Get set up in Melbourne

The University of Melbourne Parkville campus sits just outside the Melbourne CBD – with endless places to discover in the surrounding area.

Shop at Melbourne’s famous markets, visit the local libraries and the student-owned co-ops, and attend free events on campus and around the city.

There are plenty of ways to make the most of your time as a student in Melbourne. Read on to find out how to settle in and live like a local.

  • Setting up house

    Establishment costs

    When moving into a new home, the general rule is that you pay your first month's rent in advance plus the equivalent of one month's rent as bond. You may also need to pay for utilities connection, furniture and household goods.

    Utility connections

    Compare the different energy providers with the Victorian Government energy price comparison tool.

    Furniture and homewares

    The following superstores are within a 5km radius of the Parkville campus and offer affordable basics for the home:

    • IKEA, 620 Victoria St, Richmond VIC 3121
    • Big W, Swanston St and Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
    • Kmart, Barkly Square S, C/90-106 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056
    • Target, 236 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
  • Bike and public transport options

    Public transport

    Melbourne is renowned for its variety of public transport options including trams, buses and trains. Visit Public Transport Victoria or download the PTV app to plan your journey.

    Cycling

    Get where you need to go and stay active at the same time with the low-cost option of cycling. Many of Melbourne’s roads include bike lanes and paths to cater for the city’s growing population of cycling enthusiasts.

    Local places to buy a bike and helmet include:

    • Gumtree - the online site for second-hand goods
    • Velo Cycles - offering a range of different bikes for sale in North Carlton

    Melbourne also has bike sharing stations in the CBD.

    For information on road rules, maps and bike friendly communities visit the Bicycle Network website.

  • Eating and drinking

    Parkville campus is a short walk from a number of popular eat streets including Lygon Street in Carlton and Smith Street in nearby Fitzroy – not to mention China Town in the CBD and the Queen Victoria Markets. But there are many other options to quench your thirst or satisfy a hungry stomach:

    Supermarkets

    Restaurants and cafes

    Bars

  • Entertainment

    Melbourne Central on the corner of La Trobe and Swanston Streets in the CBD is a large shopping mall featuring:

  • Safety

    Safer Community Program

    The University's Safer Community Program promotes a respectful, inclusive, and connected campus community, and  provides support and advice to members of the University of Melbourne community about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour.

    Project Study Safe

    Project Study Safe is a partnership between Crime Stoppers Victoria (CSV) and Study Melbourne, aiming to improve safety for the international student community in Victoria. It offers useful information about how to stay safe while you study, and where to find help when you need it.

More information