University of Melbourne receives thousands of applications from international students due to its reputation as one of the top universities of Australia. One of the major concerns for those who get selected for admission is finding the right type of housing. Mainly two types of accommodation are available for University of Melbourne students: University-owned accommodation and Partnered Residential Colleges.

University of Melbourne offers housing guarantee to full-time undergraduate, exchange or study abroad students. Hence, university-owned accommodations are primarily booked for them. Graduate students have the option of applying to residential colleges or off-campus housing after gaining admissions at Unimelb.

University of Melbourne Accommodation: University-Owned

Over 6 student houses are completely owned and operated by the University of Melbourne. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply for them. However, undergraduate students are given priority due to the university's housing guarantee policy.

• Students have to fill a separate University of Melbourne student accommodation online form to apply for such type of housing.
• Application fee is not charged from the semester 2 applicants.
• Selected students have to accept the offer within 48 hours of receiving it.
• Students have the option of selecting 3 to 5 housing preferences but the final decision lies in the university.

Details on types of university-owned accommodation available for students enrolled in a program of University of Melbourne are:

Lisa Bellear House

This house has 285 studio, twin and shared apartment types of rooms for both undergraduate and graduate students. Cost of various types of rooms available is tabulated below:

Unilodge Lincoln House

It has 579 dormitory style rooms along with two game rooms and a sky lounge. Weekly cost is tabulated below:

University Apartments

• They have 60 fully furnished rooms in a building including a couple of studios.
• Each room has a kitchen, bathroom and laundry facility.
• Weekly cost of single-occupancy rooms is 380 AUD while double occupancy rooms cost 460 AUD.
• University Apartments are available for graduate students only.

International House

Contrary to its name, International House accommodates both domestic and international students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs of University of Melbourne.

• It has space for 350 students.
• Cafe, library and music practice rooms are available.
• Undergraduate rooms have a common bathroom.
• Graduate rooms come with the option of a shared or separate kitchen.

Weekly cost inclusive of meal is provided as follows:

Medley/Cydelia House

• Medley Hall has a capacity of 57 students whereas Cydella House accommodates 15 students above 21 years of age.
• Cost of rooms is 745 AUD per week including the meal of three times.
• Scholarship amount of 1000 AUD to 15,000 AUD is awarded to its residents based on the financial need.
• House conducts a test to select students for scholarships.

Little House

• This house is expected to be started in 2021 and is available exclusively for recipients of Hansen Scholarship.
• Capacity of the house is 669 rooms ranging from studios to 4 bedroom flats.
• It also has over 20 shared spaces including cinema, club room and rooftop terrace.
• Parkville campus is 5 minutes away whereas Melbourne campus is 11 minutes away by walking.

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University of Melbourne Accommodation: Residential Colleges

Residential Colleges are like a community housing with facilities like clubs, sports events, cultural fests, etc. They are not owned by the University of Melbourne but have a partnership to accommodate its students. Each house has its own application portal. Some of them offer scholarships also to their residents.

Following are the types of residential colleges that students of University of Melbourne can consider:

Graduate House

It was established in 1911 and offers accommodation to students enrolled in the graduate program of any university of Australia. Housing is also available for lecturers coming back to university for a short period of time, visiting professors, medical students pursuing an internship and clinical workers teaching and researching at university’s hospital.

• University of Melbourne and RMIT University are within 5 minutes walking distance of Graduate House.
• Stay is available for a range of one night to a couple of years.
• Single, double ensuite and non-ensuite types of rooms are available.

Accomodation cost including the meal expenses of three times for a year contract are mentioned as follows:

Janet Clarke Hall

Janet Clarke Hall (JCH)is the academic college situated within the University of Melbourne. It has 97 full-furnished private rooms, a board room, library, sanctuary, courtyard, study rooms and music space.

• Cost of rooms is 30,895 AUD per year.
• 570 AUD enrollment fee and 750 AUD refundable deposit is also required.
• JCH awards two types of scholarships to its residents:
  • Major: 5,000 AUD to 20,000 AUD based on financial need
  • Minor: Up to 5,000 AUD based on merit and community service
• Approximately two-third of the residents are awarded scholarships or bursaries.

Newman College

Newman College accommodates approximately 305 students primarily from University of Melbourne. Limited space is also available for RMIT, ACU, and pharmacy students of Monash University. College charges following types of fees from its residents:

• Undergraduates: 25,950 AUD per annum
• Graduates: 22,950 AUD per annum
• Foundation Fees: 500 AUD
• Enrolment Fee: 190
• Student Club Fee for Undergraduates: 255 AUD
• SCR Fee for Graduates: 160 AUD

Newman College also awards scholarships and bursaries to its residents. Over 220 students received some form of financial aid from the college. Following types of aid are provided to residents:

Queen’s College

Queen’s College of University of Melbourne currently houses 303 students out of which 56% are female and 19% are international students from over 26 countries. Over 105 scholarships and bursaries are annually awarded by the college. Fees charged are as follows:

Following types of scholarships are awarded to residents of Queen’s College:

• Entrance Scholarship: Awarded on the basis of merit; fee reduction of 10% to 50% is given to eligible undergraduate students
• Continuation Scholarship: Awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need to undergraduate students

St Hilda College

St Hilda College offers accommodation only to undergraduate students of University of Melbourne and Monash University’s pharmacy students. An interview is also conducted via skype as a part of the admission process. Its residents are eligible to apply for various types of scholarships ranging between 4,000 AUD to 15,000 AUD.

Colleges charge an annual fees of 30,700 AUD from new students and 31,050 from returning students. Other fees that students have to pay are:

• Enrollment Fee: 740 AUD
• Orientation Week: 830 AUD
• Room Bond: 500 AUD
• Gown Purchase: 50 AUD
• Amenities Fee: 350 AUD

St. Mary’s College

The college offers a single room to students of University of Melbourne along with other recreational facilities like TV room, Frewin Room for conferences and other functions, courtyard, etc. Students living here are required to pay following expenses:

Trinity College

Trinity College offers residence to undergraduate and graduate students of University of Melbourne. It charges an annual fee of 31,955 AUD. Selected students also have to pay a refundable bond of 750 AUD before moving in.

University College

University College has single and double bed rooms for undergraduate students and apartments style rooms for graduate students. A separate dining hall is also available where students can interact while having a meal. Annual charges are as follows:

• New Undergraduates: 31,150 AUD
• Returning Undergraduates and Graduates: 30,260 AUD

Various types of scholarships such as Botha Family Scholarship, Broughton Scholarship and David Syme Charitable Foundation Media Scholarship are also available for residents of University College.

International students can also apply for private rental rooms, apartments and homestays situated close to the university’s campus. Rent ranges between 150 AUD to 300 AUD per week. Although the first preference should be to get university-owned housing due to cheaper cost and additional facilities like libraries, wi-fi, study rooms, etc.