About Bendigo
Bendigo is one of Victoria's most colorful regional cities, with all of its historic gold-rush charm, green parks, and flourishing arts and food scene. Students who want a mix of a relaxed lifestyle and top-notch education will love Bendigo! As a student living around Bendigo, you'll have access to affordable student accommodation in Bendigo, quiet cafés to study, and beautiful parklands to enjoy with friends.
Bendigo is the home of La Trobe University Bendigo and Bendigo TAFE, which attracts both domestic and international students year-round. Whether you're getting coffee on View Street, visiting Bendigo Art Gallery, or hunting for bargains at the weekend markets, there is always something to do here. And with train services to nearby towns and cities, like Melbourne, Ballarat, and Shepparton, you will never be bored on the weekends.
Best Student Accommodation in Bendigo
At Alphaway, we provide a variety of Bendigo student accommodation options to suit your budget. You can select from shared student apartments, ensuite student rooms, or luxe Bendigo student housing with premium amenities. Each listing is approved, secured, and backed by Alphaway's supportive 24/7 team, trusted by thousands of students globally. Explore and book student rooms in Bendigo confidently with us.
Why Choose Bendigo for Higher Education
Bendigo is a solid choice for students, thanks to its strong universities, friendly community, and reasonable living costs. La Trobe University Bendigo, along with Bendigo TAFE, provides a variety of excellent academic programs and practical learning opportunities. Students also find Bendigo's lifestyle much easier than big cities, while still enjoying internship opportunities, lots of culture, and international student housing that make student life easy.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Bendigo
When it comes to finding affordable student housing in Bendigo, location is key. Here are the most popular areas for student residences in Bendigo:
- Flora Hill: A little-known town that provides quick access to the La Trobe University Bendigo campus. It has several student flats close by, and shops and cafés.
- Bendigo CBD: Best suited for students who know they will enjoy city living, the CBD has shared student apartments, and private student studio in Bendigo. Great accessibility to nightlife, restaurants, and public transport.
- Kennington: A student-friendly neighborhood with supermarkets, gyms and cheap rental apartments for students in Bendigo.
- White Hills: A bit quieter and more affordable than the city center, White Hills has great bus route access and offers peaceful living in tandem with city living.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Bendigo
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA): PBSA is the most sought-after option, which provides ensuite student bedrooms, shared student apartments in Bendigo and private studios. Most PBSAs are furnished and all-inclusive, meaning that rent will include Wi-Fi, utility bills, study areas, gyms and 24/7 security. PBSA is a great choice for international students looking for a modern and secure living environment.
- University Halls: This includes campus resident halls for both La Trobe University Bendigo. This accommodation includes amenities with rent.
- Shared Apartments: Students have the option of renting apartments with friends or flatmates and have full control over bills and utility management. An ideal option for students wanting more control over their utility bills.
Cost of Living in Bendigo for International Students
The cost of living in Bendigo for students is more affordable than in major cities like Melbourne or Sydney. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of living in Bendigo for international students:
- Rental Costs: AUD 180-300/week depending on whether you opt for a shared student apartment in Bendigo or luxury student accommodation.
- Food: AUD 80-120 per month if shopped at Coles, Aldi or Woolworths.
- Travel: AUD 60-90 per month if utilizing student Myki for bus and train travel.
- Dining: AUD 15-30 per meal in local cafes or restaurants.
- Entertainment & Shopping: AUD 80-120 per month for cinema, shopping or events.
Transportation in Bendigo
Getting around from your Bendigo student accommodation is simple and affordable:
- Buses: A dependable and cost-effective method of transport that connects student residences in Bendigo to campuses and shopping areas.
- Trains: Convenient transport links to Melbourne and other cities in Victoria. It has frequent services.
- Cycling: Plenty of students cycle around Flora Hill and the CBD on the dedicated bike route.
- Student Discounts: international students can benefit from Myki student concessions for buses and trains.
Student Life in Bendigo
Bendigo student life is warm, friendly, and full of opportunities.
- Restaurants & Cafés: Indulge in brunches, lunches and delicious dinners at restaurants in the CBD. The city also has tons of cafes with great coffee and a perfect ambiance for studying.
- Student Clubs & Societies: La Trobe University Bendigo has a variety of clubs from sports clubs to cultural clubs.
- Markets & Shopping: Go to Bendigo Marketplace for retail shopping or weekend farmers’ markets for local products.
- Weekend Trips: Melbourne is a short train ride away as well as towns such as Castlemaine that would be great weekend trips.
- Arts & Culture: Explore the beautiful Bendigo Art Gallery or attend one of the live cultural shows at The Capital Theatre.
Universities in Bendigo
- La Trobe University Bendigo: La Trobe University Bendigo is a prominent regional campus in Victoria that provides a range of programs across health, business, education, and creative arts. The campus has strong ties to the local industries. Its focus on real-world learning, research, and career development leads to great opportunities for students.
- Bendigo TAFE: Bendigo TAFE offers vocational education and training through courses that provide students with "job ready" skills in many fields. It also provides pathways into higher education, making it suitable for those who would like to enhance their careers one day at a time. Together, both create a great learning environment in advanced educational experiences.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- University Scholarships: La Trobe University Bendigo provides merit-based or need-based scholarships for international and Australian students.
- Federal Grants: Domestic students who meet the requirements can apply for funding through HECS-HELP or other student loans.
- International Scholarships: There are many available Australian scholarships for international students, including Australia Awards.
- GCC-Specific Scholarships: Gulf students can apply for funding from their embassy, ministries, or local organizations.
Tips for International Students in Bendigo
- Open a Bank Account: Helps you manage your daily living expenses in Bendigo.
- Get a Local SIM: You can get a cheap plan through a provider, like Telstra or Optus, that will be more student-friendly.
- Use Student Discounts: You can save money on transport, shopping and dining locally to Bendigo using ISIC and UNiDAYS.
- Alphaway Support: Help settle into Bendigo easily for international students, from airport pickups to essential kits.
Health, Safety & Well-being in Bendigo
- Health: Students should register with Medicare or a local general practitioner to get accredited access to healthcare.
- Safety: Bendigo is safe, student accommodation has around-the-clock security and swipe card access.
- Emergency Numbers: Call 000 for any emergency. Save your university security contact number.
- Mental Health: A free counselling and support service is provided to students at La Trobe University, Bendigo.