The best, must-do parts about studying in Melbourne, according to a student ambassador

Whether you’ve studied abroad or locally, you’ve probably heard, “University will be the best time of your life.” 

It may not apply to everyone, but Darren Lee Yeu Jyn is part of the lucky bunch who readily agrees that his university years studying in Melbourne were some of the best years of his life. 

There’s no singular reason that Lee can pinpoint what made that period a highlight of his life. From being in Melbourne – #4 on the QS Best Student Cities 2024 list – to studying at the University of Melbourne and his work as a student ambassador, each aspect is remembered fondly and dearly. 

The funny thing is, Lee’s original higher education plans were meant for the other side of the globe – that is, the UK. He even completed his A Levels, the most common UK pre-university pathway, before he made the switch over to Down Under. 

Lee is the first person in his immediate and extended family to pursue his studies abroad. Source: Darren Lee.

“My parents thought that the UK was too far away and suggested Australia instead,” says Lee, who hails from Malaysia. The flight to the UK would take a direct flight of almost 14 hours, whereas the flight to Melbourne would be a little more than half the time at around eight hours. 

Luckily, Lee’s interest in psychology meant he was redirected to the University of Melbourne, which ranked #14 in the QS World University Rankings in 2015. 

Plus, the city’s reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities didn’t fly under Lee’s radar either – his friends were already there living their best lives, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that Lee chose Melbourne as his destination. 

“Opting to study in Melbourne without having visited the city before was a leap of faith for me, but it’s a decision I have never regretted,” says Lee. 

Lee is the first person in his immediate and extended family to study abroad, a decision inspired by observation by his parents of the broadened perspectives and approaches to life in the children of their colleagues who studied overseas. “They believed that international exposure would be beneficial for me,” he says, and it’s proven true. 

In his six years of being in Melbourne, Lee completed two bachelor’s degrees (in microbiology and immunology, and biomedicine) and worked as a research scientist for two of those years. 

Aside from that, he was actively involved in the Malaysians of Melbourne University (MoMU) society, planning events like camping trips and the annual Grand Malaysian Ball for the club’s members. This opened the doors to working with officials from the Consulate General of Malaysia in Melbourne, ending with what Lee believes to be his biggest achievement in Melbourne: producing a Malaysia Day music video. 

It’s also a key point that Lee believes helped him secure his position in the Study Melbourne student ambassadorship – a position that combined his love for Malaysia and Melbourne, his desire to make meaningful connections, and his hope to help others in their own journeys.

With more than 170,000 international students from over 170 countries choosing to pursue their studies in Victoria, Study Melbourne, a Victorian Government initiative, provides support and information to international students so that they can have the best time of their lives in the region too. 

In 2020 and 2021, when Lee took up the ambassadorship, Malaysian students in Victoria totalled 9,583 and 7,101. The numbers placed Malaysia fourth and sixth in the list of countries with the largest student population in the region, behind China, India, and Vietnam. 

“My network expanded further when I became a Study Melbourne student ambassador, connecting me with people from local Australia, ASEAN, and beyond,” says Lee. “My enthusiasm for meeting new people has enriched my life with memorable experiences from club activities and social networking, marking significant chapters of my Melbourne journey.”

We caught up with the former student ambassador to learn more about his time studying in Melbourne, his volunteering with Study Melbourne, and his advice for those about to undertake their own study abroad journeys: 

What do you miss most about being in Melbourne?

The fresh air and the laid-back lifestyle it offers. There, it’s normal to unwind with friends over food and drinks after a day’s work, and weekends are perfect for road trips to stunning locations. The markets in Melbourne, known for their excellent fresh produce, are something I long for as well. 

Above all, I miss the camaraderie and adventures with my university friends. Those moments were priceless, whether it was studying together, exploring the city, or just hanging out. As I’ve shifted towards a career-focused phase, replicating that carefree, spontaneous lifestyle has become more challenging. The transition has made me appreciate the freedom and the vibrant social life I had in Melbourne even more.

When asked about his favourite moments studying in Melbourne, Lee recalls a time when he and his friends went skiing. Source: Darren Lee.

What were your favourite moments during your time abroad?

Road trips with friends provided some of the most beautiful memories. 

