1. Potluck Picnic with Docklands local community!

Photo: BFriend on Facebook

Come down to the port at Docklands with your home meal and meet, socialise, and play games with the local community at this luncheon by B-Friend: a non-profit organisation that aims to bridge the connection between Melbourne international students and the local community.

If your social tank has been feeling a little dry lately, why not go out and meet new friends? You can enjoy the food… and also the conversation.

2. Same Different Me

Photo: Maribyrnong Youth Services on Facebook

Though this is happening next Tuesday instead of the weekend, be immersed and find yourself relate to your fellow international students’ hopes and dreams with this intuitive online performance showcased by Story is Connection (SIC) and City of Maribyrnong.

With SIC’s Feifei Liao and Catherine Simmonds, they’ve created integral performances such as Act in Connection, Be You Be Scene, which are praised for its role in bringing to life international students’ colourful journey in Australia.

‘Same Different Me’ will run online Tuesday March 30th from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Book your online viewing ticket at their Eventbrite page.

3. Foodbank Pop-up for International students

Study Melbourne and Foodbank’s initiative for international students has continued since late 2020 by providing free pantry-foods and fresh produce to help us who might need an extra hand during this time. You only need to bring your student ID, your own bag, and follow the COVID-safe protocols inside the store. Don’t forget to say thank you to the volunteers!

If you want to read about the experience inside, see Meld’s reporter Faith visit the store!

The Foodbank Pop-up store opens every 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Aurora Melbourne Central, 230 LaTrobe Street, Melbourne.

4. Holi Festival 2021

Photo: John Thomas on Unsplash

Melbourne’s air and ground will be colourful this coming Saturday and Sunday with the Holi Festival. Celebrated as the “festival of colours” and “festival of love”, everyone is invited to dance, enjoy Indian cuisine and culture at the location where Moomba festival usually is and to have fun till the day ends. A tip from Meld’s reporter Divya: “do not wear any clothes you like because I don’t know how it’s gonna work out there but usually your clothes will get stained with the colours. So yeah just wear what you wouldn’t mind getting dirty.” Sounds like The Colour Run but without the running *smirks*.

The event which runs from 27-28th of March is free but requires you to sign up for tickets to enter. So head fast to their event page to register for your ticket!

5. AMCF at the Museum

Photo: African Music and Cultural Festival on Facebook

Enjoy the captivating performance presented by the African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) this Saturday at the Melbourne Immigration Museum as part of the annual Cultural Diversity Week.

For international students who want to taste food from home, or want to try a new cuisine and a new culture, stop by and be amazed with more! There will be fashion shows, food, music, art shows and much more!

The AMCF is an annual celebration of African culture in Australia that aims to promote cross cultural communication and to showcase the diverse community.

6. 80s Movies at Federation Square

Photo: Mitchell Luo on Unsplash

Federation Square is one of those places that always has a performance, an exhibition or a cultural festival going on. This time you can sit down on the patch of grass or the seats in the area and enjoy some classic movies.

There’s nothing better than enjoying the last few hours of the long sunset (especially before daylight savings) watching Stand By Me (by Rob Reiner) on Saturday or Labyrinth (by Jim Henson) on Sunday.

Best of all, the event is free! Bring a jacket, a snack and your friends!

7. Couch for a friend

Photo: The Couch International Student Centre on Facebook

Come by next Monday evening to 69 Bourke Street to get free meals, meet other international students, play games and sit on the big red couch with this initiative from the City of Melbourne and Salvation army.

Bringing back the program since 2016, The Couch aims to create a safe space where international students can receive help, relax and enjoy each other’s company.

With the opening launch this coming Monday, the space will remain open every Monday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. So come and meet new friends, bring your bags to take away some meals to bring home!

Check out their Facebook page for more information.