The Best Student Bars in Melbourne

Lounge Kitchen & Bar is one of Swanton Street’s stand out venues. With its offer of smooth music, quality grub and some great happy hour specials, it’s a popular venue for students who want to chill. The lights are dim, they have a cosy balcony, and it’s all complemented by a happy hour made specifically for students; visit from 2pm–5pm for AU$12 beer jugs and AU$6 house wine. During the day, Lounge is great for a quick bite, but come night-time, the crowds come in and the DJ sets up.

Recently opened in Hawthorn, Holy Moly is the bar you really shouldn’t tell your grandma about. Inspired by a Catholic church, it’s filled with stained glass windows, statues of Jesus and large wooden pews. Holy Moly is just down from Swinburne University and looks after students by offering AU$5 pizzas every day. It’s a giant venue, with half of the space dedicated to sports.

Located on the 3rd floor of Melbourne Central, ABC is loved for its amazing balcony that overlooks the State Library of Victoria – one of Melbourne’s most beautiful landmarks – and its insane amount of daily specials. Their happy hour list is one of the biggest in Melbourne, featuring AU$8 beer jugs, AU$7 cocktails and AU$4 pizza. ABC is heaven for the price-sensitive uni student, and that’s why it’s the perfect place to start the night before venturing into the city’s clubs.

Fitzroy is known for its man buns, single-speed bicycles, and of course, Bimbo Deluxe. This nightlife icon – easily recognised by the giant pink baby stuck to its facade – is home to some amazing cheap eats, including AU$4 pizzas. The ground floor is filled with comfy couches, but head upstairs and you’ll find their amazing rooftop beer garden. Near weekly, Bimbo Deluxe welcomes some of the best local DJs to play tunes, and come the weekend, this low-key joint is filled to the brim.

What was once the Little Creatures Dining Hall has recently transformed into The Fitzroy Social, a massive dining hall filled with some incredible wall art. From the same team behind Asian Beer Cafe, their newest venture has just as many happy hours and plenty of cheap eats; there is never a time when a special isn’t running. The ceiling is filled with vines and hanging shrubs, while a colourful painting from Australian artist David Bromley adorns one of the walls. With a giant unicorn statue at its door, an evening begun here can only get better.