Overview
UniLodge Student Living – Vivida is a purpose-built student accommodation located at Hawthorn VIC 3122, in the inner‑eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It offers studio apartments and independent houses, with weekly rents ranging from AUD 372 to AUD 422 (indicative — confirm with the operator). The property has a Google rating of 4.1 from 140 reviews, and its minimum lease length is 39 weeks, making it a suitable option for students enrolled in academic‑year courses.
The residence is situated in a quiet suburban area within walking distance of grocery stores, banks, and cinemas. It is also within commuting distance of RMIT University and other city‑based institutions. On‑site facilities include laundry, vending machines, a games room, and common study and social spaces.
Who this residence suits
UniLodge Vivida works well for students who prioritise a calm, residential environment over a high‑energy city‑centre location. The suburb of Hawthorn is known for its leafy streets and lower noise levels, which can benefit students who need consistent study conditions. The property’s social rating (4.8/5) and community rating (3.8/5) suggest that residents can still connect with others through organised events and common areas, without the constant buzz of a central‑city tower.
Students attending RMIT University or other campuses near the city will find the tram and train connections from Hawthorn convenient. Reviews also highlight spacious rooms compared to other Melbourne student housing, which is relevant for those who value personal living space over ultra‑compact studio layouts.
The independent house unit type may appeal to small groups of students who want more privacy and a self‑contained living arrangement, while still having access to the building’s amenities.
Who this residence does not suit
This accommodation is less suitable for students who need the absolute lowest weekly rent in Melbourne. The city‑wide starting price for student housing is AUD 219 per week (indicative — confirm with the operator), and Vivida’s minimum of AUD 372 is noticeably higher. Budget‑conscious students will likely find more affordable options, especially in shared apartments in neighbourhoods further from main universities.
Students who prefer to be in the very centre of Melbourne’s CBD, with immediate access to nightlife and retail, may find Hawthorn’s quieter suburban feel too detached. The commute to city campuses is manageable, but not the few‑minute walk that some city residences offer.
Additionally, the property has a “not_available” tag in its listing data, which may indicate limited or intermittent availability. Students seeking immediate move‑in dates should verify current vacancy directly.
What residents actually say
Three Google reviews provide a balanced picture of the student experience.
Ali Al Alawi (rating 4) wrote: “I spent a year living here, and it’s such a great spot for uni students! The folks at the reception are super friendly and helpful. Every now and then, they have events that bring everyone together. There are cool common spaces too, like study rooms and a games lounge. It’s got all the essentials you need for daily lif.” This points to a supportive staff and active social programming.
vinuk walisundara (rating 5) commented: “I’ve had a wonderful experience staying at Unilodge’s Student Living Vivida. The accommodation is located in a beautiful, quiet suburb, and the rooms are much more spacious compared to other options I’ve seen. It’s perfectly situated with grocery stores, banks, movie theaters, and all other basic amenities just a short.” This reinforces the spacious rooms and convenient local amenities.
Vivian Yan (rating 1) gave a sharply critical review: “The worst accommodation I have encountered. Please don’t apply unless you want to stay with pigeon droppings🤮🤮🤮. I would like to share my experience with Unilodge Vivida in order to provide future students and current residents with some reference. I chose to apply to Unilodge because I had previously lived in Tasmania…” The specific complaint about pigeon droppings suggests potential hygiene issues that prospective residents should investigate during property tours or through further recent reviews.
Overall, positive feedback emphasises space, location, and social atmosphere; the negative review highlights the importance of inspecting cleanliness and pest control before signing a lease.
Price positioning vs the city’s from‑price
Melbourne’s broad student‑housing market has an indicative starting price of AUD 219 per week across 137 properties listed on the platform. At AUD 372–422 per week, Vivida sits well above that entry level. The price difference partly reflects the building’s newer amenities, larger room sizes, and suburban location with lower ambient noise.
Within the Hawthorn area, studio rents at this property are competitively priced relative to other purpose‑built student apartments in the inner‑east, but they are not the cheapest option in Melbourne. Students comparing budgets should factor in the 39‑week minimum lease; if a shorter contract is needed, Vivida may not be suitable.
Room‑type guidance
Two unit types are available:
- Studio: Self‑contained living with a private kitchen and bathroom. Typically suited for single occupancy. The weekly rent falls within the AUD 372–422 range. Studios offer maximum privacy but come with a higher cost per person.
- Independent house: A separate dwelling or multi‑bedroom unit that can be shared among a small group. This option generally reduces the per‑person cost if split, though the exact rent split depends on the number of occupants. Independent houses provide more space and a less dorm‑like feel.
Neither room type includes shared catering; meals are self‑catered. All prices are indicative and should be confirmed with the operator at the time of inquiry.
Booking timing
Given the “not_available” tag in the property’s listing data, availability may be limited or intermittent. Students targeting a 2026 or 2027 start should begin their search at least 4–6 months before the intended move‑in date. Peak demand periods (February and July intakes) mean that rooms are likely to fill quickly when they become open.
The 39‑week minimum lease aligns with a standard academic year. If you require a lease that starts in Semester 1 2026, contacting the operator in mid‑2025 is a reasonable timeline to secure a spot. For Semester 2 intake, starting the search in early 2026 is advisable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the property currently available for new bookings?
The listing data includes a “not_available” tag, which suggests that the property may not be accepting new reservations at all times. Contact the operator directly to check current availability for 2026 or 2027. The on‑site assistant on the platform can help you confirm live vacancy.
How far is the residence from RMIT University?
Hawthorn is approximately 5–7 km from RMIT’s city campus. Tram routes connect Hawthorn to Melbourne’s CBD in about 20–30 minutes. The property’s location rating of 4.8/5 indicates residents find the area well‑connected.
What should I do if I have concerns about cleanliness or maintenance?
Some reviews have raised issues with pigeon droppings and general condition. Before signing a lease, request a room tour (in person or video) and ask about pest control procedures. The property’s cleaning rating is 3.5/5 and maintenance rating is 3.5/5, so checking the specific unit’s condition is recommended.
Sources & data date
All price, rating, review, and lease information is sourced from the platform’s verified listing data for 2026‑07. Prices and availability are indicative — confirm with the operator.
For the most up‑to‑date information on availability and room selection, feel free to use the on‑site assistant tool on the platform to check live vacancy for UniLodge Student Living – Vivida.
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