Welcome, new students – semester 1, 2018
Dear students,
Welcome to your first monthly newsletter for international students. Here’s some information to help you settle in and connect you to other students and the local community.
Change of address
As part of your student visa conditions, you MUST update your address if you have recently moved to a new accommodation. Please do so via the Web Enrolment System (WES) or contact Monash Connect at your campus. You must also include emergency contact details.
Public transport concession card – iUSEpass
International undergraduate students are entitled to 50% discount on the price of an annual transport pass – the iUSEpass. This pass allows unlimited travel for 365 days from date of first use. For information on eligibility and to apply, visit the transport concessions website or Monash Connect on campus.
Sun, swim and splash
Enjoy a day of fun and games at the beach and learn how to stay safer in and around the water with the Life Saving Victoria team. Try a range of body boards and flotation devices and make new friends. For more information, visit the Sun, swim and splash website.
When: Saturday 10 March, 10am – 5pm
Cost: $30 includes beach activities, lunch, transport from Clayton or Caulfield campuses
Where: Carrum Beach
Ticket sales close at 9am on Tuesday 6th March.
Water Wise
Water Wise is an “Introduction to Swimming” program aimed at increasing water safety awareness and swimming ability of Monash students. This program is fun, free and is held at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool on Clayton campus. There are also swimming classes for women only as well. Find out more information about learning how to swim at Monash.
Get Rent Smart!
Renting in the private rental market can sometimes be challenging. There are so many things to do, places to inspect, and contracts to read and understand! Here is a couple of important things to remember:
- Make sure you have all your landlord’s details (email address, contact details, not just a phone number)
- Communicate with your real estate agent/landlord in writing
- Get receipts for everything you pay for
Visit the Rent-Smart website for more help with rights and responsibilities and living off-campus or go to ask.monash to search for answers or submit an enquiry.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) membership
You can now access your e-membership card through the “My OSHC Assistant App”. There is no need to wait for a card to arrive in the mail. Use the app to update personal details including passport and nationality. Read the step-by-step guide on downloading and registering the app, or speak to an OSHC representative on campus.
Diversity and Inclusion
Monash aims to create an inclusive environment at the university for all students and staff. With a focus on Cultural inclusion, Anti-Racism, LGBTIQ inclusion and Equal Opportunity, the Diverstity and Inclusion team run events and programs, provide training opportunities and develop resources to raise awareness and educate our community.
Queer 101 training sessions cover the basics of the LGBTIQ acronym, common terminology and some of the key issues faced by LGBTIQ communities. Register online.
International Students with families
Monash welcomes international students with partners and children. You are invited to an information event to assist families through the adjustment to a new environment. Topics include overseas health insurance, English language support, community services, child care, accommodation and social opportunities. The first half of the session will be information and networking and the second half will be BBQ at the Lemon Scented Lawn. Children are welcome. Register you attendance now.
When: Thursday 22nd March, – 4 – 6pm
Where: Graduate Seminar Room 2, Campbell Hall, 21 Sports Walk, Clayton campus
Monash Security
Our security videos offers tips and advice for all Monash students. Watch the security video.
Salaam Monash booklet
Salaam Monash is a handbook to assist Muslim students with settling and adjusting to life in Australia. It comes in different languages and are available online the Monash website.
English Connect
Grammar Services
English Connect runs two grammar services, a drop-in service called Peer Support to assist with academic writing which you can find in the libraries, as well as two-hour specific workshops on different aspects of grammar.
Presentation Skills
Improve your pronunciation and presentation skills for university assignments, public speaking or job interviews!
Workplace Talk
Develop global communication skills with language for interviews, how to talk with your colleagues and networking practice. Increase your employability now!
AFIS Info Day 2018
The AFIS (Australian Federation of International Students) Info Day provides essential information for international students to hear directly from experts on finding a home or job in Melbourne and get personal career development and immigration advice. Check our out AFIS website or the event page!
When: Saturday 10 March, 11am – 5pm
Where: Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
Holi Festival – Connecting Cultures through Colour
Come along to this ancient Hindu celebration where you can celebrate the food, music and dancing and art of South Asia and the Indian subcontinent. “Holi” is one of the most vibrant festivals of India and has now become and international Festival of Colours. The spirit of Holi is about hope, happiness and peaceful existence. It brings communities, nationalities and different religious, ethnic groups together by assisting in understanding of richness in diversities, necessary to build a harmonious multicultural society. Join this FREE event that brings together a community of various cultures, religions and national backgrounds and enjoy food trucks, stalls, camel rides, live performances and the traditional sprinkling of coloured powder.
When: Sunday 11 March, 11am – 6pm
Where: Monash Sport Clayton campus, 42 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton VIC 3800
The heat is on at SummerFest
SummerFest is a celebration of campus life across all Monash campuses! Enjoy the spread of over 30+ SummerFest activities and download the program details online.
When: 6 March to 10 April
Highlights include:
- Holi Festival – 11 March
- Street Food Fest – 13 March
- MAX – Monash Arcade Gaming Expo – 16 March
- BBQ Bash – 22 March
- Cinema series – 9, 14, 20, 27, 28 March and 10 April
Daylight Saving Ends
Victoria’s period of daylight saving will end on Sunday 1 April. Remember to turn your clocks backward one hour on that day at 3am to 2am.
Where to find cheaper textbooks
Textbooks can get quite expensive. If you’re finding it difficult to borrow the textbook you need from the Monash library, you might be able to borrow it from another library through the CAVAL reciprocal borrowing program which allows you to borrow a book from another Victorian library. You could also try searching online to purchase the book you need on Monash Marketplace, StudentVIP , Uniswap.com.au, Ebay, Fishpond, Zookal or Gumtree.