Overview
Greenwich English College Melbourne is perfectly positioned at Level 8, 120 Spencer Street, right in the heart of Melbourne's bustling CBD. Located directly opposite Southern Cross Station, the college offers international students unmatched access to Melbourne's entire public transport network. Whether you are arriving from the airport via the SkyBus or commuting from a northern suburb, your journey to class ends right at the campus doorstep.
Because the college is situated in the central business district, students can choose between high-rise Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) just blocks away or more residential shared housing in nearby inner-city neighborhoods.
For Greenwich English College students, the primary accommodation choices include:
- Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in the CBD and West Melbourne.
- Private share houses in North Melbourne, Carlton, and Brunswick.
- Homestay for students looking for a supportive Australian family environment and daily English practice.
- Managed student apartments offering a balance of independence and student-focused facilities.
PBSA is the preferred choice for many language students, offering a "ready-to-move-in" lifestyle with all-inclusive bills and a focus on community.
Quick Comparison: Accommodation Options
| Accommodation type |
Best for |
Typical weekly cost |
Key points |
| PBSA Shared Room |
Social students wanting CBD convenience |
A$250 - A$380 |
All-inclusive bills, 5-min walk to Greenwich, gym |
| PBSA Studio |
Maximum privacy and modern amenities |
A$480 - A$650+ |
Luxury facilities, central location, high security |
| Private Share House |
Budget-conscious students wanting a local vibe |
A$220 - A$350 |
Popular in North Melbourne; requires managing bills |
| Private Apartment (CBD) |
Professionals or couples |
A$550 - A$750+ |
Full autonomy; higher entry costs (bond/setup) |
| Homestay |
New arrivals needing cultural immersion |
A$350 - A$450 |
Includes meals and utilities; great for English practice |
Note: Melbourne's rental market is highly competitive. Language students are encouraged to book their housing at least 8-10 weeks before their course start date.
Why PBSA Works Well for Greenwich English College Students
Living in a PBSA building near Spencer Street simplifies your transition to student life in Melbourne. Since the Greenwich campus is in a high-density area, managed student housing provides a secure and social base for your time in Australia.
Key benefits of PBSA for Greenwich students:
- Walking Distance: Many providers like Scape and UniLodge are situated within the CBD or West Melbourne, allowing you to walk to class in under 10 minutes.
- Fixed Weekly Payments: Your rent typically covers electricity, water, and unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi, making budgeting simple for students on a budget.
- Built-in Community: On-site study hubs, cinema rooms, gyms, and social events make it easy to meet other students from all over the world.
- Secure City Living: Most buildings feature 24/7 on-site management and secure swipe-card access for peace of mind.
- Free Tram Zone: You are located within the Free Tram Zone, meaning you can travel around the inner city for free.
Best Neighborhoods for Greenwich English College Melbourne Students
| Area |
Distance to Campus |
Transport Mode |
Atmosphere |
| Melbourne CBD |
< 1 km |
Walk |
Urban, fast-paced, and perfectly central |
| West Melbourne |
< 1 km |
Walk / Tram |
Industrial-chic, quiet streets, and very close |
| North Melbourne |
1-2 km |
Tram / Walk |
Historic, residential, and very popular for share houses |
| Carlton |
2 km |
Tram |
The "Education Precinct" with a massive student community |
| South Yarra |
4 km |
Train |
Trendy, upscale, and famous for shopping (Chapel St) |
| Brunswick |
5 km |
Tram / Train |
The "hip" student capital; creative and very social |
Pro Tip: If you want to experience Melbourne’s famous cafe and music culture while staying within a budget, Brunswick offers a direct 20-minute tram or train ride to Southern Cross Station.
