Students sits in Melbourne’s greater melbourne and runs unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.
Off-Leash Parks
Stella — 268 Murray Lane
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.
Ash Room — 1 Blake Lane
A local institution that has been operating for over 5 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Mill — 57 Blake Lane
A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Worth the trip. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Pet-Friendly Cafes
The Southern Bench — 54 Albert Terrace
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm.
Hugo — 30 Clarendon Terrace
One of Students’s genuine highlights. The staff has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Northern Pantry — 274 Edward Terrace
One of Students’s hidden gems. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Vet Clinics
Otto’s — 15 Albert Terrace
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Nina’s — 146 Clarendon Terrace
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm.
The Sunny Table — 166 Clarendon Terrace
One of Students’s genuine highlights. The team knows every regular by name. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Pet Shops
River Mill — 32 Blake Lane
One of Students’s most underrated spots. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Ash’s — 259 Murray Lane
A local institution that has been operating for over 14 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Consistently reliable. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Vera Store — 173 Clarendon Terrace
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Dog Walking Routes
The High Corner — 145 Albert Terrace
One of Students’s hidden gems. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Bright Larder — 159 Edward Terrace
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Stella Standard — 256 Edward Terrace
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Students.
Best time to visit: Early evening for the transition from day to night scene.
Budget: A full day exploring Students — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $75 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Clarendon Terrace is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Students at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven |
| Coffee price | $4.00-4.50 |
| Dinner price | $18-32 pp |
| Getting there | Public transport options in Students |
| Best for | Students local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD — also worth exploring
- Students Cafes
- Students Restaurants
- All Students Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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