Living in Melbourne
SCEI-HE Melbourne campus is located in the City of Melbourne, capital of the state of Victoria.
The city itself is located amidst parklands along the banks of the Yarra River, just a few kilometres from Port Phillip Bay. With the sea to the south and mountains to the north, the city offers something for everyone. With a vibrant multicultural population of over 3 million, it’s the second-largest city in Australia and is a busy financial and business centre. It also has the highest number of educational institutions and is rightly referred to as Australia’s education capital.
Arts and Culture
Melbourne hosts a number of international cultural events and festivals each year. The Melbourne International Arts Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival are favourites. Federation Square, in the heart of Melbourne, often holds free special events that celebrate the multicultural nature of the city.
Cafes and restaurants
Melbourne is famous for its coffee, thanks in large part to the influx of southern European migrants that came here in the 1950s. We also love food, enjoy a variety of ethnic cuisines, and celebrate a food and wine festival each March. The city has a lively and unique laneway culture with many restaurants tucked away.
Shopping
As a bustling capital Melbourne features large department stores, international designer shops and fashion outlets. Our thriving laneway culture has helped foster a unique community of boutique designers and local artists. Surrounded on all sides by farmland and the coast, Melbourne also hosts a large number of outdoor markets, offering fresh food to shoppers daily. The Queen Victoria market, a local landmark, is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.
Night Life
At night, the streets and laneways light up with a variety of theatres, bars, nightclubs, night markets, restaurants and concerts.
Sports
Melbourne is home to major sporting events, including the Australian Open (tennis), the Boxing Day Test (cricket) and the Spring Racing Carnival (horse racing). In winter, Melburnians flock to the Australian Football League (the AFL, or just ‘the footy’) – pick a team and join in.
Outside Melbourne
In addition to international sporting events and venues, Victoria is also well known for its beautiful snowfields which are excellent for those interested in skiing during the winter season. There are many attractions outside the city, such as the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, Phillip Island with its world-famous penguins, the Goldfields and the Great Ocean Road. If tastes are a bit more adventurous, there is rock climbing and bushwalking in the stunning Grampians National Park, or surfing along Victoria’s extensive coastline.
Transport
Climate
Melbourne has four distinct seasons; however, it is well known for its unpredictable weather throughout the year. Summer is dry, with warm to hot daytime temperatures, but rarely humid; but winter can be cold with higher rainfall, so owning a thick, warm overcoat is a good idea.
Check out the daily weather using the Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/vic/forecasts/melbourne.shtml or download the App
Living Expenses
| Category | Type | Cost (AUD per week) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hostel (Student specific) | 175 - 290 | Basic dorm-style, utilities included, central locations (UniLodge, Scape). |
| Shared House | 150 - 400 | Varies by location; closer to CBD (e.g., Carlton) is pricier. Excludes utilities. | |
| Homestay | 250 - 350 | Includes meals, utilities, and internet; Australian Homestay Network rates. | |
| Private Rental (1-bedroom apartment) | 470 - 520 | CBD or inner suburbs; utilities extra. Suburbs like Footscray are cheaper. | |
| Food | Groceries | 80 - 120 | Shopping at Coles, Woolworths, or Aldi; budget-conscious habits. |
| Eating Out | 30 - 60 | 1-2 meals out per week (e.g., casual dining at $15–25/meal, coffee at $4–6). | |
| Transport | Public Transport (Myki Concession) | 35 - 45 | Unlimited travel in Zones 1 and 2 with student discount; monthly pass $60–120. |
| Phone & Internet | Mobile and Internet | 15 - 30 | Prepaid mobile plan and shared internet; standalone internet $50–80/month. |
| Gas & Electricity | Utilities (shared accommodation) | 25 - 50 | Split among housemates; higher if living alone ($100–200/month). |
| Entertainment | Socialising, Events, Activities | 30 - 100 | Includes movies, festivals, student discounts; budget options like free events. |