10 Free Things To Do Around The University Of Melbourne

If you're a student who attends the University of Melbourne and is looking for some fun things to do that won't break the bank, these ar ethe best free things to do around UM!

Adventure enthusiast, who loves weekend drinks with the girls and…

Big nights and morning sleep-ins can often result in shocking timetabling game when I comes to enrolling in your new semesters classes. But these large gaps between classes, as well as late starts and finishes, doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. If you’re lucky enough to be completing your University degree at The University of Melbourne, then there are plenty of time filling free activities (yes I said free!) that can entertain you between, before and after classes. Here’s a list of 10 freebie activities do tick off around Uni Melb.

1. Queen Victoria Markets

Indulge in the fresh produce at the Queen Vic. This restaurant near the University Of Melbourne has so much to offer from fresh fruit and veg to seafoood and cured meat. This market is great for exploring the rich local produce that makes Melbourne great! Opening hours include Tuesday, Thursday – Sunday from 8am – 3pm. During the Summer and Winter months, Queen Vic offers live entertainment and food trucks galore at there infamous Night Market held every Wednesday night 5pm-10pm. Located on the corner of Victoria street and Elizabeth street, a 3minuet walk from the MGSE building.

2. The Common Man

Get the gang together after a busy start to the week for a night out at The Common Man, offering free trivia and drinks special every Tuesday night. Visit other nights for weekly specials on food and drinks, such as Monday $15 parmas! During the summer months, this bustling areas host a pop-up outdoor cinema showing anything from classic rom-coms to current blockbusters. It is located at South Wharf, just a quick walk from bustling Melbourne Central Station.

3. Calm In The City

Wind down from your busy Uni life at the University Of Melbourne with a free mediation lesson in the beautiful Atrium located next to Melbournes famous Federation square. Run by Calm in the City, this meditation session offers an escape and meditation guided by music and tranquility. Run on Thursday mornings from 8-8.30am, be sure to secure your tickets before attending.

4. UM Student Union

Be sure to check out UMSU for all Melbourne University social activities and events. SummerFest week kicks off February 20^th, so make sure you check your calendars to get the most out of the free foods and activities to be hosted. Stay connected with uni life by checking in with UMSU regularly!

5. Melbourne Museum

Located a 10minuet walk from the MGSE building, the Melbourne museum is home to amazing global collections of cultural, historical and environmental artefacts from various times in history. For those of you who have not visited Melbourne Museum, then this place is a must! Famous galleries and instalments of Melbourne’s Aboriginal heritage can be found on display as well a the state of the art prehistoric mega funa (Dinosaurs!). Best of all, students can visit for free! (Be sure to bring your uni ID or concession cards). The Museum closes 5pm each day, but had been known to host evening events that allow you to enjoy the museum after hours while sipping on a cocktail. Stay up to date with Melbourne Museum events to be sure not to miss out!

6. Southgate

Immerse yourself into the buzzing night life that is Southgate. There are options for dinning, shopping and sight seeing. Situated on Melbourne Yarra River, there are plenty of beautiful selfie locations that are sure to rack up the likes on Instagram. Be sure to check out Southgate during white night to indulge in the beautiful lit up sculptures and walkways. You can catch the number 19 tram for 15mins to get to Southgate.

7. Docklands

Enjoy the ocean vibes whilst still being nestled in the city atmosphere, at Docklands Melbourne. This new area established in 2000, has given rise to beautiful harbour views complimented by the city skyline. This up and coming area is home to many free events throughout the year as well as all year round views. This area is alight during the festive seasons, with it home to some of the city’s best fireworks. Free events are held here including craft workshops, live music and art installations all year round. Docklands is located 20minuets from Unimelb and can be reached by taking the number 58 tram.

8. Royal Exhibition building

Located a 20min walk from South Lawn, this historical building is home to some of Melbourne greatest markets during the year. Long stadning for 135 years, this beautiful architectural site is home to some amazing expos including the great vegan market, Boho Luxe market and even the dog lovers show. To find out more about the events hosted at the REB, click here.

9. Lygon Street

Often reffered to as Little Italy, Lygon street is home to some of the best Italian family businesses in Melbourne. This has said to be the birth location of Melbourne’s coffee and cafe culture. Lygon street offers a delicious coffee and meal away from the bustle of UniMelb, at a short walking distance. There is often live music on the streets meet with the smell of great food and shop fronts. Lygon is also host to the infamous Milk the Cow, the first licenced fromagerie in Melbourne. Milk the Cow offers a collection of over 180 craft cheeses from all across the world. If cheese isn’t your thing then be sure to check out the Italian food and wine festival held annually in Lygon streets Argyle square.

10. Melbourne Central

MC is your one stop shop for food around the University Of Melbourne, shopping and entertainment all year round. Melbourne Central operates across 5 levels and included activities such as bowling, karaoke, and Hoyts cinemas. During the day, MC offers over 300 stores to shop from as well as multiple food stalls and courts across the levels. After hours, MC night life is buzzing with Asian Beer Cafe (ABC) operating until 1am weekends and the pancake parlour open 24/7. MC also offers two pub/club venues on level 3 that stay open late during the weekdays. To find out what events and give aways are happening at Melbourne Central be sure to stay in touch here.