So, you’ve chosen your destination, received your visa and bought your plane tickets. But there are a few more things you need to do before you’re ready to start your exciting international study adventure!
Read on to find out everything you need to know about moving to, studying and living in Melbourne!
Preparing for your move to Melbourne
Finding accommodation in Melbourne
Melbourne has lots of excellent accommodation options to explore to suit every preference and budget.
If you want an authentic Australian experience, you could look into homestay. Homestay is when you live with a local family during your studies.
Alternatively, there are lots of student accommodation providers in Melbourne through which you can secure a fantastic place to live. Your university or educational institution may even have residential colleges, which can be a great way to live near campus during your studies.
Finally, you can look into securing a private rental through sites like realestate.com.au or Domain or find a room in a shared house using a website like Flatmates.
What to pack for Melbourne
When packing for your trip, there are a few essential items you’ll want to ensure you bring.
This includes important documentation, like your passport, confirmation of enrolment, OSHC card, bank card and information about your accommodation. Additionally, don’t forget to pack some Australian money to use when you arrive.
You’ll also want to bring your laptop, phone and other electronics, along with their chargers and a travel adaptor. If you need to take medication, you should pack this as well, along with your prescription.
Melbourne’s weather varies a lot throughout the year, so make sure you pack clothes for both cold and warm weather, as well as wet-weather gear for rainy days!
You can buy household items, groceries, cleaning items and toiletries like shampoo and conditioner when you arrive, so leave those behind to save space in your luggage.
Remember, there are things you can’t bring into Australia, like weapons, plants and some foods and medications, so make sure you check the restrictions before you start packing.
After you arrive in Melbourne
Get your student card and take a tour of your campus
Once you’ve landed in Melbourne, you’ll want to start getting settled in right away!
The first thing you’ll want to do is get your student ID card. Your student card won’t just help you access important resources, like the library and student spaces, but can grant you access to awesome discounts on everything from movie tickets to public transport!
It’s also a good idea to join a campus tour, which is a fantastic way to familiarise yourself with your educational institution. Don’t forget to plan a visit to the library, and take some time to check out all the educational support on offer.
Get a myki card and your International Student Travel Pass
Luckily, getting around Melbourne is quick and easy, thanks to the excellent network of buses, trains and trams operated by Public Transport Victoria (PTV).
To use public transport in and around the city, you’ll need to purchase a myki card. As an international student, you may be eligible for an International Student Travel Pass, which can help you save up to 50 per cent on your travel costs! Save $1034* on travel with a 365-day pass, $572 with a 180-day pass and $286 with a 90-day pass. You can use your pass for all your travel, even if you’re just going out with friends or going to work. It also gives you access to all-night weekend travel on the Night Network.
Attend orientation activities
In Australia, the week before the new semester is known as O-Week or orientation week.
O-Week is your chance to attend lectures, take campus tours, join clubs and societies and enjoy fun social events with your future classmates and teachers!
Every institution’s O-Week is different, so make sure you check out the calendar of events and sign up for a range of activities to get the most out of your orientation experience.
Explore the city
Now that you’re all settled in, it’s time to start exploring all the amazing things this vibrant city has to offer!
Not sure where to start? Check out our other guides for a huge range of ideas, activities and events to kick-start your Melbourne adventure!
