How do I find a room in Melbourne as an international student in 2026?

Question

Accepted Answer

Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world's most student-friendly cities and welcomes more than 150,000 international students annually. Finding a room as a new arrival requires a specific strategy.

Start before you arrive:

Begin your room search at least 6–8 weeks before your course start date
Rooms near the University of Melbourne (Carlton, Parkville, Fitzroy) and RMIT (CBD, Brunswick) are extremely competitive in January–February and July, when new semesters begin
Contact your university's student accommodation office — most Melbourne universities maintain off-campus housing boards and partnerships with verified landlords

Documents you will need:

Passport and valid student visa (Subclass 500)
University enrolment confirmation letter
Proof of financial capacity — bank statements or scholarship letter
Reference from your home country if available

Opening an Australian bank account: Most Melbourne landlords expect rent payment by bank transfer from an Australian account. Set up an account as early as possible — many Australian banks allow you to open an account before arriving using their online app.

Your legal rights as an international student renter: International students have the same rental rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 as all other Victorian tenants. Your landlord cannot treat you differently because of your visa status or nationality.

Tips specific to international students in Melbourne:

Join university Facebook groups and student forums — many rooms near campus are shared through peer networks before being publicly listed
Be cautious of agents charging "international student fees" — this is not a legitimate charge
Never pay a bond or first month's rent without a signed lease and having seen the room in person or via verified video tour
Register with your university's international student support services — they can refer you to tenant advocacy services if needed