Is Burwood Good for Students? Deakin University Burwood Area Review (2026)
If you are considering studying at Deakin Burwood, you are probably wondering whether Burwood is a good place to live. This guide assesses Burwood across the categories that matter to students: transport, affordability, food, safety, social life, and overall livability.
Deakin University Burwood sits at 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood VIC 3125, and Burwood is where most of the campus student life unfolds. With 20,000 students, the suburb is shaped significantly by university demand.
Student Rating Scorecard
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | 5/10 | Blackburn (bus); tram routes 75 |
| Affordability | 9/10 | Share house $150-220/week; affordable for Melbourne |
| Food & Dining | 6/10 | Burwood Highway has a mix of Asian restaurants and cafes catering to the student… |
| Safety | 8/10 | quiet; campus security; well-lit areas |
| Social Life | 5/10 | Limited nightlife and student events |
| Overall | 6.6/10 |
Transport Assessment
Station: Blackburn (bus) Tram routes: 75 CBD commute: 25-45 minutes
Burwood 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
Burwood 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 |
Burwood offers some of the most affordable rents within commuting distance of Deakin. Share house rooms start at the lower end of the Melbourne scale.
Cheaper alternatives: Box Hill, Glen Iris, Ashburton, Camberwell. Moving one suburb out can save $30-60 per week.
Food & Dining Assessment
Burwood gets a 6/10 for food.
Burwood Highway has a mix of Asian restaurants and cafes catering to the student population. Box Hill dining precinct (short bus ride) offers more variety. Prices are lower than inner-city equivalents.
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
Burwood gets a 8/10 for safety.
The suburb is quiet. Deakin Burwood 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
Burwood 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
Burwood is a good suburb for Deakin Burwood 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 Burwood a good suburb for students at Deakin University?
Yes. Burwood scores well for students at Deakin Burwood 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 Burwood as a student?
The main trade-off in Burwood is longer commute to the CBD.
How does Burwood compare to other suburbs near Deakin?
Burwood is the campus suburb for Deakin Burwood. Compared to alternatives like Box Hill, it offers shorter commute times but typically higher rent.
Related Guides
- Student Accommodation Near Deakin University Burwood (2026)
- Cheapest Suburbs to Rent Near Deakin University Burwood (2026)
- Cheap Eats Near Deakin University Burwood (2026)
- Student Guide to Burwood: Living Near Deakin University Burwood (2026)
Assessment based on university data, ABS Census 2021, PTV, Domain.com.au. Compiled April 2026.