1. MELBOURNE IS THE WORLD’S ‘MOST LIVEABLE CITY’

Currently, Melbourne is the ‘most liveable city‘ in both Australia and the world! There are a few reasons why Melbourne is considered such a great place to live. There are multiple public transport options, relatively low crime rates, and plenty of jobs. Plus, it offers an awesome arts and culture scene, first-rate universities and easy lifestyle.

2. MELBOURNE IS HOME TO WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH FACILITIES

Melbourne is very academic, with six of Melbourne’s universities sitting within the top-ranked universities of the world. As a creative city home to world-class academics and an exciting entrepreneurial spirit, if you study in Melbourne you’ll soon be thinking outside the box (and around it, above it and below it, too).

3. MELBOURNE’S LANEWAY CULTURE IS RICH, VIVID AND EXCITING

Melbourne’s winding alleyways are magical; they’ll probably make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a real-life Wonderland. The city is well-known across Australia for its vibrant laneway culture, which is brimming with bustling shopping arcades, wandering musicians, live music, quiet street-side book cafes… and the occasional secret street party!

If you’re in search of good food, take a wander down the colourful Centre Place, where you’ll find plenty of places to eat. For anyone into street art, a walk down the paint-splashed Hosier Lane will definitely inspire. And don’t forget your camera!

4. THE COFFEE IS INCREDIBLE

Can’t survive without your morning caffeine hit? If you’re a coffee lover, we have great news: cafe culture in Melbourne runs deep. Thanks to Melbourne’s world champion baristas, friendly neighbourhood vibe, and the locals’ love of supporting small business, Melbourne cafes serve up some of the best coffee in Australia — and perhaps the world.

5. IT’S AUSTRALIA’S ‘CULTURAL CAPITAL’

Melbourne’s eccentricity, creativity and love of the arts is universally famous. In a 2017 report by Boston Consulting Group, the city was rated the top cultural destination in Australia, the third top cultural destination in the Asia Pacific region, and twelfth in the world.

If you want to absorb some of Melbourne’s culture, check out the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Plus, the city is home to more underground arts movements, such as zine fairs (look out for Festival of the Photocopier), artist collectives, record stores, swing dancing clubs… the list goes on.

6. THE COMMUNITY IS HUGELY DIVERSE

Melbourne is a melting pot of communities, and is home to many different cultural celebrations. The Lonsdale St Greek Festival, Carlton Italian Festa, Chinese New Year, the Thai Culture & Food Festival, the Melbourne Fringe Festival and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival are just some of the options on offer. Plus, make sure to check out the neighbourhoods that sit around the CBD. You’ll find many different communities from all around the world in each one.

7. THE TRAMS ARE A LOT OF FUN

In Melbourne, trams are both a major form of public transport and one of the city’s most famous icons. Melbourne locals tend to express genuine warmth for their tram system. What’s more, Melbourne’s trams can be just as colourful as the city itself: in 2017 the trams were covered in artworks as a part of the Melbourne Festival.

8. THE AIRPORT IS SUPER ACCESSIBLE

International students know that having an airport close-by is super handy — especially when it comes to making trips back home, or when family and friends visit. Luckily, Melbourne’s airport is easily accessible and close to the city centre (around 20-35 minutes each way). Study Melbourne also has its own Student Welcome Desk located at the Travellers’ Information Service, International Arrivals Hall, Ground Floor, Terminal 2, Melbourne Airport. It’s open every day from 7am to midnight to lend you that extra support.

9. MELBOURNE IS A GREAT PLACE FOR START-UPS

If you’re an international student looking to start your own business, moving to a city like Melbourne could be a good idea. There are many small business grants offered to ideas that display creativity, innovation, business readiness, financial viability and benefits to the city of Melbourne. Does that sound exciting? Well, it could be you!

10. IT’S ‘AUSTRALIA’S BEST STUDENT CITY’

Melbourne’s been regularly named Australia’s ‘best student city’ for local and international students — and the secret is getting out! Melbourne was the second most popular city for international students in 2017. In the same year, Melbourne was also the most popular place of study for Indian, Sri Lankan, Singaporean, Malaysian, Indonesian and Vietnamese students, and the second most popular for Chinese, Nepalese, Hong Kong and Pakistani students.

So, if you’re curious, adventurous, creative, looking to live and study in a thriving city environment, Melbourne might just be the perfect place to call home.

The Student Housing Company (TSHC) is an award-winning student accommodation company, with purpose-built properties opening around Australia, including in Melbourne and Perth. TSHC’s vision is to change students’ lives by providing a better approach to student accommodation, with quality, support, convenience and value for money.