Arranging airport pickup and temporary accommodation
If you are a new interstate or international student (including Study Abroad and Exchange) and have accepted an academic offer to the University of Melbourne there are arrival services available to you, including airport reception, arranging temporary accommodation and help with long-term housing.
To arrange for airport pickup and temporary accommodation, you must apply online. If you request airport reception, you must apply at least 72 hours before you leave your country/state.
Airport reception
Airport reception is available to commencing interstate and international students, including Study Abroad and Exchange students, arriving at Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine).
Airport pickup is not available from Avalon Airport because of the distance.
This is a free service from the airport to the CBD (Central Business District), Parkville and surrounding areas. Fees apply if:
- you are travelling to further areas than those listed above
- there are additional passengers (your family members)
- you requested Airport pickup, but do not use it on arrival
If you are coming with two people or more, it may be cheaper to take a taxi from the airport (about AUD$55). TOGOTO Pty Ltd is a shuttle-bus service used for Airport Reception. If you need to advise of a flight delay or change outside working hours, you must telephone TOGOTO on +61 3 9337 2593 or +61 419 433 922
Airport Reception - Arrival Instructions
Only relevant to students who have lodged an online application and have received a confirmation email from Arrival Services staff that the service has been arranged on their behalf.
Staff from TOGOTO will be holding a yellow and green sign reading "TOGOTO AUSTRALIA OVERSEAS STUDENTS" and will be expecting you on the flight number you have given us.
image: www.togoto.com.au
TOGOTO Australia are based at the Meeting Point which is located next to the Information Desk in the Arrivals Hall (as you exit customs).
If you arrive at Melbourne Airport and cannot find the TOGOTO representative, please contact the Information Desk in the International Terminal Arrivals Hall or contact TOGOTO (see Flight and Information Changes for details)
If you are arriving via a domestic flight please look for the TOGOTO driver at the carousel where you collect your luggage. Make contact with the driver before you collect your luggage.
This service is free from the airport to the CBD,Carlton, Parkville campus and surrounding suburbs. If you are travelling to further suburbs you will be asked to pay a service fee starting from AUD$20. Contact Arrival Services for an estimate of cost.
If you request the Airport Reception service, but do not use it on arrival you may be charged (around AUD$50).
Flight and Information Changes
If your flight information changes, please ensure you contact a staff member no less than 72 hours prior to your arrival in Melbourne.
If your flight details change or you are delayed and you are unable to provide us with 72 hours notice, please notify one of the TOGOTO staff immediately on their phone:
T: (03) 9337 2593 or
Mobile: 0419 433 922 (International dialling: +61 3 9337 2593 or +61 419 433 922)
Extra passengers
If you have informed us that you will be bringing a friend or relative, a fee of AUD$38 will apply for each additional passenger. This fee must be paid to the TOGOTO driver upon arrival.
If you are bringing young children aged under 2 years, please inform us directly as as we may need to make alternative airport reception arrangements for you.
Luggage
TOGOTO recommend up to 40 kg or one or two standard suitcases, one backpack and one item of hand luggage. If you are thinking of bringing more than this amount, it is imperative that you contact Arrival Services staff to advise what type of luggage you intend to bring (e.g. suitcases, backpacks) and how much your luggage weighs.
TOGOTO cannot transport large items such as surfboards, bicycles, large musical instruments or other items similar in size.
TOGOTO will not wait for you if you have baggage arriving by freight.
TOGOTO has the right to refuse transport to anyone bringing excessive luggage.
Luggage Restrictions
TOGOTO has restrictions on the amount of luggage transported. Restrictions are guided by standard airline luggage limits and excess baggage will not be taken. TOGOTO are unable to wait for you if you have baggage arriving by freight. If you intend to bring large luggage items, such as surfboards, bicycles or large musical instruments, you are advised to seek alternative transport.
Temporary Accommodation
If you prefer to wait until you arrive in Melbourne to secure your long-term housing, we recommend you arrange temporary accommodation before departing your home country.
For most students, temporary accommodation is needed for a few nights before your long-term housing becomes available.
Keep in mind that if you have not pre-arranged long term housing, you may need temporary accommodation for a longer period.
Remember to update your airport pickup request with a destination once you have arranged your temporary accommodation.
The Student Housing Services Temporary Accommodation guide provides an extensive list of hotels and motels located near the University, ranging from backpacker to five-star accommodation.
On campus
Trinity College offers single student-style rooms with shared bathroom facilities and breakfast at competitive rates. Rooms are only available out of term times (December, January, February, July, September). To make a booking, email mgordon@trinity.unimelb.edu.au.
Queens College offers single student-style rooms with shared bathroom facilities and breakfast at competitive rates. Flats suitable for couples are also available (limited). Rooms are only available out of term times (December, January, February, July, September). To make a booking, email conference@queens.unimelb.edu.au.
Hotels and hostels
The Victoria Hotel is a budget hotel located in the centre of the city and and is 5-10 minutes from campus by public transport. Competitive rates. Family rooms available.
The Melbourne Oasis YHA and Melbourne Metro YHA are two hostels close to campus which accept online credit card bookings. Both hostels have a variety of rooms, including ones which would be suitable for a family.
Long-term Housing
When choosing long-term housing, it is important to consider a range of factors, including your budget, location, transportation costs and the type of housing arrangement you would like to live in. Refer to the Housing Guide or visit the Student Housing Services website for more information on tenancy advice, suburbs in Melbourne, housing options and costs.
Study Abroad and Exchange students may apply for housing at the residential colleges for the duration of their stay (one or two semesters) online.