Four tips from Vietnamese students on studying at RMIT Melbourne

From renting an apartment to finding a job, our Vietnamese students share four valuable tips on studying at RMIT in Melbourne.

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. Not only does it provide you with opportunities to travel and learn about new cultures, but it can also give you a whole new perspective on your studies and add value to your degree.

To find out how it works, we spoke with three students, Ivy, Jennifer and Vy, about what it was like leaving home in Vietnam to study at RMIT Melbourne, and what advice they’d give to anyone looking to follow in their footsteps.

#1: Do your research

When it comes to moving overseas, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Jennifer, a second year Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication) student, says she attended all the information sessions she could before deciding to undertake cross-campus study in Melbourne for a year.

“Go to the pre-departure session that’s organised in Vietnam. They’ll show you everything — how to get accommodation, how to prepare for your visa, how to set up a bank account in a new country... that’s definitely something essential to do.”

"Go to the pre-departure session that’s organised in Vietnam. They’ll show you everything." Jennifer, Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication)

Ivy, another Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication) student, agrees.

“The Global Experience department in Vietnam are really helpful for students who want to transfer or do cross-campus. Ask them lots of questions about flights or accommodation, and seek help from students who’ve already been overseas... asking questions will save you lots of time.”

#2: Explore your housing options

“I like to plan everything ahead of time, so I started looking at accommodation a month or two before coming to Australia,” says Jennifer. “The good thing about planning ahead is that you can get a good house for a good price, and you can choose your housemates.”

Though she’s currently living in a share house that she loves, Ivy says there are lots of options available in Melbourne.

“If you don’t want to live in a house sharing with people, you could look at student accommodation like Scape or UniLodge... it’s like an apartment for students only. They’re convenient and they have lots of things to support students. My friend lives at Scape and they really enjoy it, and you can use it as a rental reference for future accommodation.”

#3: Join a club

Vy, a Bachelor of Business student majoring in Marketing and Business and Technology, says he found joining a club a great way to meet new friends in Melbourne.

“Joining a club here isn’t as formal as in Vietnam. It’s really easy. I filled out a form, was added to a Discord group, and then you just come to the events. That’s it! You don’t have to go through an interview or anything. I joined the RMIT University Student Union (RUSU) volunteers recently, and it’s a great experience. I’m helping run the BBQ every Thursday — so I’ve cooked a lot of sausages since living here!”

Jennifer agrees, saying most university events she attends are organised by RUSU.

“They have a wide range of events — everything from studying to partying. There are so many clubs here, from sports clubs to academic clubs to creative clubs... my friend and I go to the free weekly dance classes, which we love. Definitely recommend joining, because you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!”

" I joined the RMIT University Student Union (RUSU) volunteers recently, and it’s a great experience." Vy, Bachelor of Business

#4: Pick up a part-time job

“Besides the financial benefits, picking up a part-time job means you get to learn new skills,” says Jennifer. “Maybe you’ll become a barista! And learning how to work and collaborate with people in a professional environment will always be helpful, no matter where you’re living or working.”

“Besides the financial benefits, picking up a part-time job means you get to learn new skills.” Ivy, Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication)

Ivy is currently working in a boba shop, and says the job has taught her more than she expected.

“Getting a part-time job here was pretty easy! Especially now that we don’t have any restrictions with our working visa, so we don’t have the restrictions of 40-hour fortnights anymore. We can work as much as we feel we can, and so many places I see are hiring people in the food and beverage industry or in fashion or retail, and this gives us a chance to interact with people, improve our English and improve our soft skills.”

Story: Sophie MacGillivray

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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.

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