Expected Monthly Budget
| Monthly cost category |
Budget (Share House) |
Moderate (PBSA Shared) |
Higher Comfort (PBSA Studio) |
| Accommodation |
A$1,100 |
A$1,850 |
A$2,700+ |
| Food and groceries |
A$450 |
A$650 |
A$900 |
| Public transport |
A$65 |
A$95 |
A$165 |
| Social life and entertainment |
A$220 |
A$450 |
A$750 |
| Mobile phone |
A$30 |
A$45 |
A$70 |
A realistic monthly budget for a Greenwich student in Melbourne is between A$1,900 and A$4,600 per month, depending on your choice of housing and lifestyle.
Booking Timeline
3-4 Months Before Course Starts
Research different providers and neighborhoods. If you are an international student, consider booking a PBSA Shared Apartment or Homestay early to guarantee your housing before you arrive.
2 Months Before Arrival
Narrow down your choices. Check if there are any "early bird" discounts or specific student housing specials for the Melbourne market. Ensure you have your letter of offer ready.
1 Month Before Arrival
Finalize your lease, pay your bond (lodged with the RTBA in Victoria), and organize your arrival. The SkyBus from Melbourne Airport stops directly at Southern Cross Station, right across from the college.
Transport and Getting Around
Greenwich English College is located at the absolute center of Melbourne's transport hub:
- Southern Cross Station: The main hub for all regional and metropolitan trains, as well as the airport SkyBus.
- Free Tram Zone: Trams within the CBD are free. This covers the area between Docklands, Queen Victoria Market, and Flinders Street.
- Buses: Major bus routes terminate at Southern Cross Station, providing easy access from the suburbs.
- Walking: If you live in the CBD or West Melbourne, you can easily walk to class and save on transport costs.
- Student Concession: Full-time international students can apply for an International Student Travel Pass to save 50% on annual public transport fares.
Tenancy Agreement "Cheat Sheet"
In Victoria, rental agreements are managed by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
- The Bond: Usually equal to one month's rent. It must be lodged with the Victorian Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA).
- Condition Report: You must receive this within 3 days of moving in. Take photos of any existing damage to ensure your bond is returned.
- Notice Periods: Most student leases are fixed-term. Understand your responsibilities if you need to leave before the contract ends.
- Repairs: Landlords are responsible for urgent repairs within 24-48 hours.
Scam Prevention and Safety
- View Before You Pay: Never send money for a property you haven't seen in person or via a live video call.
- Official Channels: Use reputable PBSA websites or licensed real estate agents.
- Avoid Cash Payments: Always use bank transfers so you have a digital record of all transactions.
- City Safety: The Spencer Street area is busy and well-lit, but always be aware of your surroundings when walking at night.
International Student Guide
- Bank Accounts: Major banks (CBA, NAB, ANZ) are located within a 5-minute walk of the college on Spencer Street and Collins Street.
- Groceries: Coles (Spencer St Outlet) and Woolworths (Southern Cross) are the most convenient for daily essentials.
- Queen Victoria Market: A must-visit for fresh produce, located just a 15-minute walk or short tram ride away.
- Orientation: Move in at least one week before class starts to settle in and explore Melbourne's hidden laneways and street art.
What to Pack vs. What's Provided
| Usually provided in Melbourne PBSA |
Usually bring or buy |
| Bed frame and mattress |
Bedding (sheets, duvet, pillows) |
| Study desk and chair |
Personal laptop and adapters |
| Wardrobe and storage |
Towels and personal toiletries |
| High-speed Wi-Fi and utilities |
Kitchenware (if living in a shared flat) |
Accessibility and Special Requirements
Most modern PBSA buildings in the Melbourne CBD (built after 2010) are designed to high accessibility standards. If you require specialized housing (e.g., step-free access or proximity to specific medical services), contact the Greenwich English College Student Services early. They can provide advice on which local providers offer the best accessible units near the Spencer Street campus.
Final Tips
The best accommodation for a Greenwich English College student is found right in the Melbourne CBD or North Melbourne. While you can find cheaper rooms further out, the time saved on commuting and the convenience of being across the street from Southern Cross Station makes the inner city the ultimate choice. Always factor in the cost of your "International Student Travel Pass" when comparing suburban versus city living.
