Melbourne is one of the most popular cities in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. Coming from France, it’s impressive to arrive in a city so big, modern, and full of life. The tall buildings, the buzzing streets, the mix of cultures… It feels like something new every day, and trust me, that excitement doesn’t fade.
In this article, I’ll share my honest experience as a student living in Melbourne, from the cost of living and student life to transport, nightlife, and whether Melbourne is really a good fit for international students. I’ll also share some of my favourite places and must-do activities while you’re here!
Is Melbourne a Good City for International Students or Not?
After a few months living in Melbourne, I can honestly say it’s one of the best cities in Australia to experience student life, especially if you like energy, diversity, and culture.
What makes Melbourne stand out is how much the city has to offer once you settle in. During the week, you’ll find a strong study routine with lots of study cafés, university libraries, and coworking spots. But it’s on the weekends that the city really comes alive: live music everywhere, food markets, art galleries, rooftop bars, hidden laneways, and festivals happening all year long.
Unlike some cities that feel quieter or more spread out, Melbourne has a true city vibe. If you enjoy walking through lively streets, discovering new cafés, or spending the day studying in a cool spot before heading to a comedy show or exhibition, this is your place.
That said, Melbourne isn’t for everyone. It’s big, busy, and the weather can be unpredictable, four seasons in a day isn’t a myth. But if you’re planning to stay for a few months or more, and actually live the student experience rather than just passing through, you’ll probably fall in love with the lifestyle here.
Melbourne takes a little time to get used to, but once you do, you’ll never want to leave.
Cost of Living in Melbourne for Students
As a student, I know how important it is to stick to a budget. Compared to France, Australia can be cheaper for some things, like groceries and eating out, but when it comes to housing, it gets expensive pretty fast.
Personally, I pay $350 per week for a room in a shared apartment, in the center of the CBD. That's around $1,400 per month. I have my own bedroom but share the rest of the apartment. One of my friends lives in student accommodation and pays $250 per week, also for her own room but in a shared apartment in Melbourne CBD.
If you want your own private room, expect to pay between $350 and $400 per week. If you're okay with sharing a bedroom, prices are more around $270–$300 per week.
Keep in mind that most rentals in Australia are charged weekly, not monthly, something that surprises many students at first!
Look on websites like Flatmates.com.au, Facebook groups, or ask around in student communities. You might find better deals than through agencies or university housing.
So yes, groceries are manageable, going out is reasonable, but rent is where a big chunk of your budget will go. It’s definitely something to plan for before arriving.
Melbourne Nightlife for Students: What to Expect
As a French student, you’ll probably want to go out on weekends, totally normal during your studies! But if you're used to partying in France, be ready for a cultural shock: nightlife in Australia is very different.
First of all, Aussies have dinner super early, usually between 5 and 6pm, so they start partying much earlier too. Nightclubs often open around 8pm and close between 2am and 4am, if you're lucky. That’s because the Australian lifestyle is all about waking up early and being active, even after a night out. It’s common to see people out running at 6am… even after drinking the night before.
So yes, don’t be surprised to see drunk people in the streets at 10pm. That's totally normal here. I like to say that their 10pm is our 1am when it comes to partying.
If you’re looking for places to go out in Melbourne, here are a few good spots;
-
Max Watt’s (formerly Billboard) is located right in the CBD. It’s a large concert venue that turns into a nightclub and is super popular for student parties and live music events.
-
Levels, also in the CBD, is a multi-floor club with a mix of electronic and hip-hop vibes. It’s a go-to for international student nights and themed parties.
-
Section 8 is a unique open-air bar set in a shipping container, hidden in one of Melbourne’s famous laneways. With street art, DJs, and an underground atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to kick off your night, especially if you’re into that edgy Melbourne vibe. It’s a favourite among students and backpackers.
