5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming to Melbourne!
G’day, fellow scholars! Are you planning to visit Melbourne? If yes, then you are definitely in for a big treat! Melbourne is the considered as one of the most livable cities to and we have everything you need to know before visiting.
Melbourne is recognized as a city of art, culture, and historic laneways that captivate everyone who steps onto its bustling streets. From rich heritage to its thriving coffee culture, Melbourne has it all! It might take you some time to learn all about this beautiful city. But with a little preparation, you can navigate the best part in no time. So, are you ready to make your trip as colourful as the street art on Hosier Lane?
Here are the top 5 things to know before landing in Melbourne because the journey begins before you leave home. So, tune in!
1. Lose That Extra Luggage
Melbourne is more than simply a metropolis. With over 140 cultures represented, Melbourne always got what you want. So, drop that extra baggage off your shoulders and travel easily.
From Asian markets to Middle Eastern Bazaar, it is a cultural hotspot for people globetrotting from diverse backgrounds to meet in Australia’s traditional melting point. Even if you don’t fancy a first-hand purchase, suit yourself with a second-hand shopping fantasy at easy prices for furniture, clothing, and much more.
3. Where to live in Melbourne?
Are you wondering what’s beyond the savvy suburbs of Melbourne? Melbourne spans in nearly 10,000 sq. kms. From posh areas like East Melbourne (located 2 km from the CBD of Melbourne) to Northside like Brunswick, and Coburg. But if you’re a student living in CBD campus. Here’s what you should know:
● You may have the opportunity to travel for free.
● But if you want to move outside, you’ve to pay 5.30 AUD for a single route that lasts just 2 hours.
● And if you want to travel all day, you’ve to pay 10.60 A$ for public transport.
Public transport in Melbourne is well connected with most areas of the city. However, it may take a little more time to reach some places.
2. Weather-friendly Wear in Melbourne
From crisp winters to warm summers, welcome to Melbourne! Here, you’ll need some cold-wear clothing and lots of lightweight wear in your closet. The city is known for its four seasons in a day. From warm to cool, dry to wet, you may experience all within 24 hours of landing. The summer-ish spring in September to November is considered the best season in Melbourne.
Snowfall is rare and rainfall is varied throughout the year. But the blooming springs and bright summers come along with a lot of sunny days; so, if you’re not a die-hard fan of shopping, don’t forget to add multiple lightwear clothes in your wardrobe.
4. Cost of Living
According to Expatistan, the cost of living in Melbourne for a-
● Family of four estimated monthly costs: AU$8,811 (including rent)
● Single person estimated monthly costs: AU$5,113 (including rent)
Rent: According to the September Quarter 2023 Rental Report, the median rent in metropolitan Melbourne increased by $15 to $515 per week, while in regional Victoria, it increased by $10 to $430 per week.
To save money, it is advised to rent a home with all bills included and try to find a place near public transport. Moreover, here is the list of apps that can make your life easy in Melbourne.
Help Apps
Banking: Your Bank App, Wise
For Fuel Price: Petrol Spy
Post: Australia Post
Travel: Trans Perth, Google Maps
Leisure: Klook
For Cab & Taxi: DiDi, Uber
Reward Point: Flybuys
5. Wheels of Freedom- No need for Car!
Forget the fuss of taxi fare or parking charges because Melbourne ensures a pocket-friendly public transport system especially for students. Don’t forget to register for the Foreign Student Travel Pass, which is a gold ticket to lower commuting costs!
Experience a joyful ride while traveling through trams, trains, and buses available at almost all central locations. Just take your Myki card, get on board, and tour the city with ease. Install useful apps like PTV if you prefer public transport.
However, if you’re looking for part-time driving jobs or rent a car to go outside Melbourne, make sure you carry your international driving license to Melbourne.
In a nutshell…
Moving to a new country requires a lot of pre-planning, but now that you’re equipped with these essential tips for visiting Melbourne, you’re all set! Carry these 5 insider tips to make your stay at Melbourne unforgettable. Enjoy the multicultural marvels of Australia and enrich this transformational journey with an academic adventure at Explore English.
