All Colleges offer integrated housing with Australian students, and single rooms are the norm. Colleges are very competitive, so in order to help students have the best possible change of being offered a room, housing applications must be submitted early. The housing in these colleges is similar to the U.S. system, but faculty also live in these houses, thus providing a sense of community. There is an instant community in these residential colleges as well as traditions, group-oriented activities and sporting events as well as expectations that students will follow these traditions, as in a high table for tea. There is also a residential college for music students, linked to the Victorian College of the Arts.
Most Colleges also cater for music students by providing music rooms.
Located 10 minutes by tram in the heart of the city, the Apartments offer students more of an international experience with University of Melbourne students from all over the world. Students have the option of sharing a large one-bedroom apartment. Managed by the YMCA, the Apartments offer a full program of activities to build a strong student community. Resident Advisers are available on each floor for support and advice. If a student chooses to live off campus, the Student Support Services Office will assist students in locating housing.