From Knife-Cut Noodles to All-Night Karaoke: Melbourne’s Best Student-Friendly Hangouts

Melbourne recently ranked among the top five student cities in the world – and for good reason. That influx of young people (more than 280,000 a year) has helped shape a diverse cultural landscape with places to eat, drink, sleep and play that suit practically all tastes and budgets. But between lectures, late-night study sessions and navigating a new social life, it can be hard to know where to start.

If you’re looking for a cheat sheet to the best spots near some of the city’s top student accommodation, we’ve got you covered. From regional noodle joints to coin-operated karaoke, here’s your guide to making the most of student life in Melbourne.

Eat

When it comes to value for money, Dao Noodle is hard to beat with super-sized bowls that are house-made, fully customisable and start at just $16.80. The dao xiao mian (literally “knife-sliced noodles”) – cut straight into the pot by hand, so they’re thick in the middle and thin on the edges – are the signature, but they can be swapped for hand-pulled or sliced noodles. Toppings range from Shanxi-style pork mince to tomato and egg – or a combo if you can’t decide. And add-ons like braised egg or marinated tofu are just a few dollars extra.

At $9.80, the Dao Burger – a pork- or veg-filled Chinese-style bread pocket – is another standout. If you’re vegan, the slippery chilled mung bean noodle salad is a refreshing and budget-friendly option.

Dumpling Max in Carlton is one of the city’s best-kept secrets (it doesn’t even have an Instagram profile). This no-frills spot makes its large, pillowy dumplings fresh daily. Try flavours like Chinese sauerkraut and pork, sweet corn and pork, or mackerel. Some are pan-fried, others boiled, and if you’re hooked you can even take frozen dumplings home.

Drink

With 115 years of history behind it, Bobbie Peels is a top pick for affordable drinks and a lively atmosphere. Happy hour runs Tuesday to Friday from 4pm to 6pm with schooners, vodka, gin and wine for just $8. Thursdays from midday to 3pm, you’ll score a free glass of wine with any steak. And every Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm, you can prime your palate with free wine tastings.

Nestled in the heart of North Melbourne, The Courthouse is another storied old pub (with a stylish new fit-out) that’s now a student favourite. Mondays bring vino and vinyl, Wednesdays feature schnitzels and spritzes, and happy hour runs on weekdays from 4pm to 6pm. If you’re really pinching pennies, The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, just across from Queen Vic Market, has dining specials starting at $10 and drinks from $8. There’s also a lively rotation of punk and indie bands (with the help of community crowdfunding, the owners have also taken the reins at legendary underground music venue The Tote).

Do

After a week of study, there’s no better way to unwind than karaoke. Kono Coin Karaoke is Melbourne’s first fully coin-operated karaoke bar and a fun, student-friendly option. Located over two levels, it features private booths for up to five people and an extensive song library spanning English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese tracks. At just $2 per song, it’s a low-cost alternative to traditional karaoke spots – just don’t forget to bring your loose change.

For something a little more low-key, head to ACMI (formerly the Australian Centre for the Moving Image). Open daily with free entry, this innovative museum offers a rotating line-up of exhibitions exploring TV, cinema, video games and beyond. Throughout the year, you’ll also find ticketed events and screenings, with concession pricing available for students. Even if you’re not a film buff, ACMI is a must-visit for soaking up Melbourne’s cultural side.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Scape. Looking for a place to call home while studying? With locations in the CBD and Carlton, Scape offers next-level, award-winning student accommodation to keep you close to Melbourne’s best eats, drinks and activities.