The Cheap and Free Guide
International
Students
latrobe.edu.au/international
THE CHEAP
AND FREE
GUIDE
Your student card 1
Food shopping 2
Cheap places to eat out 3
Clothes and household goods 4
Bicycles 5
Books 6
Getting around 7
Cheap and free things to do 8
What's on in your neighbourhood 9
International student lounges 10
Parks and gardens 11
Other tips to save money 12
CoNTENTs
We recognise that student life can be expensive and most
students live on a limited income while they are studying.
Here are some tips to help you save money and enjoy
inexpensive things to do near the Melbourne Campus.
The Cheap and Free Guide
1
sTUDENT DIsCoUNT
Always ask for a student discount. This applies
to some stores on campus, as well as at cinemas,
restaurants, travel agents, clubs, theatres and many
other venues.
DIsCoUNTs, oFFERs AND oNlINE DEAls
Make sure you keep your La Trobe student card
with you for proof of your student status. Some
websites also provide further discounts, oers and
online deals for students.
studentedge.com.au
studentvip.com.au
CUlTURE CARD
The Culture Card oers great discounts for
international students. Get your free card when
you enrol or you can get one from La Trobe
International reception, Level 2, Peribolos East,
Melbourne Campus.
culturecardvictoria.com.au
Y oUR
sTUDENT CARD
2
La Trobe University
F ooD
sHoPPING
We encourage you to share cooking with friends
or housemates. By sharing the cost you save
money, time, and you have fun. Can’t cook?
Talk to us at La Trobe International. We organise
c
ooking classes during the International Welcome
Festival and we can suggest free cooking classes
in the local community. Fresh food such as fruit
and vegetables is excluded from the Goods and
Services Tax (GST), and therefore is often
cheaper than processed food.
GENERAl TIPs
§ Make a shopping list based on your needs and a
weekly menu plan.
§ Buy and cook in bulk rather than visiting the
supermarket often.
§ Pack any extra food into containers and freeze
it for another day.
§ Do your research if you want to eat out. There
are many cheap places to eat out in Melbourne
(see page 3).
FREsH FooD mARkETs
Shop at markets – not only is the food much
more fresh, it’s cheaper too.
Preston Market
An excellent selection of quality, fresh produce.
Open Wednesday to Saturday. Located at Preston
train station and a short walk from tram 86, stop
49 (going south, city-bound) on Murray Road.
Produce is heavily discounted around closing
time at 3pm on Saturdays.
pr
estonmarket.com.au
Kingsbury Drive Community Market
Every Sunday on the Melbourne Campus in car
park two.
latrobe.edu.au/community/
events/community-market
BUDGET BITEs FooD GUIDE
A good source for cheap food, produce and
shopping in the northern suburbs. Get your free
copy at La Trobe International reception or from
Darebin City Council.
darebin.vic.gov.au
AlDI sUPERmARkET
Aldi oers discounted groceries.
Plenty Road
Opposite Bundoora Square, Bundoora.
You can take tram 86 and get o at stop 66.
Preston Market
Gower Street, Preston.
Next to the Preston train station.
HAlAl, oRGANIC, vEGETARIAN AND kosHER
Preston Market
A wide range of fresh and high-
quality fruit and vegetables,
halal meat, and organic produce.
Preston Halal Meats
425 High Street, Preston
T 9471 8281
See the halal f
ood directory
in our Muslim Student Guide.
Get a hard copy from La Trobe
International reception or check
it out online at:
latrobe.edu.au/international/
publications
More information
For more information on where
to get kosher food visit:
jewishaustralia.com/food.htm
The Cheap and Free Guide
3
C HEAP PlACEs
To EAT oUT
In Melbourne, it’s easy to find good quality food
to suit your budget. Some places current students
recommend include:
High Street, Preston
Asian food and noodle restaurants.
Preston Market, Preston
Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants and cafés.
Victoria Street, Richmond
Vietnamese food.
Sydney Road, Brunswick
Middle Eastern food.
Chinatown, Melbourne City
Good lunch deals.
Crossways Food for Life
Wholesome, hearty vegetarian lunches run
by the Melbourne Hare Krishna Temple.
