Where to Buy Everything you Need as an International Student in Melbourne

Moving to Melbourne for university is exciting, but your first week is often filled with shopping for the essentials. If you’re looking for where to buy everything you need as an international student in Melbourne, Melbourne CBD and Carlton have everything within walking distance. Whether you’re staying at Journal Campus House or preparing to move into Journal Market Way, this guide covers the best places to shop during your first week.

Melbourne Central: Your First Stop

Just a short walk from both Journal properties, Melbourne Central is the easiest place to start.

• Coles for groceries and pantry staples.
• JB Hi-Fi for laptops, chargers, headphones and electronics.
• Uniqlo for everyday clothing and Melbourne’s changing weather.
• Cafés, banks, phone providers and convenience stores.

Most students can tick off half their shopping list in a single visit.

QV Melbourne for Budget-Friendly Essentials

Less than 5 minutes from Melbourne Central, QV Melbourne is another must-visit.

• BIG W for affordable homewares and toiletries.
• Officeworks for stationery and study supplies.
• Woolworths for groceries.
• The Reject Shop for cleaning products, kitchen basics and snacks.

QV is particularly handy during orientation week when you’re picking up the last few items.

Queen Victoria Market for Fresh Food

Only minutes from Journal Campus House and directly opposite Journal Market Way, Queen Victoria Market is one of the best places in Melbourne to shop on a student budget.

• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Meat and seafood
• Bakery items
• International groceries
• Kitchen accessories

Shopping here each week is a great way to keep grocery costs down.

Where to Buy Kitchen Essentials

Because Journal rooms are fully furnished, you only need a few everyday kitchen items.

• Plates, bowls and cutlery
• Food containers
• Tea towels
• Dishwashing supplies
• Reusable drink bottle

Pick these up at Kmart, BIG W or The Reject Shop.

Where to Buy Study Supplies and Technology

Before semester starts, stock up on everything you’ll need for class.

• Officeworks for notebooks, folders and laptop accessories.
• MUJI at Emporium Melbourne for premium stationery.
• JB Hi-Fi for technology and study equipment.

Many retailers also offer student discounts with a university email.

Where to Buy International Groceries

Melbourne’s multicultural food scene makes it easy to find ingredients from home.

• KT MART
• Hanaromart
• TANG Asian Food Emporium
• Queen Victoria Market

These stores are popular with international students from across Asia.

First Week Checklist

• Australian SIM card
• Laundry detergent
• Power board
• Cleaning products
• Groceries
• Stationery
• Kitchen basics

Getting organised early means you can spend your first week exploring campus instead of running errands.

Live Close to Everything

Choosing student accommodation near Melbourne Uni means everyday essentials are never far away. Journal Campus House is opposite the University of Melbourne and close to Melbourne Central, QV Melbourne and Queen Victoria Market. Journal Market Way places students beside Queen Victoria Market and only a short walk from Melbourne Central and RMIT. Living close to where you study and where you shop makes settling into Melbourne much easier.

Ready to make Melbourne home? Book a tour or join the waitlist to find your room at Journal Student Living.

Read next article Read previous article