THE ULTIMATE STUDENT GUIDE TO MELBOURNE

Australia is one of the best places students can consider to pursue their further education and this blog will guide you into the world of Melbourne!

Moving abroad for education is an important step any student can take to kick off their journey to a great career. Understanding which field you are interested in pursuing becomes important to make the right choice while choosing your university. Another important aspect before deciding your college is the city that you will be staying in. The environment, surroundings and culture also play a role in shaping your experience abroad. 

So here is a detailed guide on Melbourne, telling you all about the city, the universities and the culture that you ought to know before you move there! 

About Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia's most famous city, is located at the cooler southern end of the country's mainland and offers visitors a unique blend of Australian and European lifestyles. Its distinct laneways, laid out in a grid, are home to an infinite number of cafes, restaurants, bars, museums, galleries, and shops filled with interesting people and covered in ever-changing graffiti art.

The city is truly a global community, with nearly 40% of its residents coming from outside Australia. It's a popular destination for international students, with seven universities in Melbourne offering world-class education in various academic and vocational fields.

This coastal city has enough to keep you entertained for a lifetime. Still, if you need more than that, Victoria's surrounding region has an incredible range of natural landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and historical sites to explore during your stay.

Melbourne may not have the endless sunny days of its northern neighbors like Brisbane, but you'll appreciate Victoria's changing seasons, allowing you to sunbathe and ski in the same year. It may be because of the city's thriving coffee culture, but things never seem to slow down in Melbourne. This cosmopolitan city, located at the confluence of the river and the sea, is home to intense sporting competitions, artistic innovation, underground music, rooftop bars, and other attractions.

Universities in Melbourne

According to the QS World University Rankings, Melbourne is home to seven universities that are among the best in the world.

The University of Melbourne is Australia's second oldest university and is ranked as the 37th best university in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2022). With over 160 years of educational history, it offers outstanding teaching and research courses to over 38,000 students from its Parkville campus.

Monash University was founded in 1994, making it a young institution. It is a research-oriented university with over 60,000 students. Its Victorian College of Pharmacy is ranked 58th in the world (QS, 2022), and its pharmacy and pharmacology courses are among the top ten in the world.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology has been in operation since 1887 and specializes in providing career-focused design and technology education. Its campus is in the city's heart, where more than 55,000 students use cutting-edge facilities to prepare for career success.

Melbourne is also home to Deakin University, La Trobe University, Swinburne University of Technology, and Victoria University, all of which offer diverse study options.

University Assistance 

Once you arrive, your university will provide you with many opportunities to get involved and get settled. Universities in Australia organize orientation weeks, also known as 'O-Weeks,' to help you become acquainted with the university. Activities are planned to show students around campus and to assist them in getting to know one another.

 One of the most important weeks of your university experience will be orientation week. They usually take place in the last week of February, before the start of the semester, but check your university's O-Week schedule to ensure you get all the benefits!

Every university will have numerous student organizations, clubs, and societies. Some groups are formed around courses, languages, or sports; however, they are frequently formed around a group of people who share a similar intrigue. We have everything from wine tastings to pirate societies, so there's something for everyone!

 Another crucial aspect of being an international student in Australia is the university's support system. Universities will provide services tailored specifically to international students, such as health care and counseling.

Travel

Melbourne is well-known for its trams, but it also has trains and buses. The Public Transport Victoria network connects all of the city's universities. To use public transportation in Melbourne, you must have a Myki card, a single travel card that works on trams, trains, and buses. International students in Melbourne are eligible for an iUSEpass, which entitles them to a half-priced annual Myki pass. 

A regular yearly Myki costs $1,599, but an annual Myki with an iUSEpass costs $799.50. Melbourne's trams are accessible within the city center, and public transportation is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Safety and security

Australia is a safe country with low crime rates and political stability. Because of Australia's extremely diverse culture, international students can be confident that they will be accepted and respected. 

Melbourne also has Protective Services Officers as part of a public transportation safety initiative. These officers are assigned to patrol public places, particularly train stations. So if you are traveling to your student accommodations in East Melbourne, you can be assured of your safety. 

Climate and weather

Year-round Melbourne has four distinct seasons; however, the city is also known for having four seasons in one day due to its unpredictability. Melbourne's winters are cold, with an average temperature of 10°C, but the city begins to warm up in September, just in time for the Spring Racing Carnival.

 Summer days are hot, and nights are excellent, with an average temperature of 21°C in January. The Australian heat can be jarring for international students, so we recommend staying hydrated and applying sunscreen when going out of your student accommodation in Melbourne.

Culture

Melbourne's culture revolves around art and music. This city is unique because their art culture is not limited to galleries and museums; some of the most exciting artwork can be found on our streets. Laneways in the city and streets around Fitzroy are well-known locations for street art and graffiti in Melbourne.

 Art exhibitions worldwide are also brought to galleries like the National Gallery of Victoria, The Ian Potter Centre, and the Australian Centre for Moving Image. 

Live music can be found every day of the week in all areas of the city. Music venues such as The Corner Hotel and Cherry Bar host acts from Monday to Sunday, and summertime in Melbourne is jam-packed with music and art festivals. 

Living expenses

Estimating your living expenses in a foreign city is necessary but difficult. Fortunately, the Australian government has compiled a list of average living expenses to assist international students. These costs will vary from person to person, but they can help international students estimate the cost of living in Melbourne:

• Accommodation (renting a house or an apartment) — $165 to $440 per week
• Groceries and restaurants cost between $80 and $280 per week.
• Public transportation costs between $15 and $55 per week.
• Phone and internet costs between $15 and $55 per week.
• Weekly entertainment costs between $80 and $150.

The average living cost for a student is estimated to be around $20,000 per year.

Conclusion

Opportunities abound for students in Melbourne. This city has endless activities and places to explore, from university life to cultural events. As an international student, you will be welcomed by a city that has something for everyone, and in such a multicultural setting, you will never be short of comforts that remind you of home.

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