Hostels / Rooming Houses

What Are Hostels?

Hostels are also known as rooming houses.

They are popular with newly arrived students who prefer to live in the company of other people.

The style of housing is similar to Residential Colleges. You live with many other people in a communal environment. Hostels can provide single or shared rooms, furnished or unfurnished, with communal lounge, bathroom and laundry facilities.

Some hostels provide meals whilst others provide access to communal kitchen facilities. Rent generally includes utility costs like water, gas and electricity.

Hostels are generally less expensive than the Residential Colleges. Whilst they do not provide the extra support services offered at College, some may arrange extra-curricular activities.

Most hostels are located off-campus, although many are very close by. Some hostels may not be exclusively for students.

Hostels operate independently as private businesses and are generally not affiliated in any way with the University of Melbourne.

Lease arrangements vary from hostel to hostel. Semester-based leases are convenient if you want to go home over the holidays. Alternatively you can sign a six or twelve month lease. Check the particular lease arrangements offered through each hostel. Make sure it suits you before you commit.

You can search for hostel options on our AccomNet housing database.

Our 'Student Housing Options & Location Guide' brochure provides contact details of some of the larger hostels available to students, including a useful location map. Check out our Publications page to download a copy.