- Student accommodation near Swinburne University Hawthorn ranges from AUD 200 per week for shared houses to AUD 550 per week for on-campus or purpose-built student rooms
- Swinburne's Hawthorn campus is 10 minutes from Melbourne CBD by train
- The Australian government requires international students to show AUD 29,710 per year in living expenses.
What Accommodation Options Does Swinburne University Offer On-Campus?
Swinburne University offers on-campus accommodation at its Hawthorn campus through residential colleges and student apartments. In 2026, on-campus housing costs range from AUD 350 to AUD 550 per week depending on room type. Options include single rooms, shared rooms, and apartment-style units, all within walking distance of lectures, the library, and student services.
Swinburne's on-campus accommodation is managed through the university's student support services and is available on a semester or annual licence basis. Applications should be submitted through the official Swinburne accommodation portal as early as possible, since on-campus places are limited and fill quickly for the February and July semester start dates.
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Share houses in Hawthorn and nearby suburbs are the most affordable option for Swinburne students, costing AUD 200 to AUD 300 per week in 2026. Utilities add approximately AUD 20 to AUD 40 per week. Popular nearby suburbs for shared rentals include Richmond, Kew, and Camberwell, all within 15 minutes of the Hawthorn campus.
Share houses in Hawthorn and the surrounding inner-east Melbourne suburbs are popular with Swinburne students for their affordability and convenient transport links. Platforms such as Flatmates.com.au, Domain, and Facebook Marketplace are commonly used to find available rooms. Students should inspect properties before signing and confirm the lease terms comply with the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act.
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Several purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) providers operate near Swinburne University's Hawthorn campus. In 2026, PBSA prices near Swinburne start from AUD 355 per week for private en-suite rooms, rising to AUD 550 per week for studio apartments. Providers include Scape, Birch Ridge Hawthorn, and UniLodge Melbourne, offering furnished rooms with included utilities and communal facilities.
PBSA properties near Swinburne typically include high-speed internet, laundry facilities, communal kitchens or dining areas, study rooms, and 24-hour security. Many providers also organise regular social events and resident programs that help new students settle in. Rooms can be booked directly through provider websites or through platforms such as Amber Student and UniAcco.
| Accommodation Type 2026 | Weekly Cost (AUD) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus (Swinburne) | AUD 350–550 | Utilities, study support, on-campus location |
| PBSA (Birch Ridge, Scape) | AUD 355–550 | Furnished, utilities included, communal spaces |
| Share House (Hawthorn/Richmond) | AUD 200–300 | Bills extra, most affordable, flexible |
| Private Studio Apartment | AUD 350–500 | Full independence, lease required |
What Are the Best Nearby Suburbs for Swinburne Students?
Hawthorn is the primary suburb for Swinburne students, offering easy walking or tram access to campus. Other popular nearby suburbs include Richmond (10 minutes by tram), Kew (5 minutes), Camberwell (10 minutes), and South Yarra (10 minutes). Hawthorn train station is adjacent to campus, providing direct 10-minute connections to Melbourne CBD.
Hawthorn and the surrounding inner-east suburbs offer a mix of cafes, restaurants, supermarkets, and green spaces that are popular with students. Tram routes 16, 70, and 75 run through Hawthorn and connect directly to the CBD and other university campuses. Students with tighter budgets can also consider suburbs slightly further out such as Box Hill or Surrey Hills, which have good train links to Hawthorn.
Cost of Living in Australia for International Students 2026Read →How Much Does Student Accommodation Cost Near Swinburne University?
Student accommodation costs near Swinburne University in 2026 range from AUD 200 per week for a shared house room to AUD 550 per week for on-campus or PBSA studios. The Australian government requires international students to show AUD 29,710 per year in living expenses. Most Swinburne students budget between AUD 2,680 and AUD 4,290 per month in total.
The total monthly budget for a Swinburne student includes accommodation, food (AUD 400–600/month), transport (Myki concession card, approximately AUD 80–100/month), utilities if not included (AUD 80–120/month), and personal expenses. Students on tighter budgets can reduce costs by cooking at home, using library resources, and choosing share accommodation further from the CBD.
What Tips Should International Students Follow When Finding Accommodation Near Swinburne?
International students searching for accommodation near Swinburne University should apply for on-campus housing up to 6 months before semester start, as spaces are limited. Providers should be verified through Swinburne's official accommodation portal or registered agencies. Students should never pay a deposit before viewing a property and signing a formal tenancy or licence agreement.
Swinburne's Student Services team offers accommodation advice, a housing noticeboard, and referrals to local accommodation agencies. International students should be cautious of online rental scams — legitimate landlords and agents will never request payment via wire transfer or ask for a deposit before a lease is signed. Using Swinburne's official Accommodation Resources page is the safest starting point.
- Apply for on-campus housing 6 months before your semester start date
- Use Swinburne's official accommodation portal and student housing noticeboard
- Verify properties in person or via video call before signing any agreement
- Never pay a deposit without a signed tenancy agreement
- Use Flatmates.com.au, Domain, or Amber Student for vetted off-campus listings
- Apply for a Myki concession card immediately after enrolling to save on public transport