Moving to Melbourne

Moving to Melbourne

Discover everything you need to study in Melbourne, the third most liveable city in the world.

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Before you arrive in Melbourne

Prepare for your move to Melbourne by planning your budget, arranging student accommodation and learning how you can find employment while you study.

Getting settled in

Set yourself up to explore and enjoy everything Melbourne has to offer as soon as you arrive.

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and Australia’s second-largest city. It has been ranked the world’s third most liveable city1. As a diverse city, Melbourne benefits from the influences of more than 140 different cultures2, and almost half its residents were born overseas.

Melbourne’s calendar is full of major cultural events and festivals, and as an RMIT student you’ll be going to classes in the heart of this vibrant city. Whether you love films, flowers, fashion or food, there is an event or attraction for you in Melbourne.

Text And Media Video

International students tell us what they love about Melbourne!

International students are making the most of every minute: embracing city living, enjoying cultural events, joining social clubs and meeting new friends. Find out what makes studying at RMIT an unforgettable experience.

Explore the best of what Melbourne has to offer:

Melbourne is renowned for its focus on creativity in art, design and fashion. You can wander through laneways covered in street art, take a trip to the Heide Museum of Modern Art and its fabulous outdoor gallery, and marvel at award-winning sculptures at the Werribee Park Sculpture Walk.

Melbourne is also home to a lively entertainment scene. Year-round, you can take in major international theatre and musical performances, world-class symphonies, and premier ballet productions. You can also catch a showing of Hollywood blockbusters, small independent films, and global film festivals at any number of local cinemas.

Creative festivals bring the city’s streets and venues to life all year round. Join the festivities for the Melbourne International Film Festival, White Night, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Writers’ Festival, and more.

“One tip that I always give new to students is to open the ‘What’s on Melbourne’ website,” said Bachelor of Professional Communication student, Raffa.

“It’ll show you all the cool places and events happening around Melbourne every week. If I don’t have any plans that weekend, I just open it up and see what piques my interest.”

There’s even more to see and explore beyond Melbourne in Victoria’s regional areas, like stunning landscapes, historic towns, and locally produced food and wine.

Popular places to visit include:

  • The Great Ocean Road, a world-famous coastal drive featuring diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes, including the ‘12 Apostles’.
  • Hepburn Springs and Daylesford, an idyllic restorative haven that is acclaimed for natural mineral spas.
  • Bendigo, Ballarat and Beechworth, historic towns that will introduce you to Victoria’s rich gold mining heritage.
  • Wilsons Promontory National Park, which features spectacular scenery of huge granite mountains, rainforests, and fantastic wildlife. 

Jai, an active student in RMIT’s Kirrip community, suggests renting a car and doing a road trip with friends. “All the hidden gems are from regional Victoria. It’s a long drive but please don’t miss it! It’s once in a lifetime.”

You can also make the most of Melbourne City's parks, the Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay. Pack a picnic lunch, wander around the Royal Botanic Gardens, or take in city views while you cycle along one of countless bike paths. Some of Melbourne's finest parks, gardens and recreational facilities are within easy reach of each RMIT campus.

“Hit the beaches first!” said Master of Biotechnology student from India, Sumanth, who is also a part of the RMIT Kirrip community.

“The best thing about Melbourne is that it’s super close to go to the beach. I love it so much.”

Ask anyone what the defining feature of Melbourne food culture is, and their answer will be its ‘coffee culture’!

There’s a cafe on just about every block, and Melbournians are passionate about Sunday brunch and delicious food. The city is a lively and unique maze of laneways culture and historic arcades, which house small cafes, elegant tearooms, old-style pubs, and rooftop bars.

Melbourne’s food and drink scene has been voted one of the best in the world3. You can find Chinatown, Little Italy and Greek, Spanish, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese and Ethiopian quarters in the city and suburbs.

You can also join in on food festivals throughout the year, including the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Taste of Melbourne, and food truck festivals that span the city.

Students on a budget may like to explore the array of markets in Melbourne, where they can find low-priced fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood, as well as arts, crafts and products created by local artisans.

Just a few trams stop from the RMIT City campus is the heritage-listed Queen Victoria Market, which has operated since 1878, and the South Melbourne Market, established in 1867. “I often go to QVM (Queen Victoria Market),” said RMIT student, Jai.

“You can get food there cheaper. Especially after 4pm because merchants are giving away their produce for the day.”

Preston Market is another local favorite located near RMIT’s Bundoora campus, and features specialty grocery stores, such as Asian grocers and health foods.

If you’re a sports fan, you’re in luck. Melbourne is home to major sporting events, including the Australian Open tennis, the Melbourne Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup horse racing. In winter, locals flock to the Australian Football League (the AFL, or 'the footy'). Pick a team and join in!

From streetwear to haute couture, Melbourne’s fashion scenery is full of style, featuring independent design markets, small boutiques, large retailers and international designer stores. Most major retailers and stores are open seven days, and many stay open late on Thursdays and Fridays.

You’re spoiled for choice, with popular shopping spots near the RMIT City campus, including Bourke Street Mall, Emporium, Melbourne Central, QV, Chadstone, Crown, and DFO South Wharf.

Melbourne tram, RMIT

Myki – your all-in-one transport card in Melbourne

Myki is your all-in-one ticket to travel on Melbourne's public transport network of trams, buses and trains. While certain routes within the city are free, rides throughout Melbourne and its suburbs require you to purchase a myki card.

Once purchased, you can top up your myki with money at selected stations and stops, or download the PTV app to top up instantly online.

As a student, you may also be eligible for a concession myki or an International Student Travel Pass. You can find out more details about how to use a myki card on the Public Transport Victoria’s website:

Get to and from campus

RMIT’s three Melbourne campuses are easily accessible by bus, tram or train services. Learn more about our campuses and discover how to get there by public transport.

If you're moving to Melbourne from overseas, you will need to organise an Australian bank account for everyday transactions and paying bills such as rent and utilities. Follow these simple steps to set up your account:

1. Choose a bank

There are four major banks in Australia (ANZCommBankNAB and Westpac) as well as a number of smaller, reputable banks. Make sure to do some research into what each bank offers and which works best for you.

Here are some things to consider:

  • Transaction accounts made specifically for students
  • Fees - including setup, transaction and withdrawal fees
  • Online access
  • Ease of transferring money from home

2. Complete application

Once you’ve found a bank that suit your needs, you need to apply and provide them with your details and various documents. While some banks allow you to apply online, you will still need to visit a branch once you arrive in Melbourne to confirm your identity.

3. Provide documentation

While the documents you'll need to provide may vary depending on the bank and type of account you are opening, these may include:

  • Your passport
  • Your Australian residential address
  • Your valid visa documents
  • Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from your institution

You can find more details and resources for setting up an Australian bank account with Finder’s resource for international students.

Life at RMIT in Melbourne is more than just study! There are loads of student events, clubs and societies, and community engagements that you’ll want to be part of outside of classes.

Got questions about moving to Melbourne?

Get in touch with the friendly staff at Study@RMIT if you have any questions about the process of applying to study in Melbourne. Our staff are ready to answer any questions you have about courses, applications, pathways and important dates for local and international prospective students.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.