Melbourne has long been a popular destination for international students looking for an amazing study-abroad experience.
But what can you expect when you actually make the move? What’s the weather really like, and how can you get around on a student budget? To find out what living here is really like, we spoke to an international graduate, Mallika Vaddi.
Read on to discover the top ten things you need to know before moving to Melbourne!
1. It really is a great place for students
As the home to many world-class educational institutions, it’s not hard to see why the fourth most liveable city in the world is a desirable study location.
Mallika says she was happy to learn that it was ranked among the best student cities in the world! Melbourne has been named #1 in Australia and #5 worldwide based on a wide range of factors, including diversity, employment outcomes, affordability and student reviews.
2. Be prepared for warm weather…
Summer happens between December and February in the Southern Hemisphere. While in Melbourne, you can expect to enjoy a warm, dry summer with lots of sunny days.
“The climate is almost similar to India,” says Mallika.
To prepare for warmer days, make sure you have plenty of cool, lightweight clothing. Occasionally, the temperature can get to over 30°C, so it’s a good idea to read up on staying safe in hot weather.
3. …And for the cold!
Mallika adds that you should prepare for cooler weather, too. During winter, average temperatures in Melbourne range from 6.5°C to 14°C, so while it’s not bitterly cold, you’ll definitely need some warm clothing!
Before the cold months start, ensure you have a few jumpers and a high-quality jacket, plus warm pants, socks and shoes. If you don’t already own cold-weather clothing, don’t worry about purchasing items and bringing them from home – you can buy them when you arrive in Australia and save on luggage space.
4. It’s safe and multicultural
One thing Mallika highlights is how safe she feels in Melbourne, even when travelling around at night.
Indeed, according to the 2021 Economist Safe Cities Index, Melbourne is the ninth safest city in the world. This makes it easy to relax and enjoy your stay!
Plus, home to over 140 cultures, Melbourne is also one of the most multicultural cities in Australia. So, no matter where you’re from, you can be sure you’ll receive a friendly welcome here.
“I like how Melbourne is diverse in culture,” explains Mallika.
She says meeting new people from many different countries has expanded her worldview and made her more open-minded.
5. The accommodation is awesome!
During her time in Melbourne, Mallika has loved staying in student accommodation.
“Campus Melbourne has been nothing short of fantastic,” Mallika explains. “The place is amazing for students. There is a swimming pool, an eatery, a movie room and a gym. The reception is available 24/7 if there is an issue or emergency.”
But purpose-built accommodation isn’t the only option! As an international student, you can explore opportunities in residential housing, homestays and even private rentals, making it easy to find the accommodation option that best suits you.
6. You don’t need a car!
If you’re moving to Melbourne, it’s good to know that you probably won’t need to worry about buying a car! The city’s incredible public transport, run by Transport Victoria, includes buses, trains and trams.
Mallika says this is a huge benefit for students looking to get around.
“There are trams and train stations nearby to my accommodation, and it makes my travel easy,” she adds.
With a comprehensive network across the inner and outer suburbs and regular services all throughout the day, you’ll find it easy to get anywhere you want to go! Simply grab a myki card, top it up, and you’re ready to explore.
7. …and you can save big on transport!
Not only is Melbourne’s public transport network easy, convenient and efficient, it’s affordable too!
This starts with fare caps, which ensure you’ll never pay more than the maximum daily fare for travel — even if you’re travelling to or from regional areas!
But you could save even more! As an undergraduate international student, you might be eligible for a 90-day, 180-day or 365-day International Student Travel Pass, saving you up to 50% on your annual transport fees!
And, if you’re hanging out in the city, you can travel for free within the Free Tram Zone!
8. The locals are friendly
“My favourite thing about living in Melbourne is meeting people,” Mallika explains, and it’s not hard to see why.
Locals in Melbourne pride themselves on being warm and welcoming to people from all over the world, so you can expect to see lots of friendly faces and find some excellent new friends.
9. You’ll see some cool native wildlife!
Before she moved to Australia, Mallika had heard that kangaroos hop up and down the streets, and she was lucky enough to see this for herself in Melbourne!
Even though you might not see a kangaroo in your street, you’ll still probably spot a few cool native animals. Keep an eye out for the brightly coloured crimson rosella and the adorable common ringtail possum.
If you’d like to see some native animals, don’t miss a trip to Melbourne Zoo!
10. There’s so much to do and see!
Mallika says she loves Melbourne’s lively and vibrant atmosphere, and it’s not hard to see why! With loads of arts and culture, sports, festivals and fun events throughout the year, there’s truly something for everyone.
While you’re here, make sure you visit the city’s amazing markets, get back to nature with the many green spaces and take advantage of some of the fantastic free events!
