About Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia and is a fantastic study destination. It is a multicultural and cosmopolitan city which maintains a very student friendly environment, much like Boston in the United States and Cambridge in the United Kingdom. The city is very safe and offers affordable living. In addition there are many beautiful parks and gardens, which scatter the city and its surrounds while boasting an enormous range of restaurants serving Australian and world cuisine. Melbourne weather is very temperate meaning it is never too hot or too cold. The city is also close to many of Australia’s beaches and national parks and offers ready access for scenic trips like that of the Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island.
For more information on Melbourne and Victoria you can visit www.visitvictoria.com and www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
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 Lifestyle
Visitors, tourists and students can shop in trendy designer Chapel Street or arty Brunswick Street and then have lunch in city laneway café. Melbournians love their cafe culture, as much as the International cuisine on offer; African, Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, Moroccan, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, and more. Many people like to visit Melbourne’s many regular fresh food markets, art and craft or trash and treasure markets.
Throughout the year, Melbourne is host to international and local festivals and attractions. Every year the International Comedy Festival, International Film Festival, Summer Music Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival and Moomba attract large numbers of international and local participants and visitors.
Melbourne is also a little sport-crazy! The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the largest sports stadium in the Southern Hemisphere. Melbourne is host to the international sporting events: The Australian Grand Prix, Spring Racing Carnival and The Australian Open Tennis.
Weather
Summer December to February the temperature ranges from 20-35C.
Autumn March to May the temperature ranges from 13-23C
Winter June to August the temperatures range from 10-15C.
Spring September to November the temperatures range from 12-23C.
Cost of Living
Melbourne is a reasonably priced city with good quality affordable living and plenty of accommodation. Your living costs will depend upon your lifestyle. However, DIMA suggests that students will need a minimum of $AU 12,000 per year (not including tuition) to cover living expenses.
Share Accommodation costs
You will need approximately $AU 2,000 to pay for the first month’s rent and a rental bond (security deposit), household goods and connection fees for telephone, gas and electricity if you want to set up a share house with friends. Approximately $15 per week will be needed for gas, electricity and water charges (more in winter).
Food and personal items
Fresh food can be bought at a reasonable price at one of Melbourne’s many fresh food markets. Inexpensive clothing and personal items are readily available.
Food will cost approximately $80 per week. Below is a guide to the cost of basic food and personal items.
Transports
Students can travel to CIC on trains and trams, which are a convenient way. Melbourne Central train station, Elizabeth Street and Swanston Street tram stops are very close to the College. You must always carry a current ticket with you when you travel on public transport. You must also validate your ticket each time that you travel. Ticket inspectors will give you a large on-the-spot fine if you are caught traveling without a valid ticket. International students are not eligible for student travel concessions.
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