Melbourne is a lively city full of culture and the perfect place for students to study.

Life in Melbourne

Melbourne is a multicultural city where people from all over the world have come to study, work and live in harmony. Melbourne is known for its diverse culture, art and history. It is also the home of some of the best food and coffee the world has to offer. Around every corner in Melbourne there is something new and exciting, making it the perfect place for students to immerse themselves in the culture of Australia.

Enjoy free public festivals and events, art galleries, live performances and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Melbourne is full of things to do for fun. Watch a game of Australia Football League (AFL) at the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or go shopping at the historic Queen Victoria Market – or you might want to spend a day at Melbourne Zoo or the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Find out what’s on in Melbourne

 

What it is like to live in Melbourne

Getting around

Getting around Melbourne is made easy by its comprehensive public transportation system, including trains, trams, and buses operated by Metro Trains Melbourne, which provide extensive coverage across the city and suburbs. Trams, particularly iconic in Melbourne, offer frequent services and stops near major attractions, while buses complement the network by reaching areas not served by rail.

Additionally, Melbourne is bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing services like Melbourne Bike Share. Walking is also a popular option in pedestrian-friendly areas, allowing for exploration of the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods.

For those preferring ridesharing or taxis, services like Uber are readily available, while car rental is an option for those wanting more flexibility. Overall, Melbourne offers diverse transportation options catering to various preferences and needs, ensuring convenient and efficient travel throughout the city and its surroundings.

Learn more about transport in Melbourne

Making friends

Making friends in Melbourne is a rewarding experience, facilitated by the city’s vibrant and diverse social scene. One of the best ways to meet people is by getting involved in community activities, clubs, or sports groups aligned with your interests. Melbourne offers a plethora of cultural events, festivals, and gatherings where you can connect with like-minded individuals.

Join a supportive network of students and experience all the great festivals, events and tourist attractions Melbourne has to offer, together.

For students looking to meet new people outside of university, Melbourne has clubs and groups to make you feel at home. Community groups, sports teams, clubs and places of worship are just a few of the many ways you can integrate into Melbourne.

Cafes and restaurants

Melbourne is famous for its coffee culture and diverse range of restaurants and cafes. Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs feature countless local cafes and multicultural restaurants, each with their own variety of amazing food and drinks.

Arts, culture and heritage

Melbourne is full of rich culture and history. You will find famous historic buildings like the State Library of Victoria and Flinders Street Station. Melbourne also has famous art galleries and museums for students looking to immerse themselves in the culture and history. Performers from all over the world come to Melbourne to perform at the many theatres and stadiums. Students can enjoy musicals, theatre, concerts and some stand-up comedy, often at a price discount for students. There are also free events and festivals most weekends.

Working

Melbourne offers a range of job opportunities for students, whether it’s part-time work to support your studies or internships to gain practical experience in your field. As a thriving city, Melbourne is full of opportunity both for part-time employment while studying or for work placements as part of your degree.

After graduation, Australia’s generous post-study work rights mean you may be able to stay in Melbourne and continue in your job.

Learn more about working in Australia