Doing an exchange to Melbourne, need advice! (apartment, for rent)

[ryannorthcott]

Hey knowledgeable forum users! I'll be doing a university exchange to Melbourne to finish my business degree and I'm just starting to look at places to live. I'd like a place nearby the university or in the city, but are there any areas I should be avoiding? Right now I'm looking at the areas of Fitzroy, Carlton, North Melbourne and Parkville. My budget is under $1000 a month for rent ($250/week). I have been looking only on Gumtree right now, are there any other websites you are aware of that offer similar services?

Thanks!

-Ryan

[artemis agrotera]

which university? there are a few!

[minibrings]

and which campus. some unis (such as swinburne) have multiple campuses
ps does the uni not offer on campus housing?

uni melbourne has a housing web site withsome useful info
http://cms.unimelb.edu.au/studentservices/housing

found this as well
http://www.australian-universities.c...ent/melbourne/

your best bet seems to contact the uni you are attending for assistance

[ryannorthcott]

sorry should be more clear. i'll be attending the university of melbourne. on campus housing is very expensive and in high demand, and the housing directory isn't extremely helpful.
basically i just want to get a feel for the different areas before i get there as i'm not sure which to focus on.

[artemis agrotera]

Ok
Any of the suburbs you mentioned are fine.

Fitzroy: very bohemian, arty, laid back. great social scene, pubs/bars (ah I miss Polly's!)

Carlton: Good food, Lygon st ~ very average now.Surrounding streets have great food.

Parkville: never spent much time in, but close to all these.

Good tram network, quick & easy into the city. Many people share houses in these area's attend Melbourne Uni.

I would choose between Fitzroy & Carlton, with Fitzroy #1.

This site may help:
:: House Share Vic :: Welcome to House Share VIC

Otherwise the Uni should have social/student services.

[wanneroo]

Originally Posted by ryannorthcott

sorry should be more clear. i'll be attending the university of melbourne. on campus housing is very expensive and in high demand, and the housing directory isn't extremely helpful.
basically i just want to get a feel for the different areas before i get there as i'm not sure which to focus on.

Australians don't have the big tradition of going away to the other side of the state or another state to go to university like Americans do in the USA. Most of the Australian population lives in 7-8 population centers/cities, so basically most everyone lives at home and goes to their local university.

So most universities in Australia don't have the big estates of student housing you might find at an American university.

Probably on your budget you'll be looking at sharing a house or apartment with other students or young people.