One of the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria. It is the second most populated city in Australia and Oceania. Over 5 million people call it home, and it's renowned for the dynamic culture, diverse population, and excellent dining and beverage options. The Australian Open tennis tournament and the Melbourne Cup horse race are two more well-known sporting events that take place in the city. The grid-like structure of Melbourne's city centre, which makes it simple to navigate, and its well-known attractions, like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Royal Exhibition Building, are what make the area distinctive. Numerous prestigious universities, like the University of Melbourne and Monash University, are also located in the city.

Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with 140 different cultures represented here, creating a diversified and welcoming environment. This allows students to understand and mingle with students from different countries, making it a hub for international students. It is known for having a high standard of living, first-notch public transportation, and a low crime rate, making it one of the most livable cities in the entire globe. Melbourne is also home to a number of internationally famous universities and institutes that provide a wide range of programmes and degrees, giving students access to the best education that is respected all over the world. The city is a great destination for students to live, learn, and explore since it boasts a strong arts and culture setting, a booming food and coffee culture, and a range of sports and outdoor activities. Melbourne's robust economy and job market can give students options for internships and career advancement. Overall, there are many advantages to studying in Melbourne, making it a desirable location for students from all over the world.

There are multiple locations to book accommodation or student halls in Melbourne. One would want to find a place that is close to the university and offers easy access to public transport, as well as 24/7 security for your peace of mind. The students don’t need to stress over bills as well, all bills are included in student accommodations in Melbourne. So here to make your life easy are few of the best locations one can stay in;

1. Carlton: This locality is the most popular among the students from University of Melbourne. It is known for the Italian restaurants located here as well as several other cafes and restaurants which serve delicacies from different countries. Other reasons for the locality to be famous are the Victorian buildings and several parks around.
2. Hawthorn: One of the best places to live in Melbourne, if you love being surrounded by greenery and flora. It has amazing public transport connectivity, making it easy for an individual to reach from one place to another. Despite being in the inner Eastern suburbs, Hawthorn is extremely urban and offers a number of outstanding cafes and galleries.
3. Caulfield: This is a very convenient locality for students studying in Monash University Caulfield campus. It is one of the most posh areas in Melbourne with a very relaxing and soothing surrounding. Caulfield is an area for students who like the calm and wish to have a quiet environment.

The cost of living for a student in Melbourne may differ depending on their lifestyle choices, the neighbourhood they live in, and other variables. One should have a set budget before stepping into the city or be ready to over spend. There are several costs that a student incurs during his/her year of study away from home. These can be divided into two parts one being the fixed cost of accommodation and tuition fees which cannot be avoided. Second being the fluctuational cost, which depends on the standard of living of an individual. Here is a basic division of cost of living for a student in Melbourne;

1. Accommodation: As a student finding a cheap and a good deal on accommodation is the key. Most of the student accommodation in Melbourne has the bills and amenities included in the rent, so students do not need to stress over that. The average cost would vary on the type of room selected starting from AU$423/week.
2. Food: The cost of food varies from where one purchases food from. An average meal in Melbourne costs $20/ meal. It is an important part of a daily routine, budgeting on this is really important.
3. Transport: With convenient access to Melbourne's CBD, trams, trains, and buses are the preferred modes of transportation in Melbourne. International students can receive an iUSEpass from Victoria for 50% off the annual cost of Myki. The monthly cost of travel is approximately AU$ 159.
4. Groceries: This expense would include the groceries and toiletries, it is a very person to person expense based on their usage. We would estimate it to be a minimum of $100-120 per month based on the consumption.
5. Other Expenses: These would be all the extravaganza expenses that one has; including entertainment, social activities and clothing. This has no estimation, it is purely on the standard of living of an individual.

The Myki card, Victorian Student Pass allows unlimited travel operating within Victoria on displaying the PTV approved student id. The modes of transportation are as follows;
1. Trams: Melbourne has the largest tram network in the world, and trams are a well-liked method of transportation here. The trams are an accessible and economical mode of travel and operate on multiple routes across the city.
2. Trains: Many train lines connect the city centre to the suburbs and the countryside in Melbourne, which also boasts a vast train network. Students may easily travel to and from campus since multiple of the city's universities are close to train terminals.
3. Buses: In Melbourne, there are a number of bus routes that travel the entire city and connect to train and tram services, providing students with another transportation choice. Students can easily plan their journeys with the help of the PTV website and mobile app, which offer the most recent information on timetables, tariffs, and service interruptions.
4. Cycling: Melbourne boasts a vast network of bike paths and lanes in addition to public transportation, making cycling a well-liked and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Here are some interesting facts about Melbourne city:
1. An individual can experience all 4 seasons in a day in Melbourne, wherein you might find that after leaving in shorts and a t-shirt in the morning, you need a raincoat by 11 am, a light jacket by 2 pm and a heavy coat by 4 pm.
2. Melbourne’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. One can find wild penguins in Melbourne. The penguin parade at Phillip Island is well-known, but you can also view them in St. Kilda.
4. Coffees are not named the same as they are around the globe. Here is an example: Americanos are called Long Black here.
5. Melbourne is home to several hidden bars. Melbourne uses a fairly geometric grid in its design. This implies that both wide roadways and laneways will be present. There are many paintings, secret treasures, and hidden bars in these little lanes!

