For domestic students relocating from regional Victoria, interstate, or just across town, the right choice comes down to how much you want organised for you before semester starts. Journal Student Living sits in the middle of Carlton and the CBD, close to the University of Melbourne and RMIT, built specifically for the years you’ll spend juggling lectures, part-time work, and an actual social life.

Student Accommodation in Melbourne for Domestic Students A home base for your Melbourne Uni years

Moving out for university changes more than your address. It changes how you cook and who you run into on a Tuesday night. Student accommodation in Melbourne varies wildly, from a share house you found through a group chat to a purpose-built building with everything sorted before you arrive.

Student Living Locations

Two addresses close to where you need to be

Campus House

172 Bouverie Street, Carlton VIC 3053

Directly across the road from the University of Melbourne. Close enough to roll out of bed and still make your lecture. Peak convenience, ultimate vibes. Bookings open.

  • icon 20m to The University of Melbourne
  • icon 150m to Trinity College
  • icon 850m to RMIT

Market Way

100 Franklin Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Modern city life with an old-school cool vibe. In the heart of the action, this is for students seeking a Masters in Adventure. Bookings open 2026.

  • icon 300m to RMIT
  • icon 800m to University of Melbourne
  • icon 1km to Trinity College

On The Map

Everything you need within easy reach

What Makes Good Student Accommodation in Melbourne?

Finding your fit before you sign a lease

Campus Distance

Campus House sits directly across the road from the University of Melbourne, with RMIT a short tram ride away and Parkville, University Square and Berkeley Street within walking distance. Market Way puts you closer still, a few minutes' walk from RMIT University.

Transport Links

Trams stop right outside both buildings, with Market Way inside the Free Tram Zone and a debit or credit card covering the short trip out to Campus House in Carlton.

Three friends smiling with open pizza boxes.

Inclusive Living

One weekly payment covers electricity, water, and Wi-Fi at this purpose-built student accommodation, so there's no separate bill juggling or surprise charges landing mid-semester.

Fully Furnished

Every room arrives with a bed, desk, storage and an apartment kitchen already fitted out, with quiet study areas and bookable study rooms close by, so you can move in with a suitcase and start living from day one.

Building Security

Secured key card access and on-site staff around the clock mean you're never relying on a stranger buzzing you in or waiting alone for a maintenance fix.

A woman writes with a pen in an open notebook next to a laptop on a desk with a potted plant.

Application Timing

Booking early usually means more room types to choose from, since availability tightens the closer you get to semester, so it pays not to leave your application too late.

What Sets Journal Apart for Melbourne Students?

The easier way to live near Uni

First Move

Leaving home for the first time comes with enough to think about without sourcing a mattress, a desk, and pots and pans from three different stores. Everything's already set up when you arrive, so the only thing you need to pack is yourself and your uni timetable.

Two smiling women check a smartphone together below a large airport flight information board.

Interstate Arrivals

Coming from Sydney, Adelaide, Canberra, or a country town three hours out means arriving without a local network or a spare car to move boxes in. Both properties sit close to public transport and the CBD, making settling in easier no matter where your course is based.

One Simple Fee

Your weekly fee covers electricity, water, Wi-Fi, and full access to the communal kitchen, study rooms, and the 24/7 gym, so there's no gym membership to pay separately, no bill splitting, and no flatmate who still owes you for last month's shared water bill.

Community Built In

Residents come from across Australia and overseas, including international students from more than 30 countries, so the rooftop terrace, study rooms and, at Market Way, the cinema room become places where conversations start easily, rather than corridors you pass through on the way to your room.

Support Onsite

On-site staff are around during the day, every day, so a broken lock, a maintenance issue, or a locked-out moment at midnight doesn't mean waiting until Monday morning for someone to pick up the phone or figure out who's actually responsible for fixing it.

Person working on a laptop at a desk in a modern, well-lit room with shelves and a bed in the background.

Real Independence

Room types run from private to shared, so you can decide upfront how much space stays yours and what you're happy to split with someone else. The rooftop terrace and games room are there when you want company, and your room is there when you don't feel like talking to anyone.

Where independence meets community

Life at Journal

Life beyond the lecture hall

  • Resources

You’re Invited: Celebrate the Launch of Journal Market Way

Join us to celebrate the opening of Journal Market Way with live music, Melbourne food favourites, mocktails, city views, entertainment and tours of our new Melbourne CBD student accommodation.

  • Guide

12 Iconic Melbourne Landmarks Everyone Should Visit

From Queen Victoria Market to the Royal Botanic Gardens, discover Melbourne’s must-see landmarks and why they’re even better when you’re living close to the action.

  • Resources

You’re Invited: Visit Journal Campus House This Uni Melb Open Day

We’re opening our doors again – and this time, we’re joining the buzz of Uni Melb Open Day 2026!

