Is Bundoora Good for Students? RMIT University Bundoora Area Review (2026)
If you are considering studying at RMIT Bundoora, you are probably wondering whether Bundoora is a good place to live. This guide assesses Bundoora across the categories that matter to students: transport, affordability, food, safety, social life, and overall livability.
RMIT University Bundoora sits at 264 Plenty Rd, Bundoora VIC 3083, and Bundoora is where most of the campus student life unfolds. With 8,000 students, the suburb is shaped significantly by university demand.
Student Rating Scorecard
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | 5/10 | Macleod (bus); tram routes 86 |
| Affordability | 9/10 | Share house $150-220/week; affordable for Melbourne |
| Food & Dining | 6/10 | Dining options concentrate along Plenty Road and within campus food courts. Pres… |
| Safety | 8/10 | spacious; campus security; well-lit areas |
| Social Life | 5/10 | Limited nightlife and student events |
| Overall | 6.6/10 |
Transport Assessment
Station: Macleod (bus) Tram routes: 86 CBD commute: 25-45 minutes
Bundoora gets a 5/10 for transport. Adequate transport but less frequent than inner suburbs. Plan around timetables rather than just showing up.
Myki cost impact: Zone 1-2 fares at $26.50/week concession. Transport is a significant budget item from this distance.
Affordability Assessment
Bundoora gets a 9/10 for affordability.
| Housing type | Weekly cost |
|---|---|
| Share house | $150-220/week |
| Studio | $220-300/week |
| One-bedroom | $260-360/week |
| PBSA | $280-400/week |
Bundoora offers some of the most affordable rents within commuting distance of RMIT. Share house rooms start at the lower end of the Melbourne scale.
Cheaper alternatives: Preston, Mill Park, Macleod, Kingsbury. Moving one suburb out can save $30-60 per week.
Food & Dining Assessment
Bundoora gets a 6/10 for food.
Dining options concentrate along Plenty Road and within campus food courts. Preston Market (bus or tram ride away) is a major fresh food destination with strong produce selection.
Good variety of dining options at student-friendly prices.
Grocery shopping: Aldi, Coles, and Woolworths are all accessible. Asian grocers and markets add variety.
Safety Assessment
Bundoora gets a 8/10 for safety.
The suburb is spacious. RMIT Bundoora has campus security, emergency phones, and well-lit pathways. Residential streets are quiet and well-maintained.
Standard precautions apply: use well-lit routes at night, keep the campus security number in your phone, and be aware of your surroundings – the same advice that applies in any suburb.
Social Life Assessment
Bundoora gets a 5/10 for social life.
Social life centres on campus events and local community. For nightlife, students typically head to the CBD or inner suburbs.
Campus clubs and societies are the social backbone regardless of location – they provide events, outings, and built-in community.
The Verdict
Bundoora is a good suburb for RMIT Bundoora students. The affordable rent is the main draw, with the trade-off being longer commutes and fewer immediate social options.
Best for: Budget-conscious students willing to commute for significantly lower rent.
Consider alternatives if: Social life and walkability are your top priorities – inner suburbs will suit you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bundoora a good suburb for students at RMIT University?
Yes. Bundoora scores well for students at RMIT Bundoora with strong transport access (5/10), affordable rent, and good food options. Overall student rating: 6.6/10.
What is the main disadvantage of living in Bundoora as a student?
The main trade-off in Bundoora is longer commute to the CBD.
How does Bundoora compare to other suburbs near RMIT?
Bundoora is the campus suburb for RMIT Bundoora. Compared to alternatives like Preston, it offers shorter commute times but typically higher rent.
Related Guides
- Student Accommodation Near RMIT University Bundoora (2026)
- Cheapest Suburbs to Rent Near RMIT University Bundoora (2026)
- Cheap Eats Near RMIT University Bundoora (2026)
- Student Guide to Bundoora: Living Near RMIT University Bundoora (2026)
Assessment based on university data, ABS Census 2021, PTV, Domain.com.au. Compiled April 2026.