MELBOURNE
Melbourne has consistently been ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. This is considered the cultural and arts capital of Australia, it is the country’ second largest city and the capital of Victoria.
STUDENT LIVING
International students love this city because of its great multiculturalism; over a third of Melbourne’s residents were born overseas. In this city hundreds of cultures, backgrounds and traditions coexist together, it is no wonder this is a popular destination for overseas students, migrants and tourists alike.
Education in all cities in Australia is outstanding, but in Melbourne, you can find the best of the best. There are 10 world-class universities in their state and the city has the highest ranked university in Australia and the third highest in the Asia Pacific.
Whatever you want to study, Melbourne will have a top-notch institution to suit your needs.
WEATHER
“Victoria has a mild, temperate climate with summers that are warm, autumns that are moderate, winters that are cool, and springs that are sunny and bright.” – Live in Melbourne, Victoria State Government
During summer, temperatures range from 16 to 25°C but in January and February temperatures can often go over the 30°C mark. On Autumn temperatures drop ranging from 11 - 20°C with sometimes foggy mornings clearing to welcome sunny days.
In winter the average temperatures range from 6.5 to 15°C. It is mostly cold and cloudy during this months and nights can sometimes be accompanied by frosts. However, heavy rainfall is very uncommon during this time of the year. In spring the weather gets warmer again with temperatures ranging from 10 to 20°C. It is during this season most people say Melbourne can have four seasons in one day!
COST OF LIVING
As Melbourne is a large city the costs of basic expenses such as accommodation and transport are slightly higher than most other cities in Australia. However, this city is still cheaper than Sydney when it comes to renting accommodation and paying for transport.
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Accommodation
The average rental price for a 2-bedroom unit/house range from $450 to $650 depending on location. Of course the closer you are to the CBD, the more expensive the rent is going to be. Just like in most cities of Australia, the cheapest and most common option of housing for international students is to share an apartment. Renting a room can go anywhere from $140 to $300 per week, depending on location, unit size and obviously If you are sharing a room or not.
There are also a number of companies and buildings dedicated exclusively to providing accommodation for students living far away from home. These include Scape, Urbanest and Unilodge.
Furthermore, homestays are also a good alternative, especially if you want to learn and practice your English skills as you would be living with a local family. The average price of a homestay almost everywhere in Australia is $250 with bills and sometimes food included.
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Transport
Melbourne has a wide network of public transport options that include buses, trains and trams. The average price for a single ride is about $4, however, international students can save up to 50% of their annual transport cost when applying to an iUSEpass.
For more information, visit Public Transport Victoria
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Entertainment
Melbourne has everything a large city is expected to have; amazing and diverse food options, a thriving nightlife, plenty of natural parks and tourist sites to visit and cheap and expensive shopping. What's more, this city also hosts some world-recognised events such as Formula 1 Grand Prix, The Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup, not to mention several concerts and festivals with artists from all around the world.
For a detailed list of what you can do in Melbourne for cheap, check out this guide!
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN:
One of the advantages of being an international student in Australia is that your student visa automatically gives you permission to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the academic year or full time during the holidays. That means that you can enjoy all the city has to offer and earn some money while you study.
QUALITY OF LIFE
The lifestyle and quality of living in Australia are amongst the best in the world. Some of the reasons are the low crime rate, work-life balance, career opportunities and low unemployment rate. Aussies are friendly and love to stop for a chat with strangers or to lend a helping hand to those in need.
LOTS OF ACTIVITIES TO DO:
Snorkelling and diving? Hiking? Surfing? Music Festivals? Formula One? Australian Tennis Open? Asia trip?
Australia also hosts a number of World Heritage sites, such as Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory. You’ll enjoy the lifestyle as a student, which means you’ll have plenty of time to explore your new home.