A particularly vivid one was an adventurous attempt to go skiing for the first time. Heavy snow made it impossible for us to fit ski tyres correctly, and the cliffside roads terrified us. However, the journey back gifted us with a breathtaking sunset view, set to the tune of “Somewhere Only We Know” by Lily Collins. Despite the fear and the subsequent scolding from our parents for not using snow chains, this experience is now a cherished memory we all share and laugh about.

The post-exam tradition is another highlight. After exams, we’d celebrate by going to a booth near South Lawn that offered free crepes. We’d grab our crepes and spend the rest of the day just sitting on the lawn enjoying our time. To us, that symbolised relief and accomplishment, marking the end of one journey and anticipating the next steps in our lives.

What were the biggest challenges you faced when you were studying in Melbourne?

One of my biggest challenges was coping with homesickness during the first year, particularly on days when I was unwell. The absence of familial care, like someone to bring me soup or medication, was keenly felt. I had to muster the energy to visit the doctor alone, missing the comfort of home, including the familiar scents of my bedsheets and bolster, and even my mum’s cooking. 

Financial management was another hurdle; there were months when I overspent on travel or entertainment and had to cut back on meals, resorting to instant noodles or depending on friends for food. This situation necessitated part-time work to manage my finances.

The pandemic also introduced unprecedented challenges, as I found myself isolated, living alone, and facing a global health crisis. This period led to a mild depression and a notable drop in my productivity. However, I recognised the importance of seeking help and utilised the university’s psychological services, which significantly helped me navigate that difficult period. 

Lee at the International Student Pop-up Supermarket hosted by Study Melbourne in collaboration with Foodbank Victoria, where over 66,400 international students received food relief during COVID-19. Source: Darren Lee.

You were a Study Melbourne student ambassador for two years, one in Kuala Lumpur and one in Melbourne. What did you get up to during your tenure? 

While in Melbourne, my activities were largely conducted online due to the pandemic. We participated in virtual events focused on personal growth and entertainment, catering to the needs and interests of international students during a challenging time. 

A highlight of my time in Melbourne was creating and hosting “Friday Nights At Home” in collaboration with the City of Melbourne. This online show tackled important topics such as mental and sexual health, and provided support for international students. It also featured a singing competition, adding an entertaining twist to the program.

Upon returning to Malaysia, our goal shifted towards promoting awareness of the Study Melbourne hub among university representatives and Malaysian student clubs. I’m particularly proud to be chosen as the emcee for the launch of the Study Melbourne hub in Kuala Lumpur. This experience was an honour and opened doors for me to pursue further opportunities as an emcee.

How did being a Study Melbourne student ambassador help your personal and professional growth?

My involvement as a Study Melbourne student ambassador not only facilitated my initial foray into emceeing for events hosted by the Australian High Commission but also enabled me to expand my professional network by connecting me with influential alumni and professionals through various events. These opportunities have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth, providing me with a strong network of contacts and experiences.

Moreover, my role as an ambassador opened up avenues for me to engage more deeply with Australia-ASEAN initiatives. 

In 2023, I had the honour of representing Malaysia at the Australia-ASEAN Young Leaders Forum, an annual event that convenes Australian and ASEAN delegates from diverse backgrounds to discuss and ideate on crucial topics like sustainability and digitalisation. 

The forum not only fosters cross-cultural relationships but also culminates in the publication of a magazine featuring articles on these discussions, contributed by the delegates themselves. Participating in this forum and the subsequent networking opportunities have greatly enriched my professional life, especially in sustainability-related areas.

Lee’s time in Melbourne came to an end upon his graduation from the University of Melbourne, though he continued his volunteering work with Study Melbourne once he returned to Malaysia. Source: Darren Lee.

What is the one piece of advice you would give yourself before you began studying in Melbourne?

If I could offer a piece of advice to my younger self before embarking on my studies abroad, it would be to embrace courage more openly and explore as many places as possible. 

Reflecting on my time in Melbourne, I realise that my initial hesitance to travel limited some of the adventures I could have experienced. Given another chance, I would encourage myself to plan more trips around Australia to see its diverse landscapes and cities. 

Moreover, I would stress the importance of networking. Connecting with a wide range of people offers not just professional opportunities but also enriches your life in unexpected ways. So, I’d tell myself to seize every opportunity to engage in various activities, meet new people, and fully immerse myself in everything the experience has to offer.