Living in Australia will be a new experience, but there are support services from Box Hill Institute and other organisations to help make adjusting to life in Australia easier.
Living in Australia
Welcome to Melbourne, one of the most livable cities in the world!
Melbourne: One of the World's Most Liveable Cities
Melbourne has been ranked No.1 as the world’s “Most Liveable City” for seven years in a row – 2011-2017 – by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s liveability survey.
Melbourne enjoys a reputation as one of the safest cities in the world to live, work and study. The Central Business District (CBD) is a dynamic commercial, entertainment, and residential precinct.
Our city offers so much of interest and activity including:
- Distinctive architecture–Victorian Era buildings through to modern structures and spaces
- Beautiful beaches, parks and gardens to enjoy
- Accessible public transport to ensure ease of travel
- A wide variety of world class events – for business and entertainment
- Diversity, with many cultures influencing the city.
As Australia’s arts, cultural and sporting capital, Melbourne boasts many internationally renowned sports arenas, sporting teams, live music, theatres, art galleries, markets and festivals of all kinds. And let’s not forget the fantastic shopping, cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs!
Melbourne
- Australia's multicultural capital
- Four seasons in one day
- Dining and food
- Transport
- See Victoria and Australia
Australia's multicultural capital
Melbourne’s population of over four million people includes a broad ethnic mix from over 140 countries. The city is welcoming to people from different cultures and this all adds to its charm and atmosphere. It is common to see restaurants of various cuisines all located near one another.
Melbourne is famous for its diversity which can easily be seen by strolling around Chinatown, Lygon Street or Balaclava.
Four seasons in one day
Melbourne is well known for its unpredictable and unique ‘four seasons in one day’ weather. The climate has four distinct seasons throughout the year from hot summers through to coolish winters. A day can start off cloudy and raining, then within the same 24 hours become sunny and hot. It is recommended to bring a variety of clothing to cater for the seasons such as summer shorts and winter jackets.
Melbourne itself does not receive snow in winter, but located only a couple of hours away from Melbourne are Victoria’s major snow fields offering ski and snow related activities during the winter months. Winter is from June to August with temperatures averaging around 10-15 degrees Celsius. Summer is from December to February where temperatures can average around 25-35 degrees Celsius. Located around Port Phillip Bay, there are a plenty of beaches to enjoy during the summer months.
For more information about Melbourne view the Visit Melbourne website.
Dining and food
Melbourne’s diversity of cultures is reflected in its thousands of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Melburnians can enjoy over 2,300 restaurants, bars and pubs. There’s something for everyone’s taste and price range. Throughout the year, the city celebrates the importance of good food and wine with several festivals dedicated to enjoying all things food-related.
Transport
Melbourne has an excellent public transport system with trams, trains and buses providing an extensive network throughout the city and suburbs, making travelling around Melbourne and Australia convenient. More information can be found on the getting to classes at Box Hill Institute can be found on the Public Transport page.
Did you know?
The iUSEpass initiative allows international students enrolled in a full-time undergraduate course (Bachelor Degree or Associate Degree) or a higher VET course (Advanced Diploma or Diploma) to purchase a half-price annual myki ticket for the zone/s in which they study.
For more information, please have a look at the PTV website. It's easy to apply!
See Victoria and Australia
For day trips or a weekend away in Victoria, you’ve got plenty to choose from with areas like the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula offering excellent vineyards, cottages, luxury accommodation and various activities, all within one and a half hours drive from Melbourne.
Travelling further afield in Victoria, the Penguin Parade at Phillip Island is a must see. Plus, enjoy surf beaches along the Great Ocean Road or experience the magnificent High Country mountain region. For up-to-date information go to www.visitvictoria.com.
The rest of Australia is also easily reached by plane, train or bus.
Student Life Services
Living Expenses
It is advised to set aside a minimum AUD$20,290 per year for expenses such as accommodation, daily travel, books and materials. These expenses are required in addition to course fees.
If school-aged dependents will also be accompanying you, these dependents must be enrolled as fee-paying students. For more information go to the Department of Home Affairs
OSHC Membership with Bupa Australia
The Institute’s preferred insurance provider is Bupa Australia. More information can be found at the Bupa Australia.
Work Rights
Initially, international students cannot work in Australia. Students who have completed their course enrolment formalities may apply to the Department of Home Affairs (formerly DIBP) for a Visa with Work Rights.
The working permit allows international students to work up to 40 hours per fortnight* when courses are in session, provided that work does not interfere with studies. During vacation periods full-time employment is allowed. International students should not rely on part time employment as a means of support as employment may not be easy to find. For more information about working while studying, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.
*A fortnight means any period of 14 days commencing on a Monday and ending at the end of the second following Sunday.
For more information on Workplace Rights in Australia please visit the the Fair Work website.
Mainstream Course Students
We recommend you arrive at least one week before your course begins so you have time to settle into accommodation and find your way around.
In January and July, the week before the start of most formal courses, there will be a compulsory orientation program to introduce you to studying and living in Australia. This is an important and useful program. If you did not receive the orientation information with your COE, contact our International team.
STUDENT VISAS
You have rights as a student in Australia – but you also have a number of obligations.
Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS)
The Australian Government wants overseas students in Australia to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding study experience. Australia’s laws promote quality protection and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are known as the ESOS framework.
Your obligations
Special rules apply to student visa holders. Breaking the student visa regulations may lead to cancellation of your visa. It is important that you are aware of your rights and responsibilities as outlined below:
- Course Conditions
- Other visa conditions
- Student visa regulations
- Meet course requirements (8202)
- Overseas student health cover (OSHC) (8501)
- Maintain student visa conditions (8516)
- Change of address (8533)
- Work rights (8105)
Course Conditions
Information about the course and university related conditions to which you must adhere.
Other visa conditions
Other visa conditions, including finances, health insurance and school fee exemptions for dependents of research students.
Student visa regulations
There are a number of conditions with which student visa holders must comply. Different visa conditions apply to you and your family members. Breaching a visa condition may result in the cancellation of your student visa. Some of these conditions are detailed below, however full details of these can be accessed on the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.
Meet course requirements (8202)
You must remain enrolled in a full time CRICOS registered course, and you must maintain satisfactory attendance in your course and satisfactory course progress for each study period as required by your education provider.
Overseas student health cover (OSHC) (8501)
You must maintain adequate arrangement for health insurance during your stay in Australia. Note: Under policy, this means that you must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Maintain student visa conditions (8516)
You must continue to satisfy the conditions under which your student visa was granted. This includes that your course of study must continue to be a course in a sector that matched your student visa. You must also remain financially stable for the duration of your stay and have sufficient funds to pay for your study and stay in Australia.
Change of address (8533)
Students must notify their education provider of their residential address in Australia within seven (7) days of arriving in Australia. You must notify your education provider of any change in your residential address within seven (7) days of the change.
Work rights (8105)
You cannot work more than 40 hours a fortnight* during school term, although no work limits apply during recognised periods of vacation at Box Hill Institute. You cannot undertake work until you have commenced your course in Australia.
*A fortnight means any period of 14 days commencing on a Monday and ending at the end of the second following Sunday
For more information about working while studying, please refer to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.
