Melbourne is a vibrant, multicultural and innovative city and it is also an ideal place for students to study and experience different cultures and lifestyles. Here are some basic information for you to help you better plan your study abroad trip.
1. Student Accommodation in Melbourne
Melbourne has a variety of accommodation options to suit students with different budgets and life needs. Student housing Melbourne, both in the city centre and near the universities, is a convenient option, as those accommodations are not only close to the campus and public transport, but also equipped with public facilities such as gyms, libraries, study areas, etc. uhomes.com provides many student accommodations for booking and offer fully furnished rooms with plenty of social space for students to make friends. It is recommended to book well in advance of your trip as Melbourne has a high demand for student accommodation, especially during the back-to-school season when availability can be tight.
2. Melbourne Educational Resources
Melbourne has many famous educational resources and top universities, like the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University and so on. In addition to academic resources, Melbourne also provides support services for students, such as counseling, career guidance, psychological counseling, etc., aiming to help students successfully complete their studies and have a memorable study life. Library resources in Melbourne are very rich. Many universities have large libraries resources both online and offline, and students can easily access academic materials there. There are academic seminars and lectures held in universities for students to meet industry experts and scholars and learn about the frontiers of the subject. During classes, students need to actively participate in classroom discussions and projects. In addition, international students can also apply for scholarships to reduce the tuition burden.
3. Melbourne Transport system
The public transport system in Melbourne is convenient and well-developed, mainly including trams, trains and buses. So, with better understanding on the Melbourne's public transportation system, students can easily move around the city. Melbourne is one of the few cities with a free tram service, and a free tram zone in the city centre, making it easier for students to move around the centre. The purchase of a Myki card is a must for students to take public transport. It is a transport stored-value card that can be used for trams, trains and buses, and with a student card you can enjoy discounts. Subways and trains mainly connect the city with the suburbs, while buses have extensive coverage and are suitable for traveling to remote areas or attractions outside the city. When traveling, you can download the public transportation app to easily check the route.
4. Daily expenses in Melbourne
The cost of living in Melbourne is among the highest in Australia, and as a student, you need to plan your spending wisely. Accommodation costs vary widely depending on location and the room types, ranging from AU$200 to AU$1,000 per week for student and rental accommodation. In terms of food, if you plan to save money by cooking at home, you can go to the supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths which offer a wide range of fresh ingredients. When dining out, students can choose from a number of cheap restaurants and food stalls, and Melbourne has a variety of food courts for students on a budget. Transportation costs can be mitigated by applying for student discounts, and Myki cards can also help you save travel costs. In addition, Melbourne also hosts second-hand markets and flea markets where students can buy daily necessities and clothing at low prices.
5. Entertainment in Melbourne
Melbourne has a rich culinary arts and culture, bringing students a wonderful experience. You can find many restaurants and cafes in Melbourne, which are from traditional Australian cuisine to Asian and Mediterranean flavours. Melbourne's coffee culture is very distinctive. Cafes are all over the streets, and are good places for friends to meet or study alone. In addition, Melbourne also has numerous art exhibitions, concerts, film festivals and other cultural events. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Film Festival are famous events many students look forward to participating in to enrich their extracurricular life. Besides, Melbourne is also close to many natural attractions, such as the Great Ocean Road and the Yarra Valley, which are the ideal places for students to spend their weekends or holidays outdoors.
6. Local culture and customs of Melbourne
Melbourne is a multicultural city, with local residents from all over the world, forming an open and inclusive cultural atmosphere. When dealing with people, politeness and respect are key. Australians pay attention to personal privacy and keep a certain distance when socializing. Melbournians like a relaxed and casual lifestyle, and they often use nicknames for daily communication and also like to call each other by name. In daily life, the locals attach importance to environmental protection, garbage classification, reducing the use of plastics and other habits have become a consensus. Melbourne's multicultural tolerance is also reflected in its festivals, which not only celebrate Western traditions such as Christmas and Easter, but also celebrate multi-national festivals such as Chinese New Year and Diwali. Respecting and understanding the cultures of others helps students to better integrate into Melbourne society. When international students live and study in Melbourne, understanding and adapting to these cultural practices can help build good relationships with the locals.