Life in
MELBOURNE
Melbourne has been labelled
one of the world’s most liveable cities several years in a row
Melbourne is a bustling, cosmopolitan city in the south-east of Australia that’s home to fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes, top-class educational institutions, and a diverse population. Thanks to its many wonderful qualities, Melbourne is now a hugely popular destination for international students from all over the world.
Whether you want to live directly in the central part of the city or in one of Melbourne’s many colourful and multicultural suburbs, this guide will give you an idea of how much you’ll be spending if you choose to study and live in Melbourne.
ACCOMMODATION
Melbourne is on the more expensive end among Australia’s capital cities, but you will be rewarded with excitement and fun things to do around every corner. And, like any other location, it is going to be more expensive to live near the CBD than it is to live further out in the suburbs.
INNER CITY
In the inner city, you can expect to spend $320 per week on average for a room in a share house (living with professionals or other students), $390 per week for a serviced apartment, or $790 per week for a one-bedroom unit all to yourself. Additionally, there are homestay options where you can live with local families. This usually costs around $320 per week.
SUBURBS
In the inner city, you can expect to spend $320 per week on average for a room in a share house (living with professionals or other students), $390 per week for a serviced apartment, or $790 per week for a one-bedroom unit all to yourself. Additionally, there are homestay options where you can live with local families. This usually costs around $320 per week.
STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Managed student accommodation is a convenient option if you want utilities and extra features included in your weekly rent. As an example, at Journal Student Living in the central suburb of Carlton, the weekly price starts at $329 for a twin-share room. This includes internet, utilities, and access to various facilities including a library, gym and cinema.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
While many of Melbourne’s university campuses – such as RMIT, the University of Melbourne and Victoria University – are close to the city centre, others like Monash University and La Trobe University are further out. However, no matter where your campus is located, it will no doubt be easily accessible by train, bus or the city’s excellent tram network.
You must purchase a myki card for all travel purposes in Melbourne and surrounds. The card works on trains, trams, light rail, and buses (including regional journeys outside of the city to places like Geelong, Bendigo and Traralgon). Myki cards can be purchased at staffed train stations and a variety of convenience stores throughout the city. They cannot be purchased on trams.
WHICH ONE TO PICK?
It’s important to think about your priorities when weighing up these options. Living further away from the city is cheaper and generally offers more living space. However, it can potentially mean more money being spent on public transport and taxi or Uber services, as well as getting home later from school. Living near the city can be a little more expensive, but you’ll be closer to Melbourne’s incredible array of restaurants, nightlife, and major cultural institutions. Living in student accommodation on or near campus can be hugely convenient, as all costs are included in the weekly price and you’ll have a minimal commute to class.
CONCESSION RATE
In general, international students are not entitled to a concession rate on myki cards (except on the annual pass – see below), so the full fare will be paid. Fares using the myki card depend on where you’re travelling to and how often, but students generally spend around $22 per week. You can work out your expected weekly cost using this calculator.
International undergraduate students can also get a 50% discount on an annual myki pass using the iUSEpass. This option saves you a lot of money if you will be travelling at least 98 days of the year (if you’re travelling less than this, a normal myki will be cheaper). Certain study conditions need to be met in order to apply for an iUSEpass, so make sure to check out the Public Transport Victoria website.