Finding Student Housing near RMIT University, Melbourne
RMIT University’s main campus sits at 124 La Trobe Street in Melbourne’s central business district. With a QS World University Ranking of 125 (2025–2026), it attracts a large number of domestic and international students. The campus itself is modern and well-integrated into the city, which means that living within walking distance or a short tram ride is realistic for most students. However, the quality of the student experience — and the corresponding housing needs — vary. Here we look at what current student reviews reveal, the broader Melbourne rental market, typical budget bands, the walk-versus-transit trade-off, and a shortlist logic using five nearby accommodation options.
What Campus Reviews Reveal
Student reviews paint a mixed picture of RMIT. Some students praise the facilities and academic support, while others raise concerns about admission standards and fee-related fairness. These comments directly inform housing considerations: if you value a vibrant campus environment with modern resources, you might prefer accommodation close to the action; if you are worried about the institution’s overall quality, you might want to keep your options flexible.
Positive experiences
“RMIT University has been exceptional. The campus is modern, vibrant and full of energy, and the facilities are always clean, accessible and well-designed. The staff and lecturers are knowledgeable, supportive and genuinely invested in student success. The programs are industry-focused, offering real” — MS P, 5 stars (6 months ago)
“I study Computer Science at RMIT University and I really like the campus. It is a good place to study, with good resources and helpful staff. The campus is nice and easy to get around, and there are many facilities for students. Overall, I have had a good experience at RMIT and I am happy studying h” — Preet Singh, 5 stars (a month ago)
Negative experiences
“Failed a subject because they wanted to double up my fees. Was told that they couldn’t pass me for my subject, despite my HD performance in my mid-semester Test and group assignments, my exam was perfectly fine, but they ‘had to fail a certain amount of people’, I was ‘randomly selected’ to fail. Wh” — aznfratboy1, 1 star (5 months ago)
“Appalling!! Enrolled in a Masters Degree and withdrew 3 weeks later. Hardly anyone in my cohort could string a sentence together in English, never mind debate topics. The lecturers were lacklustre, with hardly any real world experience after decades since graduating themselves. $40,000 per year! But” — Locally, 1 star (a month ago)
The university has a Google rating of 3.9 out of 5 from 918 reviews. While the overall rating is moderate, the range of experiences suggests that due diligence — including checking your program’s reputation and speaking with current students — is advisable before committing to long-term housing contracts.
City Context: Melbourne’s Rental Market
Melbourne is Australia’s second-largest city and a major student hub. Its central business district (CBD) is compact and well served by trams, trains, and buses. RMIT’s main campus is inside the free tram zone, which means you can travel for free within the CBD core. The city offers a wide variety of student accommodation, from purpose-built student apartments to share houses and private rentals.
According to the data used for this guide, the lowest weekly rent among nearby purpose-built student accommodation options is AUD 219. This is an indicative base price — confirm with the operator before applying. A total of 137 listings are available in the Melbourne area for student housing near RMIT, ranging from studio apartments to shared apartments. Melbourne’s rental market generally sees high demand in February and July (semester start times), so early planning is wise.
Budget Bands
Weekly rents for student accommodation near RMIT typically fall into three broad bands. All figures are indicative and subject to change — always confirm with the operator.
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Budget (AUD 200–300 per week)
At this level you will usually find shared rooms or basic studio apartments in older buildings or co-living setups. The sample listing “Together Co-Living” often falls in this range. These options may be slightly further from campus or have fewer amenities, but they keep costs manageable. -
Mid-range (AUD 300–400 per week)
This is the most common band for purpose-built student accommodation. Studios or one-bedroom apartments in newer buildings with shared common areas, gym, and study rooms. Properties like “Park Lane House” and “Student Living – 800 Swanston” typically sit here. They are usually within a 10-minute walk of RMIT. -
Premium (AUD 400+ per week)
For greater space, en-suite bathrooms, or prime locations directly opposite campus. “Scape La Trobe” and “Scape Franklin” are examples of modern towers with extensive facilities. They offer high convenience but come at a higher price.
Remember that rent in Melbourne often does not include utilities (electricity, gas, internet) — check your lease. Some purpose-built accommodations include all bills in the quoted rent; others charge separately.
Walk vs. Transit Trade-off
Living within walking distance to RMIT’s city campus saves time and transport costs, but typically commands a rent premium. The university is located on La Trobe Street, between Swanston and Elizabeth Streets, which is right in the heart of the CBD. Many student apartments are within a 5–15-minute walk. If you choose accommodation slightly further out — for example in Carlton, North Melbourne, or West Melbourne — you can often find lower rents, but you will need a tram or train. The Melbourne tram network is frequent, and a Myki card gives unlimited travel on trams, trains, and buses within zone 1 + 2 for about AUD 10 per day (concession rates available for full-time students).
