Studying Abroad in Melbourne (July 2013 - November 2013)
I spent the first semester of my senior year in Melbourne at University of Melbourne (aka Melbourne, Melb, MelbUni, UniMelb). While there, I was taught by Australian professors and enjoyed the music and art of the city.
During my time in Australia I was able to visit the Northern Territory (including Uluru, King's Canyon and Kata Tjuta), Phillip Island, Sydney and The Grampians.
During my time in Australia I was able to visit the Northern Territory (including Uluru, King's Canyon and Kata Tjuta), Phillip Island, Sydney and The Grampians.
Things you should know...
Weather
During my time in Melbourne, the weather was in general pretty great. There were a lot of nice, sunny days that were spent in parks or walking around exploring the city. The weather amazed me though - it could be sunny and pouring rain at the same time! Then it would randomly stop! While the weather was crazy sometimes, I was very happy with the temperature - it never got too cold or too hot during the months I was there - it was perfect! It could get really windy at times, so be prepared for that, too!
Food
My go to place for food in Melbourne was ALDI! It was the cheapest food I could find and great value. I was actually surprised to find one in Australia since there are a few of them in upstate New York where I grew up!
The Queen Victoria Market is the place to go for fruits and veggies. If you go before closing, you can usually get some good deals!
Transport
The tram system was quite confusing and I never actually was able to fully understand it. I would usually walk to anywhere I needed to go. The tram system is efficient if you know how to use it. Unfortunately, you can only get a concession card (pay half price on fare) if you're an EXCHANGE student. If you are only studying abroad, you aren't considered a concession and have to pay full price! It can get expensive fast!
Housing
I lived in RMIT Village during my time in Melbourne. I believe it is open to students attending either RMIT or University of Melbourne. Living in dorms on campus seem to be the most expensive option, so if you're looking to save some money, check out Gumtree to find a flat off campus or UniLodge to live in a student accommodation for less than the price of university housing.
Important Places in the Central Business District
Melbourne Central - If you're looking for food, shopping or entertainment, this is the place to go! With two levels of food courts, tons of shops, a movie theatre and bar, you can always find something good!
Bourke Street - You'll find a lot of high end shops on this street and usually good street entertainment!
QV - The QV has food and also has a Big W (A mix between Wal Mart and Kmart). There was also an awesome bagel place there, too!
Places to go Within Melbourne City Limits
Brighton Beach - You can see the colorful beach boxes!
St. Kilda - You can get an amazing view of Melbourne and you can take a walk down the pier!
During my time in Melbourne, the weather was in general pretty great. There were a lot of nice, sunny days that were spent in parks or walking around exploring the city. The weather amazed me though - it could be sunny and pouring rain at the same time! Then it would randomly stop! While the weather was crazy sometimes, I was very happy with the temperature - it never got too cold or too hot during the months I was there - it was perfect! It could get really windy at times, so be prepared for that, too!
Food
My go to place for food in Melbourne was ALDI! It was the cheapest food I could find and great value. I was actually surprised to find one in Australia since there are a few of them in upstate New York where I grew up!
The Queen Victoria Market is the place to go for fruits and veggies. If you go before closing, you can usually get some good deals!
Transport
The tram system was quite confusing and I never actually was able to fully understand it. I would usually walk to anywhere I needed to go. The tram system is efficient if you know how to use it. Unfortunately, you can only get a concession card (pay half price on fare) if you're an EXCHANGE student. If you are only studying abroad, you aren't considered a concession and have to pay full price! It can get expensive fast!
Housing
I lived in RMIT Village during my time in Melbourne. I believe it is open to students attending either RMIT or University of Melbourne. Living in dorms on campus seem to be the most expensive option, so if you're looking to save some money, check out Gumtree to find a flat off campus or UniLodge to live in a student accommodation for less than the price of university housing.
Important Places in the Central Business District
Melbourne Central - If you're looking for food, shopping or entertainment, this is the place to go! With two levels of food courts, tons of shops, a movie theatre and bar, you can always find something good!
Bourke Street - You'll find a lot of high end shops on this street and usually good street entertainment!
QV - The QV has food and also has a Big W (A mix between Wal Mart and Kmart). There was also an awesome bagel place there, too!
Places to go Within Melbourne City Limits
Brighton Beach - You can see the colorful beach boxes!
St. Kilda - You can get an amazing view of Melbourne and you can take a walk down the pier!
Melbourne Pics!
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Check out my blog for more information on my experience in Melbourne and my weekend trips! You'll find posts on the culture of Melbourne, what it's like at University of Melbourne compared to universities in America and things I would do for fun in Melbourne!
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Sydney!A weekend trip to Sydney was perfect! We saw a Just For Laughs comedy show and South Pacific at the Sydney Opera House. We also did the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk! It was beautiful!
Phillip Island!Phillip Island was the perfect weekend getaway from Melbourne. I saw wild penguins (Fairy Penguins) for the first time and enjoyed amazing views from the beach!
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The Grampians!A three day trip to the Grampians was perfect. It was BEAUTIFUL! And we saw TONS of wild kangaroos! This is definitely a must if you love hiking and nature! I could've easily spent a week there!
The Outback!The Australian outback was fantastic! I rode a camel for the first time and saw Uluru at both sunrise and sunset! The best part was sleeping outside in swags - I not only saw the whole Milky Way Galaxy above me, but I also saw tons of shooting stars! It was beautiful!
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