Living in Melbourne as an RMIT student means more than just attending lectures—it’s about how your surroundings shape your study patterns, lifestyle, and overall well-being. Whether you’re based at the City campus, Brunswick, or Bundoora, your daily routine is influenced by what’s nearby, how you travel, and the atmosphere of your neighbourhood. Below, we explore how location choices affect everyday life for RMIT students.
Proximity to Campus Shapes Your Routine
Living near your university can have a major impact on your academic experience and daily rhythm. Having accommodation close by RMIT reduces commuting stress and allows students to maximise their time on campus—whether for lectures, tutorials, library sessions, or group work. Being within walking distance or a short tram ride away also increases participation in co-curricular activities like student clubs, fitness classes, and academic support workshops.
Moreover, students staying close to the City campus benefit from immediate access to surrounding cafés, public transport links, and study-friendly spaces. This level of convenience often results in more consistent study habits, better attendance, and a stronger sense of connection to university life.
Transport Links Affect Access and Flexibility
Melbourne’s public transport system is generally student-friendly, with tram, train, and bus networks connecting most RMIT campuses and residential areas. Students living along key tram routes (such as the 86 and 19 lines) benefit from reliable access to the City campus, even from outer suburbs. However, travel time can vary dramatically depending on distance and time of day.
Choosing a location with direct tram or train access to your campus can significantly improve flexibility, allowing for smoother transitions between classes, part-time work, and social life. Students who cycle also benefit from the city’s expanding bike lanes and end-of-trip facilities on campus, though weather and safety considerations come into play.
Cost of Living Is Tied to Suburb Choice
The cost of living in Melbourne is notably impacted by postcode. Central areas like Carlton, Fitzroy, and the CBD tend to have higher rental prices, but their proximity to RMIT and lifestyle perks can offset some of the expense—especially if utilities, transport, and time are factored in. These locations also tend to offer a wide variety of short-term leases, share houses, and studio apartments.
Suburbs further from campus, such as Preston, Reservoir, or Heidelberg, generally offer more affordable rents but may involve longer travel times and less frequent public transport options. Students need to weigh the trade-offs between affordability and accessibility, particularly if they have late classes or early commitments on campus.
Local Neighbourhoods Influence Lifestyle Choices
Each Melbourne neighbourhood has its own character, and where you live influences everything from your weekend plans to where you buy groceries. RMIT’s City campus sits in the heart of the CBD, offering students close access to Chinatown, the State Library, and Queen Victoria Market. Living in this area supports an urban lifestyle filled with diverse food options, nightlife, and cultural events.
In contrast, students at the Bundoora campus may find themselves in quieter, more residential settings, with green open spaces and fewer late-night distractions—ideal for those who prefer a calmer study environment. Brunswick offers something in between, with its eclectic blend of art, music, and food culture, attracting creative students who thrive in community-driven settings.
Safety and Support Vary Across Areas
Personal safety and access to support networks are vital considerations for both domestic and international students. Living in areas with good lighting, regular public transport, and community presence can greatly improve a student’s confidence in navigating city life. Neighbourhoods like Carlton and North Melbourne are well-patrolled and have strong student communities, offering a reassuring environment.
For international students especially, being in areas with other students from similar backgrounds—or close to cultural centres and services—can ease the transition to a new city. Access to 24/7 building security, student counselling services, and peer support networks also becomes more feasible in well-connected locations near RMIT campuses.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Location
Before settling on a location, RMIT students should evaluate their study load, lifestyle preferences, part-time work needs, and extracurricular interests. Proximity to campus is ideal for heavy academic schedules, while those with jobs in other parts of the city may prioritise transport access. Additionally, students looking for social interaction may prefer vibrant, central locations, whereas those valuing peace and focus might gravitate toward quieter residential zones.
Ultimately, the best location is one that supports your academic goals while also allowing for a fulfilling student experience.