The free tram zone is a key advantage: it extends through most of the CBD. If your accommodation is within this zone (which covers the area bounded by Victoria Street, Flinders Street, Spring Street, and Docklands), your daily commute costs zero. Many student residences listed in this guide are inside the free zone, which effectively eliminates transport costs for trips within the CBD.
If you prefer a quieter neighbourhood and are willing to spend 15–20 minutes commuting, suburbs like Fitzroy, Collingwood, or Southbank give more space for the same or lower rent. However, you will need to budget for a Myki pass.
Shortlist Logic: Five Nearby Residences
The following five accommodation options are cited as sample listings near RMIT. They are all established student housing providers operating in Melbourne. Below is a summary of where they are located and what to expect. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator and based on 2026–2027 rates.
1. Student Living – 800 Swanston
- Location: 800 Swanston Street, Carlton — just north of RMIT’s campus, an easy 5-minute walk.
- Room types: studios, shared apartments.
- Typical rent: mid-range (around AUD 320–380 per week).
- Note: Purpose-built student residence with on-site management, common rooms, and laundry.
2. Together Co-Living
- Location: Multiple properties in the CBD and inner suburbs. Many are within 10–15 minutes’ walk of RMIT.
- Room types: private rooms in shared apartments, all bills included.
- Typical rent: budget to mid-range (AUD 250–350 per week).
- Note: Co-living model aimed at students and young professionals; flexible leases often available.
3. Park Lane House
- Location: 1 Park Lane, Richmond — about a 15-minute tram ride from RMIT (tram stop nearby).
- Room types: studio and one-bedroom.
- Typical rent: mid-range (AUD 300–380 per week).
- Note: Slightly further from campus, but in a lively neighbourhood with shops and cafes. Good for those who prefer a quieter residential area.
4. Scape La Trobe
- Location: 108–130 La Trobe Street, Melbourne — directly opposite RMIT’s main entrance.
- Room types: studios and shared apartments.
- Typical rent: premium (AUD 400–500 per week).
- Note: High-end student tower with gym, cinema, and study areas. Extremely convenient for RMIT students.
5. Scape Franklin
- Location: 391 Franklin Street, Melbourne — a 10-minute walk from RMIT.
- Room types: studios and multi-bedroom apartments.
- Typical rent: premium (AUD 420–520 per week).
- Note: Similar to Scape La Trobe, with excellent facilities. Located in a quieter part of the CBD but still close to campus.
How to choose among them
- Prioritise walking distance to campus? Scape La Trobe and Student Living – 800 Swanston are your best bets.
- Budget-conscious? Look at Together Co-Living or Park Lane House. Park Lane House requires a tram ride (allow for a Myki cost).
- Want a vibrant social atmosphere with facilities? Scape Franklin offers modern perks at a higher price.
- Flexibility? Together Co-Living often has short-term leases, good if you are unsure about your program or want to test the waters.
All five options are legitimate, well-known operators. Always inspect the room (or view a virtual tour) and read the contract carefully. Check for hidden fees such as application charges, cleaning fees, or bond requirements (usually 4–6 weeks’ rent).
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book student accommodation for RMIT?
Most purpose-built student accommodation providers in Melbourne start taking bookings for the following academic year around July–August. Demand is highest for February intake (Semester 1), so if you plan to arrive in February 2027, begin looking in mid-2026. For July intake (Semester 2), bookings open around November–December of the previous year. However, some properties accept applications up to a few weeks before move-in if rooms are available. Early booking gives you a better choice of room type and location. Confirm cancellation policies during the “cooling-off” period.
Do I need a guarantor or rent guarantee to rent student housing in Melbourne?
Many student accommodation providers require a guarantor (usually a parent or guardian with an Australian income) or a bond payment equal to 4–6 weeks’ rent. International students without a local guarantor can often pay the full semester’s rent upfront or purchase a rent guarantee insurance policy. Purpose-built student residences are generally more flexible than private rentals; some accept international students without a guarantor if you provide proof of enrolment and a passport. Always check the specific terms with the operator.
Can I walk to RMIT from all these residences?
- Student Living – 800 Swanston: Less than 5 minutes’ walk.
- Together Co-Living: Depends on the specific property; some locations are within 5 minutes, others up to 15 minutes’ walk.
- Park Lane House: Not within comfortable walking distance — about a 20-minute walk or 10-minute tram ride.
- Scape La Trobe: Less than 1 minute — it is directly across the street.
- Scape Franklin: Approximately 10–12 minutes’ walk.
If walking is a top priority, focus on the Swanston Street and La Trobe Street options.
data-date: 2026-06-01
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