Where to Live Near Monash University: Best Suburbs, Rent and Transport ?

Choosing where to live near Monash University can make student life in Melbourne easier. If you're attending the Clayton campus, Clayton, Notting Hill, Mulgrave and Oakleigh are nearby suburbs worth considering.

1. Clayton — Best for Campus Convenience

Clayton is a practical choice if you want to live near university facilities, shops and student services. Options include private rooms, shared houses, apartments and university accommodation.

• Best for: Students who want convenient access to campus.

• Housing: Shared houses, private rentals and apartments.

• Tip: Check the walking distance from the property to your faculty building, not just to the campus boundary.

2. Notting Hill — Best for a Quieter Residential Area

Notting Hill is close to the Clayton campus and its surrounding research and employment precinct. It is worth considering if you prefer a residential setting rather than living near a busy shopping strip.

• Best for: Students and postgraduate researchers.

• Housing: Shared homes, apartments and private rentals.

• Tip: Check nearby bus stops and supermarket access before choosing a property.

3. Huntingdale — Best for Train Connections

Huntingdale is worth considering if you regularly use Melbourne's train network. You can connect to the Clayton campus by bus, but include the transfer and waiting time in your journey.

• Best for: Students who want rail access for trips around Melbourne.

• Housing: Shared houses and private rentals.

4. Oakleigh — Best for Shops and Restaurants

Oakleigh has a popular shopping and dining area, with cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and local services. It may suit students who want a lively neighbourhood outside class hours.

• Best for: Students who value local amenities and dining options.

• Housing: Apartments, shared homes and private rentals.

• Tip: Compare the full trip to campus, as the most convenient route depends on the property's location.

5. Mulgrave — Best for Suburban Living

Mulgrave offers a more suburban setting in many areas. It may be worth exploring if you're looking for a house share or prefer a quieter neighbourhood.

• Best for: Students who prefer residential surroundings.

• Housing: Houses, shared accommodation and private rentals.

• Tip: Check transport access carefully because the commute can vary considerably by address.

Monash University lists Clayton, Notting Hill, Mulgrave and Oakleigh among the suburbs surrounding its Clayton campus.

6. How Much Is Student Accommodation?

Rent varies according to the room type, property condition, lease and whether bills are included. Monash University's published 2026 on-campus accommodation rates provide a useful reference point.

These are university accommodation rates, not average prices for private rentals in each suburb.

Ways to manage your budget:

• Share a house or apartment with other students.

• Ask whether utilities and internet are included.

• Compare rent with the cost of commuting.

• Check the bond, lease length and other fees.

• Inspect the property before committing.

7. Transport to Monash University

The Clayton campus has bus connections to surrounding suburbs and nearby train stations. Huntingdale Station is one option for connecting to campus by bus.

Before choosing accommodation, check:

• The nearest train station or bus stop.

• The total journey time to your faculty.

• Evening and weekend service times.

• Whether you need more than one connection.

• Current fares and ticket conditions.

8. On-Campus vs Off-Campus Accommodation

Monash offers halls of residence, shared flats and studio apartments at Clayton. Off-campus options include private rentals, shared houses and purpose-built student accommodation.

If you're new to Melbourne, consider temporary accommodation while you inspect longer-term rentals.

9. What to Check Before Renting

Before signing a lease:

• Confirm the campus where you will study.

• Calculate the journey from the property's actual address.

• Check whether utilities and internet are included.

• Understand the bond and rental agreement.

• Inspect the bedroom, kitchen and shared facilities.

• Ask about repairs, laundry and heating.

• Confirm public transport options after evening classes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which suburb is closest to Monash University's Clayton campus?

Clayton and Notting Hill are good places to start your search. The best choice depends on the building you need to reach.

Which suburb is good for public transport?

Huntingdale is worth considering for its train station and bus connection to the campus. Check your complete journey before deciding.

Is on-campus accommodation more expensive?

It depends on the room and what's included. Compare the total cost of university accommodation with private rent, bills and transport.

Can I live farther away to save money?

Possibly. Compare any rent savings with additional travel time, fares and convenience.