LIVING IN AUSTRALIA

• COST OF LIVING

  

  Here are some everyday prices of everyday goods in Melbourne. They are not the prices of luxury goods such as designer clothes or the highest-quality food. The prices below were obtained from a search using an online supermarket.  This information was last updated in January 2008
  Prices are in Australian dollars (AUD).

  Supermarket food	Approximate Cost (AUD)
  Loaf sliced white bread 450g	$3.66
  1 kg basmati rice	$3.23
  1 kg apples	$5.38
  Fantastic instant noodles 700g	$3.65
  1kg potatoes	$3.00
  Tin of tuna	$1.60
  1 kg minced beef	$9.99
  12 eggs	$2.85
  1 kg Chicken breast	$12.98
  1 litre of milk	$2.04
  1 packet of Arnott shapes	$2.00
  1 litre orange juice	$4.02
  1 packet Dilmah teabags (50 pack)	$3.23
  1 jar Nescafe instant coffee (250g)	$8.06
  Entertainment	Approximate cost (AUD)
  Cinema ticket (full price)	$11.00
  Nightclub entrance	$10.00 upwards
  Pint of beer (570 ml)	$7.00
  Miscellaneous	Approximate cost (AUD)
  Shampoo	$5.95
  Toothbrush	3.04
  Soap	$0.60
  Haircut (men)	$17.00
  Haircut (women)	$40.00
  Phone call	$0.40
  Stamp for letter abroad	$1.20
  Mobile phone text message (within Aus)	$0.25 upwards
  Mobile phone call (within Aust, to same network)	Can be free
  Transport	Approximate cost (AUD)
  Taxi	$7.00 upwards
  Bus fare	$6.00 daily or $3.20 for 2 hours

  BUDGETING

  In addition to your tuition fees, you will be responsible for planning and budgeting your living costs.  Below is an estimated cost of living guide per month for a single student living in homestay accommodation.

  Item	Melbourne
  	Cost per month ($AUD)
  Single homestay room (breakfast & dinner included)	$1040
  Food (lunches & snacks)	$280 ($10 per day)
  Telephone	$50
  Transport	$100
  Laundry	$40
  Stationery	$40
  Clothing, entertainment, personals	$200
  Total monthly costs	$1610
  Total costs per academic year (40 weeks)	$16,100

  MELBOURNE ACCOMMODATION

  All prices quoted are in Australian dollars.
  Homestay prices

  Room	Cost per week
  Single room	$280

  For more information on cost of living and living and studying in Australia try the following link.
  http://www.studiesinaustralia.com/living_in_australia
  and for more accommodation
  http://www.studiesinaustralia.com/accomodation

  SUPPLEMENTS

  	2008
  Enrolment fee#	$200
  Stationary and textbooks (approx)	$300-$500
  Living costs per annum (estimated)	$15,000
  Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)**	$315 - 1 year $630 - 2 years
  StudyCare per annum	$325
  Accommodation placement fee	$215
  Airport transfer fee Tullamarine Avalon	$99 $235

  #Compulsory, non-refundable fee included with initial payment

• AUSTRALIA

  

  Although European exploration started before 1770, it was the British that landed and explored the east coast of Australia in 1788. The industrial revolution had created a lot of unemployment and dispossessed, in turn creating an increase in crime. The Americans won their war of independence and Britain was left with an increasing number of prisoners with nowhere to put them. Australia was initially settled to become a penal colony and there was a large supply of convicts, when the stealing of a loaf of bread led to transportation for fourteen years.
  
  Great Britain claimed New South Wales, the colonies all flourished separately but eventually established as the nation, Australia in 1901.
  The Commonwealth of Australia is a democracy with its own federal government. 
  The Federal Government is elected every three years and is led by the Prime Minister.
  The country is divided into 6 states and two territories; each has a separate Government and is led by the Premier.

  TIME ZONES

  There are 3 time zones in Australia

  Eastern Standard Time (EST) – New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland Central Standard Time (CYST) – South Australian and Northern Territory

  Western Standard Time (WST) – Western Australia

  CYST is ½ hour behind EST, while WST is 2 hours behind EST. 
  So if it is 2 pm in Sydney, it will be 1.30 pm in Adelaide and 12 pm in Perth.
  Australian States except Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland have daylight savings during the summer months.

  CLIMATE

  The Australian climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperatures.
  Broadly there are two climatic zones – the north, above the Tropic of Capricorn and, the south.  Because of Australia’s vast size, there are variations within these zones.  The south has all four seasons, while those in the tropical zone have two (summer “wet” and winter “dry).

