Melbourne, Victoria

Cost Of Living

Approximately AUD$19,829 per year

_{* ESTIMATED MINIMUM ANNUAL LIVING COSTS ARE FOR 2010 ONLY. AMOUNTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN 2011.
** Based on zone 1 monthly met ticket within Melbourne's publictransport system.
*** Utilities (gas, electricity, phone, water) are included in this fee.}

Ask anyone who has lived in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne why it’s been voted the number one place in the world to live, and the highlights of this bustling city will be made obvious to you. With a restaurant and food scene to rival any city, as well as access to some of Australia’s most spectacular natural surrounds, this city’s culture and beauty will not fail to impress.

Melbourne has a mild, temperate climate with four distinct seasons which are very much part of the city's character. Spring through to autumn is a vibrant time for outdoor festivals, theatre and cinemas, alfresco eating, swimming and other water sports. Winter is the time for theatre, football, dining, open fires and shopping for warmer clothes.

Melbourne – The City

Home to a diverse population of 4 million people from more than 140 nations, Melbourne boasts many of Australia's best restaurants and cafés, and is a shopper's paradise. Melbourne has over 3,000 restaurants offering more than 70 individual styles of cuisine.

Melbourne and Surrounds

Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria, with daily flights to major cities throughout Asia, the United States and Europe. For the international visitor, Victoria is a delight to explore. It is the home of heritage-listed forests, some of Australia's top ski fields, spectacular coastal regions, quiet country getaways and many other attractions.

Accommodation

You can stay either permanently or temporarily at one of Victoria University's two student accommodation residences. It is strongly recommended that you apply in advance for rooms at these residences. Application forms are available from the Victoria University's website and can be faxed or emailed.

Both student residences have an extensive program of events and activities to help you settle in Melbourne. The Student Village provides an excellent opportunity to form friendships and offers a range of services which include 24-hour staff support, cable TV in lounges, evening security, free parking and sporting/leisure activities. For more information and booking enquiries visit: www.vu.edu.au/facilities-and-services/housing-services .

Banking

Banking hours are generally 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 5pm Friday. Some banks offer extended hours and some are open on Saturday mornings. Travellers' cheques are widely accepted, as are major credit cards VISA, Mastercard and (to a lesser extent) AMEX and Diners Card. Most banks will change foreign currency to Australian dollars.

Working While Studying

Under current visa regulations, students residing temporarily in Australia under a student visa are permitted to work up to 40 hours per fortnight. For information please visit: Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship website .

Transport

Metlink is Melbourne's public transport system. It offers a comprehensive network of buses, trams and trains servicing the greater metropolitan area.

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_{Last Updated 15 February 2013}