Swinburne University of Technology
Founded in 1908, Swinburne University of Technology is a world-class university focusing on enhancing student education through the use of interactive and innovative technologies.
This university welcomes international students in in-person and online courses offered at undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels.
Swinburne is divided into six higher education schools for you to choose from:
- School of Business, Law and Entrepreneurship
- School of Design and Architecture
- School of Engineering
- School of Social Sciences, Media, Film and Education
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Science, Computing and Engineering Technologies
La Trobe University
La Trobe University was established in 1964 and has since then ranked among some of the best universities in the world in many of the subjects it offers. This university offers countless undergraduate, postgraduate, and online courses, as well as some outstanding graduate research degree programs.
La Trobe University’s 12 faculties are divided as follows:
- La Trobe Business School
- La Trobe Law School
- La Trobe Rural Health School
- School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport
- School of Applied Systems Biology
- School of Cancer Medicine
- School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Nursing and Midwifery
- School of Psychology and Public Health
Student Life in Melbourne
Considering its lively atmosphere and wonderful study and work opportunities, it is no surprise that Melbourne was ranked in the top 10 student cities in the world. If you’d like to get a sense of the city before coming here, let’s explore what your life will be like and what to expect if you choose Melbourne.
Ranked also as one of the most livable cities, Melbourne has gathered people from different cultures around the world. As a result, you will easily find friends and not feel like an outsider. Plus, a variety of cultures means a variety of food, drinks, and activities for you to choose from.
Some popular eat streets in Melbourne include Gertrude Street, Lygon Street, Smith Street, Chapel & High Streets. And if you’re one to enjoy coffee & coffee shops, you’ll feel right at home in Melbourne.
The Study Melbourne Hub is a resourceful community for tertiary international students living in Melbourne. Here you have access to workspaces and free wifi, various events and social activities, orientation sessions, English conversation classes, and different workshops that ease your life as a student in Melbourne.
The State Library of Victoria is also a highly-frequented spot by students due to its convenient location in the city centre, great resources, and free membership.
Top Things To See and Do in Melbourne
When you have free time and want to take a break from studying, here are some popular attractions to check out in Melbourne:
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- City Circle Tram
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Shrine of Remembrance
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Queen Victoria Market
- Melbourne Zoo
- State Library Victoria
- Melbourne Museum
- ArtVo
- Dandenong Ranges National Park
- Melbourne Skydeck
Public Transportation in Melbourne
Living in Melbourne, Australia, means that you’ll have access to some of the best public transport in the country. Melbourne offers public rail, tram, and bus services, with its tram network being one of the largest in the world. The metropolitan area transport is provided by Metro, whereas V/Line provides regional transport. Tram rides within the city centre are free.
Getting a myki card is a must; it is the card that you can pay with on almost all forms of public transport in Melbourne. If you’re an international undergraduate student, you can save 50 per cent on an annual myki card with an iUSEPass.
Walking or cycling are also cost-effective and fun ways to get around and explore Melbourne. The city has many walking paths and trails, including The Tan, Albert Park Lake, and Yarra Bend Park. For cycling, you can find Lime and Neuron scooters and electric bikes around the city for convenient use and sharing.
Melbourne Cost of Living and Student Accommodation
Living in Melbourne has its ups and downs, with accommodation and the cost of living often being considered expensive compared to other cities. However, many students manage to live comfortably in Melbourne by working part-time and living within their means.
This means budgeting their expenses, opting for cost-effective transportation, and living in less expensive areas that are further away from the city centre.
Please note that all rates presented below are $AUD.
Cost of Living
International students in Melbourne can expect to spend around $3,750 to $4,000 (2,500 to 2,650 USD) monthly on living expenses, depending on their lifestyle and type of accommodation.
You can use this Cost of Living Calculator to calculate your approximate monthly expenses and cost of living in Melbourne, Australia.
Student Accommodation
Melbourne student accommodation types include university-managed accommodation, residential colleges (on-campus accommodation), purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), private rental accommodation, homestay, and temporary accommodation such as hostels.
University-provided accommodation
Check with your university to enquire about university-managed accommodation and residential colleges. This type of accommodation typically includes the room, utilities, internet, and amenities as part of your fee, which is why many students opt for this option.
The weekly rate will vary depending on the type of accommodation and location. For example, a twin studio at the University of Melbourne’s Little Hall costs $385 per week, whereas a 4 bedroom 4 bathroom (ensuite) costs $450 per week.
Purpose-built student accommodation
Purpose-built student accommodation options in Melbourne include UniLodge, Iglu, Scape, Journal, The Student Housing Company, Y Suites, dwell and Village Melbourne City. These buildings are spread out in different areas in and around Melbourne and provide various room options depending on your needs.
Their prices also vary depending on the type of accommodation and the distance from the central areas of Melbourne. For example, the price of the centrally located UniLodge Melbourne Central starts at $469 per week, whereas the price of Student Living on Raleigh located in an inner suburb of Melbourne starts at $258 per week.
Homestay & flatshares
Homestay is another convenient type of accommodation that allows students to book a private room in a larger unit shared with a landlord, most commonly families that host students. Depending on location and amenities, prices typically range from $250 to $350 per week.
Plenty of international students also prefer sharing a private apartment with other students. If you want to find a flatmate, two useful resources include Flatmates.com.au and the Fairy Floss Facebook group.
Studying in Melbourne means you’ll be studying in a thriving, multicultural city with so much to offer. From globally-recognised universities to the high standard of living, fun nightlife and cultural events, delicious food, and b
