Scape Berkeley 1: A Detailed Decision Review
Scape Berkeley 1 is a student accommodation property located at Carlton VIC 3053, Australia, in the inner-north of Melbourne. It offers studio and non-ensuite room types with weekly rents ranging from AUD 329 to AUD 679. The property benefits from proximity to the city centre and RMIT University, and has an overall Google rating of 4.2 from 62 reviews. This review breaks down who the residence suits, what residents really say, how its pricing compares to the wider Melbourne market, and the best timing for booking.
Who is this residence best suited for?
Scape Berkeley 1 works well for students who prioritise a central location and a strong support network from staff. The property scores 4.7 for location and 4.4 for staff in resident ratings, both notably high. Being in Carlton means it is within walking distance to RMIT University and the Melbourne CBD, making it a practical choice for students who want to avoid long commutes.
The property also appeals to those who value on-site social spaces. It includes a social lounge, gaming zone, and bicycle storage. Residents looking for a community feel will find monthly activities organised by the staff, as mentioned in reviews. The non-ensuite rooms (likely share facilities) are a more budget-friendly option within the same building, which broadens the range of price points available.
Students who prefer a straightforward, secure tenancy with flexible lease length can consider this property. The shortest lease is 14 weeks, so it can suit both semester-based students and those needing a shorter stay.
Who might want to look elsewhere?
While the location and staff receive high marks, other aspects are rated lower (mostly 3.5 out of 5 in the resident rating dimensions: food, social, accuracy, cleaning, amenities, community, condition, indoor spaces, room experience, safety/security, study environment, property maintenance). The property is described by one reviewer as “a bit old”, which may not suit students seeking brand-new finishes or modern amenities.
The price range of AUD 329–679 per week is above the city’s overall from-price of AUD 219. For students on a tight budget, the non-ensuite option at the lower end may still be manageable, but the cheapest rooms here are still significantly more expensive than the most affordable options elsewhere in Melbourne (which can be under AUD 250). If absolute low cost is the priority, exploring other properties with shared flats or older buildings might be necessary.
Additionally, the property received a 3.5 rating for ‘study environment’, so students who need a very quiet, library-like atmosphere may need to rely on external study spaces rather than their room or the common areas. The social spaces and activities could also be a distraction for those who prefer complete solitude.
What residents actually say
Three Google reviews give insight into real experiences:
Riz L (5 stars): “Amazing living experience in large studio. Good views, comfortable living standards, safe management and perfect location. Many thanks to Jhanvi and Katherine from reception, for very kind and patient response. Personally highly recommended SB1 anyways ^^”
Aryan Sawan (4 stars): “One of the affordable locations of scape currently in Carlton and near cbd area . The staff is really friendly and approachable and almost always resolves any issues . Although the building is a bit old but it makes up for that more than enough in other aspects.”
张峻朗 (5 stars): “very good place to live, not far away from the city and the university. Good service with good staff , have a lot of activities every month. Give me a good experience in Australia.”
Common themes: staff friendliness and responsiveness (mentioned in all three), location convenience (city and university proximity), and the trade-off of an older building for other benefits. The “large studio” gets specific praise for views and comfort. The presence of monthly activities is noted as a positive. No major complaints about cleanliness or safety appear in these reviews, though the broader rating data suggests moderate satisfaction across the board.
Price positioning and room-type guidance
The weekly price range of AUD 329–679 (indicative — confirm with the operator) places Scape Berkeley 1 in the mid-to-upper tier of Melbourne student housing. The city’s from-price (the cheapest available listing across all properties) is AUD 219, so this residence starts about AUD 110 above that floor. The upper end at AUD 679 is quite high, likely for large studios with premium features.
Room-type breakdown (based on unit types listed: studio, non-ensuite):
- Non-ensuite: These are the more affordable option (likely at the lower end of the price range). They share bathroom and kitchen facilities, typical for budget-conscious students. Expect to pay around the AUD 329–400 range.
- Studio: Private bathroom and kitchenette, offering more independence. These are priced higher, from roughly AUD 450 up to AUD 679 for larger studios with better views.
When choosing between the two, consider your budget and need for privacy. If you are willing to share common areas, the non-ensuite provides decent value relative to the property’s location and services. If you prefer complete privacy, a studio is the clear choice.
The minimum lease of 14 weeks is flexible enough for both semester and short-term stays. Note that prices can vary by room size, floor level, and lease start date. Always confirm the exact price for your preferred room with the operator.
Booking timing considerations
Melbourne’s student housing market sees peak demand from December to February (for the academic year starting in February/March) and again in June/July (for mid-year intake). Scape Berkeley 1, with its good location and ratings, is likely to fill up early, especially for the most affordable non-ensuite rooms and the popular larger studios.
If you are planning to move in for Semester 1 (starting February 2026), start your search in October–November 2025 to have the widest choice. For Semester 2 (July 2026), begin looking around March–April 2026. Last-minute bookings might still be possible but could push you toward higher-priced or less desired room configurations.
The property’s 14-week minimum lease makes it suitable for students who want to lock in a shorter stay without committing to a full year. However, if you are arriving in Australia on a temporary visa and need flexibility, early booking is recommended to secure your preferred room type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scape Berkeley 1 close to RMIT University?
Yes, the property is located at Carlton VIC 3053, which is directly adjacent to the RMIT University campus. Resident ratings give location a 4.7 out of 5, and the Google reviews mention convenience to both the city and the university. Walking to most RMIT buildings takes under 15 minutes.
What are the lease length options?
The standard minimum lease is 14 weeks. This is shorter than many purpose-built student accommodations that require a full semester (usually 20–26 weeks) or a full year. It allows for flexibility if you are on a short-term exchange or need a temporary stay. You can likely choose longer leases as well, but the minimum is 14 weeks — confirm specific options with the operator.
How do I check current availability and prices?
Room types, availability, and exact prices change frequently. The numbers provided (AUD 329–679 weekly, indicative) are a general guide. To see live availability and get a confirmed quote for your desired move-in date and room type, use the on-site assistant available on this page.
Sources & data date
All pricing, ratings, and property details are sourced from the listing data as of July 2026. Prices are indicative and should be confirmed directly with the operator. Reviews are from Google and reflect experiences as of the data collection date.
For live availability and personalised assistance, use the on-site assistant on this page.
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