  • Resources

Start of Semester at Journal: How We Welcome New Residents

Discover how Journal Student Living welcomes new and returning residents with our themed Start of Semester Celebrations. From social events and shared experiences to new friendships, see how we help students settle into university life and feel at home from day one.

  • Resources

Journal Content Creator Program – Semester 2 Applications Now Open!

Calling Journal residents! Create 6 videos, get featured on socials, and earn $300. Apply by 16 August!

  • Guide

Carlton Melbourne Suburb Guide for Students

Explore our Carlton student suburb guide, covering the University of Melbourne, transport, cafés, cost of living, safety and student accommodation.

Events at Journal

Events that build community

Sushi Making

Ever wondered what it feels like to be a sushi chef? Our sushi making workshop lets you slice, roll, and taste your creations, turning an ordinary evening into a flavorful adventure. It’s hands-on, it’s fun, and it’s absolutely delicious. So, who’s up for some sushi magic?

Journal Explores Melbourne Zoo

Journal ventured out to Melbourne Zoo in Parkville! As Australia's oldest zoo, it boasts a fascinating collection of animals from around the globe, including majestic mammals like lions and elephants, towering giraffes, and a variety of Australian wildlife.

Native Plant Dyeing Workshop

Immerse yourself in the world of natural dyes at our Native Plant Dyeing Workshop. It’s a unique opportunity to get creative with local Melbourne flora and learn a sustainable craft that adds a personal touch to any fabric. Perfect for eco-friendly fashion enthusiasts!

Yoga Classes

Stretch, strengthen, and unwind with our yoga sessions. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, these high-quality classes are a fantastic way to find your zen and keep your mind and body in sync. It's all about good vibes and great stretches, right here in our community.

FAQs

Questions students ask before booking

What is purpose-built student accommodation?

Purpose-built student accommodation is housing designed and built specifically for students, rather than converted from standard rental stock. It’s furnished, includes shared facilities like study rooms and communal kitchens, and puts everything from bills to security under one roof, so students spend less time managing a household and more time studying.

When should I apply for student accommodation in Melbourne?

It’s best to apply as early as you can, since room availability tightens closer to semester. Bookings for Semester 1 typically open between October and December, while Semester 2 bookings usually open from April to July. Applying early usually gives you more room types to pick from, and greater overall choice.

What's included in the rent at Journal?

One weekly fee at Journal covers electricity, water, and Wi-Fi, plus full access to the communal kitchen, study rooms, rooftop terrace, and the 24/7 gym. On-site staff are available every day, so there’s no separate membership fee, no shared bills to split, and no chasing flatmates for money each week.

How close is Journal to the University of Melbourne and RMIT?

Campus House sits directly across the road from the University of Melbourne, often called UniMelb, with University Square, Parkville and Lygon Street all a short walk away. RMIT is a quick tram ride from Carlton, and Market Way in the Melbourne CBD puts Queen Victoria Market within easy walking distance too.

Do I need a rental history or references to book?

No, a student visa isn’t required for domestic students booking at Journal. Domestic applicants only need proof of enrolment at an Australian university, while student visa documentation applies specifically to international residents completing their own separate booking process at any Journal property in Melbourne or interstate before they move in.

Are rooms furnished?

Yes. Every room comes fully furnished with a bed, desk, storage, and an apartment kitchen already set up before you arrive. You won’t need to buy furniture or appliances, so moving in is as simple as bringing your bags and settling into a space that’s fully sorted from day one.

What lease lengths are available?

Two standard lease lengths are available at Journal, a Full Year running 12 months, and a Semester running 6 months. Students studying across the full academic year typically choose the Full Year option, while those enrolled for a single teaching period often prefer the shorter Semester lease instead, since it matches their timetable.

What's around Journal's Melbourne properties?

Queen Victoria Market sits a short walk from Market Way, while Melbourne Museum and the surrounding Carlton Gardens are close to Campus House. North Melbourne, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Royal Botanic Gardens are all a short tram ride away, putting markets, galleries and green space within easy reach beyond the classroom.

How secure is student accommodation in Melbourne CBD and Carlton?

Security at Journal includes secured key card access and on-site staff available every day, covering both the Melbourne CBD and Carlton properties. Entry points are monitored, common areas are staffed, and residents don’t need to rely on a stranger buzzing them in or waiting alone for building access after dark.

Can I get to Monash or La Trobe from a city-based residence?

Melbourne’s tram and train network connects the city centre to most campuses within a manageable trip. La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus is reachable by tram, and Monash University’s Caulfield campus by direct train, while Deakin University’s Burwood campus, Swinburne Hawthorn, and Victoria University Footscray also stay within reach on public transport from a CBD or Carlton base.

Do I need a student visa to book at Journal?

No, a student visa isn’t required for domestic students booking at Journal. Domestic applicants only need proof of enrolment at an Australian university, while student visa documentation applies specifically to international residents completing their own separate booking process at any Journal property in Melbourne.

We're here to help you settle into Melbourne

Got questions about moving in? Send us a message and we'll sort the details together.