Life in Melbourne Daily Life Guides Melbourne CBD

Life in Melbourne

Practical guides for daily life in Melbourne — banking, transport, renting, social life and everything you need to feel at home.

8–13
Students per class
306
Student capacity
40+
Countries represented
2011
Founded

Melbourne Is One of the World's Best Cities

Named the world's most liveable city multiple times, Melbourne is known for its coffee culture, street art, diverse food scene and welcoming locals. Clinton English's campus is in the Melbourne CBD — right in the heart of it all. Here are practical guides to help you navigate daily life here.

Daily Life Essentials

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Opening a Bank Account

What to bring, what to say, and which banks are best for international students and WHV holders in Australia.

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Using Melbourne Myki Transport

How Myki works for trains, trams and buses. The free tram zone, top-up locations and the PTV app for journey planning.

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Renting in Melbourne

How to find a room or apartment, what 'bond' means, how inspections work and your rights as a tenant in Victoria.

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Getting a SIM Card

Which providers, which plans, how to say what you need, and how to set up your Australian phone number quickly.

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Making Australian Friends

Australians are friendly but social culture here works differently. Where to meet people, how to join clubs and build a community.

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Free Things to Do in Melbourne

Street art, beaches, gardens, markets and festivals — the best experiences in Melbourne that won't cost you anything.

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Budget Living in Melbourne

How much money you actually need, cheapest supermarkets, affordable eating and how to stretch your budget as a student.

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Finding a Doctor in Melbourne

How Australia's health system works, how to find a bulk-billing GP, and what to say when you book a medical appointment.

Latest Articles — Life in Melbourne

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WHV English Survival Guide: Your First 30 Days in Melbourne

Banking, SIM cards, renting, Myki transport and social life — essential English for your first month in Melbourne.

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Frequently Asked Questions — Life in Melbourne

How do I open a bank account in Australia?
Bring your passport, visa grant notice and proof of Australian address to any bank branch. Say: 'I'd like to open a savings account, please.' Most WHV holders use Commonwealth Bank, ANZ or Westpac. It takes about 20 minutes and you don't need perfect English — bank staff are experienced with international customers.
How do I use Melbourne public transport?
Melbourne uses a smart card called Myki for all trains, trams and buses. Buy a card at any train station ($AU 6 refundable deposit) and load credit. Touch on at tram stops, train gates and bus doors. Trams in the CBD are free within the 'free tram zone'. Download the PTV app for real-time journey planning.
How do I rent a room in Melbourne?
Search on Flatmates.com.au, Domain or Realestate.com.au. Attend an inspection and submit an application with your passport, visa copy, proof of income and rental references. The bond is usually 4 weeks' rent and is lodged with the RTBA (Residential Tenancies Bond Authority).
Where can I practise English outside class in Melbourne?
Melbourne has many free options: language exchanges on Meetup or Facebook, social sports teams (Just Play, PlayHQ), community centres, volunteer organisations and just spending time in cafés and public spaces. Join a club related to something you already enjoy — it's the easiest way to meet people and practise simultaneously.
What are the best free things to do in Melbourne?
Hosier Lane street art in the CBD, Queen Victoria Market (free to walk), St Kilda beach, Royal Botanic Gardens, Federation Square events, NGV art exhibitions (many free), and the many festivals held throughout the year. Melbourne's laneway culture means there's always something free and interesting to discover.