Cost of Living
Understanding the costs that can be incurred while you study is an important part of planning your University experience, and navigating your budget and the living/study lifestyle balance.
With the rising cost of living, you can have some peace of mind knowing that living oncampus not only provides the best possible start to your university experience, fantastic opportunities, invaluable memories and lifelong friends, it also represents great value. All bills are included in the set weekly rental rate- including utilities and internet, so there are no hidden or unexpected costs.
Compare the options for yourself below with indicative costs (AUD) outlined for a couple of popular student accommodation choices. These figures are provided as a guide only and may vary depending on a range of location or lifestyle factors. All costs are subject to inflation.
Students are encouraged to do their own research and create a budget outline for their individual situations. The Careers and Employability team are also available to prepare Federation students for employment opportunities.
| Average Weekly Costs | Melbourne residential college (on or near campus) | Living off-campus in a private rental | Living on-campus with Fedliving |
| Weekly rental cost |
Average $260-675 (non-catered) | Average $150-300 rental per person in a shared 3-4 person house. |
$231 (2024 weekly rate, academic year contract, Mt Helen on-campus) |
| Rental term | 36-40 weeks | 52 weeks | 39 weeks |
| Food and groceries | Varies $125-150 | Varies $125-150 | Varies $125-150 |
| Bills (electricity, gas, water, internet) | Included | $40-60 | Included |
| Phone | $20-50 | $20-50 | $20-50 |
| Transport | $10-50 | $30-60 | $10-20 |
| Entertainment and social events |
$10-20 (many events often included) | $20-50 |
$10-20 (many events often included) |
| Health and Fitness | Often included | $15-20 | Health, Sports and Aquatics Centre membership included for Ballarat residents |
| Gardening | Included | $0-50 | Included |
| Cleaning | Common spaces cleaning included | $0-50 | Common spaces cleaning included |
| Bond | N/A |
Set-up costs (equivalent to 4 weeks rent) Rent in advance may also be required | N/A |
| Furniture | Included | Set-up costs $1000+ | Included |
| TOTAL | $945 | $790 | $471 |
| Other considerations | Accommodation offers and support will vary between colleges | Many of the costs outlined above are subject to increase in the event one person moves out of the sharehouse eg covering additional rent or bills Subject to potential rent or utilities price increases. | A range of organised events and activities are available for you to make the most of your University experience. Dedicated residential wellbeing support is available to assist you with transition and your university life balance. |
Contact Us
Have questions? or just want to chat about the options? We'd love to hear from you.
Phone | 03 5327 9480
Email | fedliving@federation.edu.au
Office Locations | Mt Helen (Ballarat), Gippsland (Churchill), Berwick
Office hours | 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.
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