One thing to consider if you want to live on campus (I'm highlighting this because you mentioned Canberra being more expensive)
Average residential hall accommodation prices for ANU are approximately:
$330 a week for
catered$180 a week for
self-cateredFor Melbourne it seems they only have catered accommodation and that average price is about $550-650 a week
ANU Accommodation fee summaryUoM Accommodation fee summaryGoing by those charts, the order of pricing would (seemingly) be:
- Living at home, going to UoM
- Living on campus at ANU
- Living on campus at UoM
From least to most expensive
Also, Canberra is a little dull, but as a result many students simply stay on campus much of the time so the campus itself is pretty lively.
Brenden is right about the sense of adventure as well, I'll be moving up knowing maybe 2 or 3 people at ANU and I'm excited!
I guess it's also important to compare the relevant faculties from ANU and UoM and what they offer. I'm guessing International studies at ANU would be good, I know they organise internships at parliament house, for what it's worth. It's definitely something to consider. Either way you will receive an exceptional education, meet lots of new people and have a splendid time.