Level 1, 123 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Monday to Saturday
11.30am – 3.30pm
iskcon.net.au/food/crossways
Enjoy the outdoors
Use the free barbecue facilities in parks.
Where to find out more?
The Age Cheap Eats Guide
Borrow it from the library for good tips on
cheap restaurants.
Epicure, The Age newspaper
Every Tuesday the Epicure section of The Age profiles
a new cheap (under $30) place to eat in Melbourne.
The International Student Guide to Australia
insiderguides.com.au
Online Cheap Eats Directory
eatstreets.com.au
How to eat out on a budget?
§ Ask at the restaurants if they have student specials.
§ On weeknights, restaurants often have cheaper
'meal deals'.
§ Some restaurants also oer early-bird specials
when you dine before 6.00 pm.
§ Limit your drinks as they are expensive.
§ Follow the Facebook page or Twitter feed of
your favourite restaurants for exclusive deals
and coupons.
4
La Trobe University
C loTHEs
AND HoUsEHolD GooDs
mARkETs
Queen Victoria Market
As well as fresh food, there are lots of cheap
clothes, shoes, belts, bags and more.
qvm.com.au
The Thursday market
Held on the Melbourne Campus every Thursday
during semester, around the ground floor of the
Eastern Lecture Theatre, there are cheap books,
clothes and other items.
FACToRY oUTlETs
Factory outlets sell samples of clothes at very
reduced prices. Streets with lots of factory outlets
include Smith Street in Collingwood; Darebin Road in
Fairfield and DFO stores (Direct Factory Outlets).
oP sHoPs
Op shops sometimes have great adult’s and
children’s clothing, toys, household goods,
furniture, books and more. Proceeds go to charity:
§ St Vincent de Paul (‘Vinnies’)
Corner of Wood Street and Plenty Road,
Pr
eston.
vinnies.org.au
§ Salvation Army (‘Salvos’)
High Street, Preston.
salvosstores.org.au
§ Savers Superstores
Brunswick and Greensborough.
Look out for their half-price sales.
savers.com.au
§ UnitingCare Bargain Centre
284 Broadway, Reservoir.
FREE oNlINE
People give things away for free at these websites.
Freecycle
You first need to register online and usually need to
give something away first to start receiving (but this
can be as small as a book or a cup). You need to be
able to go to the person’s house and pick up the item.
It's a great source of children’s clothes and toys.
my.freecycle.org
Zilich
Simply sign-up and list an item you want to give
away or request your interest in an item from other
members. You can arrange a mutually convenient
time for the collection.
au.zilich.com
CHEAP AND sECoNDHAND GooDs
§ Coburg Trash and Treasure Market
Coburg Drive In, Newlands Road,
Coburg (o Murray Road).
Secondhand bargains every Sunday
8am to 2pm.
§ Value City
1 Newman Street, Preston.
Clothes, linen and much more.
valuecitysupersavers.com.au
§ Darebin Resource Recovery Centre
Kurnai Avenue, Reservoir.
Cheap, recycled household goods
including bikes etc.
outlookmarket.org.au
§ Gum Tree classifieds
Online classifieds and community website.
gumtree.com.au
§ First Friday Furniture shed
Open once a month on the Melbourne Campus,
it o
ers free oce furniture no longer needed
by La Trobe. Get on the furniture mailing list at:
§ Garage sales
People selling things from their home, on
displa
y in their garage and garden. Get in early!
Look out for listings in the local newspaper or
watch out for garage sale signs posted in the
neighbourhood.
egaragesales.com.au
The Cheap and Free Guide
5
INExPENsIvE BICYClEs
Online
Look in the online Trading Post, second-hand
shops, eBay, newsletters distributed on your
campus or visit:
humanpowered.com.au
bikeexchange.com.au
tradingpost.com.au
Darebin Resource Recovery Centre
outlookmarket.org.au
Gum Tree classifieds
gumtree.com.au
CERES Bike shed, Brunswick
thebikeshed.org.au
Bicycle Recycle, Moorabbin
bicyclerecycle.com.au
CYClIsT ACTIvITIEs
Bike Share Program
There is no need to buy your own bike. At the
Melbourne Campus, you can enjoy the convenience
and joy of cruising campus on a shared bicycle.
