Welcome to Melbourne, Australia’s number one student city for 8 years in a row! If you have only just graduated from high school, or come from overseas to study here, Melbourne has a lot to offer and here is a quick guide to help you enjoy your stay.

STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

If you need student accommodation in Melbourne, look no further than Student Housing Australia. SHA is a privately owned and operated Australian Real Estate business, providing management of a full range of purpose-built, student-only rental accommodation. Our services cater exclusively for both local and international students residing in Melbourne. All buildings under our management are located in and around the main universities and colleges of Melbourne’s CBD and inner suburbs, including Carlton, Hawthorn, Burwood, Box Hill, Caulfield, East Malvern, Clayton, Footscray, Prahran, South Yarra, North Melbourne, Collingwood, Noble Park and Bundoora/Macleod. Contact us now if you need assistance with looking for suitable student accommodation in Melbourne.

GET AROUND

When moving to a big city like Melbourne, you may have concerns about how to get around. There are multiple ways to travel around Melbourne to get you to and from uni, work or home.

• Public Transport is the best way to get around Melbourne. Whether via trams, trains and buses, it will allow you to get where you need to be easily. We recommend downloading the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) app or visiting their website, to plan your journey.
• Riding a bike is another common way to get around. Melbourne has plenty of bike trails across and linking the city to the suburbs, which can get you to your destination while enjoying the many benefits that riding a bike brings.
• For the times that you need faster transport, rideshare and taxis can be your answer. Please make sure you use a licensed transport service, as we don’t want anyone being scammed.
• If you prefer to drive in Melbourne, please make sure you follow all Victorian road rules. If students are holding an overseas license, they must change it over to a Victorian license within 6 months of residing in Victoria. For further information, visit the VicRoads website – https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

DISCOVERING MELBOURNE

Your main reason for moving to Melbourne is to focus on your studies, but when you take a break from studying, there are plenty of interesting things to do in or nearby to Melbourne. From the Great Ocean Road to Federation Square, the sights and sounds of Melbourne can keep you busy and not just on the weekends. Why not check out previous blogs to see what you can do around Melbourne.

2022/23 SHA SUMMER GUIDE TO MELBOURNE – https://sha.com.au/2022-23-summer-guide-melbourne/

SHA’S A to Z GUIDE TO MELBOURNE – https://sha.com.au/shas-z-guide-melbourne/

BUDGETING

Moving out for the first time can be financially straining for students and many need to prepare a strategy to budget for what’s ahead. Using financial institutions like banks, and government support can make it less stressful for you during this important time. If you need further information, please visit our previous blog on budgeting – https://sha.com.au/seven-different-ways-improve-budgeting-skills/

FINDING PART-TIME WORK.

Finding part-time work in Melbourne can be beneficial for your future career but also to support yourself while living here. Before you start seeking out work, research the different aspects of working in Australia that you need to consider. These could include your rights as a worker, paying taxes and superannuation. For further information about finding part-time work in Melbourne, visit https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/working-here

HOME SICK?

It can be a daunting experience for students moving out for the first time, especially if coming from overseas. It’s ok to be homesick, but we recommend you make a plan for how to deal with times when those feelings arise. Some of the plans could be connecting with people from the same culture, or joining social clubs and taking part in activities that they could be running on campus. Take it one step at a time, and it will get easier in the end.

MENTAL HEALTH

Continuing our discussion about homesickness, there are mental health services that can assist you with excessive feelings of homesickness and other mental health needs. If you feel like you are struggling with anything, we recommend you call LifeLine on 13 11 14 or contact your school resource centre for further assistance. It is ok to not be ok and there is always someone to help you.

Student Housing Australia wishes you all the best for your time in one of the most livable cities in the world. From coffees to trams, there is no doubt that this will be an experience you won’t forget.