Why You Should Make Studying in Melbourne, Australia a Priority

G'day! My name is Lauren Connelly and I am the newest student marketing intern at CISabroad. “I come from a land down under! ..." No but all cheesy 80’s songs aside, I am originally from Australia (Melbourne) and I have been in the US on a study abroad program at University of North Carolina Greensboro, and I am here at CISabroad for a few weeks before I go back home.

I have been really enjoying my time here in the United States, and have many new experiences under my belt, including but not limited to trying to not fall on the ice on my way to work, and taking numerous photos of the snow which is my main fascination at the moment. Can you tell we Aussies don’t see snow very often?

After a recent conversation I had with an American, where I was asked such questions as ‘Where did you learn your English? Its really good!’ and ‘Do you have to wear masks to protect yourself from the giant spiders?’ I realized that maybe Australia isn’t as well known as I thought. I also know that for a lot of people when Australia is mentioned, places like Sydney or the Gold Coast come to mind. And while these are great destinations, I am here to (in)formally put Melbourne on the map! For anyone planning to travel or study in Australia in the near future, make sure you put Melbourne in your top list of places to visit. It’s an amazing place, and while you’re there make sure you tick off some of the following items on the Melbourne Bucket List, created by yours truly.
Safe Travels! ~Lauren

Melbourne City by night

Study abroad in Melbourne, Australia Bucket List

Outer city Melbourne

Inner city Melbourne

1. Study in the Melbourne public library in the city – and depending on season join the masses of Melbournians that eat lunch on the lawn out front

2. Depending on season, check out free events in Federation Square, from live music to exhibitions and activities

3. Walk along the Yarra River for scenery and culture, great restaurants and shops at SouthBank nearby

Southbank at night

4. Shop in Bourke Street Mall, followed by The Emporium and Melbourne Central all within 5 minutes of each other

5. Walk down the amazing graffiti filled laneways off Bourke Street

Graffitied laneways are famous in Melbourne

6. Have a coffee in Degraves Street

7. See an Australian Football game at the iconic MCG

8. Visit the Queen Victoria Market for fresh and local produce as well as locally made clothes, crafts and gifts. Pick up a good selection of your favourite foods and head to:

9. Royal Botanic Gardens for a picnic. Here you can stop by the Shrine, honoring our troops, The Melbourne Observatory for stargazing, and in the summer you can watch outdoor cinema at Moonlight Cinema, or performances of Wind in the Willows and select Shakespeare works.

10. See a show, whether that be a production by local Melbourne Theatre Company or a world premiere show in the heart of the city

11. Take a tram to St Kilda, and spend the day at the beach, visiting Luna Park or immersing yourself in St Kilda’s rich culture

Beach Boxes at St Kilda Beach

12. Alternatively take a short train trip to Brighton for a beach experience free of crowds

13. Take advantage of Melbourne’s extremely popular café/breakfast culture by choosing a café in suburbs such as Fitzroy, Richmond, Brunswick and Carlton, famous for their unique café style and menus. (Check out new addition Cat Cafe! A cafe with cats!) While here, be on the lookout for popular food trucks that often set up camp for lunch and dinner

14. Explore Brunswick Street for unique boutiques, restaurants and nightlife

15. Go to one of many outdoor cinema locations to catch current movies or cult classics

16. Take a Beyonce dance class, dedicated to learning Beyonce’s routines and performances

17. Eat yum cha in Melbourne’s China Town

18. Make sure you check out on of Melbourne’s famed rooftop bars, most can be discovered on main streets of the center of the city

Rooftop Bar in Melbourne