Join La Trobe's Bike Share program for a fun, free
and ecient way to get around campus.
latrobe.edu.au/transport-central/cycling
Bikers Brekkie
A monthly event that oers a free breakfast for
students who cycle to the Melbourne Campus.
You need to bring your helmet as proof of your ride.
E
very third Tuesday of every month at 8.00 am to
10.00 am at LifeSkills Cafe, in the Agora.
You can find easy riverside paths, trails that take
you to classic landmarks in the city and longer
rural routes. Join other people in the area for a
community ride.
bicyclenetwork.com.au
BICYClEs
It is the law in Australia to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter.
6
La Trobe University
Student Union second hand bookshop
Located in the Upper Agora, Melbourne Campus.
latrobesu.org.au
Co-op Bookshop
For only a $20 membership fee, you will save
hundreds of dollars when buying things.
Not only during your time at university but
for the rest of your life.
c
oop-bookshop.com.au
The Thursday market
Around the Eastern Lecture Theatre, Melbourne
Campus, during semester.
Also check campus notice boards around the
campus for used books sale posted by other
students.
Textbook Exchange
A second hand student-to-student textbook site.
textbookexchange.com.au
Op Shops
(Salvos, Vinnies, Savers) – see Clothes and
household goods on page 4.
Social Club Books
scb.com.au
Online
Compare prices and postage of online bookstores.
booko.com.au
Books
The Cheap and Free Guide
7
PUBlIC TRANsPoRT
Tram
Free City Circle tram in the Melbourne CBD only.
Bus
The Melbourne Visitor Shuttle costs $5.00
for an all day ticket.
tha
tsmelbourne.com.au
Myki pass
Buy a Myki pass for a week, month, or a year if
you travel often on public transport. On Saturdays
and Sundays travel around Melbourne only costs
$3.30 per day.
BICYClE
Get a cheap bicycle (see Bicycles on page 5).
CAR
Car pool
Need a free lift to uni? Register your interest
with the University’s car pool register.
la
trobe.edu.au/carpool
Want occasional car hire to get around town?
flexicar.com.au
goget.com.au
greensharecar.com.au
Car share Program (Flexicar)
This is a great option if you don't need a car every
day. Save money on buying a car and paying for
insurance and registration. You can join Flexicar at
a very low cost.
latrobe.edu.au/transport-central/carshare
G ETTING
ARoUND
8
La Trobe University
C HEAP AND FREE
THINGs To Do
movIEs AND THEATRE
Most commercial cinemas have half-price Tuesdays.
Independent cinemas usually have cheaper tickets
on Mondays. At Cinema Nova and Palace Cinemas
you can buy a membership that allows you to buy
cheaper tickets everyday.
Cheap Arts Guide
A list of galleries, theatre and music shows, all
under $25 in Melbourne. You can grab a copy at
La Trobe International reception or visit:
arts.vic.gov.au/Arts_in_Victoria/Cheap_Arts_Guide
Half Tix
Last minute cheap theatre tickets. They also sell
cheap weekend bus tours.
halftix.com.au
mUsEUms AND GAllERIEs
National Gallery of Victoria
180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne.
Free entry to visit the permanent collection.
ngv.vic.gov.au
Melbourne Museum
Nicholson Street, Carlton.
Free entry for international students.
museumvictoria.com.au
Immigration Museum
400 Flinders Street, Melbourne.
Free entry for international students.
museumvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum
sIGHTs ARoUND TowN
White Hat website
Find activities under $10.
whitehat.com.au
St Kilda foreshore
Acland Street, St Kilda.
Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the Sunday market.
Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford.
Old historic premises with artists’ studios, a farmers
market, and the Collingwood Children’s Farm.
abbots
fordconvent.com.au
CERES Environmental Park
Corner of Roberts and Stewart Streets, Brunswick
East. Permaculture and bushfood nursery, farm,
cafe, market and food co-op. There’s an organic
market every Wednesday and Saturday from
9.00 am to 1.00 pm.
ceres.org.au
EvENTs, CoNCERTs AND ExHIBITIoNs
City of Melbourne
Free events, concerts in the City including free
tours of Parliament House and the Melbourne
Town Hall.
tha
tsmelbourne.com.au
Federation Square
Free events, exhibitions.
fedsquare.com
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne.
