Cost Of Living In addition to paying the full cost of their courses, full-fee students must meet all their own travel and living expenses. A single person studying in Australia will need approximately $15,000 - $25,000 each year, however this amount varies increasingly depending on the accommodation and the lifestyle that the student to choose to live. Students using public transport can apply for a student concession card that entitles them to discounted fares. Multiculturalism More than 100 ethnic groups are represented in Australia, making Australia one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Australia's dynamic multiculturalism can be attributed to its unique combination of Indigenous cultures, early European settlement and immigration from all parts of the world. Australians value the wealth of cultural diversity and social sophistication that international students bring to our campuses and our communities. We take great care in looking after international students and helping them to adjust to the Australian way of life. International students also gain great benefits from their education in Australia and make lifelong friendships Accommodation TK Melbourne will gladly assist in finding suitable accommodation. It cannot however, enter into agreements with Real Estate Agents or householders on your behalf. If required, temporary accommodation will be arranged for your arrival usually for a period of 1 week. This would be hotel style accommodation at $150 - $250 AUD per night. Homestay accommodation Homestay involves the student living with an Australian family. The cost generally includes two meals (breakfast and dinner) during the week and three meals on weekends. Rooms may be single or shared and cost will vary accordingly. Share Accommodation Advertisements on student notice boards and in sections of the local newspapers will appear for one or more people to share a house or flat, often where a lease has already been taken out. This often suits students once they have been in the country for a while and are comfortable with their new country's living arrangements. Rental Accommodation As with share accommodation, units, flats, single bedsitters and even houses, are available through Real Estate Agents. These are normally unfurnished. One month's rent plus a bond will be charged in advance prior to signing a lease agreement. TK Melbourne is available to assist you wherever possible upon request. Consumer Affairs Victoria has information on your rights and responsibilities when renting a home in Victoria. They can also help if you have a complaint or problem with your landlord. Go to the Consumer Affairs Victoria website [attach above hyperlink] or call 1300 55 81 81 for advice or more information. www.consumer.vic.gov.au/students. Transport • Melbourne has a comprehensive, efficient and well-integrated public transport system. • The compact city grid network and transport facilities allow easy access to all major hotels, meeting venues and local attractions. • Melbourne's Southern Cross railway station features an airport-style transport interchange able to handle over 30,000 passengers at peak hour times. • Melbourne offers a free City Circle Tourist Tram and Tourist Shuttle Bus for travelling around the city. These links with other tram, train and light rail services in and around Melbourne. The City Circle Tram takes passengers past shopping malls and arcades, major attractions, such as the Old Treasury Building, Parliament House and the Princess Theatre, as well as parks and gardens.