🌏 My Journey from Dubai to Australia — A Complete Experience by AJ Asif

From Dubai to Melbourne: An International Student Journey

Follow my journey from Dubai to Melbourne via Bali — from Emirates A380 to La Trobe University, a complete study abroad story filled with travel tips, student experiences, and PR insights for international students.

Departing from Dubai – The Beginning of a Life-Changing Journey

It all began in Dubai, where I boarded the Emirates A380, one of the most iconic aircraft in the world. The journey from Dubai to Denpasar, Bali was around 9 hours and 15 minutes, and even though the flight was full, it was incredibly smooth.

A key travel hack I always recommend to international students flying long-haul for the first time — stay awake the night before. You’ll fall asleep easily once on board and arrive feeling refreshed.

The Emirates cabin crew were, as always, friendly and attentive. They served two delicious meals and light snacks throughout the flight. For those considering flying to Australia soon, you can check Emirates flights to Australia for current student-friendly fares.

If you’re preparing for your study journey, the Australian Government Study in Australia website offers excellent guidance about travel requirements, documentation, and pre-departure planning.
And if you’re applying through StudyCo, visit StudyCo’s official website — they provide expert counseling, visa assistance, and application support for universities across Australia.

Stopover in Bali – The Unexpected Adventure

Landing at Denpasar International Airport (Bali) was an incredible experience. The airport’s warm, tropical vibe instantly made me feel like I was on vacation rather than in transit. My connecting flight to Melbourne was scheduled after five and a half hours, and the Garuda Indonesia Airlines ground crew were incredibly helpful — they checked us in for the next flight even without a transit visa, ensuring a smooth transition.

As someone traveling for education and business, I appreciate airlines that go the extra mile. You can learn more about Garuda Indonesia’s international routes if you’re planning a multi-city trip.

I spent some time exploring Bali Airport, browsing duty-free shops, and sipping Indonesian coffee while reflecting on my journey ahead. The combination of Emirates and Garuda was surprisingly perfect — comfort, timing, and hospitality.

When we finally boarded our Garuda Airlines flight to Melbourne, I noticed the seating comfort was even better than I expected — wide seats, spacious legroom, and a footrest, something Emirates doesn’t provide. I had pre-ordered Halal food, which arrived with my name labeled neatly — small details that make a big difference for Muslim travelers.

For more insight into student-friendly travel routes, you can explore Skyscanner’s flight comparison for affordable one-stop options to Australia.

Touchdown in Melbourne – First Impressions Count

After a restful night in the air, we landed in Melbourne at 6:30 AM. Before arrival, I filled out the Australian Incoming Passenger Card, which asks you to declare certain goods and items. A quick tip for newcomers — always declare even if you’re unsure. The Australian Border Force takes undeclared items seriously and fines can be heavy.

You can find official rules on Australian Border Force website — especially useful for international students carrying medicines or local snacks from home.

The immigration process was smooth and efficient; no unnecessary questions, just quick scanning and entry. I purchased an eSIM for AUD 25 at the airport — staying connected right away helps you navigate easily.

Then came my first Uber ride in Australia. My driver turned out to be a Pakistani student studying part-time and working as a rideshare driver. We chatted about his life, work-study balance, and how he’s managing his expenses. It was an insightful look into the real international student experience in Australia.

For anyone planning their study abroad life, check out StudyCo’s Student Services — they help students with accommodation, airport pickup, and orientation advice.

Checking into Melbourne – Courtyard by Marriott Flagstaff

Upon arrival, I checked into Courtyard by Marriott, Flagstaff Gardens — one of the most comfortable hotels for travelers in Melbourne. I was fortunate to get an early check-in, which felt like a blessing after two back-to-back flights.

The room was spacious, modern, and equipped with all essentials. After unpacking, I headed straight to the hotel gym to stretch and recharge. Following that, a complimentary breakfast awaited — delicious, fresh, and energizing.

Later, I took a 30-minute walk to explore Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). The city was alive with art, culture, and energy — from the Bourke Street Mall to Emporium Melbourne, the variety of shops was impressive. You can learn more about the Melbourne CBD attractions on Visit Melbourne’s official tourism site.

For Muslim travelers, finding Halal food in Melbourne is easy. Apps like Halal Trip or local Google Maps reviews help locate nearby halal-certified restaurants quickly.

That evening, I joined the La Trobe University team for a welcome dinner nearby. The restaurant had a friendly vibe, and the university ensured Halal food options were available — a thoughtful gesture that made us feel comfortable and respected.

Visiting La Trobe University – The Heart of Academic Excellence

The next morning, we headed to La Trobe University — one of Australia’s top-ranked universities known for innovation, research, and industry connections. Our visit included both Melbourne and Bendigo campuses.

At Bendigo Campus, I was amazed by the state-of-the-art facilities — particularly the Digital Innovation Hub, Health Sciences labs, and Engineering workshops. These modern infrastructures are designed to prepare students for future-ready careers.

For international students interested in applying, StudyCo’s La Trobe University page provides program lists, scholarship details, and admission guidance.

The La Trobe team shared their latest updates about student employability, internship programs, and graduate pathways. I interacted with professors and international student advisors who were genuinely invested in students’ success.

Melbourne’s academic environment feels welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating — a great blend of culture, diversity, and opportunity.

Exploring Melbourne – Where Education Meets Lifestyle

Outside the classroom, Melbourne offers a perfect balance between academic life and recreation. From Queen Victoria Market to Federation Square, every corner of the city celebrates diversity.

Public transport is efficient — the Myki Card system allows seamless travel across trams, buses, and trains. I also recommend visiting Public Transport Victoria for routes and fare info.

Weekends are perfect for day trips to Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island — you can check Visit Victoria’s site for curated itineraries.

These experiences make studying in Australia more than just about education — it’s a lifestyle transformation filled with exploration, networking, and personal growth.

Australia PR Pathways – The Ultimate Goal for Many Students

During my conversations with students and university representatives, one topic that frequently came up was Permanent Residency (PR). Many students, especially from regions like the Middle East and South Asia, look for cities in Australia offering faster PR pathways after graduation.

Generally, regional areas such as Adelaide, Bendigo, and Tasmania offer higher PR points due to government incentives for population growth. You can read more about PR pathways on the Department of Home Affairs official website.

As a student counselor, I always advise international students to choose universities in regional cities like La Trobe Bendigo, where they can benefit from extra PR points, affordable living, and smaller class sizes.

For personalized guidance, you can connect with a StudyCo counselor who can help map out your PR strategy alongside your education plan.

Final Thoughts – Why I Recommend Studying in Australia

Reflecting on my entire journey — from Dubai to Bali to Melbourne, each moment was filled with learning, growth, and inspiration.

Australia is not just a destination; it’s a global platform for innovation, inclusivity, and opportunity. For any student dreaming of international education, studying in Australia offers a life-changing experience with academic excellence and global career prospects.

To start your own study journey, visit StudyCo.com — your trusted partner for university admissions, visa services, and career counseling worldwide.

👤 Author Bio – AJ Asif

AJ Asif is an International Education Consultant and Student Recruitment Specialist at StudyCo. With over a decade of experience in student mobility and global education marketing, AJ has guided thousands of students in achieving their study-abroad dreams across Australia, the UK, and Canada.

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• 🏫 StudyCo Official Website