The five best things to do between classes at RMIT

From rock climbing and Sunday brunches to study space hopping, our international students share five fun things you can do to pass the time in between your classes.

Settling into a new country while studying abroad can be challenging at first, but it's also exciting and rewarding! There are some great benefits to studying somewhere new, from discovering new cultures and friends to developing the skills you'll need for a global career.

At RMIT, we offer a wide range of on-campus facilities and dedicated support services for our international students to explore between classes and make their transition to studying in Australia easier.

Besides that, RMIT’s City campus is conveniently located in the centre of Melbourne, the world’s third most liveable city¹, providing many options for students to experience everything Melbourne has to offer in their breaks between classes.

Below, we've asked four current international students to share their suggestions and tips on the best things to do between classes.

#1: Enjoy the arts and cultural scene that Melbourne has to offer

As Australia’s number one student city² and the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is full of major cultural events and arts festivals all year around.

Jai moved to Melbourne from Pune, India, to start studying a Master of Communication Design at RMIT.

He said, “I love how much culture permeates Melbournian life, with the music, the art and the constantly happening festivals.

“I have recently been volunteering with RMIT Kirrip to attend the MIFF [Melbourne International Film Festival] happening in the city. I love that I get to watch all these amazing films with an organisation that I love, and that I get to share that experience with other students, both as a volunteer as well as a student.”

Gurmeen is another Indian student who shares the same interests and enthusiasm as Jai.

Originally from Punjab, Gurmeen is pursuing a Bachelor of Fashion (Enterprise) at RMIT.

She said one of her highlights of her time in Melbourne so far has been the variety of performances and exhibitions.

“Melbourne is home to numerous theatrical and opera performances, as well as concerts and festivals. The National Gallery of Victoria attracts top global [exhibitions] like Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, where RMIT fashion students were invited for breakfast and tours.”

#2: Discover the hidden gems on campus

RMIT offers a wide range of facilities and services for students to study, relax and collaborate.

“One of my favourite activities [between classes] is study space hopping since there are so many diverse locations across all campuses!” said Mihika, an Indian student from Pune who is studying a Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) at RMIT.

“I suggest getting your morning coffee at STREAT Café and a croissant to go with it from The Standing Room!”

Pranooshini moved to Melbourne from Colombo, Sri Lanka, to pursue a Bachelor of Business at RMIT.

She suggests walking around the campus during your free time to discover all the things that RMIT has to offer.

“RMIT has so many buildings, which takes time to discover. The library will be your best friend so spend some time [there] – I spent the most time there during my assignment time.”

#3: Explore fun activities around campus

Participating in a student club can be a great way to fill time between classes. From academics and politics to arts and sports, there’s a club or society to suit your style at RMIT.

Mihaka is a part of the Indian Club at RMIT, which involves volunteering at the events and activities hosted by the club.

“We recently had an Independence Day event which was a great success!

“We had a flag-hoisting ceremony accompanied by our national anthem and we also had a lot of dance and singing performances. At the end of the event, there was a DJ playing Bollywood music and most of us were dressed in our traditional clothes.”

“It was a great way to reconnect with my culture since I’ve been away from home and my family for a while now.”

#4: Hop on a tram in the free zone

RMIT's three campuses are easily accessible by bus, tram or rail services. The City campus is even within Melbourne's free tram zone. This means that you can hop on the historic trams as often as you like to reach every corner of the city without any cost.

“[Melbourne’s] public transport is great. I’ve never had any major issues with travelling by trains or trams. The free tram zone is the best thing ever!” Mihika said.

Studying at RMIT isn’t just about a degree, it’s also about experience a new way of living! There are endless ways to get involved and make studying at RMIT an unforgettable experience, so be ready and start exploring now!

Story: Gavin Gan

¹Global Liveability Index 2023

²QS Best Student Cities 2023 

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