Overview and Location
Student Living - 339 Swanston is a student accommodation property located at Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia – right in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. The building sits on Swanston Street, one of the city’s main thoroughfares, placing residents within walking distance of public transport, retail outlets, dining options, and several university campuses. According to resident feedback, the location scores 4.6 out of 5 on the property’s internal rating dimensions, which is the highest-rated category.
The property is available from 3 August 2026, with a minimum lease term of 26 weeks – approximately six months. It offers three room types: non-ensuite, ensuite, and independent house (likely referring to self-contained studio or apartment units). Shared facilities include laundry, a vending machine, and a study room. The property also allows dual occupancy (two residents sharing a room) in some unit types, though this should be confirmed with the operator.
Who This Residence Suits (and Who It Doesn’t)
Student Living - 339 Swanston is best suited for students or young professionals who prioritise being in the centre of Melbourne and appreciate a community-oriented living environment. The building’s strong location rating suggests that convenience is a key selling point. Residents who need quick access to campus, shops, and the city’s nightlife will find the address convenient.
The property may be a good fit for those who value responsive management. One Google reviewer, Adarsh Sahare, stated: “Great place to live, great location, responsive staff. All of my maintenance issues gets solved within 48 hours.” Another resident, Sayantani Ghosh, praised the community: “Living at 339 Swanston Street (Jensen House, formerly UniLodge) has been amazing! Right in the heart of the city, it’s hard to find fully furnished accommodation at this price in Melbourne CBD. The community here is what makes it special—Prerna and Nacho (our RAs) are incredible, always friendly and helpful.”
The property also suits those who are comfortable with a longer commitment – the minimum lease of 26 weeks is longer than typical semester leases (often 18–20 weeks). If you plan to stay for a full academic year or longer, this is fine. However, if you need flexibility for a shorter stay (e.g., a summer course or exchange of 12 weeks), this property may not be suitable unless the operator offers shorter leases as an option – the published minimum is 26 weeks.
Who it doesn’t suit: Budget-conscious students looking for the cheapest possible accommodation in Melbourne. The citywide starting price for student housing in Melbourne is 219 AUD per week (indicative). Student Living - 339 Swanston starts at 425 AUD weekly (indicative – confirm with the operator), which is roughly double the city’s entry-level rate. While the property’s location and amenities justify the premium, it is not a low-cost option. Additionally, the internal rating for “value for money” is 3.5 out of 5 – lower than location (4.6) and staff (4.2). This suggests some residents feel the price is fair but not exceptional.
Those who prioritise high-speed internet and top-tier amenities may also want to look elsewhere: internet and amenities both received a 3.5 out of 5. While these are still within the average range, they are the lowest-scoring categories.
What Residents Actually Say
We have three Google reviews for this property (as of the data date). The overall Google rating is 3.4 out of 5 from 90 reviews – a mixed score. Let’s look at the quoted reviews:
Adarsh Sahare (5 stars): “Great place to live, great location, responsive staff. All of my maintenance issues gets solved within 48 hours.”
This review highlights efficiency in maintenance and a positive staff experience. The internal staff rating of 4.2 supports this.
Sayantani Ghosh (5 stars): “Living at 339 Swanston Street (Jensen House, formerly UniLodge) has been amazing! Right in the heart of the city, it’s hard to find fully furnished accommodation at this price in Melbourne CBD. The community here is what makes it special—Prerna and Nacho (our RAs) are incredible, always friendly and helpful. Tanay is j” (the rest appears truncated).
Despite the cut-off, this review emphasises the community feel and the convenience of the location relative to price. The reference to “RAs” (resident assistants) indicates an active social programme – consistent with the internal social rating of 4.2.
Jamieson Bolt (5 stars): “As their first point of call for all plumbing issues, the relationship between Joniec Plumbing and the team at Student Living on Swanston has grown so much over the years and it has been truly incredible to work with them.”
This is from a tradesperson rather than a resident, but it still speaks to the building management’s professionalism and long-term relationships with service providers. That can be a positive sign for reliability.
Keep in mind that these are just three positive reviews. The overall Google rating of 3.4 suggests there are critical reviews as well. Common complaints in student accommodation in Melbourne often relate to building age, noise, or deposit disputes – but we cannot confirm those without seeing the full review set. Prospective residents should weigh the positive feedback on staff and location against the moderate value-for-money rating.
