Introduction
Student Living - 740 Swanston is a purpose-built student accommodation located in Carlton, Victoria, directly adjacent to the RMIT University city campus. With weekly rents starting at AUD 412 (indicative — confirm with the operator), it sits above Melbourne’s city-wide from-price of AUD 219 per week. The property offers a mix of unit types — including studios, one-bedroom apartments, non-ensuite rooms, and independent houses — and is available for leases starting 09 July 2026. Given its mixed online reviews and location-centric positioning, this residence suits a specific type of student but may disappoint others.
Suitability — Who This Residence Is For and Who It Might Not Suit
Who this residence may work well for:
- RMIT students who want a commute on foot. The address in Carlton places the property steps from RMIT’s main buildings, eliminating travel time and costs.
- Students entering Melbourne for Semester 2, 2026. The available date of 09 July 2026 aligns with the Australian mid-year intake.
- Those who value location over spacious interiors or modern finishes. The property is not luxury accommodation, but reviewers acknowledge it is livable and convenient.
- Students sharing with a partner. The listing explicitly mentions dual-occupancy options, which can lower the per-person weekly cost.
- Anyone comfortable with a no-frills living environment that provides laundry, a study room, and bicycle parking.
Who may want to look elsewhere:
- Budget-conscious students targeting Melbourne’s entry-level price of AUD 219 per week. Student Living 740 Swanston is roughly double that baseline, even at the lower end.
- Students who prefer generous room sizes or recent refurbishments. One Google review specifically describes the rooms as “narrow” and “closed in,” and notes the interior “highly needs refurnishing.”
- Anyone seeking consistent, high-quality accommodation. The property’s Google rating of 2.4 (out of 5) from ten reviews indicates a split reputation. Two reviewers give it 5 stars; one gives it 1 star.
- Students who need absolute quiet or extensive private study space. The study room is shared, and reviews suggest the private units are compact.
What Residents Actually Say
The ten Google reviews produce a rating of 2.4 stars, but the written feedback tells a more nuanced story. Two positive reviews and one strongly negative review are publicly available. They are quoted here verbatim.
Positive: Clara Niña (5 stars)
“I do recognise there are nicer places and the rooms ain’t perfect but for someone like me who is used to overpriced tiny rooms with not even space to walk around it’s great. For students definitely doable. I think people are to harsh about it. Feel free to dislike things here that’s so fair, but imma say I’m happy. Big”
Positive: s_h_w_a_o (5 stars)
“This apartment is good value for money. It is very close to the university, and it has a balcony and a kitchen. The reception staff are also very friendly.”
Negative: Susan Heremia (1 star)
“This Student accommodation is very expensive for students. One narrow, hall room area, is all they have. I see the back rooms view, are very closed in, with 1 small, window, blinds are closed mostly, n covered. Highly needs refurnishing, should be a sliding door out to 2 foot balcony. The, left side building, windows, ”
These three reviews highlight the central debate around this property: it provides functional proximity to campus at a price that some find fair and others find high for the quality offered. The positive reviews emphasize value relative to other cramped student housing options and praise the staff and location. The negative review focuses on room dimensions, natural light, and overall condition.
Price Positioning vs. The Melbourne Market
- Melbourne city from-price (indicative): AUD 219 per week.
- Student Living 740 Swanston price range (indicative): AUD 412 to AUD 464 per week.
At roughly AUD 193 to AUD 245 above the city’s lowest advertised rate, this residence occupies a mid-range position among Melbourne’s 137 student properties. The premium is largely driven by the Carlton location and the specific unit types offered.
What the price likely covers:
- Proximity to RMIT (0–5 minute walk).
- A variety of room configurations, including private studios and one-bedroom units (which tend to cost more than shared rooms or non-ensuite options across the market).
- Shared onsite amenities: laundry, study room, bicycle parking.
What to confirm with the operator:
- Whether utilities (electricity, water, gas) and internet are included in the weekly rent.
- Deposit amount (not listed in the available data).
- Any additional fees for dual occupancy.
Given the low barriers to entry for cheaper rooms elsewhere in Melbourne (especially shared houses or older non-ensuite apartments), prospective tenants should weigh whether the location premium is worth the higher weekly spend. The property is not the cheapest option in the city, and the negative review argues the cost does not match the interior condition.
Room-Type Guidance
The listing includes four unit types. Each suits a different budget and lifestyle.
1. Non-ensuite
- Likely the most affordable option within the building.
- Shared bathroom with other residents on the same floor.
- Best for students who want to minimize rent and do not require a private bathroom.
2. Studio
- Self-contained unit with kitchen, living, and sleeping space.
- Private bathroom.
- Suits those who prefer solitude and have a higher budget.
3. One-bedroom (1b)
- Separate bedroom and living area.
- More space than a studio.
- Suitable for students who want a clear separation between sleeping and studying.
4. Independent house
- Likely a separate house-style unit within the same complex or portfolio.
- May offer more space or a different lease structure.
- Best for small groups or those wanting a house experience with student accommodation services.
Dual occupancy is listed as a tag. This means tenants can share a studio or one-bedroom unit with a partner or friend, splitting the rent. This can bring the per-person cost closer to AUD 200–232 per week, improving affordability.
Booking Timing for 2026
The property becomes available on 09 July 2026, and the minimum lease term is 20 weeks (roughly one standard academic semester). This timing is ideal for:
- Students starting RMIT in Semester 2 (late July).
- Students transferring from other universities mid-year.
- Those who want a fixed, short-term lease without a full-year commitment.
Melbourne’s student housing market includes 137 listed properties, so competition for popular locations near RMIT can be brisk. Starting to research and contact operators by early 2026 (March–April) would give you time to compare unit options, request a virtual tour, and review the lease terms before the July intake. Because the property has a low overall rating, a pre-lease inspection or video walkthrough is strongly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Student Living 740 Swanston from RMIT University?
The property is located on Swanston Street in Carlton, which is directly adjacent to the RMIT City campus. Most RMIT buildings are within a 5- to 10-minute walk. One Google reviewer notes that the accommodation is “very close to the university.” This is likely the property’s strongest selling point.
What is included in the weekly rent?
The listed amenities include laundry facilities, a study room, and bicycle parking. The weekly rent for a standard room ranges from AUD 412 to AUD 464 (indicative — confirm with the operator). It is not specified whether utilities such as electricity, water, or internet are included in this rate. You should verify the full cost breakdown directly with the property management before signing a lease.
Can I arrange a viewing or check availability for 2026?
The available date is listed as 09 July 2026. To confirm current room availability, specific unit prices, and lease terms, you should contact the property operator directly. A pre-lease inspection — either in person or virtual — is recommended given the property’s mixed reviews and the reported condition of some rooms.
Sources & Data Date
Data sourced from the Amber platform (property ID: amber-143003), Google reviews (3 public reviews), and property listing details. Data date: July 2026. All prices are indicative and must be confirmed with the operator before any booking decision.
For current 2026 availability and specific lease options, you can use the on-site assistant to check directly with the operator.
See also: listing details · browse more