Student Guide to Burwood: Living Near Deakin University Burwood (2026)
Burwood is home to Deakin University’s Burwood campus, where around 20,000 students study, eat, commute, and try to maintain a budget that does not implode by mid-semester. This guide covers what it is actually like to be a student in Burwood – the transport, the food, the rent, the culture, and the practical details that university brochures leave out.
Deakin University Burwood is known for Education, psychology, nursing, business. The campus sits at 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood VIC 3125, and the surrounding area is quiet, suburban, green, family-oriented with strong student presence around Deakin.
Getting Around
The nearest station to Deakin Burwood is Blackburn (bus). From the CBD, expect a 10-30 minute journey depending on your starting point and time of day.
Tram routes 75 run through or near the campus area, making inner-suburb connections straightforward.
Myki fares for students:
- Concession 2-hour fare: $2.65
- Concession daily cap: $5.30
- Concession weekly cap: $26.50
Full-time domestic students can apply for a concession Myki through Deakin’s student portal. International students typically pay full fare ($5.30 per trip, $10.60 daily cap) unless the university has a specific PTV arrangement.
Cycling is a practical option for students living within 5-10 kilometres of campus. Deakin Burwood has bicycle parking facilities including covered racks.
The Food Scene
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.
A realistic monthly food budget for a student in Burwood:
- Cooking at home (market + Aldi): $180-260/month
- Mix of cooking and eating out: $300-450/month
- Eating out regularly: $500-700/month (not recommended on a student budget)
Finding a Place to Live
The most common housing options for Deakin Burwood students:
| Type | Weekly cost (Burwood) |
|---|---|
| Share house room | $150-220/week |
| PBSA | $280-400/week |
| Studio | $220-300/week |
| One-bedroom | $260-360/week |
Students looking to save on rent often live in Box Hill, Glen Iris, Ashburton, Camberwell, where rents run $30-60 per week cheaper than Burwood itself.
What to Do Outside of Class
Campus life at Deakin Burwood extends beyond lectures and the library. The Burwood area offers:
- Parks and green spaces within walking distance for study breaks and exercise
- Cafes that welcome students for extended stays (bring your laptop and buy a coffee every few hours)
- Local pubs with trivia nights, live music, and student-friendly prices on weeknights
- Campus events including guest lectures, film screenings, club activities, and O-Week festivities
- Gym and sport facilities on campus at subsidised student rates ($200-400/year)
Nearby suburbs worth exploring: Box Hill, Glen Iris, Ashburton, Camberwell. Each has its own dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Student Services You Should Know About
Deakin provides services that many students do not use until it is too late:
- Financial hardship support. If you are struggling to pay rent or bills, the university has emergency funds and advisors who can help.
- Free counselling. Mental health support is available to all enrolled students. No referral needed.
- Medical centre. On-campus medical services are bulk-billed for most domestic students.
- Career services. Resume reviews, interview practice, and job board access. Start using these in second year, not just at graduation.
- Academic skills support. Writing centres, peer tutoring, and study skills workshops are available every semester.
- Legal advice. Free legal consultations covering tenancy disputes, employment issues, and other common student legal problems.
Safety in Burwood
Burwood is quiet. The campus has security services operating during extended hours, emergency phones positioned across grounds, and well-lit pathways between buildings.
General safety tips for students:
- Main commercial strips are busy and well-lit until late
- Use well-trafficked routes when walking at night
- Keep the campus security number in your phone
- The PTV app shows real-time transport options for safe late-night travel home
Monthly Budget Overview
| Category | Budget option | Standard option |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (share house) | $150-220/week | $220-300/week |
| Groceries | $50-70/week | $70-100/week |
| Transport | $26.50/week (concession) | $53/week (full) |
| Utilities (share) | $30-40/week | $50-80/week |
| Personal + social | $30-50/week | $50-80/week |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burwood a good area for students?
Yes. Burwood hosts Deakin Burwood with around 20,000 students. The area has established transport connections via Blackburn (bus), affordable dining options, and a rental market shaped by student demand.
How do I get to Deakin University Burwood?
The nearest station is Blackburn (bus). Tram routes 75 also service the area.
What is Deakin University Burwood known for?
Deakin University Burwood is known for Education, psychology, nursing, business. The campus has approximately 20,000 students.
What suburbs are near Deakin University Burwood?
Nearby suburbs include Box Hill, Glen Iris, Ashburton, Camberwell. These are popular with students seeking cheaper rent within 10-25 minutes commute of campus.
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)
- Best Cafes Near Deakin University Burwood (2026)
Data sourced from university websites, PTV, ABS Census 2021. Compiled April 2026.