This blog was written by Semester 2 Senior Storyteller, Niharika.
Hi, and firstly, welcome to La Trobe!
Congratulations on taking a big step out of your comfort zone and starting a new chapter in Melbourne. You’ve probably already heard plenty about uni life, from finding your classes to settling into campus. But for this guide, let’s step away from uni and explore the city around you.
After all, Melbourne isn’t just where you’ll study, it’s the city you’ll explore, make memories in, and come back to after a long day.
And the best part? There are plenty of ways to experience Melbourne on a student budget.
So, let’s get exploring and let me be your virtual tour guide!
First stop: the side of Melbourne you can explore for free
Don’t know where to start? Hop on the 86 from Bundoora and make your way to Melbourne Museum. Your student ID can get you free general entry, and trust me, this isn’t a “walk around for 20 minutes and leave” situation.
I went in expecting a museum. I ended up exploring wonders of the natural world, pieces of history and even an entire house inside a museum. Safe to say, I lost track of time.
Then there’s the NGV, Federation Square, walks along the Yarra, and Melbourne’s beautiful gardens especially the Royal Botanic Gardens on a sunny day. Pack a little picnic, find a spot on the grass and trust me, you’ll want to stay longer than you planned.
And please visit State Library Victoria as soon as you can. I left it embarrassingly late and regretted it.
Student-budget tip: Before paying anywhere, check if your student ID gets you free or concession entry. That little card can do more than get you into class.
Second stop: Experience Melbourne while finding your community
Exploring is great. Having people to explore with? Even better.
The Couch is a great place to start. I’ve tried activities, attended workshops, danced my heart out and had one of my favourite Christmas celebrations there, all while meeting people from around the world.
Then there’s Study Melbourne, which helped me in a completely different way. Through its events, I gained direction in my networking journey, met new people and found opportunities to hear from professionals and learn beyond university.
Student tip: Moving countries can make walking into a room full of strangers intimidating. My advice? Don’t overthink it just show up! If nothing else, you’ll probably walk away with a full stomach, a bigger network and a story to tell.
Third stop: Experiences worth spending a little extra on
I love “free” as much as the other students, but some experiences are worth opening the wallet for.
Melbourne is also full of experiences that are worth spending a little extra on. Keep an eye out for ticketed exhibitions from cultural and art exhibitions to immersive experiences, there’s always something new happening around the city. And if you’re ready to venture a little further, use a day off to explore beyond Melbourne and discover places like the Mornington Peninsula. Sometimes, spending a little extra is worth it for an experience that turns an ordinary day into something memorable.
Student tip: The trick? Don’t rush to book. Exhibitions and experiences sometimes release special offers and discounted tickets, so keep checking before paying full price. And never be afraid to ask about student discounts. Your ticket might be concession-priced, but the experience doesn’t have to be.
So yes, Melbourne will keep giving you new things to discover. You’ve already made the big move, now go make some stories worth taking back with you.
Happy exploring!