Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services for international students and how we can help you study at Deakin in Australia.
Living in Geelong
With stunning beaches, a relaxed lifestyle and plenty to do in the city, it’s easy to see why more people are choosing to live, study and work in this vibrant regional city.
Life in Geelong
Geelong is Victoria’s second largest city. It is a vibrant and welcoming place where people from all over the world live and study.
The city is full of art, culture and history. You can explore galleries and museums, relax on the beach or enjoy a picnic with friends at Eastern Beach Reserve. Festivals, markets and live events are held throughout the year.
World-famous destinations surround Geelong. You can explore the Bellarine Peninsula or take a drive along the Great Ocean Road to see Bells Beach, the Twelve Apostles and the Great Otway National Park. Geelong is just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, so you can enjoy city life whenever you want.
Here is what life in Geelong is like for students:
Arts and heritage
The regional city has a rich history and vibrant arts scene. Explore museums, galleries and cultural landmarks, or discover the stories behind the city’s architecture and public art.
Vibrant events
Geelong has an exciting calendar of festivals, markets, cultural events and sporting competitions throughout the year. There is always something new to experience in the city and surrounding region.
Cafes and restaurants
Students enjoy a lively food scene with fresh, local produce and multicultural options. Great coffee, casual cafés and excellent restaurants can be found in the city or along the waterfront.
Getting around
Getting around is easy with buses and trains that connect the city and wider Victoria. Traffic is lighter than in Melbourne and rideshare services are available. Deakin students can also use the free shuttle bus between campuses.
Health and safety
Geelong is a safe and welcoming city. Crime rates are low and healthcare services are high quality. Deakin provides campus security and medical services to support students while they study.
Weather
Geelong has a temperate climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Winter days average 10°C with cold mornings around 6°C. Summer days average 21°C in January, with some reaching over 40°C.
Discover Selina's journey
Before coming to Australia, Selina was a shy person. Studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at Deakin has helped her gain confidence. With support from teachers, student services and new friends, Selina now enjoys trying new activities in Geelong, such as bushwalking, camping and badminton.
#1 Victorian university for student support
Studying in Geelong can be the adventure of a lifetime. From orientation and welcome sessions to academic support and social activities, Deakin is here to support you every step of the way while you settle into life in this vibrant city.
Explore life at Deakin's Geelong campuses
Deakin University is a key part of Geelong's vibrant culture. Our two campuses offer world-class facilities and interactive study spaces in a welcoming, student-focused environment.
Geelong Waterfront Campus
The Waterfront Campus provides cutting-edge facilities to support research, innovation and skill-building in areas employers value. Located on the seafront in the heart of the city, it is close to transport, cafes, shops, parks and Eastern Beach.
Waurn Ponds Campus
Deakin’s Waurn Ponds Campus offers expansive grounds and modern buildings for learning, research and sport. Students have access to industry-standard labs, creative spaces and cutting-edge facilities, all designed to prepare you for a successful future.
Living and studying in Geelong
Living in Geelong is affordable, with accommodation and daily living costs lower than in Melbourne. This means your money goes further while you focus on studying and enjoying student life.
Students can choose to live on campus in Deakin’s residences, which offer a safe and social environment with classes close by. There are also plenty of off-campus options, including shared houses and homestays, for those who prefer independent living.
Learn more about studying in Geelong
Study Geelong is a helpful resource for discovering more about studying, living and working in Geelong. The site features contributions from current international students and offers programs such as career mentoring.
Working in Geelong
Geelong has a thriving economy with many opportunities for casual, part-time and full-time work for international students. Working while you study is a great way to gain valuable industry experience. Any work experience will be looked upon favourably by future employers. Deakin students find work at large corporations, small family businesses, local government and some even choose the convenience of working on campus.
Deakin’s career and employment service, DeakinTALENT, can help you find part-time roles, internships or graduate positions while you study.
Geelong is a regional city. Deakin graduates who study here may be eligible for an extended temporary post-study work visa.
I can confidently say that deciding to live and study in Geelong has been one of my best decisions. Apart from the calmness and serenity of this place, it has the most hospitable people who are happy to help you and the landscape is just amazing.
Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Discover the outdoors around Geelong
Geelong is surrounded by natural beauty. You can explore the calm beaches of Port Phillip Bay or head to the open ocean beaches along the Bellarine Peninsula. Keep an ear out for native birds and watch for dolphins and whales near the shore.
Bushwalking paths wind through forests and reserves where you might spot koalas, echidnas, kangaroos and native plants like wildflowers and ancient gum trees. For a full day adventure, visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo just outside Geelong and see some of Australia’s iconic wildlife.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
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