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Our favourite student discounts while living and studying in Melbourne
At Academia, we want every student to reach their full potential, not only when it comes to obtaining their qualifications, but their lifestyle as a whole, while they are part of our family.
As such, we thought it’d be helpful to share some great local tips, discounts, and free activities you can enjoy while you’re studying and living in Melbourne.
From public transport tricks to local food that won’t break the bank, we hope your time at Academia is more than just study – it’s about living, too, after all!
Public transport
If you are studying in the city and living nearby, chances are you won’t have the desire or need for a car.
Not only is owning and maintaining a car expensive, but with Melbourne’s excellent public transport network, you simply don’t need it!
Best of all, students with a valid concession card can benefit from heavily reduced public transport fees – up to 50% off, in most cases!
Free Tram Zone
Additionally,the city of Melbourne is pleased to offer all patrons a FREE Tram Zone in the CBD.
That’s right – if you’re travelling in the city within this Zone, you can get from A to B without touching on your Myki.
The Free Tram Zone is bordered by Spring Street in the east, Flinders Street in the south, and La Trobe Street in the north.
The Zone extends to include Dockland and the Queen Victoria Market.
Regular announcements while on board will remind you if you are about to travel beyond the Zone, at which you will need to ensure you “touch on” your Myki ticket. View a map on PTV’s website here.
Remember, you must always travel with a valid ticket, except when travelling exclusively in the Free Tram Zone. Only valid student concession cards can apply for a concession Myki.
Food
Food is the fuel that keeps Academia students going!
Whether you desire a quick study break or want to celebrate a milestone with close friends, food is essential!
What makes food even better?
Discounts and specials!
On our little block alone (that’s Lonsdale Street between Elizabeth and Queen Streets) there are countless cafes, restaurants, filled with all different types of cuisine as well as fabulous student and lunchtime discounts.
Here are a few of our favourites, all located within steps of our campus!
Cafe 358
Yummy and cheap banh mi? Yes please! Cafe 358 is lauded for its fresh and delicious sandwiches, and is located 130m from Academia.
They also offer cheap breakfast specials before 11am.
A25 Pizzeria
Located just downstairs from Academia on the corner of Hardware Lane, you’ll find A25 Pizzeria.
The lovely and bright cafe is a great spot for a catch up and delicious meal. A25 offers lunchtime specials on Mondays and Tuesdays – every Monday, any pizza is just $15, and the same goes on Tuesdays for their pasta menu.
Academia students also receive specials such as $2 for small and $3 for large coffees every day of the week and $12 for pizza or pasta Monday to Wednesdays.
Little Ramen Bar
Who doesn’t love the aromatic smell and flavourful taste of ramen?
At the Little Ramen Bar, the broth is prepared fresh daily from 5am. But all you need to do is show up and eat it!
Asian Beer Cafe
During O-Week particularly, Asian Beer Cafe offers students some great discounts, specials, and activities, but throughout the year, they also offer a lunchtime special of a meal + schooner of Grumpy Bastard beer.
Choose from a variety of options including Fish ‘N’ Chips and Classic Parma for just $15 between 11am and 3pm every day.
Museums
Melbourne Museum
Did you know that students with a valid concession card can enjoy FREE entry to Melbourne Museum?
Located in Nicholson Street, Carlton, the museum is easily accessible from the CBD via bus or tram
Scienceworks
Over the Westgate Bridge just to the west of the city, you’ll find Scienceworks. This science museum and planetarium is a sure hit with kids and adults alike!
Students can enjoy free entry and benefit from great discounts on displays like the Planetarium Show and the Lightning Room Show.
Immigration Museum
Victoria (and Australia, in fact) is a cultural hub filled with people from a diverse mix of ethnicities and backgrounds.
If you want to discover more about Victoria’s fascinating immigration history, you can’t miss the Immigration Museum. It’s located on the corner of Flinders and Williams Streets. From Academia’s campus, hop on the 58 tram or 234 or 236 bus.
Studying and libraries
State Library of Victoria
As much a tourist attraction as it is a library, the State Library of Victoria is one of Melbourne’s most iconic sites.
Don’t forget, though, that you’re in a working library so keep noise to a minimum and make sure your mobile phone is switched to silent!
City Library
Getting to this Flinders Street public library from Academia is simple: just jump on the 19, 57, or 59 tram from Elizabeth Street (just outside Melbourne Central train station), and within a few minutes, hop off at Collins Street and complete the short 3-minute walk.
The City Library is open until 8pm from Monday to Thursday, 6pm Fridays, and 5pm on the weekends.
The Age student subscription discount
Did you know that The Age newspaper offers students a discount to their digital subscription?
All you need to do is register a valid student email address with UNiDAYS and login or sign-up here. Subscriptions start from just $1 per week for the entire duration that you’re a student!
Study in Melbourne today with Academia!
Whether you’re a local who was born and bred in Melbourne, or are an international student seeking an exciting adventure in Australia, Academia is ready to welcome you!
All of our courses – from English to Commercial Cookery, Accounting, and Childcare – are fully approved and accredited by the Government of Australia.
Got questions? Please get in touch!
