Accomodation at Melbourne

How much is accomodation at Melbourne?

Accomodation is the largest spending you will have outside the tuition fee during your time in Melbourne. On average, my friends and I spend between A$300 - A$400 for accomodation per week (price for accomodation is given per week, rather than per month). The price mentioned previously encompasses the following bills: rent, water, electricity, and internet connection.

Where can you get accomodation at Melbourne?

Students like us can get accomodation through two routes: apply for student accomodation or rent an apartment. I will talk about student accomodation in greater detail compared to renting an apartment since I did not rent an apartment unit.

Student accomodations are generally more expensive compared to renting an apartment unit of the same size (floor area). The reason why apartment units are cheaper compared to student accomodation is because the tenant has control over how much they want to spend on water and electricity usage (less use = cheaper). The expensive prices you pay at a student accomodation does allow you to use electricity and water endlessly, as well as use their gym facilities, cinema, game room (PS4, XBOX, Ping Pong), laundry room, and library.

Why student accomodation?

Pro

1. Hassle-free: automatically pay every two weeks, unlimited water and electricity usage, and unlimited internet quota

2. Game room (most places have a game room) saves a bit of money since you no longer need to spend A$400-500 on a console and the games

3. No elderly/annoying neighbours: everyone is around your age or are students. They won't call the cops if you are too noisy.

4. Meet new people: they have daily programs where you can do activities together with the other tenants. You can also challenge people who are playing in the game room.

Con

1. Gym facilities are also available in most non-student accomodation apartments

2. More expensive compared to an apartment unit

3. Significantly smaller rooms (much much smaller) compared to non-student accomodation apartments (Can't party or have large gatherings).

4. Fire alarms - typical international student = can't cook = fire alarm. You'll have to evacuate several times a month (false alarms).

What student accomodations are recommended?

• Atira Peel Street - Right across Peter MacCallum Hospital (cancer centre) and 5-10 minutes away from the campus and The Royal Melbourne Hospital

• DJournal - 10-20 minutes away from campus on foot and around 5-10 minutes by tram. The site is literally in front of Queen Victoria Market and the Free Tram Zone.

• Scape

• Student Housing

• Igluu

In summary, all the student accomodations listed above are within 10-15 minutes from each other. I'd say DJournal and Student Housing are the two best places - much more aesthetic and comfortable.

Any recommendations for apartments?

Google, call a friend, and ... Google. Each room is very unique. Things you might want to consider when hunting for an apartment unit:

• distance from tram stop (preferably those that are within the free tram zone)

• full furnished (minimum: bed, toilet, washing machine, and heater)

Several ideas:

• Victoria One

• MY80

• Neo 200