Living in Melbourne

Melbourne's colorful, lively atmosphere appeals to all types of travelers, from cozy cafes to local art, Australian and Aboriginal history to spectator sports. Start your day with a "flat white" coffee before hopping on the free City Circle Tram loop to check out singular attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Zoo, where animal friends await. Melbourne is also a great starting point for day-trips to explore the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island.

Moving to Melbourne has changed the lives of so many people and helped make this one of the world’s greatest cities. Migrating to Melbourne could be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Visit Melbourne

ACCOMMODATION

For international students planning to apply to UHE and reside in Melbourne, finding suitable accommodation is crucial. Here, you'll find essential information to kickstart your search for housing.

TENANTS VICTORIA

Issues on renting across Victoria rights of renters in Victoria

P: (03) 9416 2577

W: https://tenantsvic.org.au/

CONSUMER AFFAIRS VICTORIA

Consumer Affairs Victoria provides advice to consumers, Residential Tenants, landlords, businesses and not-for-profits.

P:1300 558 181

W: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/

TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION

Generally, the price you pay for accommodation will determine its quality. However, it can be expensive to stay in a good-quality motel or hotel for a long period of time. Backpacker accommodation is relatively inexpensive but you may need to bring your own pillow and sleeping bag if you choose this option. There are several different types of accommodation options to choose from.

STAYING WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY

If you know someone in Australia, this is a great way to settle-in to life here. Your friends and family can provide advice, support and encouragement on your first days in Australia.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

For students who find themselves in need for emergency accommodation, Universal Higher Education would suggest Scape accommodation.

You can contact Scape Victoria. Scape accommodation will accommodate students for a short term at a reasonable price.

W: https://www.scape.com.au/melbourne/scape-victoria-street/

There is also a range of budget hotels, motels and backpacker accommodation available.

Please check out:
https://www.booking.com/hostels/city/au/melbourne https://www.trivago.com.au/melbourne-44314/city-districts/melbourne-cbd-2005107

https://www.booking.com/hostels/city/au/melbourne https://www.trivago.com.au/melbourne-44314/city-districts/melbourne-cbd-2005107

PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION

Explore permanent accommodation options in Melbourne designed for international students, such as fully furnished studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments available across the city, along with renting/leasing options. Whether you're drawn to purpose-built student accommodation for its convenience, seeking the cultural immersion of homestay experiences, or prefer the independence of renting your own place, these diverse choices cater to various preferences and budgets. Take the time to explore these options and find the ideal accommodation for your studies in Melbourne.

UNILODGERS

https://www.unilodgers.com/au/melbourne/student-accommodation

HOMESTAY

Homestay is when you stay in the home of a local host. This type of lodging offers a unique opportunity for guests to experience the local culture and lifestyle in a more personal and immersive way, compared to traditional hotels or guesthouses.
W: https://www.melbournehomestay.org/

UNILODGE

Unilodge offers students fully furnished studios, one- or two-bedroom apartments across Melbourne.
W: http://www.unilodge.com.au

RENTING/LEASING

You may also want to visit real estate agents’ websites directly for property information. These are examples of the real estate agents you may want to visit:
www.realestate.com.au
www.rent.com.au
www.domain.com.au

LEGAL CONTACTS

Victoria Legal Aid

Legal Aid Provides free information on how the law works and how it applies to your legal problems.

P: 1300 792 387
W: https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/

WEstjustice

The International Students Employment and Accommodation Legal Service is offered via Study Melbourne Student Centre in the Melbourne CBD, with virtual and phone-based assistance.

P: 1800 056 449
W: https://www.westjustice.org.au/

Inner Melbourne Community Legal (IMCL)

IMCL assist with Legal advice, information, referral and casework in general family, criminal and some civil law matters.

P: (03) 9328 1885
W: https://imcl.org.au

International Student Employment and Accommodation Legal Service (ISEALS)

A specialized service, designed for international students in Victoria to get legal advice about your employment or accommodation concerns.

P: 1800 056 449

W: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/living-here/legal-support/ISEALS

THE COUCH – INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CENTR

The Couch - International Student Centre provides international students with a safe place to make friends, learn new skills, have fun, access free cooked meals, give back through volunteering, and connect with the local community through events and activities.

Address: The Salvation Army Melbourne Project 614 69 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000

Opening hours: The Couch is open 6pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Thursday.

Cost: Free for international students. A free meal is provided.

STUDY MELBOURNE HUB

The Study Melbourne Hub provides free help and advice to all international students in Victoria. We support students with a range of enquiries including financial hardship, accommodation, wellbeing and mental health support, employment programs, legal information and education provider problems.

Engage with free and confidential student support services.
Attend free events and programs.
Make friends, expand your network, and enhance your employability.
Access student work spaces

The Hub opening hours: 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.
W: https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/study-melbourne-hub

TRANSPORT

Universal Higher Education (UHE) is in the heart of the Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) and accessible by all kinds of public transport.

Getting around Melbourne CBD is easy, whether it be by tram, train, bus, taxi, bicycle, or walking.

MYKI Card

A myki card is your reusable ticket for trains, trams, and buses in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

myki cards can be used on:

· Melbourne’s trains, trams and buses

· V/Line trains

· Regional Victoria (Buses in Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Seymour, the Latrobe Valley and Warragul)

To help you understand which myki to buy and how to manage your myki, please visit: https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/myki

Taxis

Melbourne City Council operates four Safe City taxi ranks in the Melbourne CBD.

Visit

https://cpv.vic.gov.au/

https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/visitor-info/getting-around/taxis-rideshare

COST OF LIVING EXPENSES

Cost of living expenses vary depending upon a number of factors including type of accommodation, residential location, inflation and price increases.

This information should be taken as a guide only and is subject to change. All prices are given in Australian dollars.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Accommodation

First, consider what type of place you want to live in and where you want to live. You can rent your own apartment, flat or house or you can share it with other people.

Transport

Melbourne is a relatively easy city to travel around by a variety of modes of transport. The terrain is generally flat, so walking or cycling can be a pleasure on a beautiful, sunny day.

Living Cost

A student will need approximately AUD $17,000 – $22,000 per year to live comfortably in Australia. Airfares, visa costs, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and tuition fees will be additional.