  Season	Month	Temperature ranges
  Summer	Dec/Jan/Feb	15°C - 35°C
  Autumn	Mar/Apr/May	10°C - 25°C
  Winter	Jun/Jul/Aug	0°C - 15°C
  Spring	Sep/Oct/Nov	10°C - 25°C

  ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

  This is the three point socket used in Australia & New Zealand
  Electrical goods may be cheaper to buy overseas than in Australia.  You may want to bring small electrical appliances such as a clock radio, iron, hair drier, cassette player or perhaps a rice cooker. Appliances rated 220-240 Volts will work in Australia.
  Transformers or adaptor plugs will be needed to fit our sockets

  FURTHER INFORMATION

  These links will take you to external sites. Sites will open in a separate window, and are in English unless otherwise indicated.

  Australian Tourism
  More information about Australia including an interactive map, ideas for things to do and places to visit.

  Australian Government Portal for International Students

  This website contains a comprehensive array of Government information and services for International Students.

  Study in Australia

  The Australian Government official website for students wishing to study in Australia.

  Australian Weather Channel

  Detailed information about the weather patterns in Australia

• SHOPPING

  

  OVERVIEW OF MARKETS

  Melbourne's many markets are an important part of the mix that help to define its unique character. On any weekend you can find Melbournians and visitors alike trawling their way through one of the myriad of markets and soaking up the atmosphere.

  GENERAL MARKETS
  Many of the inner suburbs have their own market but only open on certain days of the week.
  Prahran Market has great delicatessens being near South Yarra and Toorak. 
  Footscray Market is known for having a large variety of cheap fish and fresh Asian herbs to cater for its large Vietnamese population.

  The Preston Market has a strong Mediterranean influence.
  South Melbourne Market is open on a Sunday.
  
  

  In Gleadell Street Market in Richmond, you can still find produce grown in local back gardens. It has a homely European flavour.

  Dandenong Market is one stop shopping with a great atmosphere.

  Queen Victoria Market, the queen of them all. If you only visit one place in Melbourne, this has to be it.
  Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and a variety of other goods are sold at cheaper prices than the supermarket. Markets also sell a variety of other goods such as clothing, plants, furniture etc.  Each market has its own trading hours.  Most are only open 2-3 days per week.
  The link below provides maps and other information to some of Melbourne best markets. http://www.whitehat.com.au/Melbourne/Markets/MarketsM.asp#Cartography

  PRODUCE & FARMERS' MARKETS
  Community markets like those mentioned above were of course the original farmers' markets and you will still find many stalls where the stallholder has grown or produced some or all of goods himself. For a comprehensive listing of these go to Farmers' Markets in Victoria.

  ART, CRAFT & DESIGN MARKETS
  Melbourne has a small number of markets for artists and skilled trades people... One such Market is the Rose Street Artists' Market. You can also find markets specializing in design at Design in Melbourne.
  
  Melbourne and Victoria have a large number of markets selling art and crafts. Such as the St Kilda Esplanade Market and the Arts Centre Sunday Market.

  TRASH & TREASURE
  In any one week there are large numbers of markets featuring trash & treasure, bric-a-brac, pre-loved goods, old wares, just plain junk and that thing you have been chasing for years. Some examples include Pipeworks Market, Laverton Rubble & Riches Market, and Caribbean Gardens, while in country Victoria such large markets include the Geelong Mill Markets and the Bendigo Showground’s Market..

  ATMOSPHERE
  Of course you don't have to go to a market with the intention of buying something. You can just go along to soak up the atmosphere. Twilight markets have an atmosphere all of their own and you can find a list at Twilight Markets in Melbourne.

  SUPERMARKETS
  Woolworths, Safeway, Coles, BI-LO and IGA are some of the major supermarkets. Shopping is by self-service and goods are paid for at the ‘checkout’ before you leave.  Prices vary between these stores and you should shop around for the best prices. Asian supermarkets are to be found in Chinatown, Little Collins St. Melbourne, as well as in Victoria St. Richmond. These are also available in other suburbs and sell a large variety of Asian foods. Prices in Australia are fixed therefore it is not usual practice to bargain.  Most items will be labelled with a price tag. Large supermarkets are open until midnight and some stay open for 24 hours a day Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Food Plus are generally open 24 hours but prices are slightly more expensive than supermarkets.

  OPENING HOURS
  Shopping malls and most other shops are open during the following hours:

  Monday - Wednesday	9am - 5:30pm
  Thursday - Friday	9am - 9pm
  Saturday	9am - 5pm
  Sunday	9am - 5pm

• MELBOURNE - AUSTRALIA'S CULTURAL CENTRE

  

  Melbourne, the capital city of the state of Victoria, has consistently been voted as one of the top three of the world’s best cities in which to live.

