Off-campus options
Living in off-campus accommodation
Where you'll live is one of the most important decisions you'll make at university and when it comes to choosing a place to live, everyone's a little different.
If you choose to live in the private rental market on your own, or with a group of friends, we’re here to help you make an informed decision. With Monash Residential Services, you are not alone.
Explore the Monash Campuses
View
Where should you start looking for accommodation?
Monash has multiple campuses located across Greater Melbourne. It is important to consider where you will be studying when searching for accommodation.
Caulfield Campus
Our Caulfield campus is just nine kilometres from the CBD and easy to reach by public transport. There are plenty of shops and cafes around - with the iconic St Kilda and its beaches just a short tram ride away. The main areas of study at Caulfield are Business and Economics, Art and Design, and IT.
Clayton Campus
Clayton is the University’s biggest campus, located 20 kilometres south-east of Melbourne’s CBD. There are eight faculties here, so the campus is buzzing with students from all walks of life. And with on-campus coffee trucks, plenty of places to eat, and year-round events, you’ll be right in the thick of exciting campus life.
Parkville & City Campus
The Parkville campus is home to Monash University’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Close to the CBD, it’s located in the heart of Melbourne’s health and biomedical precinct - surrounded by some of the city’s best parks, and just a short walk to the creative suburbs of Carlton, Fitzroy, and Brunswick.
Peninsula Campus
Monash University’s third largest campus is about 40 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, on the Mornington Peninsula. Close to beaches, national parks, wineries and restaurants, the relaxed nature of the campus reflects its beautiful surroundings. And while secluded, students can still easily catch a train to the city centre.
Campus Maps
Use our interactive campus map to locate a campus, buildings, lecture rooms, services, facilities and other resources.
Accommodation options
View
Where to start looking
There are many different types of off-campus accommodation as shown below. Most houses and apartments in Melbourne are rented through a real estate agent, but individual rental providers (landlords), or students wishing to share can also advertise their properties or rooms online. The information below is designed to help you make an informed decision.
Before you arrive in Melbourne
We recommend that you book temporary accommodation before you arrive for at least 7 to 10 days. You can start looking for long term accommodation once you have arrived and we will be there to help guide you along the way. Short term accommodation can be found all over Melbourne, but for a list of providers close to each of the Monash Campuses, see the temporary accommodation listing.
Types of Accommodation
Affiliated Student Accommodation
Mannix College is located 50 metres from the Clayton campus and is the only residential college affiliated with Monash University. Living at Mannix offers you safety, fun and a wide range of supports in a welcoming community of 300 students from across Australia and the world. You’ll enjoy daily meals in the Dining Hall, weekly cleaning of your room, academic programs and support from our residential support staff.
Monash University Preferred Student Accommodation
Monash University Preferred Student Accommodation offers a range of accommodation options in purpose built student accommodation buildings located in the Central Business District and neighbouring suburbs.
These options mean you will live away from our campuses and will need to travel 22km to Clayton and 14km to Caulfield.
Private Rental Accommodation
Helpful information on the private rental market and what you should know to secure accommodation for you, your friends or your family.
With lots of options to choose from, we will help you understand what your options are when looking for a place to live.
Homestay
The Australian Homestay Network (AHN) offers safe, affordable and comfortable accommodation for international students studying in Australia.
When you register to use the AHN, please note that you will be registering directly with AHN, who will be collecting any personal information you provide in accordance with their privacy policy .
Guardianship
International students under 18 years of age need a guardian while studying in Australia. Guardianship for underage Monash students is provided by the Monash College U18 Guardianship Service.
Emergency Accommodation
You can find more information on Emergency Accommodation and Financial Support here.
Information for new arrivals to Melbourne
Check out this video for some helpful information about finding a place to live in Melbourne, and remember to contact us if you need any help with finding a place to live.
Renting Costs and Rates
View
Renting Costs 2023
Here’s what you can expect to pay for rental properties or rooms in Melbourne. Keep in mind that when renting entire properties, these don’t include costs for electricity, gas, water, phone or internet.
In Rooming Houses and some shared houses, the utilities should be included in the rent.
For all preferred accommodation please go to Monash University Preferred Student Accommodation.
In addition to rent, you’ll typically also need to pay a refundable bond upfront, usually equivalent to 2, 4 or 6 weeks rent.
The costs outlined below are approximate weekly costs in Australian Dollars (AU$).
| Rental comparisons | Shared accommodation | Studio/1 bedroom apartments | 2 bedroom apartments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caulfield | $180 - 250 | $250 - 400 | $400 - 550 |
| Clayton | $170 - 250 | $250 - 350 | $350 - 500 |
| Central Business District | $200 - 300 | $350 - 450 | $450 - 600 |
| Gippsland | $180 - 240 | $200 - 250 | $250 - 350 |
| Parkville | $185 - 300 | $300 - 450 | $450 - 550 |
| Peninsula | $185 - 250 | $275 - 325 | $325 - 450 |
Renting Tips and advice
Check out our helpful guides to make sure that you get the most out of your experience.
