Melbourne – Australia
Melbourne is named among the world’s most liveable cities. The title is awarded to the city with the highest score for stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. When you study in Melbourne, you’ll be living in a safe and vibrant city that offers world-class study options, services and the widest range of things to do.
Victoria’s capital, Melbourne, sits on the banks of the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Melbourne is a blend of bustling laneways, world-class restaurants and captivating museums. The locals love their coffee, and serve it up in abundance at cosy cafes. There’s always a sense of excitement here – whether its in the city’s fascinating flavours or fierce sporting rivalries. Attend a sports event, drink a cocktail on a rooftop and uncover the stories hidden within Melbourne’s art-filled alleyways. Melbourne is a city that knows how to live.
Melbourne is the best student city in Australia and the third best student city in the world, according to the prestigious QS Best Student Cities 2019. Key features such as Victoria’s high standard and quality of living, vibrant multicultural society and social inclusion attracted 200,000 international students to Victoria in 2017.
Public Transport
Melbourne’s public transport network extends from the city centre in all directions, with trains, trams and buses offering comprehensive public transport services. Tram travel is free in Melbourne’s central business district and inner city. There are signs on the tram stops to tell you where the free tram zone begins and ends. Most tram drivers also announce when you are entering or leaving the free tram zone.
You’ll need a myki to travel on most of Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses. It is a re-usable smart card that stores value to pay your public transport fare. All you need to do is touch on at the myki reader (at entry / exit points at train stations and on board trams and buses) at the start of each trip. Then touch off when you exit the train station or vehicle.
If you are an international student enrolled in and studying either a full-time undergraduate course (Bachelor Degree or Associate Degree) or a higher VET course (Advanced Diploma or Diploma) at a participating institution, you will be eligible to purchase a discounted annual ticket. Buy an iUSEpass in advance through your university, college or school. The iUSEpass saves you 50 per cent on an annual full fare ticket.
Climate
Melbourne may be known for its fickle weather – the city has been described as having four seasons in one day – but it can still be enjoyed all year round. Plan ahead with this information on temperature and rainfall.
Summer (December – February)
Melbourne warms up in summer with mean temperatures between 14 – 25.3°C (57.2 – 77.5°F). These months are dry, with occasional hot spells that can last more than three days. Melbourne’s top temperatures are usually in January and February, when temperatures can occasionally soar past 30°C (86°F).
Autumn (March – May)
Autumn sees cooler weather with average temperatures ranging from 10.9 – 20.3°C (51.6 – 68.5°F). Morning fog usually clears to welcome fine, sunny days, however toward the end of the season there can be extended periods of light winds.
Winter (June – August)
In winter, average temperatures range from 6.5 – 14.2°C (43.7 – 57.6°F), and snow falls in the north-east of Victoria, known as High Country. The weather is frequently cold and cloudy, and nights can be accompanied by frosts. Heavy rain is rare at this time of year.
Spring (September – November)
During spring average temperatures range from 9.6 – 19.6°C (49.3 – 67.3°F). The season is known as the most variable of the year, when weather can quickly change from calm and sunny to cold and windy. Pack your umbrella – October is the wettest month with roughly 10 days of rainfall.
Cost of Living
Mercer’s 2018 Cost of Living Survey ranked Melbourne number 58 in the world in their list of most expensive cities – demonstrating that Melbourne is a more affordable destination than many other global cities.
Average Cost of Accomodation:
- Hostels and Guesthouses – $90 to $150 per week
- Shared Rental – $95 to $215 per week
- On campus – $110 to $280 per week
- Rental – $185 to $440 per week
Other Living Expenses:
- Groceries and eating out – $140 to $280 per week
- Gas, electricity – $10 to $20 per week
- Phone and Internet – $15 to $30 per week
- Public transport – $30 to $60 per week
- Entertainment – $80 to $150 per week