What made you choose Unimelb over Monash?

Hi guys,

I graduated last year after facing a particularly difficult year in my personal life, and had begun to discount unimelb as I didn't want to put way too much pressure on myself for a uni that I judged to be very similar to Monash, to study a similar degree (commerce).

However, by the time results day rolled around I got an atar much higher than I was expecting and have gotten offers from both Monash and Melbourne. I've put lots of thought into this and keep bouncing between the two, as both the standard and commuting times seem exactly the same. The problem is that we are an immigrant family, arriving from the UK in 2020, so we only have a few connections, not many of which are in the academic world.

Here is my list of pros and cons that I have made over the past week or so:

Unimelb Pros

  • In 2023, before I experienced those downs, Melbourne was my dream uni. The only reason that changed was because I was trying so hard to restructure my thoughts so that I wouldn't put too much pressure on myself, as I explained earlier, and started to view Monash more favourably in general after that.
  • Most adults that I have talked to in my life say that Melbourne is the better school because it could help to have it on my resume. Keep in mind that my family are immigrants and hence we know less people than some Australians, and our views may be skewed.
  • Although the commute times are the same, I would travel to Unimelb via train and tram rather than buses, which would not be affected by traffic on busy days.
  • I like the idea of breadth because it would allow me to explore my interests, particularly theatre and politics.
  • I love the city and am from the suburbs so don't get to go much, but I love the vibe of Melbourne and Parkville!

Unimelb Cons

  • I'm worried about the pressure that might be faced in Unimelb, especially as everyone who is there has either gotten a very high atar or has been through hell and back to work to get to where they are.
  • I have an interest in theatre, and I was told on open day that the only theatre opportunities are at the southbank campus. For any theatre people, has this been too much of a hassle for you?
  • Student satisfaction statistics are lower at Melbourne vs Monash, is there a reason for this??
  • I do not know anybody else in my school who is going to Unimelb.
  • I'm competent in maths (raw 30 in methods) but clearly very average. There appears to be more maths at Unimelb than Monash, and while I enjoy it I do worry that it might be too much.

Monash Pros

  • Monash was my first preference originally and there are lots of things I like about it - I personally prefer the campus vs unimelb although I do like both.
  • I have a few close friends that will be at Monash, but I don't know anybody at all in Melbourne. I know I will make friends wherever I go, but having that initial "in" can help a lot in doing that.
  • Monash appears to have a vibrant theatre scene and this is something that I value.
  • I like the feeling of campus life that Monash appears to have - it feels more like a dedicated academic community with clear borders rather than spilling out into the city.
  • Once I get my Ps, the commute would be faster, saving me about 15 mins each way.

Monash Cons

  • Travel there is via two buses rather than a train and a tram - I am used to buses and I don't know if this would be sustainable long term.
  • I have no interest in marketing or management, but would be required to take both of those subjects in my first year at Monas.
  • I do know a couple of Monash Commerce graduates and their experiences have been mixed - one struggled to find a job and the other did get one, but had fewer options than his Melbourne brother in the same course with similar grades.
  • Both of these Monash graduates also told me that the campus life isn't always great, but I haven't had the chance to contact them to ask more about that.

Again, just to reiterate, I'm not trying to get anybody to make decisions for me, but any insight at all into the Unimelb v Monash debate would be greatly appreciated. What made Melbourne more attractive than Monash for you? I'd love to hear any advice or stories you might have!