-
Afloat, located in Southbank on the Yarra River, is a floating rooftop bar known for its incredible views and stylish decor. It’s super Instagrammable and ideal for summer sunsets, drinks with friends, or a chill pre-party vibe.
So yes, the rhythm is different, but once you get used to it, Melbourne has some great nights out to offer, just earlier than what we’re used to in France!
Getting Around Melbourne: Transport for Students
Melbourne is a big, vibrant city, most of the best places are pretty well connected, which makes getting around much easier without a car. If you live close to the city or near a tram line, public transport will do just fine.
The tram network is one of Melbourne’s best features, it’s extensive, reliable, and even free within the city centre. That’s right, you can ride around the CBD without paying a cent, which is super handy for students going to class, grabbing food, or heading out.
For longer trips, the trains and buses are also efficient and run regularly. The only downside? Some areas a bit further out can be less connected, and delays happen from time to time, especially on rainy days or during rail works.
To use public transport, you’ll need a Myki card, which you can top up and tap on/off for every ride. There’s also a Myki app to help you manage your balance and check travel times. For planning your routes, Google Maps is your best friend.
You probably won’t need a car if you live near uni, but if you're more into exploring Victoria on weekends, renting a car occasionally is a good idea, especially for trips to the Great Ocean Road or national parks nearby.
What about the schools in Melbourne?
There are a lot of great universities in Melbourne! I actually wrote an article about the best cities to live in when you’re a student in Australia, and I already talked about universities there, why not check it out? You can find it right here: Best Cities to Live in Australia for International Students
Best activities in and around Melbourne
Melbourne is full of cool places to explore, and trust me, even after months here, I still find new things to do.
If you’re into nature and chill vibes, don’t miss the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s one of the most peaceful spots in the city, perfect for walking, picnics, or just escaping the busy streets for a few hours.
St Kilda Beach is another must-do, especially in summer. Whether you’re watching the sunset, grabbing fish and chips, it’s a classic student hangout spot.
One of my personal favourite things? Playing basketball surrounded by skyscrapers. I often go shoot hoops at Flagstaff Gardens or Docklands, it’s such a unique vibe to play with high-rise buildings around you. It really reminds you that you’re living in a big, international city.
If you love local experiences, check out the Queen Victoria Market in the CBD, it's full of fresh food, local crafts, and even live music on certain days. You can easily spend a Saturday morning there just walking around and trying new things.
And of course, don’t forget Melbourne’s famous laneways, full of street art, hidden cafés, and boutique shops. It’s part of the city’s personality and definitely worth exploring on foot.
Melbourne is amazing, but one of its biggest advantages is how easy it is to escape for a day or two. If you love nature, coastal views, or just a change of scenery, here are the best day trips and weekend getaways just outside the city:
-
Great Ocean Road: One of the most iconic road trips in Australia. Think ocean cliffs, surf towns like Lorne and Torquay, and the famous Twelve Apostles.
-
Grampians National Park: A nature lover’s dream. Great for hiking, spotting kangaroos, and catching breathtaking views from mountain lookouts.
-
Dandenong Ranges: Just an hour from Melbourne. Explore forest trails, visit charming towns like Olinda and Sassafras, or ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train.
-
Yarra Valley: A relaxing escape into Victoria’s wine region. You don’t need to be a wine expert, the scenery, cafés, and local food alone make it a top weekend pick.
So is it a good fit ?
After spending time living, studying, and exploring Melbourne, I can say with confidence: it’s a fantastic choice for international students.
The city is vibrant, full of culture, events, and places to discover, and it never gets boring. From world-class universities to rooftop bars, trams to hidden laneways, Melbourne offers an amazing student lifestyle. Yes, the weather can be unpredictable and rent is on the higher side, but the energy of the city makes up for it.
If you're looking for a big city that blends education, opportunity, and creativity, Melbourne might just be the perfect place to call home during your studies.
📩 Want to study in Australia but not sure where to start? Contact us today for free expert advice on student visas, courses, and university options!