  As Australia’s second largest city, there is always something to do.  The pleasant climate, safe environment and reasonable living costs make this an outstanding place to study. Melbourne city centre has exciting shopping facilities in the CBD such as Melbourne Central and the QV Centre, with stores that offer the best of international and Australian goods. There are many cinemas, theatres, cafes, restaurants and entertainment centres in the heart of the city, as well as in close-by suburbs. Melbourne has a thriving interest in the arts, with a performing Arts Center and a substantial Art Gallery.

  TOP ATTRACTIONS
  Attractions near the campus include Melbourne Zoo, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the MCG, the Tennis Centre, Docklands, Telstra Dome and Eureka Tower, famous heritage sites, Queen Victoria Market and the largest museum in Australia.

  The River Yarra, with its picnic and BBQ areas, surrounded by the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Myer Music Bowl used for open air concerts, but in winter turns to an ice skating rink.

  Venture into Victoria for a reminder of the rich gold-mining history of the state, see Sovereign Hill. Victoria also offers many opportunities for bush walking, camping, cycling, soaking in bubbling mineral spas, skiing at Mt. Buller, Hotham or Falls Creek, extensive sightseeing. Wonderful beaches in Melbourne and along the coast down the famous Great Ocean Road, the surf beaches and The Twelve Apostles.

  AND ONLY IN AUSTRALIA...
  koalas
  kangaroos
  unique plants such as Sturt’s Desert Pea

  ACTIVITIES IN MELBOURNE
  Students have the opportunity to see many of Melbourne’s exciting places of interest. The MCG is the home of Australian cricket, the Tennis Centre the home of the Australian Open Tennis, the First Grand Slam for the year, restaurants and an active night life.
  Make Australia your home away from home. Each year more than 150,000 students choose to study in Australia - many because of Australia's reputation for quality education. 
  When you can study surrounded by pristine beaches and natural landscapes, why would you want to live anywhere else?

• TRANSPORTATION

  

  PUBLIC TRANSPORT
  
  You can get around Melbourne by bus, train or tram. Overall, these services are regular and very reliable
  
  All information relating to transport around Melbourne can be found through the website You can also call the Metlink information line for help and information on 131 638.  They will also take any feedback or comments relating to the transport system in Melbourne.
  
  The websites listed below will provide you with details about fares and timetables
  
  Links
  
  Transport information for international students. These links will take you to external sites. Sites will open in a separate window, and are in English unless otherwise indicated.
  Visit Melbourne website
  the official website for Melbourne – packed with information for visitors and tourists about events, activities, attractions and travel info.
  City of Melbourne
  This website has more information about living in Melbourne.
  Melbourne Trains and Trams (Metlink Melbourne)
  Train and tram timetable and fare information
  
  STUDENT CONCESSIONS
  
  In Melbourne, international students are not eligible for student concessions and must pay normal adult fares.  We recommend that you buy a weekly or monthly ticket as it is cheaper than buying a ticket per trip.
  
  TAXIS
  
  Taxis are relatively expensive in Australia.  Higher rates apply in the evenings, weekend and public holidays.
  All taxis in Australia must use the fare meter by law.  The flag fall (starting charge) is approximately A$3.00.
  
  CARS
  
  Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The maximum speed limit is between 100 and 110 km/h (62 - 68 mph) outside cities, and 50 km/h (30 - 31mph) in urban areas. Australia is notorious for its speeding fines, so make sure you keep to the speed limit - although if you can, visit the Northern Territory, where some highways have no speed limit at all. Seat belts must be worn by drivers and all passengers at all times. The minimum age for driving varies from state to state - make sure you check - but it is generally 16 or 17. Car rental companies may require you to be older.
  
  If you hold a license to drive a car in your home country and would like to drive in Australia, you will need to get a state license. You may need to do a practical test unless:
  
  you hold a current overseas license and have previously held an Australian license - the exact regulations in this area can be complex and vary from state to state
  you hold a current license issued by an overseas country - including most of the European Union nations, Canada, the USA and Japan - whose licensing system is recognized as similar to Australia's.
  
  Visit the state websites below for more information about driver licensing.
  Driving information for new residents and visitors (VicRoads)
  Information about licensing and a guide for international drivers

• PHONES, INTERNET, MAIL

  

  PAY PHONES

  Australia has an extensive network of Public Phones throughout the country - easily recognized by the orange and blue Telstra emblem.

