Living in a new country can be difficult to navigate, especially when the culture is so different from what you’re used to. My first few days in Melbourne felt scattered and daunting, but now that I’ve been living here for over a month, I’ve started to get the hang of things and I want to share what I’ve learned.
Public Transportation
Melbourne has no shortage of ways to get around. The city is home to the largest tram network in the world. Trams mainly run through the inner city, but some lines travel slightly beyond. I take the tram into the Central Business District (CBD) any time I want to go shopping or go out for dinner since there is a stop right outside my apartment complex. The best way to explore the outer suburbs is to take a bus or a train. Trains run from the CBD to pretty much anywhere. Last week, I took a train along the peninsula to Sandringham Beach.
To use public transportation in the state of Victoria, you need to purchase a myki card. This is your ticket to all forms of transportation in Melbourne. You can buy one at any 7-Eleven or train station. The cashier will ask you how much you want to “top up” the card with; usually, a full day’s fare is about $11 AUS. You can always go back and top up your card with more money when it runs out. Every time you use a tram, bus or train, you must place or tap your card on the reader before entering. If you are only traveling in the CBD, then trams are free. If you need a little help getting to your destination, you can always download the Public Transport Victoria app. It will show you exactly what options you have for transportation and how to get where you need to go. It also shows the fare that you will be charged for your trip.
Ordering at Restaurants and Cafes
Cafe culture is a big deal here and the people in Melbourne love their coffee. If you decide to visit a cafe or restaurant for a quick breakfast or lunch with friends, there are a few things you need to know. Usually, you need to wait to be seated by a host, even though the tables look like open-seating. Once you have been seated and given a water carafe and glasses, you head up to the register to order and pay. Some places will have you order at the register and then be seated. If you are confused, don’t be afraid to ask one of the staff members; they are kind and always there to help.
Ready to order a coffee? If you like espresso, order a “magic coffee.” This is like the signature drink of the city; it’s a double ristretto with steamed milk. If you like a little more milk in your coffee, an iced vanilla latte is usually my go-to. If you want whole milk, make sure to say “with full-cream milk.” Most cafes have alternative milk options, too. If you’re on the run and need your coffee or food to-go, ask to get it for “takeaway.”
Uni Slang
“Uni” is almost always used as the abbreviation for university. The word “college” here means residential community (like a dorm), so if you talk about being in college at all with your new friends, it’s likely you’ll get a few confused looks unless you actually live in one.
When someone asks, “What’s your course?” they are really asking what degree you are pursuing. My answer would be a Bachelor of Science. At UniMelb, there are a variety of bachelor’s degree options, so you will hear answers like commerce, biomedicine, arts, design, agriculture, music and more.
Classes here are called “subjects,” so make sure to make the word swap when asking other students what classes they are taking. The academic structure is virtually the same here in Melbourne. Each class usually includes a few lectures a week and one or two tutorials (same as discussion). Students here take subjects outside of their major as a “breadth,” which is similar to an elective. You can also relate it to minoring in a different area of study.
This is my first time spending more than a few weeks in a new country and I feel so fortunate to get to immerse myself in all that Melbourne and Australia have to offer. Hopefully now if you decide to make a trip or even study abroad here, it will be just a little easier to navigate.
This post was contributed by Delaney Dyer, a Global Ambassador for Spring 2024. Delaney is a junior chemistry studies major studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia.
I find this so interesting – well written and so full of information. Makes me feel I’m there with you.