Moving to Hawthorn VIC for The University of Melbourne (Hawthorn Campus)? We've hand-picked the best student accommodation — from affordable rooms to fully-furnished PBSA — for the September 2026 intake.
The University of Melbourne’s Hawthorn Campus is a specialized academic hub located in the leafy, affluent suburb of Hawthorn, approximately 8km east of the Melbourne CBD. Primarily serving the Melbourne Graduate School of Education and intensive English language bridging programs, the Hawthorn campus offers a focused, community-oriented environment compared to the larger Parkville campus.
Hawthorn is one of Melbourne’s most sought-after residential areas, known for its historic architecture, vibrant cafe culture, and extensive parklands. For UniMelb students, living in this area provides a perfect balance between a quiet academic setting and easy access to the high-energy lifestyle of the inner city.
For Hawthorn campus students, the main accommodation choices are:
Living locally in Hawthorn is the preferred choice for most students, as it allows for a short walk or cycle to campus and immediate access to the Glenferrie Road shopping precinct.
| Accommodation type | Best for | Typical weekly cost | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Share House | Social students on a moderate budget | A$250 - A$400 | Most common local option; bills extra |
| Homestay | New international students needing support | A$440 - A$460 | Includes meals; excellent for English practice |
| PBSA Shared Apartment | Students wanting modern city facilities | A$380 - A$500 | All-inclusive bills; located in nearby hubs |
| PBSA Studio | Maximum privacy and independence | A$480 - A$650+ | Luxury amenities; high-security city living |
| Private Apartment (Hawthorn) | Professionals or graduate students | A$475 - A$550 | Close to campus; higher setup and bond costs |
Note: The Hawthorn rental market is premium and competitive. Students are encouraged to secure their housing at least 8-10 weeks before their course begins.
While many students choose local share houses, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) remains a popular choice for those who value convenience and a managed arrival. Choosing a residence like Student Living on Riversdale or a hub in nearby Richmond provides a "soft landing" in Melbourne.
Key benefits of managed student living:
| Suburb | Distance to Campus | Transport Mode | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawthorn | < 1 km | Walk / Cycle | Leafy, affluent, and perfectly convenient |
| Richmond | 2-3 km | Tram / Cycle | Trendy, "cool," and famous for dining and bars |
| Camberwell | 2 km | Train / Tram | Quiet, prestigious, and great for shopping |
| Kew | 2 km | Tram / Bus | Leafy and residential with high-end share houses |
| South Yarra | 4 km | Train | Trendy, upscale, and home to high-end PBSA |
| Carlton / Parkville | 8 km | Bus (207) / Train | The academic heart of Melbourne; more urban |
Pro Tip: Look for accommodation near Glenferrie Road. You’ll be within walking distance of campus and right in the heart of Hawthorn’s best cafe, supermarket, and retail strip.
| Monthly cost category | Budget (Share House) | Moderate (PBSA Shared) | Higher Comfort (Homestay/Studio) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | A$1,250 | A$1,850 | A$3,000+ |
| Food and groceries | A$450 | A$650 | A$250* |
| 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 |
*Homestay budgets are significantly lower for food as most meals are provided by the host family.
Research different neighborhoods and decide between a social share house or a managed residence. If you are an international student, Homestay applications should be submitted now to ensure a suitable match.
If choosing a share house, start monitoring Flatmates.com.au and Realestate.com.au. Most private rooms are listed 4-6 weeks before they become available.
Finalize your lease, pay your bond (lodged with the RTBA in Victoria), and organize your arrival. Melbourne Airport is about 40-50 minutes from Hawthorn by car or the SkyBus + Train.
The Hawthorn campus is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of Melbourne:
In Victoria, rental agreements are governed by Consumer Affairs Victoria.
| Usually provided in Student Housing | Usually bring or buy |
|---|---|
| Basic furniture (Bed, Desk, Chair) | Bedding and towels |
| Kitchen white goods (Fridge, Oven) | Personal electronics and adapters |
| Laundry facilities (often shared) | Personal toiletries |
| High-speed Wi-Fi (in PBSA) | Personal kitchenware (in share houses) |
Most modern PBSA buildings and the Hawthorn campus facilities are built to high accessibility standards. If you require specialized housing (e.g., step-free access or proximity to specific medical services), contact the University of Melbourne Student Equity and Disability Support team early. They can help you identify local housing options that meet your specific needs.
The best experience for a UniMelb Hawthorn student is often found right in Hawthorn or Richmond. While the rent may be higher than in the outer suburbs, the ability to walk to class and the access to Melbourne’s best cafe and dining culture makes it the ultimate choice for a successful student life. Always compare the "total weekly cost" (rent + bills + transport) before signing a lease.
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