The Iglu Guide | Blog
Cool things to do in Melbourne for students
Melbourne is a city that never stands still, offering a mix of incredible food, arts, outdoor adventures, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. As a student, balancing study with social life is key, and Melbourne provides endless ways to unwind, explore, and connect with new friends. Whether you’re new to the city or a long-time local, here’s your ultimate guide to the coolest things to do, all within easy access from your Iglu property in Melbourne.
Food and drink hotspots
Student life is all about good food on a budget, and Melbourne’s food scene delivers. From brunch spots perfect for study breaks to affordable late-night bites, there’s something for every craving.
- Best brunch spots: Melbourne is famous for its brunch culture. Higher Ground in the CBD and Top Paddock near Iglu South Yarra are student favourites for a coffee-fuelled study break or weekend treat.
- Cheap eats: Being a student doesn’t mean sacrificing great food. Grab dumplings in Chinatown, a crispy pork banh mi from Footscray, or an oversized pizza slice from Leonardo’s in Carlton. Emporium’s food hall – a 5-minute walk from Iglu Melbourne Central – also offers a range of affordable international eats.
Arts and culture
Balancing study with creativity and entertainment is easy in Melbourne, which is packed with artistic inspiration and cultural experiences.
- Street art and laneways: Take a break from textbooks and explore Melbourne’s laneways, where ever-changing murals offer free art exhibitions daily. Hosier Lane is the most famous, but Fitzroy and Collingwood have even more hidden gems.
- Museums and galleries: The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) hosts world-class exhibitions, while ACMI, located in Federation Square near Iglu Melbourne Central, is a must-visit for film and digital art lovers.
- Live music: Melbourne’s music scene is legendary. Catch an indie gig at The Corner Hotel in Richmond, just one train stop from Iglu South Yarra, or an acoustic set at The Gasometer Hotel – a 15-minute tram ride from Iglu Melbourne Central.
- Comedy nights: The Comic’s Lounge (15-minute walk from Iglu Melbourne City) and Comedy at Spleen (10-minute walk from Iglu Melbourne Central) offer budget-friendly mid-week laughs.
Outdoor and active adventures
Keeping active is a great way to manage stress, and Melbourne has plenty of free and low-cost outdoor activities.
- Royal Botanic Gardens & The Tan Track: Need a study break? The Botanic Gardens are perfect for a picnic, while the 3.8km Tan Track is popular for running and walking.
- Cycling & Running Trails: Melbourne is a bike-friendly city, making cycling a great way to explore. The Yarra River Trail offers stunning city views, while the Merri Creek Trail takes you through lush parklands. If you prefer running, Princes Park has a great 3.2km loop.
- Melbourne Beaches: St Kilda Beach, just 30 minutes by public transport from Iglu Flagstaff Gardens, is perfect for a relaxed afternoon with live music and kite surfers for entertainment. For a coastal escape, head 10km south of Iglu South Yarra to Brighton Beach, famous for its colourful bathing boxes.
- Free outdoor fitness: Many parks, including Flagstaff Gardens and Princes Park, have outdoor gym equipment, making it easy to stay fit without a gym membership. Federation Square also offers occasional free yoga and wellness classes.
Markets and shopping
Whether you’re stocking up on fresh produce, hunting for second-hand fashion, or just browsing, Melbourne’s markets are a student’s paradise.
- Queen Victoria Market: Located directly opposite Iglu Melbourne City, this market is a go-to for fresh produce, gourmet street food, and affordable fashion.
- Vintage finds: For students on a budget, Melbourne’s second-hand stores are goldmines. Fitzroy’s Hunter Gatherer, Retrostar in the CBD, and Chapel Street’s thrift shops offer designer brands, quirky accessories, and retro finds at bargain prices.
Hidden gems and nightlife
Melbourne has an exciting nightlife scene with secret spots, gaming hubs, and late-night eats offering student-friendly hangouts within easy reach of Iglu locations.
- Secret bars & rooftop venues: Melbourne’s bar scene is full of surprises. Naked for Satan in Fitzroy offers one of the best rooftop views in the city, while Berlin Bar offers a quirky East/West Berlin theme for a unique twist to your night out.
- Gaming and arcade bars: Take a break from assignments and visit Bartronica, where you can play old-school arcade games while enjoying a drink. Fortress Melbourne is another great spot, with board games, video games, and esports events.
- Late-night eats: After a long study session or night out, Melbourne has plenty of 24-hour food options. Just a short 3-minute walk from Iglu Melbourne Central, Shujinko serves steaming bowls of ramen all night long, while Stalactites is a go-to for Greek souvlaki at any hour.
Ready to explore?
Being a student in Melbourne means having endless opportunities to balance study, fun, and exploration. Living at Iglu puts you close to everything, from brunch cafés and beaches to music gigs and hidden laneways. With so much to see and do, there’s never a dull moment—so get out there and make the most of student life in Melbourne!
