Best Suburbs Near Melbourne Universities for Students: Rent, Commute and Lifestyle ?

This guide covers four popular campuses: Deakin University in Burwood, La Trobe University in Bundoora, Swinburne University in Hawthorn, and Victoria University in Footscray. The photos below are placed throughout the article, alongside the relevant suburb sections.

Quick comparison

Suburb feel and prices change, so treat this as a starting point for your own research.

Living near Deakin University (Burwood campus)

Deakin's Burwood campus is surrounded by leafy residential neighbourhoods in Melbourne's east. Tram and bus connections make public transport a practical option for students.

Burwood. The obvious choice if you want to live close to campus. Tram route 75 runs along Burwood Highway, and some student housing is within walking distance of university facilities. Check the precise address because Burwood covers a large area.

Burwood East. A more residential option with local shops, parks and bus connections. It may suit students who prefer a quieter street and don't mind a short ride to campus.

Box Hill. A busy transport and shopping hub with restaurants, supermarkets, trains and tram connections. It's worth considering if you want more amenities nearby, even if your commute is longer.

Good fit for: Students who want a calm suburban setting and don't need to travel into the city every day.

Check before you sign: The walking distance to campus or the nearest tram stop, evening services, and whether the property is on a busy road.

Living near La Trobe University (Bundoora campus)

La Trobe's Bundoora campus is in Melbourne's north. Tram 86 runs along Plenty Road to the campus area, linking the university with northern inner-city neighbourhoods.

Kingsbury. Close to the campus, making it worth exploring if a short commute is a priority. Check local amenities and the distance from a specific rental to your university building.

Reservoir. A useful option for students comparing rental costs and train access. A university shuttle has operated between Reservoir Station and the Bundoora campus during semester periods; confirm current operating times before relying on it.

Preston. Offers a mix of housing, food options and transport connections. It can provide a balance between access to campus and access to other parts of Melbourne.

Thornbury, Northcote and Fitzroy. These areas offer lively cafes, shops and nightlife along or near the tram corridor. They may suit students who want a more urban lifestyle, provided they're comfortable with the longer trip to Bundoora.

Good fit for: Students who want a mix of affordability, local amenities and public transport.

Check before you sign: Actual journey times during your class schedule and the distance to a tram 86 stop.

Living near Swinburne University (Hawthorn campus)

Swinburne's Hawthorn campus is in Melbourne's inner east. Glenferrie Station is close to campus, and tram routes provide additional connections around the neighbourhood.

Hawthorn. The most convenient option for many students, with cafes, shops and supermarkets near the campus. Rent can be relatively high, so compare the convenience with your budget.

Camberwell. A little farther east, with shopping areas, housing variety and train and tram connections. It may appeal to students looking for a residential atmosphere while staying connected to Hawthorn.

Kew. A more residential suburb with cafes, shops and tram connections. Compare the specific route to campus, as not every part of Kew has the same level of convenience.

Burwood and Richmond. Burwood offers a more suburban environment, while Richmond is livelier and closer to the inner city. Either may work depending on rent and the commute from your particular address.

Good fit for: Students who value convenient access to campus and are prepared to pay more for an inner-eastern location.

Check before you sign: Rent compared with the distance to campus, transport connections, and whether utilities are included.

Living near Victoria University (Footscray and City campuses)

Victoria University has multiple campuses, so confirm whether your course is based at Footscray Park or the City campus before choosing accommodation. Footscray Park is near the Maribyrnong River and has access to local transport.

Footscray. A convenient starting point for students attending Footscray Park, with a railway station, markets, cafes and a diverse food scene. Compare the specific street and walking route to your campus.

Seddon. Just south of Footscray, with a relaxed shopping strip, cafes and access to Footscray's transport connections. It may suit students seeking a neighbourhood atmosphere.

Yarraville. Known for its village-style centre, cafes and local shops. It may appeal to students who prefer a quieter residential environment, although rental costs and commute times vary.

Good fit for: Students who want access to the city, diverse food options and a neighbourhood with strong transport connections.

Check before you sign: Which campus you will attend most often, the distance to the station and your route home after evening classes.

How to choose between suburbs

1. Test the real commute. Use the Public Transport Victoria journey planner for your actual class times.

2. Count the full cost. Compare rent, bills, groceries and transport together.

3. Think about evenings. Late classes, part-time work and social plans can affect which suburb is practical.

4. Visit if you can. Walk from the station or tram stop to the front door at the time you'd normally travel.

5. Ask what's included. Furnishing, internet and utilities vary between listings.

If you're still deciding on the type of housing, compare student accommodation, share houses and homestays before committing. Read the rental agreement carefully and verify payment and bond requirements before transferring money.

Quick answers

Which suburb is closest to Deakin Burwood?

Burwood itself is a natural starting point, followed by nearby parts of Burwood East. Confirm the exact distance from the specific property.

What's the best suburb for La Trobe students?

There isn't one best choice for everyone. Kingsbury is close to campus, while Reservoir and Preston are worth comparing for transport and amenities. Thornbury and Northcote may suit students who prefer a livelier urban setting.

Is it expensive to live near Swinburne?

Hawthorn can be expensive compared with some outer suburbs. Compare nearby areas and current rental listings before deciding.

Is Footscray a good choice for Victoria University students?

It can be a convenient option for Footscray-based courses because of its station, markets and local amenities. Check the exact campus and street.

Do I need a car?

Not necessarily. All four campuses have public transport connections, but journey times vary by suburb and address. Check your daily route before choosing a place to live.