  The cost of a local call is 50 cents with most phones accepting coins and prepared telephone cards. International calls can be made from pay phones.  Charges vary depending on the time of day and distance.  Sundays are the best days to make interstate or international calls as all day discount rates apply.  The rates for Pre Paid Telephone cards are: $2, $5, $10, $20 and $50.  They can be purchased at most news agencies, convenience stores and Post Offices.

  How much will it cost to call home?
  To get more information about the cost of a call to your home country, phone the numbers below.  Please note that there will be an extra charge for calling these numbers.

  Number to call
  Local/National Directory Assistance
  1223 
  International Directory Assistance
  1225 
  Call Connect (operator assistance to find and connect to a number) 
  12456 
  Reverse Charge (collect call)

  1800 362 162

  To find a payphone nearest you, visit the Telstra website.

  MOBILE PHONES

  There are numerous mobile providers in Australia, all offering different plans and services.  Visit this website for more information about choosing the right mobile plan for you.

  LANDLINES

  There are 2 main telephone service providers in Australia: Telstra and Optus.  The cost of call rates, monthly fees etc vary with each company.

  Please contact them directly for further information:
  Telstra 132 200
  Optus 133 345

  EMAIL & INTERNET

  There are many internet providers in Australia but the two main ones are Telstra and Optus Net Cable.
  The best way to find a complete listing of Internet providers is to do a search for ‘Internet Access Providers’ in the Australian Yellow pages.

  MAIL

  Australia Post is the national postal service provider.  There are post offices located in most Australian suburbs and shopping centres.

  Services include postage of letters, faxes, parcels, money orders (similar to a cheque) and a bill paying service.
  To find the post office nearest you, visit the Australia Post website.

  LINKS

  These links will take you to external sites. Sites will open in a separate window, and are in English unless otherwise indicated.

  Telstra Payphone Locator (Telstra Australia)

  Locate a payphone anywhere in Australia.  Just enter address or postcode.

  International Dialing codes (Whitepages Australia)

  Calling overseas and not sure of what code to dial before the number?  This website will tell you – all you need to do is enter in the country that you are calling from (Australia) and the country you are calling.

  Choosing an Internet Service Provider (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission)
  what you should consider when choosing an Internet Service Provider.

  Choosing the right mobile plan (Phone Choice) everything you need to know about mobile phones including plans, phones and troubleshooting.

• MONEY & BANKING

  

  BANKING

  The following banks are guaranteed by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

  Bank	Contact number
  ANZ Bank	131 314
  Bankwest	13 17 18
  Citibank	13 24 84
  Commonwealth Bank	13 22 21
  HSBC	1300 308 008 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1300 308 008 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
  Macquarie Bank	1800 806 301 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1800 806 301 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
  National Australia Bank	13 22 65
  St. George Bank	133 330
  Westpac Bank	13 20 32

  Opening an Australian bank account.
  To open the account you will need to take along some identification (ID), such as a passport, a birth certificate, and/or a driver’s licence.  Your bank can tell you exactly what you will need to bring.
  You will also need to provide your tax file number (TFN) so that you can be identified for tax purposes. While this is not essential, if you do not provide your TFN, any interest your accounts earn will be taxed at the highest rate.

  Will my ATM card work in Australia?
  ATM (Automatic Teller Machines) cards can be used in Australia so long as they have been enabled for international access.

  Your ATM card must carry either the CIRUS, PLUS or STAR international ATM mark or the Interlink or Maestro POS mark.

  TAX FILE NUMBER (TFN)

  Tax file numbers (TFNs) are unique numbers issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to identify individuals, companies and others who lodge income tax returns.

  All international students are considered a ‘resident for tax purposes’ after they have lived in Australia for more than 6 months.

  Application forms can be downloaded from the Australian Tax Office (ATO) website or you can apply in person at your local Post Office.

  MONEY

  To cover your initial expenses we recommend you bring a bank cheque to the value of A$1500.00.

  Once you have opened a bank account, the bank cheque can be deposited into it.  It may take a few days for the bank cheque to clear so we recommend that you bring approximately A$300 in cash to cover costs until the funds are cleared.

  BUDGETING

  In addition to your tuition fees, you will be responsible for planning and budgeting your living costs.  Below is an estimated cost of living guide per month for a single student living in homestay accommodation in Melbourne.

  Item	Melbourne
  	Cost per month ($AUD)
  Single homestay room (breakfast & dinner included)	$1040
  Food (lunches & snacks)	$280 ($10 per day)
  Telephone	$50
  Transport	$100
  Laundry	$40
  Stationery	$40
  Clothing, entertainment, personals	$200
  Total monthly costs	$1610
  Total costs per academic year (40 weeks)	$16,100