Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s economic powerhouse — a chaotic, thrilling megacity of 9 million and 7 million motorbikes. RMIT Vietnam (Australia’s international campus), Vietnam National University HCMC, and Ton Duc Thang University attract a rapidly growing international student population. Housing is among the cheapest in Asia.
RMIT Vietnam (District 7 — Phú Mỹ Hưng)
RMIT is in Phú Mỹ Hưng, Saigon’s planned “new urban area” — wide boulevards, manicured parks, and modern condo towers. It feels like Singapore transported to Vietnam.
- Phú Mỹ Hưng: Walking distance to RMIT. Modern serviced apartments and condo buildings. VND 5–10 million/month (USD 200–400). The Crescent Mall area has international restaurants.
- VND 3–5 million/month for a room in a shared house.
VNU-HCM (Thu Duc City)
VNU’s campus is in Thu Duc, northeast of central Saigon. Suburban, quieter, with a large student village around the campus. Rooms VND 1.5–3 million/month (USD 60–120). Student dorms: VND 800,000–1.5 million/month (USD 30–60) — yes, thirty dollars.
District 1 & District 3 (City Centre)
Ton Duc Thang University and many language schools are in the centre. District 1 is the tourist and expat zone. District 3 is more local and authentically Saigon. Rooms VND 3–6 million/month.
The Vietnamese Housing Landscape
- Nhà trọ (rooming house): Basic private room in a family home or purpose-built block. Shared facilities. VND 1.5–3 million/month. The standard student option.
- Chung cư mini (mini apartment): Self-contained studio in a 4–5 story building. VND 3–5 million/month.
- Chung cư cao cấp (high-end condo): Full amenities (pool, gym, security). VND 5–12 million/month. Popular with RMIT and international students.
Motorbike Life
Saigon runs on motorbikes. You CAN survive with Grab (SE Asia’s Uber) and buses, but a motorbike or scooter gives you the city. Rent: VND 1–1.5 million/month. Buy a used one: VND 5–10 million. International driving permits are accepted.
FAQ
Is Saigon safe? Generally yes for students. The main dangers are traffic (crossing the street is an acquired skill) and phone snatching (don’t hold your phone loosely on the sidewalk). Do I need Vietnamese? For daily student life in Phú Mỹ Hưng or District 1, no. For housing beyond those areas, basic Vietnamese helps enormously. Monthly budget? VND 8–15 million/month (USD 330–620). This can be one of the world’s cheapest student lifestyles.