Free concerts throughout the year.
tha
tsmelbourne.com.au
State Library
Swanston Street, Melbourne.
Free exhibitions and it’s free to join the library.
slv
.vic.gov.au
The Wheeler Centre
176 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.
Fr
ee book forums and talks.
wheelercentre.com
mEET-UP GRoUPs
Search for meet-up groups in Melbourne,
try something new and make new friends
with shared interests.
mee
tup.com
The Cheap and Free Guide
9
w HAT’s oN
IN YoUR NEIGHBoURHooD
Your local council is a great resource for free
activities and events, local festivals and more.
Check their websites for regular information,
check your local newspaper and call for a free
resident pack including a community directory. To
find your local council visit:
dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment/
find-your-local-council
CITY oF DAREBIN
Preston, Thornbury, Northcote, Fairfield, Reservoir,
Kingsbury and Bundoora.
T 8470 8888
E mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au
dar
ebin.vic.gov.au
CITY oF BANYUlE
Bundoora, Heidelberg, Ivanhoe, Greensborough,
Rosanna, Watsonia, Macleod.
T 9490 4222
E enquiries@banyule.vic.gov.au
ban
yule.vic.gov.au
CITY oF wHITTlEsEA
Epping, Keon Park, Lalor, Mill Park, South Morang.
T 9217 2170
E info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
whit
tlesea.vic.gov.au
CITY oF moRElAND
Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Pascoe Vale,
Oak Park, Hadfield, Gowanbrae.
T 9240 1111
E info@moreland.vic.gov.au
moreland.vic.gov.au
You can also check these websites for free things
to do on the weekend in your area.
weekendnotes.com/melbourne
whitehat.com.au
kidspot.com.au/thingstodo
10
La Trobe University
I NTERNATIoNAl
sTUDENT loUNGEs
These are free spaces for international
students to interact, make new
friends, access services and
referrals, and more.
THE CoUCH
69 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Monday to Thursday, 5.00 pm to 9.00 pm.
A lounge f
or international students oering
computers, free internet access, meals, free hot
drinks and information about Melbourne and its
services.
salvationarmy.org.au/thecouch
THE ozoNE loUNGE
Northland Shopping Centre, Preston.
Thursdays, 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm
and Sundays, 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm.
A dr
op-in space for local and international
students to relax, have fun and get peer support.
Join the Darebin Overseas Students Association
(DOSA) Facebook page for regular updates or
email:
E [email protected]g.au
divrs.org.au/dosa
The Cheap and Free Guide
11
P ARks
AND GARDENs
Enjoy the great outdoors in some of the fabulous
parks and gardens in Victoria.
parkweb.vic.gov.au
La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary
Part of the Melbourne Campus, you can roam
around the La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary and spot
kangaroos and other wildlife. Sta are happy to
show you around.
latrobe.edu.au/wildlife
Bundoora Park
Plenty Road, Bundoora.
This is the highest point in metropolitan
Melbourne, and you can see kangaroos and emus,
take a tractor ride, use the free barbecue facilities
and visit the historic Bundoora Homestead.
bundoorapark.com.au
Gresswell Forest
Located about a 30 minute walk north-east of
the Melbourne Campus, the native Australian
Gresswell Forest, Habitat Link and Cascades will
have you feeling like you are far away from the city.
latrobe.edu.au/wildlife/land-management/
gresswell-forest-ncr
Three golf courses
Strathallan Golf Course, Bundoora.
The public golf course and Latrobe Golf Park
driving range are all about a 25 minute walk from
the Melbourne Campus. Students pay only $13 for
access to the Strathallan Golf Course.
strathallangolf.com.au
All Nations Park
Separation Street, Northcote.
This park has lovely walks, open spaces to kick
a ball and free barbecue facilities.
Edwardes Lake Park
Edwardes Street, Reservoir.
There’s an old steam train, a walking track,
free BBQ facilities, and lots of birdlife.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra.
With a reputation as one of the world’s finest
gardens, this is a beautiful place for a picnic,
home of the Melbourne Observatory, walking
trails, lakes, more than 50 000 plants, plus ducks,
swans and more! There is also an outdoor cinema
in summer.
rbg.vic.gov.au
Coburg Lake Reserve
Lake Grove, o Murray Road, Coburg.
