University of Melbourne, there are a number of scholarships or tutorships available to help reduce the costs of living in the Colleges. Further information can be found in each College's website.

In Australia, unlike in many other countries, most students live in private rental housing that is located off-campus.

As each student will require different things from their living arrangements, you are encouraged to research all of your housing options and select the best one to meet your needs and budget.

Approximate cost for accommodation

There is competition for some kinds of rental accommodation in inner-city areas, so it is important to allow enough time – perhaps one month prior to your studies commence - to locate your preferred housing option.  Rental properties are generally only open for inspection once or twice a week for half hour periods.  Please factor into the consideration of the time it will take to find rental accommodation.

Student Housing Services provides information about how to source and arrange these housing options.  Resources such as a Housing Guide, real estate agent lists, contents insurance, information on tenancy law and your rights and duties, plus more available via their website.

Vacancies are also advertised on Student Housing Services online AccomNet housing advertisement service.  Students who are enrolled or have an offer number may log on to AccomNet and set up their own personal search preferences.  If you request this service, vacancies that match your search criteria are emailed to you.
 Student Housing Advisers are available to provide advice on:

  • Your rights and duties under Victorian tenancy law
  • Moving to Melbourne (suburb guide, temporary accommodation list)
  • Emergency housing options (in case things go wrong)

External Rental website database:

Cost of Living

Student Financial Aid has put together a summary table for all non Course expenses. This includes a breakdown of each associated costs such as accommodation, food and groceries, bills, computer, telephone, public transport etc. They also have helpful information on how to budget for a family or dependents.

As a general estimate students will need to budget about $500-600 per year for course costs, such as text books, stationery, printing costs, etc.

Planning and Budgeting

Information for International Students

International students face special concerns when considering overseas study.  Information on some of these issues is available through the following links:

Alternatively, you may speak with a University of Melbourne representative in your country or attend a pre-departure information session in your area. Please note that pre-departure information sessions are for enrolled students only.

The University of Melbourne hosts one of the largest international student communities in Australia.  The University has a wide range of services that cater to the needs of its students.

The Melbourne Law School is committed to helping you ease your transition to graduate study and life in Melbourne.  Should you have any questions, please contact us.