Melbourne
Melbourne is a place where design matters. The city has sophisticated industries in communication design, advertising, architecture, interior design, multimedia design, fashion, film and television, visual merchandising and exhibition design, creating a pool of talented, experienced designers that Swinburne's Faculty of Design (Swinburne Design) draws on in its teaching programs.
As Australia's undisputed cultural capital, Melbourne has thriving art and design communities and an energetic youth scene, being home to countless galleries, theatres and music venues. The city's distinctive Asian and European cultural mix is reflected in its rich history and vibrant food and cafe cultures.
The importance of design to the cultural life of the city is indicated by the Federation Square project. A joint initiative of the State Government and the City of Melbourne, Federation Square covers an entire city block. The innovative design of the complex is a compelling feature of the project. Federation Square houses the Australian art collection of the National Gallery of Victoria, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, and the studios and offices of SBS, Australia's public, multicultural broadcasting service.
Melbourne offers the qualities and cosmopolitan lifestyle of the world's great cities but without the high cost of living or population pressures. With its clean environment, temperate climate, safe open spaces, relaxed lifestyle and reliable, affordable transport, Melbourne has earned the title of the world's most liveable city on several occasions. It is also one of the most harmonious multicultural cities in the world, with more than one hundred nationalities living here. The location of our campuses and residences means that daily travelling costs are low and there are inexpensive shopping facilities nearby. Yet, students are never far from the cultural pulse of Melbourne, a city of 3.5 million people and Australia's second largest.
Visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au for more information on Melbourne.
What is the area around the campus like?
Swinburne Design is located just around the corner from Chapel and Greville Streets, two of the most exciting shopping and entertainment areas in Melbourne.
Chapel Street is the best place in Melbourne for fashion shopping.A diverse range of shops, offering everything from high fashion to alternative design can be found along a shopping strip that stretches for more than four kilometres from Windsor (where Swinburne Design is situated) to South Yarra. There are also countless restaurants and cafes as well as bars, pubs, clubs and nightlife. The Jam Factory complex has 15 different cinemas, ranging from arthouse to the latest commercial releases. The South Yarra end of Chapel Street is Melbourne's style capital and definitely the place to see and be seen.
Commercial Road is well-known for catering to diverse subcultures. The section adjacent to Chapel Street has a great range of funky cafes, bars, and clubs, and fashion, music and design stores. Also in Commercial Road is the Prahran Market. The Market is over 100 years old and is regarded as Melbourne's best fresh food market, by many visiting international chefs. The Market is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from early morning to 6 p.m. Next to the Prahran Market is the Vital Ingredient, where every type of cooking equipment, cookery books and exotic ingredients can be found.
Greville Street is a small street running off Chapel Street that has catered to underground and alternative style since the late 1960s. Greville Streets shops offer alternative fashions, vintage clothing, quirky gifts, books, jewellery, and music, seven days a week. You will also find a number of very hip lounge bars, cafes and restaurants.
Do you have on-campus dormitories or halls of residence?
The University's on-campus accommodation is located at the Hawthorn Campus and accommodates 240 students. It provides modern, comfortable, safe and convenient accommodation for students. The Student Residences are only minutes away from the Glenferrie railway station and the popular Glenferrie Road shopping area.
There are no on-campus Student Residences at Prahran campus. Prahran students are welcome to apply for Hawthorn Student Residences and many Prahran students choose to stay there. Travelling time from Hawthorn to Prahran is approximately 30 minutes by public transport, less by car.
The University also offers a Housing Service as part of Student and Residential Services. There is a Housing Adviser on the Prahran campus to provide information, advice and assistance to Swinburne University students to find affordable and secure accommodation.
For more information on housing please visit: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/housing/