International student life

Make friends, experience Melbourne and discover more of Victoria through activities created for VU’s international student community.

There are plenty of opportunities to connect with other students, try something new and enjoy life beyond the classroom.

A group of international students smile on a bridge over a wide river, in front of a modern city skyline

Browse our upcoming events

Join us for free or low-cost events, creative workshops, social activities and excursions throughout the year. New activities are added regularly!

Explore now

Connect on campus

We host events and activities where you can meet other students, take a break from study and enjoy something different.

Here's a few of the on-campus events we've hosted recently:

A golden retriever therapy dog sits within a circle of young students, who are each giving the dog a pat.

Therapy dog visits

Take a break from study and relax with our friendly therapy dogs. These sessions provide a calm and welcoming space to unwind, support your wellbeing and connect with other students during the semester.

A group of international students smile and pose in a bright modern foyer

Breakfast/brunch station

Start your day with a free breakfast or brunch and friendly faces. Drop in before class to enjoy something to eat, connect with other students and learn about upcoming activities and support services at VU.

A collection of succulents on a wooden table. A person's hand is inside the glass bowl assembling the terrarium.

Terrarium workshop

Design and create your own miniature terrarium garden in this relaxing, hands-on workshop. You will learn a new skill, express your creativity and meet other students—and take home your finished terrarium.

Kokedama and vertical garden workshop

Discover creative gardening techniques through our kokedama and vertical garden pop-up workshops. Create your own living decoration while enjoying a relaxing and social activity on campus. No previous gardening experience is needed.

Halloween mask-making workshop

Get creative and design your own Halloween mask while learning about Halloween traditions and celebrations. This fun, hands-on workshop is a great opportunity to express your creativity and connect with other students on campus.

Floristry design Workshop

Enjoy a hands-on floristry workshop where you’ll create your own beautiful bouquet in a vase using a selection of Australian native flowers. Perfect for brightening up your home or study space—or gifting to someone special!

Puppy yoga

Experience a heart-warming Puppy Yoga session where gentle yoga meets playful puppy cuddles, creating the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge and reduce stress.

Explore Victoria

Our excursions give you the opportunity to experience some of Victoria’s most popular destinations, attractions and seasonal activities. Trips are also a great way to meet new people and create memories outside the classroom.

Here's some of the previous trips we've run for our international students:

Puffing Billy

Travel through the scenic Dandenong Ranges aboard the historic Puffing Billy steam train. This popular excursion combines natural scenery, local history and one of Victoria’s most memorable visitor experiences.

VU students in brightly-coloured swimgear sitting on the beach and waving at the camera.

Beach day

Experience Victoria’s coastal lifestyle with a relaxing day by the ocean. Enjoy beach activities, spend time with other students and learn practical information about enjoying Australian beaches safely.

A small cruise ship on the yarra river. Melbourne City in the background.

Melbourne River Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing cruise with beautiful city views, brunch, games, photos and a chance to meet new friends. This special River Cruise celebrates culture and colourful international student life.

Mt Baw Baw snow trip

Experience Victoria’s alpine environment and enjoy a day in the snow at Mt Baw Baw. For many students, this is their first opportunity to see snow. The trip offers a fun way to explore regional Victoria and connect with other VU students.

Sovereign Hill trip

Step back in time at Sovereign Hill, a recreated 1850s gold-rush town in Ballarat. Explore heritage buildings, interactive exhibits and cultural demonstrations while learning about an important period in Victoria’s history.

Cherry-picking trip

Visit a Victorian orchard and enjoy the seasonal experience of picking fresh cherries. Spend time outdoors, explore regional Victoria and enjoy fresh local produce with other students.

Healesville Sanctuary trip

Discover Australia’s native wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary. See animals including koalas, kangaroos and platypuses while learning about Australia’s biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

Student support

We offer a variety of personal, learning and career support programs on campus to help prepare you for university and the world after graduation.