Experience in Melbourne, Australia by Peggy

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What is it like to live in Melbourne? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Melbourne is a very lovely city to live in. It's not too busy (speaking from the perspective of a Londoner) and the transport is really good in the city centre. However, as you move into the suburbs it's quite bad. The coffee is incredible and there are so many cool shows and events going on all the time. Australia is a fairly young country so there is not that much in the way of historical sites like in Europe, however the National Gallery of Victoria has some great exhibitions.

What is the student lifestyle like in Melbourne?

There are lots of student events and parties organised by the different universities. RMIT, ACU and the University of Melbourne are all very centrally located. The University of Melbourne is on a campus (which is very fun and creates a completely student orientated atmosphere) and the other two mentioned are in the city too but don't have a campus. This can be a bad thing if you like student only restaurants and spaces but can be a great thing if you love city life and want to feel part of the wider community.

How much does it cost to live in Melbourne?

Rent is not cheap. My sister and I were paying $350 each week for a twin share flat (1 bedroom two beds). I know friends who pay $175 for a bedroom in a flatshare and some pay $200, this is not too bad. There are also always university dorms (called colleges at The University of Melbourne) and student residence as Deakin. These are very expensive, costing between $600-$800 a week! Meals are included and there are lots of activities if you can afford this it is very fun. If you are low on cash there are always cheap rooms available on Gumtree or Flatmate finder facebook pages.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Melbourne? Is there any advice you can give?

Facebook page Flatmates Melbourne, Gumtree or university websites and notice boards.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

There is food from all around the world. It's hard to say what traditional Australian food is but generally similar to that of the UK.

What places would you recommend visiting in Melbourne?

National Gallery Victoria has lovely displays on all the time. Some really cool neighborhoods are Elsternwick, Richmond, Newport, Yarraville (amazing cinema there! ) and Carlton (very student friendly).

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Is it good to eat out in Melbourne? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Delicious. Again the coffee is unparalleled and there are so many coffee shops to chose from. There is lots of delicious Asian, South American, African and European food available in the city centre and lots of variety also in the suburbs.

Is the nightlife good in Melbourne? Where is good to go?

Very active, the streets feel very safe as well. At the train stations they have security guards after 8pm so you feel very protected. Not sure about good clubs but St Kilda has many nightclubs and bars. Great rooftop cinema on Swanston street with lots of film screenings during summer.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Melbourne?

Research online, relax knowing it's an awesome city and be open minded as with any overseas experience.

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