Real Estate Agents
For a list of some of the local real estate agents located close to each of our campuses, click here.
Advocacy and Support
View
You're not alone
Monash Residential Services (MRS) informs and guides students and staff of Monash College and Monash University of their housing options and tenancy rights and responsibilities at the Clayton, Caulfield, City, Parkville and Peninsula Campus.
If you choose to live in the private rental market on your own, or with a group of friends, we’re here to help you be Rent Smart and make an informed decision.
Our service can assist you with:
- how to find accommodation that is right for you
- advising you on what is fair rent
- help you get your essentials like electricity, internet, gas and water connected
- how to budget
- checking your rental agreements, bond forms and condition reports to ensure they meet standards
- advocacy and support at the VCAT (Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal)
- issues with your rental provider (landlord), real estate agent or housemates
Beware of scams!
We strongly recommend that you do not book long-term accommodation in the private rental market if you have not inspected it. There are ‘scams’ and false advertisers who may ask you to send money when in fact, the accommodation they are advertising does not exist! If you have suspicions or want to be sure, just contact us for assistance.
Our housing advisers are here to help you and offer their expert advice on all renting matters. Contact us before you commit in any way or pay any money.
Disputes
We are here to help you! If you have a dispute or any concerns with your rental provider (landlord), agent or another renter (tenant) then contact us for a one on one consultation. Contact us here.
Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV)
Consumer Affairs Victoria is a business unit of the Department of Justice & Regulation, within the Victorian government. We are Victoria’s consumer affairs regulator. Our purpose is to help Victorians be responsible and informed businesses and consumers.
Tenants Victoria
Tenants Victoria promotes and protects the rights of renters and residents in most types of rented homes across Victoria, Australia. We inform, educate and assist individuals to use their rental rights whilst also pushing for better laws, policies and practices to improve conditions for all renters.
Renting in Victoria
This video is produced by Consumer Affairs Victoria and offers lots of helpful information about renting in Victoria.
Frequently Asked Questions
View
Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find some of the most common questions, however if you cannot find an answer here, please visit ask.monash for more assistance.
Finding Accommodation
Find out more about how to search for, and apply for off-campus accommodation. We can help make your search easier and deal with any concerns.
Applying for Accommodation
We can help you understand all the things you need to submit your application for off-campus accommodation.
Signing a Lease
Does your rental agreement follow the Victorian tenancy laws? Do you understand your rights and responsibilities as a Renter? We can help!
Moving In
Moving in can be an exciting time! Check out what you may need to know to make this a smooth process for you.
Issues while Renting
You may experience some issues whilst renting. Our FAQ's can help you understand what to do if you experience difficulties during your tenancy.
Ending your Lease
Do you know the correct way to end your lease? Or do you want to end your lease early? Check our FAQ's here for more info!
Testimonials
View
Vedikaa Padia, Master of Communications and Media Studies
As an international student in Melbourne, I had little knowledge of my rights as a tenant as well as the responsibilities my landlord or agent needed to fulfil. The MRS Off-Campus Accommodation team made me aware about my rights and guided me at every step, in order to resolve the situation in a timely manner. Read more about about Vedikaa's experience using our service.
Mapitso Raswoko, PhD Candidate Law Faculty
I contacted MRS' Off-campus Accommodation Services to find accommodation when I first arrived to commence my studies. They helped me find appropriate accommodation within my budget and very close to campus. I recommend that any Monash student needing assistance should not hesitate to contact the staff for their accommodating and inclusive service! Read more about about Mapitso's off-campus accommodation journey.
Nasik Syed Ahmed, Masters in Advanced Engineering
Arriving at Australia and living off campus can seem daunting, but the support and advocacy provided to me by MRS genuinely made me feel cared for and secure in all my dealings with the landlords here. I would highly recommend them to all off-campus student. Read more about Nasik's experience finding a place to live.
Krisha Thakor, Bachelor of Biomedical Science
I spent a lot of time trying to figure things out myself, and soon realised that there were too many legalities involved that I found difficult to manoeuvre myself around. The advice and support that MRS provided made me feel confident in taking steps to make serious decisions that would empower me financially and as an off-campus tenant. Read more about Krisha's experience and her advice to other students.
Julia Persson, Monash Abroad student, Arts Program
I contacted Monash Residential Services to receive assistance in how to best proceed with breaking the lease for the off-campus apartment that me and my fellow roommates had to leave early as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. After successfully breaking the lease, we reconnected with MRS after experiencing difficulties receiving the refund of our rental bond. Read more about Julia's tenancy problems and how we helped her resolve them.