hey there, i just got home from a week in Melbourne for my first time and I'm in Love
I actually applied to VCA (Victorian College of the Arts) which is affiliated with Melbourne Uni but pretty seperate. Hopefully i'll get n which means i can move to melbourne next year!! so excited (fingers crossed) I'm from country NSW. When we were in Melbourne we tried to check out accomodation, cause VCA is not directly with the uni I didnt apply to any uni colleges although that might be a good option for you. Instead i looked at the UniLodge chain, which are apartment style student and public accomodation. Prices Vary from about $180-$300+ a week with and without utilities. If i head down there i will probably stay at unilodge but there are a few there so it will depend on transport and location and availability. I'm all new to the whole Melbourne thing too but we'll see how i go..after a few months i will meet ppl at VCA and maybe move in with them. Overall though Melbourne seems like a very easy, livable city good public transport cheap food etc, compared to Sydney.
Let me know what you choose to do..