Guide to Student Support Services in Melbourne for International Students

Hey, international students! Welcome back to International Student Tips | IST, your guide to making the most of life in Australia.

Moving to Melbourne is exciting, with world-class universities, vibrant city life, and people from all walks of life waiting for you! But let's be honest: adjusting to a new country can also feel confusing and overwhelming at times.

That's where this guide comes in. Whether you're after help with uni assignments, mental health support, career planning, or just staying safe, Melbourne has got your back. From Study Melbourne to handy apps like Sonder, there's support everywhere to help you feel confident and connected.

Academic Help: Nail Those Assignments

Struggling with essays or referencing? No stress—almost all universities in Melbourne offer free academic support because they understand that English might not be your first language.

At the University of Melbourne, the Academic Skills team provides one-on-one help and workshops to improve your writing, research, and time management. Monash University runs several study support programs that cover academic English, subject-specific sessions, and even well-being support—all delivered by trained professionals. Similarly, RMIT offers tailored support with workshops on essay writing, referencing, time management, and more—perfect for building confidence in your assignments.

Whatever uni you're at, chances are there's an academic support service ready to help you succeed. Just check your student portal or ask your course coordinator. You've got this!

💡 Tip: If your uni doesn't have a dedicated academic support team, that's okay. Reaching out to your lecturer or professor early can make a big difference. They'd much rather help you before the due date than see you struggle after submitting. Ask questions, clarify instructions, and get feedback. Don't worry—they're not going to bite! It's all part of the learning process.

Feeling Good: Support for Your Mind and Heart

Adjusting to life in Melbourne can be exciting, but it can also come with its challenges. If you're feeling stressed, anxious, or just homesick, Melbourne's universities have your back. Most universities offer free mental health services for students to help you manage the ups and downs of student life.

At the University of Melbourne, Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides confidential support through individual sessions and workshops. RMIT offers free, professional short-term counselling, available in-person or via video, and tailored to your individual needs. Plus, if you need immediate help, Partners in Wellbeing provides free phone coaching with interpreters.

Whatever you're dealing with, don't hesitate to reach out—whether it's for everyday stress or something bigger. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as acing your assignments!

💡 Tip: Don't wait until you're overwhelmed. If you're feeling off or stressed, reach out early. Sometimes, the hardest part is starting the conversation. Your university is there to support you, so make use of their mental health resources before things get too tough.

Study and Career Vibes: Study Melbourne and More

If you're planning your future career or just figuring out your study path, there's plenty of help around.

Study Melbourne, run by the Victorian government, offers general career guidance such as resume reviews, interview tips, and job workshops that are open to all international students. It's a great starting point to boost your confidence and build essential skills.

Your university, on the other hand, provides more tailored support based on your course or major. For example, Monash University runs career development workshops, offers faculty-specific advice, and connects students with internships. RMIT also partners with industries to provide real-world experience and job opportunities, helping you build networks in your chosen field.

Whatever your goals, Melbourne's got your back with support that spans from broad guidance to major-specific opportunities.

💡 Tip: Don't wait until graduation to start planning your career! Career fairs, mentoring programs, and uni workshops can help you build connections early. Reach out to your uni's career team—it's one of the smartest moves you can make.

Stay Safe with Apps: Sonder and Beyond

Navigating a new city can be daunting, but technology offers tools to help you feel secure. The Sonder app acts as a 24/7 safety companion, providing real-time assistance, emergency support, and multilingual chat or phone services. It's particularly helpful if you're feeling uncertain or require immediate help.

At Victoria University, the VUSafe app is your go-to for on-campus safety. This free app is packed with features designed to keep you safe:

• Emergency Alert: Quickly contact Campus Security and share your real-time location.
• Safety Notifications: Receive instant alerts about campus emergencies or safety information.
• Friend Walk: Have a friend virtually accompany you as you walk, enhancing your sense of security.
• Report a Concern: Easily report any safety issues directly through the app.
• Free Shuttle Bus Tracker: Access live tracking of the university's free shuttle bus service, which operates on weekdays during semesters, connecting campuses to nearby train stations.

With these tools, you can explore Melbourne and your campus with greater peace of mind.

Extra Goodies: Support for All Parts of Life

Melbourne's support for students goes beyond academics and mental health. Need help with money? Universities like the University of Melbourne have Financial Aid teams that can guide you on budgeting or scholarships. Got kids? Many unis offer on-campus childcare options to help you balance studies and family life. And don't miss the Study Melbourne Hub—it's a one-stop spot for free advice on everything from housing and health to legal help. Whatever life throws at you, Melbourne's got your back.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need help with your studies, mental health, career goals, or just settling in, Melbourne's got services ready to support you. Take the first step—explore your uni's resources or drop by the Study Melbourne Hub. You're not alone on this journey, and we're cheering you on every step of the way!