Australia is a land of contrasts – sweeping golden beaches, coral reefs rich with marine life, tropical rainforests, mountain ranges, vast grazing lands and sparse deserts. One of the oldest continents, Australia is the only country to occupy an entire continent.
Surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Australia has many animals and plants that are unique on the planet. The surface geology is typically old and flat, with a major mountain range stretching down the eastern coast and another mountain range in the north west of the continent.
Further information can be found from visiting the Department of Home Affairs website by the Australian government about living in Australia.
Victoria – Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital of the State of Victoria and set around the shores of Port Phillip Bay with its beautiful beaches and water sports facilities. The city itself, laid out in a large rectangle and boasting a lively and cosmopolitan pulse, sits on the northern banks of the Yarra River, about five kilometres from the bay.
Melbourne is a world-renowned for its cultural influence in its restaurants and cafés, and the home of major cultural events, and is also considered to be the sporting capital of Australia. Melbourne, once voted the world’s ‘most liveable city’, enjoys clean fresh air and beautiful parks and gardens.
Further information on Melbourne is available at Visit Victoria website.
Climate
Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons in the year – spring, summer, winter and autumn. Melbourne does not have a specific wet season – it can rain at any time of the year.
Sports and other outdoor activities are possible at all times of the year.
Accomodation while living in Australia
Central Australian College does not offer any accommodation services and students are required to organise their own accommodation arrangements for their stay in Australia. Where a relative or friend is able to provide accommodation that is close to transport and within access to the RTO, students would be encouraged to take this option. It is recommended that your accommodation arrangements be organised prior to your arrival in Australia.
The Student Support officer can provide information, advice, and guidance on the types of accommodation services available to students prior to arrival in the case of a need to change arrangements whilst in Australia. The types of accommodation available in Australia are many and varied. Some of the options are listed below:
Homestay/Private Board
This is a common form of accommodation where students live with an Australian family. Homestay or private board is where you live with a family, couple or single person/s in their own home.
There are many ‘Homestay Providers’ operating in Australia and these arrangement will vary from Full Board, Part board or Board in Exchange. The most common arrangements for homestay will usually consist of a furnished room, two or three meals per day and bills (except telephone and internet). Some homestay providers may even do your laundry. The cost may be between A$250 – A$300 per week.
The family is generally chosen by the Homestay Provider and allow students an excellent way of settling into the country.
Hostels & Guesthouses
Generally these are temporary accommodation arrangements and are available from A$25.00 per day to A$400.00 per week. Prices will depend on shared facilities, meals provided, shared rooms, etc.
Private Leasing/Rentals
The rental market offers a wide range of housing options. Signing a lease on your own for an apartment, flat or house can offer you an independent lifestyle and privacy. You may also plan to stay in this property for the duration of your course.
It can however be very expensive if you choose to live by yourself, as you are solely responsible for the rental payments plus the connection fees for utilities and then ongoing bills. Generally tenants are responsible for connection and usage of water, electricity and gas. Tenants are also responsible for connection and payment of the telephone.
Rental prices vary according to the location and condition of the property. It can be useful to familiarise yourself with the average price of properties in the various suburbs around the University. Rental costs usually increase the closer the property is to the city centre and the University.
Some useful internet sites for housing are:
http://www.find-studentaccommodation.com
https://flatmates.com.au/student-accommodation/melbourne
http://studyinaustralia.gov.au