There is a picturesque picnic spot next
to the lake.
Fairfield Park and Boathouse
Heidelberg Road, Fairfield.
There are tea rooms, boats and canoes to hire,
as well as lovely walks through bushland along
the Yarra River.
Need more ideas?
For more ideas on cheap and free things
to do search for the Social Outings Guide.
nepcp
.org.au
12
La Trobe University
o THER TIPs To
sAvE moNEY
DowNloAD FREE soFTwARE
Instead of buying expensive software for
your computer, see what is out there for free.
La T
robe IT Support oer free downloads
for students.
la
trobe.edu.au/students/it/resources/
free-downloads
Some w
ebsites also oer genuine-free reviews
and downloads.
download.com
sIGN UP To sAvE
Search for deal websites and sign up for
discounts, vouchers, and bargains on everyday
necessities and luxury items.
scoopon.com.au
catchoftheday.com.au
groupon.com.au
dealsdirect.com.au
cudo.com.au
You can also find free products and services.
shopfree.com.au
DowNloAD FREE AND UsEFUl APPs
‘Australia-Student Guide’
If you have a smart phone and want to experience
Melbourne's city, download this app to find the
best budget eats, free activities and much more.
‘Money Smart Budget Planner’
The Australian Securities and Investments
Commission (ASIC) Money Smart program has
a great Budget Planner that can be used online
or downloaded and edited oine. There’s also a
great smart phone app for iPhone and Android.
Track My Spend
This app will let you track your spending to make
sure you can pay your rent and still have money
left to enjoy your life as a student.
moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/
calculators-and-tools/budget-planner
PRACTICE AT-HomE FITNEss
Instead of joining a gym, go for a jog or try an
at-home gym circuit. If a gym is the only way
you find motivation to workout, join the
La Trobe Sports Centre at:
la
trobe.edu.au/sport/facilities
Membership discounts apply for La Trobe students.
You will also receive discounts on group classes,
court and studio hire and swimming pool rates.
For a very low annual membership fee, you can
join many sports clubs run by students. It is also a
great way to meet people and make friends.
latrobe.edu.au/unisport/clubs
NEED moRE IDEAs?
Get your free service guide for international students
from La Trobe International reception or from
Dar
ebin City Council.
You can also subscribe to La Trobe Times, our
online newspaper. There are often articles on
cheap and free things to do around Melbourne.
Subscribe at:
latrobe.edu.au/international-news
Got another cheap and free idea?
E studentsupport@latrobe.edu.au
Disclaimer: The information contained in this brochure is indicative only. The University does not give any warranties in relation to the
currency, accuracy or completeness of the contents. The University reserves the right to make changes without notice at any time in
its absolute discretion, including but not limited to varying admission and assessment requirements, and discontinuing or varying
courses. Users of this publication are advised to check with the relevant faculty or department before acting on the information
published in this brochure. To the extent permitted by law, the University does not accept responsibility or liability for any injury, loss,
claim or damage arising out of or in any way connected with the use of the information contained in this brochure or any error, omission
or defect in the information contained in this brochure.
Published by La Trobe University, November 2013. La Trobe University is a registered provider under the
Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). CRICOS Provider 00115M
CS31480 11/13
14
La Trobe University
CRICOS Provider 00115M
latrobe.edu.au/international
Want to know more?
Contacts
International Student Services
Melbourne, Franklin Street
and City campuses
Level 2, Peribolos East Building
Melbourne Campus
T 03 9479 1199
F 03 9479 3660
E studentsupport@latrobe.edu.au
Bendigo Campus
Engineering Building
T 03 5444 7924
F 03 5444 7926
E campussupport@latrobe.edu.au
Albury-Wodonga Campus
Room 4239, Level 2, Building 4
T 02 6024 9847
F 02 6024 9777
E studentservicesaw@latrobe.edu.au
Mildura Campus
Room 109, Mildura Oce Annex (MOA)
T 03 5051 4000
E studentservicesmildura@latrobe.edu.au
Shepparton Campus
T 03 5820 8600
E campussupport@latrobe.edu.au
