Living in Melbourne
Make Melbourne home while you study.
Melbourne brings together people, cultures, industries and ideas from around the world.
As an HEA student, you can experience the city’s food, arts, sport and cultural life while studying in one of Australia’s major business and technology centres.
Life In Melbourne
A city with many ways to connect
A diverse community
Melbourne is home to communities from around the world, with different cultures, languages and traditions reflected throughout the city.
Food, arts and culture
Explore restaurants, markets, galleries, live music, festivals and events across Melbourne’s city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Sport and recreation
Melbourne’s sporting calendar includes Australian football, cricket, tennis, motorsport and major international events. Parks, walking paths, beaches and community facilities offer plenty of ways to stay active.
Business and technology
Melbourne is a major centre for technology, professional services, finance, health, education and creative industries, providing exposure to different organisations and professional communities.
Planning Your Move
Planning To Live In Melbourne
Research your options and build a realistic budget
Living costs vary according to where you live, the type of accommodation you choose and your individual lifestyle.
When planning your budget, allow for:
- Accommodation and rental bond
- Electricity, gas and water
- Food and groceries
- Public transport
- Phone and internet
- Healthcare and insurance
- Study materials
- Clothing, recreation and personal expenses
Finding Accommodation
Choose the option that works for you
Student accommodation in Melbourne may include:
- Purpose-built student accommodation
- A room in a shared house or apartment
- A private rental
- Homestay accommodation
Start researching early and consider the total cost, location, transport access and terms of the agreement.
Before paying money or signing an agreement, make sure you understand the rent, bond, utilities, notice periods and your rights and responsibilities. Be cautious of accommodation offers that appear unusually cheap or require payment before you can verify the property or provider.
Getting Around
Using Melbourne’s public-transport network
Melbourne’s public-transport network includes trains, trams and buses. Most travel uses the myki ticketing system, while some tram travel within the central Free Tram Zone does not require payment.
Fares and concession eligibility depend on your circumstances. Postgraduate students are not generally eligible for the standard tertiary-student concession, so check current Public Transport Victoria information before budgeting for travel.
Working While You Study
Understand your conditions and workplace rights
Domestic students may choose to combine study with work according to their individual circumstances.
International students must comply with the work conditions attached to their visa. At the time of publication, most student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Conditions can change, so check your visa through VEVO and review current Department of Home Affairs information before accepting work.
Everyone working in Australia has workplace rights, including minimum pay and conditions, regardless of nationality or visa status.
Support Beyond HEA
Information, advice and ways to connect
The Study Melbourne Hub provides free support and services for international students in Victoria.
Students can access:
- Confidential information and advice
- Support with accommodation, employment and financial difficulties
- Wellbeing and mental-health support
- Free legal information and referrals
- Study spaces and Wi-Fi
- Events, activities and opportunities to meet other students
Plan your next step in Melbourne.
Explore HEA’s Master of Information Technology and learn how to apply.