Studying in Melbourne

[shine]

Thanks natnatviv and babyflite!

Actually, i meant 15K which includes both accomodation and all other living expenses. *** is the amount in Singapore dollars which i have budgetted for myself per yr. Hmm..Maybe, it's too little. sigh!

Was actually thinking of staying in hostels like this one. www.rooms.net.au . But not sure about credibility.

Anyone stayed with this hostel before?

[babyflite]

Assuming that you will be going back to Singapore for summer break, you should be in Melbourne for about 9 months per year. $15k Sing dollar will be extremely hard but $15k Aussie dollar for accomodation and living expenses for 9 months is do-able, although it might be a little tight.

As a rough gauge, I get by very comfortably with AU$2500 a month, out of which $1000 goes to rent which leaves me with $1500 for food, transport and shopping. If you want to save money, it will definitely be cheaper to share an apartment with other people. When I used to share a place with 3 other friends, I only paid $450 rent per month for a nice place on the city fringe (south melbourne).

[shine]

Wow.. 2.5K a month works out to be almost 30K a yr. Considering that you usually have to pay for lodging regardless of whether u are on holiday or not.

Actually, I got the 15K figure from the cost of living website from the uni of melb website.

That's why was working on that budget. Actually, I have to pay for living expenses by myself. So, the active budgetting.

Anyway, anyone taken a look at the www.rooms.net.au website yet? I am thinking of staying at one of the hostels there..either walsh or monet.. or some other hostel at queensberry street.

But, not sure whether the location is at some dodgy place?
A bit worried actually as people keep telling me melb is super unsafe

[babyflite]

Although Melbourne might not be as safe as Singapore, it's still pretty alright so don't worry too much about it.

You could probably get by with 15K (Aussie dollar, not SGD) per year but you'll definitely have to find a cheap place (around $500/month) to stay.

Also you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week on a student visa so you might want to keep that as an option. Depending on what kind of job and your age, it can be possible to earn up to $20 per hour as a casual.

[babyflite]

Just to add, the residence halls around Melbourne Uni are pretty much around the Carlton area which is pretty safe. I've been living in the area on Swanston St for 4 years and haven't had any issues with regards to safety.

[saresha]

Originally posted by shine
Anyway, anyone taken a look at the www.rooms.net.au website yet?

They sound pretty good, actually. Don't worry about the area - I stayed for about a month in the Queensberry area a couple of years ago. I'm wondering if I can live without my own bathroom and kitchen - it's only for a year (9 months!) after all. If I can get a room in a 2-room unit, that would be great. The Swanston residence sounds ideal.

[cherie]

Originally posted by babyflite
A fully furnished studio apartment at Unilodge will probably be around $800, not too sure about College Square.

When i was there back in 99, it costs abt AUD$845 iirc for studio apt, fully furnished except washing machine + dryer and tv. By the time i left, i think the rent got hiked up further. Not too sure about now..

Love the location though, so near to Safeway and Lygon St and tram stops too! Miss that place tons!

[shine]

Oh good.. it's really nice receiving new replies to my queries so fast.

How bout the walsh apartment at the walsh area? I think it's in west melbourne. Is that area ok too?

The rent seems to be reasonable and it's closer to my part of uni too.

Actually, been rather worried abt safety. I am the type who I think will faint if I see a burglar... ok, i am more afraid of burglars than ghosts.

Will stick to the 15K a year budget and not go shopping so often. Plan to work as well if i get the chance too ..

Many thanks for the replies.

[saresha]

I wrote to Rooms and they sent me a PDF with more info.

One thing I've noticed with these student accommodations (not just Rooms) is that the leases are normally 6 or 12 months, so you don't really get to save on rent over the summer holidays.

[babyflite]

Actually with all accomodation (whether student or private), you pretty much have to pay for rent even when you're not around during the holidays. Even if you find a place where you don't have to sign a lease, you can't really just stop paying rent while you're away for summer coz if so where would you put all your things? Unless you can find somewhere to store all your stuff.

With regards to the Walsh apartments, they are not in West Melbourne. It's just on the city fringe on the North side so yes it's an safe area. Seriously, don't be worried about safety. I can walk around the city and the Carlton area in the wee hours and not feel afraid. Melbourne is a very safe city in general.

[shine]

Great reassurance.. actually i did study at sydney for a while and the security there was also not too bad. just that the rumour going around was that melbourne is less secure.

Anyway, this is the other place that i am thinking of staying..
http://unite.com.au/%7Eu7023a/index.html

Its nearer to sch.. i measure the distances using the www.whereis.com.au website. Tells u the distance from one point to another through walking or by car

Any other interesting websites on hostels or other places.. pls share and let us know. Thanks!

I am more keen on places where I do not have to get meals as I eat quite simply most of the time.

Another question .. would it be possible for me to walk from Walsh to campus?

Thanks in advance!

[saresha]

Originally posted by babyflite
Even if you find a place where you don't have to sign a lease, you can't really just stop paying rent while you're away for summer coz if so where would you put all your things? Unless you can find somewhere to store all your stuff.

Quite possible at some student residences in the UK. You move out all your stuff and they rent out your room to short-term residents. Where you put your stuff is your problem (some places will put them in storage for a fee, or you could impose on a friend).

[babyflite]

Yeah some places in Australia do that too. I suppose it would work if you don't have much stuff coz then you can just leave them at a friend's place.

[saresha]

Well, it's April, and I'm still wondering where I should live. I don't mind sharing a kitchen, but I can't help but feel very strongly that I should have my own ensuite bathroom.

I'm still considering sharing a flat. I don't suppose anyone here is also leaving for Melbourne in July?

[VictoriaZ]

Hi guys,
I will be going Melborune this early july, have anyone of you heard of this apartment place called college square? Is it nice? I am not sure I want to stay there but it look appealing to me as compared to the other 2 Melbourne university has sent me. Anyone going to or is studying there too? Hehe. By the way, is there any good facialist in there? I scared my face will get clog up again, so got to prepare myself. keke.