Living in Melbourne
Melbourne is one of the most exciting cities on Earth. Get the edge on accommodation, master your budget, and discover the opportunities waiting to unlock your extraordinary student experience in Australia.
Adjusting to life in Melbourne
Melbourne is calling. This is your move, and we’re here to make sure you don't just settle, you perform. We'll give you the essentials to get set up: securing a place, budgeting like a pro, and finding the connections that transform your student life into an extraordinary experience.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs requires prospective overseas students to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover living costs while studying in Australia. This requirement has been in place since 1 July 2012.
For further details, you can explore the following resources:
Accomodation
Arranging a home in a new country is a challenge, but there are plenty of helpful resources if you know where to look. The Australian Government’s Study in Australia website, for instance, is a great starting point!
Short-Term Accommodation
Don't waste time. Secure your short-term spot for at least the first month. This gives you the breathing room to conquer the long-term search without the pressure of a deadline looming. Utilities like gas, electricity, and water are often included in these temporary stays.
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Hotel standby rates: www.wotif.com
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Shared housing: https://flatmates.com.au/
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Lonely Planet: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/melbourne#lodgings
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True Local: https://www.truelocal.com.au/find/self-catering
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Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com.au/
Long-term accommodation
As an international student, a private rental is often your best bet when it comes to finding accommodation.
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Affordability: Budgeting is key to stability.
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Safety: Non-negotiable.
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Proximity to Campus: Less commute time equals more study and social time. That's a performance advantage.
Factor in the often-overlooked costs: bond, rent, utilities, and maintenance. And remember, knowledge is power: understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
For further guidance, the Victorian Government’s Renting a home: a guide for tenants provides clear information to help you make informed decisions.
Costs in Melbourne
Understanding the cost of living is key to thriving in any new city. This includes accommodation, food, travel, and every other expense.
Careful planning will help you manage your budget and ensure you can live comfortably while studying at BPP Institute.
For more detailed information, visit the Victorian Government’s Costs of living in Victoria page.
Support
BPP Institute’s Student Experience Team is here to help as you settle into life in Melbourne. The team is made up of friendly staff who are dedicated to supporting you and your wellbeing. They are available to assist you in a broad range of areas, with all services being free and confidential. Furthermore, if you need specialist assistance, we can refer to you professional external organisations that BPP Institute has partnered with.
You can get assistance on the following:
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Finding suitable rental accommodation
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General advice on students’ work rights
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Local facilities in and around the Melbourne CBD
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Hospitals and medical clinics
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Where to go for legal advice
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Where to find consulates and embassies in Melbourne
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Cultural groups and religious congregations
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Private counselling