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Seven signs that show you’re now a Melbournian

Trinity College Foundation Studies

Mon Jul 06 2015

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HOW long do you have to be in Melbourne before you call yourself a Melbournian? Trinity College Foundation Studies students Michelle Leong and Nana Tomihara identify the seven telltale signs that you’re now a Melbournian.

Like most city-dwellers, Melbournians have developed a certain set of characteristics that are unique to their city and its culture.

Newcomers to this dynamic city often begin to exhibit the traits of local Melbournians fairly quickly after they’ve spent some time here. So how do you know if you’ve met the mark?

After speaking with current and former students at Trinity College Foundation Studies, we’ve come up with a list of the top seven traits that show that you’ve become a Melbournian.

7. There’s an app for that…

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Lost on campus? Want to know where your package is? Hoping for a voucher that you can use for that cheeky bagel? No worries! Apps are here to solve your first-world problems!

Making life convenient for students, Melbourne-based apps can be quite useful in finding out new information about the city you’re in and often in ways you may have never thought possible.

Just make sure you don’t overload on the amount of apps you have on your phone.

6. Not getting lost between laneways

With the amount of laneways in Melbourne, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that those new to the city can often find themselves feeling lost in and among Melbourne’s many alleys.

Once you’ve truly settled here though, you’ll find that there’s a shortcut for everything in Melbourne. Sooner or later you’ll know every laneway shortcut around town.

5. Knowing where the best coffee in town is

This is a no-brainer. You don’t need to spend longer than a day in the world’s ‘coffee capital’ to know there are dozens of cafés hidden in every alley, seducing the noses of passersby with rich, thick aromas.

However, only a true Melbournian will know where the best of these gems are hidden.

4. All black, everything

People from Melbourne LOVE wearing black, especially in winter. It could be because black clothing can act as an insulator and reflector of heat, keeping body heat in, but we’re not convinced.

If you find yourself wearing black clothing more and more every day, you’re probably someone who’s been in Melbourne for too long.

3. That clubbing life

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Don’t be alarmed if you’re up late and hear a loud ruckus akin to that of the film, The Purge. It’s merely a bunch of loud party-goers intoxicated off the vibrancy of Melbourne’s nightlife.

If you want to join in on the fun and find the hottest clubs of the night, find someone who can hook you up with access to some of the best clubs in Melbourne.

2. Being familiar with tram routes and stops

Photo: Reinis Traidas via Flickr

Photo: Reinis Traidas via Flickr

We all know that dire state of panic when you realise that you’ve missed your stop or when the tram takes an unexpected turn on your journey. The myriad of tram routes and stops, which extends past the CBD, is sure to not only baffle the average tourist but can even confuse a local!

It is only with time and frequent usage that international students can confidently navigate the web of tram routes that criss-cross around the city.

1. Being dressed for four seasons every day of the year

Melbourne’s weather has given it the unofficial title of the city with ‘four seasons in one day.’ Some are excited to get a taste of all the seasons in a single instance. Others would beg to differ.

Wary Melbournians have developed two habits in light of this situation. The first (and sensible) response would be to check the forecast before stepping out into the unpredictable climate. The second would be to to wisely over-prepare for what Mother Nature has in store that day.

Bring everything: sunblock, a scarf, an umbrella, sunglasses and other accessories that will help you survive a single Melbourne day.

Have you become more of a Melbournian since arriving here to study? What do you think makes someone a Melbournian? Do you agree with our telltale signs that someone is or has become a Melbournian? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

This story was produced by Media and Communication students at Trinity College Foundation Studies as part of Meld’s community newsroom collaboration. Education institutions, student clubs/societies and community groups interested in being involved can get in touch us via meld@meldmagazine.com.au.

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