Studying in Melbourne
Information and tips for international students in Melbourne
| Private rooms Melbourne | 983 | 1252/month |
| Residences Melbourne | 360 | 1317/month |
| Studios Melbourne | 177 | 1412/month |
| Apartments Melbourne | 112 | 1244/month |
Do you still not know why you should study in Melbourne? Whether big cities are your thing or you come from a small town, Victoria's capital can become your new favourite place. It’s usually found in the top 5 of the best cities to live in and it offers an experience full of beautiful beaches, parks, weekend markets and excellent music. In this article we show you everything you need to know to make your stay unforgettable. Let’s do this!
Cost of living in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is inhabited by almost five million people. As a student, the cost of living can vary a lot depending on the lifestyle you lead and the type of accommodation you have in mind. A person can spend between $500 AUD and $1000 AUD in one week. An important fact to remember is that, in Australia, it’s common to see expenses or rent calculated weekly. Don't confuse it with monthly periods!
Most likely, the accommodation will be your main outlay. Many students choose to share a flat, because it allows them to divide expenses and interact with other people their age. It’s not exactly cheap but, as in any large metropolis, you can find more affordable places if you move away from the centre. For reference, a room in a shared apartment can cost between $150 AUD and $400 AUD per week.
Universities offer accommodation in their student residences and you can also consider the private residences. Typically, they consist of spaces for several students, with individual or shared rooms and bathrooms. The price depends on the characteristics of the room, but it’s normally higher than in private apartments due to the services they offer, and it can range from $400 AUD up to $600 AUD per week.
On the other hand there is the expenditure on shopping, transport or leisure activities. The city is very well connected thanks to bus, tram and ferry services. To use them you need a transportation card (“myki card”) and, if you’re an international student, you can enjoy a 50% discount with the “International Student Travel Pass”. An estimated amount of the sum of all these expenses is between $200 AUD and $300 AUD weekly.
Student life, parties and leisure in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is the capital of live music. Its nightlife has the typical university atmosphere that young people love. You are going to find yourself constantly with parties, discos, street theatres and entertainment and leisure for all tastes. In neighbourhoods like Brunswick or St. Kilda you can find pubs with live music that can become the perfect place to enjoy with your friends.
If art’s your thing, you're in luck! There are many museums and galleries to visit. Our favourite? The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art - ACCA. And, if you are a sports lover, you have world-class events such as the Formula 1, or the Australian MotoGP.
We can’t miss mentioning its calm beaches, perfect if what you love is swimming. The most popular summer destinations are Sorrento Beach and St. Kilda Beach.
Culture and gastronomy in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is your place if you fancy good coffee and a metropolitan area with a busy cultural scene. It was recognized by UNESCO as the second city of literature, and it’s the cradle of the Australian film industry. One of the places you have to visit is the Australian Centre for the Moving Image - ACMI. The museum has all the potential to dazzle you. You can also enjoy movies and festivals to live the experience like a movie buff. You can't miss a tour of one of the oldest public libraries in the world: the State Library Victoria - SLV, it's amazing! And there are also multiple festivals of all kinds held throughout the year, so you're sure to have a great time.
The gastronomy of Melbourne is multicultural. It brings together dishes from different origins due to the variety of people who inhabit the city. Of course, a simple but typical local dish that you have to try is the famous “fish and chips”. Who doesn't love a good fish and chips? Australians like to eat it with tomato or tartar sauce. You also have to try the “Chicken Parmigiana", or as the locals call it, “parma”, which combines chicken breast with ham, Neapolitan sauce and melted cheese. Another classic is “Banh Mi”. It’s a Vietnamese sandwich that consists of a baguette with pickled vegetables, mayonnaise and your protein of choice. The snack is so popular that in the same area you can find more than ten options of places to eat it. You have to try it!
Advantages of studying in Melbourne
- It has a very lively night atmosphere, full of plans in every corner.
- Its high standard of living indexes classify it as one of the best cities to settle in.
- It offers the opportunity to perfect your English among native speakers, and learn Australian slang first-hand. We love that they use “aussie” to refer to Australians. It sounds adorable!
- It has a great list of options to study and you can opt for scholarships or financial aid to enter the university of your dreams.
- The cultural capital of Australia welcomes everyone with open arms. Regardless of your cultural background or preferences, you can feel at home!
Cheap student accommodation in Melbourne, Australia
If you need help finding your ideal accommodation in the capital of Victoria and don't know where to start, you're in the perfect place. At Erasmus Play we gather and show you the best verified flats, rooms and residences for students in Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions about studying in Melbourne
How much does it cost to live in Melbourne as a student? |
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| Living in Melbourne as a student can cost between $500 AUD and $1000 AUD per week, depending on the accommodation and lifestyle you lead. | |
What’s student life like in Melbourne? |
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| It's very fun! It’s full of people of different nationalities, so there is great diversity and dynamism. Universities organise clubs that you can join according to your interests to expand your social circle and join the events they organise. | |
How much does student accommodation cost in Melbourne? |
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| A single room in a shared apartment can range between $150 AUD and $400 AUD per week, depending on the area in which it’s located or the conditions of the property. | |
How to study in Melbourne? |
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| As an international student, you can apply for a study visa and apply for one of the bachelor's or master's degrees at the university of your choice. They also offer scholarships to students who want to go on exchange if they meet the established requirements. You can go study English with one of the courses taught. Important: don't forget your health insurance! | |
Where to study in Melbourne? |
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| The reference university is the University of Melbourne. Other options to consider are Deakin University and La Trobe University. |