Melbourne is a bustling metropolis with lots to offer students in college. Here are some activities for students in Melbourne:
1. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Art enthusiasts must visit the NGV.Contemporary and traditional works of art are displayed in the gallery.
2. Visit Melbourne's lanes: Melbourne is renowned for its lanes, which are teeming with street art, cafes, and boutique stores. If you want to experience the distinctive culture of the city, go down Hosier Lane, ACDC Lane, or Degraves Street.
3. Attend a live music performance: Melbourne has a thriving live music scene with several venues. For a night of live music, check out the Northcote Social Club, the Forum Theatre, or the Corner Hotel.
4. Discover the local cuisine: Melbourne is renowned for its rich cuisine. Visit the city on a culinary tour and sample some of the regional cuisine.

There are loads of supermarkets and convenience stores all over Melbourne to shop from. They are very easily accessible to everyone. Here are our top picks:
1. Coles: With numerous sites throughout Melbourne, Coles is one of Australia's biggest grocery companies.
2. Woolworths: Woolworths is another significant Australian grocery company with numerous sites in Melbourne.
3. Aldi: Aldi is a network of bargain supermarkets that offers a limited selection of goods at frequently reduced rates. In Melbourne, there are numerous Aldi outlets.
4. IGA: IGA is a chain of independent grocery stores with a variety of goods and a tendency to emphasise locally grown vegetables. IGA stores can be found all across Melbourne.
5. Costco is a membership-based warehouse club that sells a variety of goods in larger quantities for less money. Melbourne only has one Costco location.
6. Asian markets: There are numerous Asian markets in Melbourne that focus on Asian foods and goods, including Asia Grocery and Great Eastern Food Centre.

There is something for everyone, from top-notch museums and cultural sites to delectable cuisine and exciting neighbourhoods. We'll highlight some of the greatest student hangouts in Melbourne in this guide, from well-known spots to undiscovered treasures, so you can make the most of your stay there.

1. Visit the Queen Victoria Market: It's a terrific place to buy seafood, beef, and other fresh vegetables. Additionally, there are numerous clothes and souvenir shops there.
2. Take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens: They're a lovely spot to unwind and take in Melbourne's natural beauty. Spend the afternoon outside enjoying a picnic.
3. Visit the Astor Theatre to see a movie: The Astor Theatre is a famous movie theatre in Melbourne that carries both classic and modern films. It's a fantastic location for seeing a movie with friends.
4. Visit the Melbourne Museum to see a variety of exhibits that highlight the history, culture, and environment of the city. It's a fantastic location to discover Melbourne's past and present.
5. Visit St. Kilda Beach: Students frequently hang out and relax at St. Kilda Beach. There are numerous restaurants and cafes there, and the atmosphere is lively.
6. Visit the Great Ocean Road for the day: It's one of Australia's most picturesque drives. Travel to the Twelve Apostles for the day.

Some of Australia's top institutions are located in Melbourne, each with distinctive academic programmes and a vibrant student community. An summary of each university is provided below:
1. The Melbourne University: Public research university The University of Melbourne consistently ranks among the best in Australia and the entire world. It has strengths in a variety of academic fields, including business, engineering, law, and medical. The University of Melbourne's student body is active and diverse, and there are many clubs and groups that cater to a variety of interests and socioeconomic backgrounds.
2. Monash University: The public research university Monash University has a high emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) topics. Additionally, it offers renowned courses in business, law, and medical. There are numerous options for students to participate in sports, clubs, and social activities during their time as students at Monash.
3. RMIT University: This University is a public research university with a focus on communication, technology, and design. It is well known for its creative arts courses, which cover subjects including fashion, photography, and graphic design. The huge number of international students at RMIT also contributes to the school's varied and multicultural student body.
4. Victoria University: It provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes in business, education, health, and sport. It is renowned for its practical and hands-on approach to education, with a focus on experience and skills that are applicable to the workplace. Students at Victoria University can participate in a variety of organisations, societies, sports teams, and social activities.

The type of student accommodation you choose will impact how much you pay. If you plan on living in some of the popular student areas in Melbourne, the average weekly rent you might pay as a student is from 【AU$368.37.

Some student accommodations in Melbourne will require a deposit (which may start out as a reservation fee) but not all – it depends on which accommodation you choose. If you are asked for a deposit, it will be capped at five weeks’ rent.

Yes, students who book early or a while in advance are eligible for good deals and pay lower rent in Melbourne. You can also save on rent by making a group reservation. Other offers are constantly available; we recommend you keep an eye out for the latest ones on our website!

This will depend on the type of property you choose. The most anyone can legally charge is 5 weeks rent. Some accommodation in Melbourne halls of residence will not require a deposit at all, while on average the deposit in a shared house in Melbourne will be AU$1841.85.

Yes, all utilities bills are included with student accommodation of your choice.

Yes, you can rent an apartment with your friends; but, depending on the property, you may be charged a small fee to do so. You can either share a room or rent a dual occupancy unit.