About Regional Victoria
Regional Victoria presents a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle, allowing students to receive a quality education at a relatively affordable cost of living. The region is noted for its friendly communities, natural beauty and safety with regional cities that include Bendigo, Ballarat and Wodonga. Students will enjoy foliage-lined communities, bustling local markets and a vibrant café culture, all near their universities.
Regional Victoria also has some of the top-ranked institutions and universities like La Trobe University Bendigo, La Trobe University Wodonga, and Federation University Ballarat, all of which offer great accommodation for international students. For budget-conscious students looking for affordable student accommodation in Regional Victoria, the city has tons of options. Whether you want to explore locally or take weekend trips to cities like Melbourne or Geelong, the city’s transport is super convenient.
Best Student Accommodation in Regional Victoria
Alphaway is your source for the best student housing in Regional, whether you're looking for budget-friendly shared student apartments, mid-range ensuite student rooms, or luxury student accommodation. Every property is verified, safe, and trusted by thousands of students. Our listing offers purpose-built student accommodation in Regional Victoria with 24/7 support, contemporary amenities, and flexible contracts. Find student residences in Regional Victoria below and discover your ideal student home:
Why Choose Regional Victoria for Higher Education
Regional Victoria is one of Australia's best study destinations, combining quality education and affordable student accommodation with community support. Students gain access to universities, engaging learning, and connections to the business, health, and engineering sectors. For international students, Regional Victoria's lower average cost of living offers fantastic value for money and the added benefit of studying in a safe, friendly, and diverse environment.
Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Regional Victoria
Here are the most popular areas in Regional Victoria for students to live:
- Bendigo (Flora Hill): This area is well-liked by students at La Trobe University Bendigo and offers student accommodation in Regional Victoria with proximity to university, gyms, and shopping centers.
- Ballarat (Mount Helen): Home to Federation University, this area has affordable student accommodation in Regional Victoria with good public transport links.
- Wodonga: An ideal area for students of LaTrobe University Wodonga, with affordable student accommodations near cafés and green open spaces.
- Shepparton: A small city with a great sense of community, with affordable housing options and a strong connection to La Trobe University’s Shepparton campus.
- Bendigo CBD: If you want to be close to shops, cafes, restaurants, nightlife and have direct bus services to the universities, Bendigo CBD is the best area for students.
Different Types of Student Accommodation in Regional Victoria
- Private Student Accommodation (PBSA): This remains the most common accommodation choice for students and encompasses newly built and purpose-built student housing in Regional Victoria. Options include shared student apartments, ensuite student rooms, and private student studios. All bedrooms are furnished with quality furniture, and rental fees include bills, utilities, and in most cases, high-speed Wi-Fi, study lounges, gyms, and laundry facilities. These modern student residences offer a strong sense of community as well as safety.
- University Halls: Aimed specifically at students attending universities such as La Trobe University or Federation University, university halls are typically accommodations at the university itself or very close to campus. Amenities differ, but the convenience of living on or very near campus and great social community living is like that in a PBSA.
- Shared Apartments: Private student flats or apartments to rent near universities in Regional Victoria are one of the most affordable accommodation options. These options offer students the most independence, though they also often require students to manage the utility bills and the lease for the accommodation.
Cost of Living in Regional Victoria for International Students
The average cost of living in Regional Victoria for students is lower than in Melbourne, making it attractive for students. Typical living expenses in Regional Victoria include:
- Housing/accommodation: Rent is between AUD 160-280/week. This is for student accommodation in Regional Victoria. PBSAs include utilities and Wi-Fi in rent.
- Groceries: Grocery expenses will cost AUD 250-350/month if you shop at Coles, Woolworths, or Aldi.
- Transportation: Travel expense is around AUD 60-100/month for students using bus &/or train services daily.
- Dining (eating out): Expect to spend on average AUD 12-25 per meal at a cafe or restaurant.
- Entertainment/Shopping: Budget around AUD 80-120/month for entertainment and shopping. This will include things such as cinemas, local markets, or day trips or weekend trips.
Transportation in Regional Victoria
Transportation in Regional Victoria is easy, convenient, and affordable for students.
- Buses: Inexpensive and dependable, helping students commute between residential points, university and city centers.
- Trains: Regular V/Line connection services connect Regional Victoria to Melbourne and adjacent towns.
- Biking: A number of students bike for their short trips, especially in Bendigo and Ballarat.
- Airports: Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport allow access to international travel.
- Student Transport Passes: All students travelling on regional buses and trains can make use of student concession cards for discounted travel.
Student Life in Regional Victoria
Regional Victoria blends study with a rich lifestyle, offering both relaxation and entertainment.
- Restaurants & Cafés: Explore the restaurants at CBD for delicious multi-cuisine dishes and enjoy the lively café environment near student accommodations in Regional Victoria.
- Student Clubs & Events: Join university clubs to meet like-minded people and make new friends.
- Markets & Malls: Explore weekly farmers' markets and shopping malls for essentials and leisure.
- Day Tripping: Convenient travel for a weekend day trip to Melbourne, Geelong, or the Grampians for nature and culture.
- Libraries & Study Space: Modern university libraries and local community study spaces are ample in Regional Victoria.
Universities in Regional Victoria
- La Trobe University Bendigo: La Trobe University Bendigo is known for its high-quality programs in health, education, business and creative arts. Its strong industry connections provide students with opportunities for real-world experience.
- La Trobe University Wodonga: La Trobe University Wodonga is focused on health, education and science with a drive for community engagement and regional development.
- Federation University Ballarat: Federation University in Ballarat is a popular option for domestic and international students and is strong in the areas of engineering, IT and business.
- Bendigo TAFE & Wodonga TAFE: Students who want vocational pathways choose Bendigo TAFE and Wodonga TAFE, where there are high-quality pathways for training in trades, health care and business with many opportunities for avenues of work, education and skill development in Regional Victoria.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Scholarships from Universities: Both La Trobe University and Federation University provide merit-based and need-based scholarships for both domestic and international students.
- Australian Government Support: The Australian government provides tuition grants and living support for eligible students through its various schemes.
- International Student Scholarships: To study in Australia, students can apply for Australia Awards scholarships or Destination Australia scholarships.
- Scholarship Support for GCC Countries: These include funding options for students from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the Gulf.
Tips for International Students
- Set up a local bank account for rent and everyday expenses.
- Get an Australian SIM card (Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone) for value-for-money plans.
- Customization for meeting local etiquette-friendly greetings goes a long way in your student community.
- You can track living costs in Regional Victoria and take advantage of student discounts with travel cards.
- Alphaway also provides support services such as airport pickup and essentials kits, to help you settle in.
Health & Safety Tips & Student Well-Being Resources
- Contact a local GP for healthcare coverage supported by Medicare.
- Keep emergency contacts (including 000 for emergencies) saved.
- Use concession passes for safe re-entrance purposes at night.
- Universities in Regional Victoria provide students with free access to counselling, support groups and wellbeing resources.