LIFE IN MELBOURNE

Welcome to Australia!

Melbourne has been consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. With Danford College as your starting point, you will easily find out what makes Melbourne such a great city to live in and why so many students choose Danford.

Located right in the heart of Melbourne, Danford College is moments away from the city’s attractions and cultural precincts.With just a few steps or a short tram ride, you will find yourself in cafés that serve excellent coffee, bars with boutique beers, lush parks, or art galleries.You can also simply walk around and get lost in Melbourne’s inner laneways to discover street art or tucked-away restaurants.Spend time with friends and explore Melbourne’s food and wine scene, which is known all over the world.On weekends, have fun and learn at world class cultural festivals or events – there is at least one every week!The list of things to do in Melbourne is indeed endless, which is why we’ve made a list of station, stops, and sites closest to Danford College.

Nearby train station & tram stops:

FLINDERS ST CAMPUS

In the heart of Melbourne's CBD, with easy access to trains and trams
Trams run along Flinders Street and Spencer Street, both a short walk from campus
Within the Free Tram Zone: free tram travel around the CBD

GETTING TO CAMPUS

Close to Southern Cross Station for regional and interstate trains
The Free Tram Zone covers the surrounding CBD, connecting you to the rest of the city
Within the Free Tram Zone: free tram travel around the CBD

Nearby tourist sites or precincts:

5-minute tram ride to Bourke Street Mall (Melbourne’s central shopping strip)
10-minute walk to Queen Victoria Market (Melbourne’s biggest market)
10-minute walk to Docklands precinct and Marvel Stadium

Flinders Street Station illuminated at night in Melbourne

A scenic coastal road along the Victorian coastline

Explore Further

Beyond the CBD, fringe suburbs such as Fitzroy, Carlton, Richmond, and Collingwood are thriving cultural hubs, with a rich history of live music, pubs, boutiques, and art galleries.

Students also love to take day trips to iconic attractions including the following:

Great Ocean Road – Prepare to be in awe by the majestic Twelve Apostles and scenic ocean ride. Try some surfing and hiking, too!
Phillip Island – Check out penguins and koalas in their natural habitats.
Yarra Valley – Sip some of the best wines straight from the wineries.
Dandenong Ranges – Enjoy the nature and wildlife to cute villages and fantastic food.
Mornington Peninsula- Perfect seaside escape from the CBD
Grampians National Park – The road to the Grampians. It’s more an escape route. Dotted with surprises, marked by wonder.
Wilsons Promontory Park – Find native wildlife, such as wombats, emus, kangaroos, and many birds.

COST OF LIVING IN MELBOURNE

The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student Visa for Australia. This is to ensure that you do not find yourself in financial distress while studying and are able to meet your student visa conditions.

see details

Below are the minimum required funds to meet financial capacity requirements as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs (excluding tuition fees):

Primary Applicant – AUD$29,710
Spouse or de facto partner of the student (Primary Applicant) – AUD$10,394
Dependent Child – AUD$4,449
Annual school costs – AUD$13,502
Personal annual income if there is no member of the family – AUD$87,856
Personal annual income where there is a member of the family unit – AUD$102,500

Source: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/

Accommodation

Homestay

$440 per week

Shared Rental

$384 per week

One Bedroom Unit

$622 per week

Managed Apartment

$480 per week

Other living expenses

Groceries and eating out

$140 to $280 per week

Gas, electricity

$10 to $20 per week

Phone and Internet

$20 to $40 per week

Public Transport

$30 to $60 per week

Car (after purchase)

$150 to $260 per week

Entertainment

$80 to $150 per week

Last updated: November 2025.

Danford College students celebrating together at a rooftop event with the Melbourne skyline behind them