$8.50 for a single bottle of water—should students really be paying this?

A simple trip to buy water turned into an eye-watering experience for one University of Melbourne student.

What should have been a quick purchase ended up sparking outrage online.

The cost? A single bottle priced at $8.50—leaving many questioning how basic necessities can reach such extremes.

A country student visiting Melbourne’s campus discovered the shocking price when they forgot their water bottle and popped into the general store.

'$9 for a bottle of water. I wonder why students are so unhappy,' the student wrote on social media, sharing a photo of the price tag.

'I'm travelling from the country and forgot my water bottle so stopped by the campus store and I couldn't believe the price. They could at least pick up some 90c bottles from Woolies at least.'

The post quickly gained traction, with fellow students calling the pricing 'criminal' and 'disgraceful.'

Many compared it to airport pricing, highlighting the absurdity of paying more than double what a bottle costs elsewhere.

To put it in perspective, the $8.50 bottle costs more than a 24-pack of 600ml water bottles from Coles ($8), multiple bottles at Melbourne Airport ($4.50 each), most soft drinks at the same campus store (Sunkist was selling for $5.95), and even a decent reusable water bottle that would last for years.

Even stadium pricing—known for being expensive—usually doesn’t reach this level.

'I do agree $8.50 is insane, that's MCG or airplane prices,' one commenter noted.

The situation is made more frustrating by the university’s sustainability initiatives, which promote reusable bottles and reduced single-use plastic.

Staff can purchase branded reusable bottles and cups at discounted rates, while students can buy them online or from reuse vending machines on the Parkville campus [1] [2].

Yet single-use bottles remain exorbitantly priced, creating a confusing contradiction for students trying to follow sustainability guidelines.

The incident underscores broader financial pressures facing Australian university students, who must balance tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and living costs.

Even minor expenses, like a single bottle of water, can quickly add up for students and their families.

Social media threads about the incident became a hub for practical solutions, with suggestions ranging from refilling soft drink bottles with tap water to investing in a reusable bottle.

'Tip out the Sunkist and refill it with tap water, save $4,' one student suggested.

Another added, 'You can get a double insulated bottle for $5. Then fill that from the bubbler.'

These workarounds highlight how students are adapting to the high costs, proving that reusable bottles are not just environmentally friendly but also financially sensible.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or student, the lesson is clear: planning ahead and investing in a reusable bottle can prevent unnecessary expenses.

If the $8.50 water bottle left you shaking your head, you’re not alone.

Unexpectedly high prices pop up in all kinds of places, even somewhere as ordinary as a hotel minibar.

Here’s a story that highlights another real-life example of being charged far more than expected for a basic item.

Read more: Minibar madness leaves travellers fuming over sky-high fees

Have you ever been caught off guard by outrageous campus pricing, or do you have tips for saving money on everyday student essentials?