Be Rent Smart
Be Rent-Smart
Being Rent-Smart helps Monash students and staff who are living out of home in private rental accommodation make the most of their Monash experience - and keeps them informed about their rights and responsibilities in the rental market.
Before you arrive
We want you to be prepared for your move to Melbourne, so you will find a few key points below:
Pre-departure Briefings
We want you to feel comfortable in Australia from the moment you get here. That's why we hold pre-arrival briefings for future students and their families.
These briefings give you the opportunity to ask questions and hear from other Monash students before you arrive.
At these briefings, held in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia, staff from MRS will also be present to assist with any of your queries.
Register for a session here to reserve your place.
More information can be found at Destination Monash.
Airport Pick up
Monash University and Monash College welcome all new international students with a free airport pick-up service to take you to your accommodation.
To use the service, you must submit your request at least three working days before you arrive. We'll then send you a confirmation email. Please print it out and bring it with you.
Short term Accommodation
We encourage all new students to arrive 7-10 days before orientation week and to organise short term accommodation for that period.
You can search for long term property once you arrive, and MRS can assist you with this.
The Monash Connect team is here to help with all general inquiries.
Don’t book or pay for any place if you, or someone you trust have not inspected it. It may not be what your wanted or it could be a scam.
Remember, you are not alone. MRS are here to help. Contact us for assistance.
When you arrive
Now you need to start looking for a place to live - here are some helpful videos and information to make this easier for you.
Living in a new city
This video will help explain what you can expect when you move to Melbourne.
Looking for accommodation
Where do you start? Let MRS guide you through this process of finding a place to live.
Staying safe
The Safer Community Units also provides support and advice to complex and sensitive safety situations.
Finding a place and Settling In
It may be your first time sharing accommodation or renting but you have no idea what to expect. Here is what you should know:
Inspecting a Property
Finding the right room or property can be pretty stressful, but it doesn't need to be!
Make sure that you know what to look for when you inspect a property to ensure that you don't get ripped off!
You might find it handy to use this printable checklist when you’re inspecting properties.
Signing the lease
When you are ready to sign a lease, we encourage you to contact the MRS Off Campus Accommodation team, who can help you make sure that your lease is above board.
We can also help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Connecting Utilities
Once you’ve found a place to live, you’ll need to get your gas, electricity, water and internet connected. These are known as ‘utilities’, and you’re responsible for choosing a supplier and covering all of the costs.
You can find more information on the Victorian Government’s Energy Compare website. The Tenants Union of Victoria’s Utility Charges fact sheets are a good resource too.
Thriving
Monash is a great place and in order thrive, you need to keep on top of a whole lot of things! Maintaining study, a healthy mind and healthy body and not forgetting the main reason you are here: to get your Monash degree or diploma!
Ending your lease
Now that you are ready to move on and end your lease do you know what to do?
Will you get your bond back? How much notice do you need to give to your landlord?
The MRS Off Campus Accommodation team can help you through this process, but here are some helpful guides:
Remember, you are not alone. MRS are here to help. For further assistance, contact us.
Sexuality and Gender Diversity
Starting university is a very exciting and at times daunting part of your life.
The Monash Student Association (MSA) Queer Department is a student-run organisation that represents and provides support to all Monash University students and staff who may identify as queer, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, intersex, genderqueer or any of the many other identities, also including those who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Some MRS staff are also proud members of the Monash Ally Program (a support network for LGBTI members of our community).
You can check out the Ally Program here.
Support Services and Volunteering
Some of the great support services available include:
Why not take some time for your own growth – and also to help others! It can be hard to get opportunities for leadership in your first year at University – but Monash has a focus on creating opportunities for everyone!
Register now: monash.edu/volunteer.
Non-Residential Colleges
By joining a non-residential college, you’ll have access to a fun and supportive environment enhancing your student experience when you are living off campus. For information on the Non-Residential Colleges, click here or check out the links for each individual college below:
Peninsula Colleges
Further Resources
Real Estate Agents
For a list of some of the local real estate agents located close to each of our campuses, click here.
Rental Costs
For an idea of what you can expect to pay in rent each week, check out our rental cost guide here.
Renting Tips and advice
Check out our helpful guides to make sure that you get the most out of your experience.