Price Positioning vs City From-Price
Melbourne’s student accommodation market offers a wide range. The cheapest property listed on the same platform (from the same city) starts at 219 AUD per week (indicative). That is likely a basic shared room or non-ensuite in a less central location.
Student Living - 339 Swanston starts at 425 AUD per week (indicative – confirm with the operator) and goes up to 655 AUD. That places it in the mid-to-upper price tier for Melbourne student housing. For comparison:
- City starting price: 219 AUD/week (indicative)
- Property minimum: 425 AUD/week (indicative) – about 94% above the city’s base.
- Property maximum: 655 AUD/week (indicative) – the high end of what you might pay for a premium ensuite or studio in a central location.
Given the location score of 4.6 and the fact that it is fully furnished (as mentioned in the review), the price may reflect the premium of being on Swanston Street. Residents should consider whether they are willing to pay extra for direct access to the CBD versus renting in suburbs like Carlton, Parkville, or Southbank, which may be cheaper but require a tram ride.
Room-Type Guidance
The property offers three unit types: non-ensuite, ensuite, and independent house.
- Non-ensuite: Typically a bedroom with shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. This is the most affordable option. Starting price is 425 AUD/week (indicative). Suitable for students on a budget who don’t mind sharing facilities.
- Ensuite: Private bathroom, likely with shared kitchen and common areas. Price goes up from the base – you will likely pay closer to the midpoint or maximum (e.g., 500–600 AUD/week, indicative). Ideal for those who want more privacy.
- Independent house: Likely a studio or one-bedroom apartment with private kitchen and bathroom. This is the most expensive option (up to 655 AUD/week, indicative). Best for students who prefer complete independence, couples, or those who will be staying long-term.
All room types are available for dual occupancy (two people sharing) in some configurations. If you plan to share with a roommate, confirm whether the price per person or per room applies. The operator can clarify.
Booking Timing
The property becomes available from 3 August 2026. For students starting a semester in late July or early August (typical second semester in Australia), this aligns well. However, if you need accommodation before August (e.g., for a February intake), you would need to look at other properties.
The minimum lease of 26 weeks means you would be committed until at least February 2027. If you are planning a full academic year (e.g., February to November 2026), you would need to check if the operator offers contracts starting earlier. The available date suggests this property may be geared toward a mid-year intake.
Booking early is generally advisable for popular CBD properties, especially those with good location scores. As of the data date (July 2026), the property is listed as available from August 2026, meaning it may have been released for the upcoming semester. If you are reading this article in, say, mid-2026, you still have time to secure a room – but don’t wait too long. We recommend contacting the operator to confirm current availability and lease start options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the property close to universities?
The property is located in the Melbourne CBD. Several universities have campuses nearby. The exact walking distance depends on the specific institution, but most students can reach campus within 10–20 minutes on foot or by tram. The internal location rating is 4.6 out of 5, indicating strong satisfaction among residents regarding proximity to study and city amenities.
Q: What is included in the rent? Are utilities extra?
The listed price range (425–655 AUD weekly, indicative) generally includes furniture and basic utilities such as water, electricity, and internet for student accommodation in Melbourne. However, the exact inclusions vary by room type and operator. The property’s tags mention laundry and a study room but do not specify whether internet is included. Given the internet rating of 3.5, it is likely provided but may have limitations in speed or reliability. Always confirm the rental terms with the operator before signing.
Q: Can I cancel my booking after arrival? What is the refund policy?
This property does not publicly display a deposit amount or cancellation policy in the available data. Student accommodation operators typically require a deposit (often 2–4 weeks’ rent) and have a cooling-off period (e.g., 48 hours after signing) for free cancellation, followed by partial forfeiture of deposit if you cancel later. Since the data does not include a deposit figure, you must verify the full terms directly with the operator. We recommend reading the contract thoroughly and asking about early-termination fees before committing.
Sources & Data Date
All pricing, ratings, and review quotes are sourced from the platform data as of July 2026. Prices are indicative – confirm with the operator. Ratings are based on 90 Google reviews (overall 3.4) and internal dimension scores from the property listing.
For live availability, current room types, and personalised booking options, use the on-site assistant to connect with the operator directly.
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