Living in Melbourne

Melbourne is known as the cultural capital of Australia, which makes it the perfect location for you to immerse yourself in art and design education. The city is proudly diverse, embracing multiculturalism and offering an abundance of art, food, culture, sport, music and design.

In Melbourne’s CBD, the small laneways become the canvas for an array of world-class street art, appreciated by locals and tourists alike.  Melbourne also is renowned for its coffee culture, owing to its rich multicultural history.  The city boasts many different ethnic pockets, providing a culturally authentic range of fantastic food, most of which is available in and around Collingwood, satisfying every taste!

Melbourne has almost as many galleries as it has restaurants! Whether you are visiting a major touring exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) or the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at the iconic Melbourne landmark, Federation Square, there is no shortage of creative stimulation in the city. Of course there are many smaller galleries scattered around the city too, with some located right in Collingwood meaning you can adventure on your lunch breaks in between classes.

Melbourne is well regarded as being a safe and welcoming place for international students. For students interested in seeing more of Australia, Melbourne is only a short drive to beautiful towns, forests and beaches or you can fly to Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Tasmania, offering lots of opportunities for a weekend away.

There are a numerous modes of transport accessible to you in Melbourne. Melbourne’s public transport system is safe, convenient and affordable, with services extending across the city, suburbs and into regional Victoria.

You also have the option to drive in Australia if you hold a valid driver’s license or permit. It is safe to drive on our roads and they are well maintained. Please note, if you have entered Victoria under a temporary Visa you can drive using you overseas license, provided it is in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit or equivalent.

You can find more information on converting your overseas license and international driving permits on the VicRoads website.

Collingwood is an inclusive and safe suburb located in inner-north Melbourne. Collingwood was originally an industrial area populated by mechanics, fabricators and manufacturers, but the area has since become a vibrant precinct for food and entertainment.

Similar to our own campus, other warehouses in the area have been converted into coffee roasters, bars, music venues, studios, galleries and retailers.

From alternative, hidden galleries to some of the best food and coffee you can find in Melbourne, you won’t run out of things to eat, drink, shop and do in Collingwood.

The most useful general websites for international students are:

• Study in Australia - the official Australian Government website for international students, including information about the education system, support services and living costs as well as accommodation. 
• The Department of Home Affairs website, which includes information about visa requirements and living in Australia.
• Study Melbourne, which features extensive information about studying and living in the city, in a number of languages.