Moving to Melbourne to study at Victoria University (VU) can be easy and enjoyable if you are organised.

We have lots of experience helping students to settle in. Check our advice and support services for information and contacts.

To get you started, here are some suggestions on how to prepare for studying at VU.

VU can help with a smooth transition into university life in Melbourne

Accommodation

The biggest decision before you move to Melbourne will be choosing where to live. Melbourne is a big city with many suburbs to choose from as your new neighbourhood.

Where you live influences important factors such as:

  • travel times to university and work
  • cost of accommodation
  • proximity to your friends and the community.

UniLodge @ VU, our student residence, is located across the road from the Footscray Park Campus and a short walk to Footscray Nicholson Campus.

If you’re looking at private accommodation you should arrive in Melbourne one month before university starts. We recommend booking temporary accommodation before you arrive.

Our student housing service can help you with information and advice on accommodation options, budgeting, and tenancy rights and obligations at any stage of your stay.

Accommodation at Victoria University transcript - Transcript

Related

International student checklists

Being organised and prepared before you leave home will make your arrival so much easier.

Follow our pre-departure checklist to make sure you've filled in all the application paperwork in time to study with us.

Use our packing checklist to make sure you have all the documents you'll need for an easy transition into Melbourne university life.

Melbourne experiences both cold and very hot weather, so pack clothing for both extremes.

Essential items and documents to bring with you:

  • passport (make sure it is valid)
  • student visa and entry permit (if you have an e-visa, you’ll need to bring a hard copy with confirmation of your visa expiry date)
  • your International Student Written Agreement
  • a copy of your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE)
  • receipt of your tuition fees payment
  • certified copies of:
  • evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your study (bank statement or scholarship offer)
  • other official documentation, such as:
    • driver’s licence (with translation if required)
    • national ID card
    • certified copy of your (and, if applicable, your children’s) birth certificate (with translation if required)
    • marriage certificate if applicable (with translation if required)
  • written references in English from a:
    • previous employer (if you’re planning to work in Australia)
    • previous landlord (if you’re planning to rent in Australia)
    • doctor (for medical prescriptions)
  • contact phone numbers for:
Life at VU - Preparing to leave - Transcript

Arrival date

Make sure you arrive in Melbourne in time to:

International students arriving on time

You should plan to arrive in Melbourne at least ten days before your course starts so that you can enrol and attend your international orientation.

International students arriving late

If you are an international student and are going to arrive late, you must complete the special consideration for late arrival form.

There are set dates and times for first time enrolments.

If you do not enrol by this date you may need to:

  • defer your studies until the next available course commencement date. Deferring will cancel your electronic Confirmation of Enrolmene (eCoE) which may lead to the cancellation of your student visa
  • leave Australia.

If you do not arrive in Australia by the date specified on your eCoE - you may be denied entry to Australia by the Department of Home Affairs.

Impact on your university study

By arriving late and not attending your international orientation session you risk missing out on vital information which may impact on your academic progress, such as:

  • course information, unit choices and selection and timetabling (enrolling late may affect your ability to enrol in your preferred units, lectures and tutorial times as these may become limited)
  • support services that are available for international students
  • health, safety, housing information
  • accessing VU's IT system and other VU services and facilities
  • meeting academic and administrative staff and other students.

Receive support on arrival at VU

Related

Useful apps

Download these useful apps to help your transition to studying in Melbourne.

  • Google Translate allows you to quickly translate more than 50 languages. You can use a voice input function or type in words and phrases.
  • Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) gives you access to your member services. Use your VU student email to log into the app and into the members section of the website.
  • myVEVO gives you access to your student visa conditions, study and work rights.
  • Public Transport Victoria (PTV) shows real-time timetables for trams, trains and buses in Melbourne
  • RentRight is a free smartphone app with useful tools and information on your renting rights and responsibilities.

Download smartphone apps to help your transition to Melbourne university life