Finding accommodation in Melbourne from India requires starting early and knowing which platforms and strategies actually work.

University-managed student accommodation is the safest starting point. The University of Melbourne, Monash, RMIT, and Deakin all have on-campus or affiliated residential colleges. Apply through your university's accommodation portal as soon as you receive your offer. Waiting until after enrolment is too late for most popular options.

Private purpose-built student accommodation is another option. Providers like UniLodge, Scape, and Iglu operate across Melbourne and offer furnished rooms with bills included. These are more expensive than shared private rentals but are straightforward to book from overseas and are legitimate operations. Prices range from $250 to $450 per week depending on room type and location.

Private shared rentals are the cheapest option but require more effort. Domain.com.au and Realestate.com.au are the main platforms. Facebook groups like "Melbourne Student Accommodation" and Indian student groups specific to your university are active and regularly have students subletting rooms or looking for housemates.

A note on timing: Melbourne's rental market is competitive in January and February, when the Australian academic year begins. If you are arriving for Semester 1, start your search in October or November. For Semester 2 (July), start in April or May.

Australian landlords typically ask for a bond (security deposit) equal to four weeks of rent, paid upfront before moving in. This bond must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA), which holds it independently of the landlord. If your landlord asks for cash and does not give you an RTBA lodgement receipt, that is a warning sign.