What to Expect in Your First Month Living at UniLodge
Moving into student accommodation is a big milestone — especially if you’re starting university, moving cities, or arriving in Australia for the first time. Your first month at UniLodge is designed to help you settle in quickly, make friends, and feel at home from day one.
Here’s exactly what your first few weeks will look like.
Table of Contents
- Week 1: Settling In & Getting Comfortable
- Week 2: Meeting People & Finding Your Routine
- Week 3: Getting Involved
- Week 4: Feeling More at Home
- Why residents love their first month
- Other things to set up during your first month
- Explore UniLodge properties in Melbourne
Week 1: Settling In & Getting Comfortable
Your first week is all about getting familiar with your new home and surroundings.
You can expect:
- A smooth check-in process with support from the friendly front desk team
- Time to unpack, personalise your room and settle into your space
- Orientation information about building facilities and local essentials
- Helpful tips on transport, supermarkets, and getting around Melbourne
Most residents say the biggest surprise is how quickly their room starts to feel like home.
Week 2: Meeting People & Finding Your Routine
By week two, things start to feel more familiar. You’ll begin recognising faces, learning your way around campus, and settling into a daily routine.
This is when residents often:
- Start forming friendships with neighbours
- Discover favourite study spots in the building
- Find their go-to coffee order nearby
- Learn the fastest route to class
UniLodge communities are designed so you’re never far from someone to chat with — whether it’s in shared spaces, study rooms, or social events.
Week 3: Getting Involved
Once you’re settled, you’ll start noticing more opportunities to connect with other residents and enjoy everything happening around the building.
Your Residential Life program might include a mix of relaxed and social activities like:
- Orientation Nights and Welcome Parties
- Pop-up treats such as smoothie stations, snack bars or pizza nights
- Creative sessions like painting, craft workshops or DIY nights
- Casual hangouts and games nights
- Cultural celebrations or themed events
- Excursions offsite
These events make it easy to meet people naturally — no pressure, just opportunities.
Week 4: Feeling More at Home
By the end of your first month, most residents say UniLodge doesn’t feel like accommodation anymore — it feels like home.
At this stage you’ll likely:
- Know your favourite spaces in the building
- Have a small circle of friends
- Feel confident navigating Melbourne
- Have settled into study routines
This is when everything clicks — your room, your routine, your community.
Why Residents Love Their First Month at UniLodge
Residents consistently say their transition to uni life is easier because they live somewhere built specifically for them.
What makes the difference:
- Everything is ready when you arrive
- Support is available when you need it
- Facilities are designed for study + social balance
- You’re surrounded by others going through the same/similar experience
Other Things to Set Up in Your First Month
Alongside settling into your new home, your first few weeks are the perfect time to organise the essentials that will make everyday life in Melbourne smooth and stress-free.
Set Up Your Australian Bank Account
If you’re an international student, opening a local bank account should be one of your first priorities. It makes paying rent, receiving transfers, and managing daily expenses much easier. Many students choose to set this up soon after arrival so they can avoid international transaction fees and keep their finances organised. | Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Get a Local SIM Card
Having an Australian phone number will make everything simpler — from contacting your property team to receiving delivery updates or confirming appointments. Most providers offer student-friendly prepaid plans you can activate within minutes.
Sort Out Your Transport Card
Melbourne’s public transport system is reliable and student-friendly, but you’ll need a travel card to use trains, trams and buses. Once you have this sorted, getting to uni, exploring the city, and visiting friends becomes easy and affordable. | Learn more about Melbourne Public Transport here
Learn Your Local Area
Take some time to explore what’s nearby:
- nearest supermarket
- pharmacy
- cafés
- study spots
- parks or walking routes
Knowing where these are early on helps you feel independent and confident much faster.
Follow UniLodge and Your Property on Social Media
One of the easiest ways to stay informed during your first month is by following both the official UniLodge channels and your specific property’s social pages. It’s more than just updates — it’s another way our teams help support you throughout your stay.
Make sure you’re connected on:
- Instagram, Facebook and RedNote (Xiaohongshu) for announcements, event reminders and resident highlights
- WeChat where you can explore property options, receive updates and message the team directly with questions or enquiries
Following UniLodge and your property helps you:
- Stay up to date with what’s happening in your building
- Discover upcoming activities and giveaways
- Get helpful reminders and info
- Reach out quickly if you need assistance
The sooner you tick off these essentials, the sooner you can focus on what really matters — enjoying student life and making the most of your UniLodge experience.
Ready to Start Your UniLodge Experience?
Your first month sets the tone for your whole year — and choosing the right place to live makes all the difference.