Continuing coursework students July/August 2018
Dear students,
Welcome back to Monash for semester 2! In this edition of the International Newsletter, we share some fun events to help you get settled back into uni life, as well as workshops to help you improve all sorts of skills, from swimming to job hunting. Don’t forget to check out our Partners and Parents edition of the newsletter for more information about supporting a family while studying.
Planning to stay in Australia after your study?
Find out your migration options by attending one of our Migration Options information sessions. Visa requirements change constantly and getting reliable, up-to-date information can be difficult.
Acacia Immigration will present free information sessions at Caulfield, Clayton, Parkville and Peninsula to explain the main visa options available to you on the completion of your studies.
Topics include:
– General Skilled Migration – including recent trends in Skill Select EOI invitations
– Changes to Skilled Occupations Lists and State Nomination requirements
– Graduate Temporary Subclass 485 Visas – how to qualify and use 485 visas to improve your chances of migration
– Employer Sponsorship – the 3 main ways an employer can sponsor you.
Victorian International Students Conference
The Victorian International Students Conference (VISC) is organised by student leaders of Victoria and will focus on improving student experience, increasing awareness of mental health issues and wellbeing, minimising workplace exploitation and more. Register now and like the Facebook page for updates.
When: Monday August 20 – Tuesday August 21
Where: Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, 25 Collins St, Melbourne
Campus life
Hoping to gain confidence with English?
English Connect is here to support you! Join us at English Connect to gain access to a range of free peer to peer programs. Registrations for Speaking and Grammar workshops are open now to help you develop academic and conversational English, improve your grammar and boost your confidence with public speaking.
Save the environment by drinking coffee!
Monash is encouraging students to say no to disposable coffee cups and buy a reusable cup to help save the planet. Like the Discover Sustainability at Monash Facebook page for updates on discounts you can receive for choosing a resuable cup and more information about environmental initiatives at Monash.
Trying to get a job?
The team at Career Connect understand the complexities of the Australian job market. They can help you apply for jobs and ace interviews, teach you about industries related to your area of study and provide you with helpful workshops and online resources. Check out their website to learn about their services, or go straight to Monash’s Career Gateway to search for jobs in Australia.
Effective reading and note-taking
Check out the library blog for tips on developing effective strategies for reading and note-taking. This is crucial for making efficient use of your study time.
Download the Respect. Now. Always. app
Monash’s new Respect. Now. Always. app has heaps of important information to help make sure students and staff are safe from sexual assault and sexual harassment. The app can be viewed online or downloaded for your smartphone. Monash also has many services, both on- and off-campus, that provide expert support to anyone facing sexual assault and sexual harassment. You are not alone.
Living in Melbourne
MPA’s “Staying Safe in Australia: Fire & Police Service Visit”
Join the MPA for a talk by the local police and fire brigade on safety of post-graduate international students in Australia. With the rise of scams and assault cases in Melbourne, this will be a good opportunity to find out how to alleviate danger and remain vigilant. The talk will be followed by a Q&A session and light refreshments.
Registration
Are you Rent Smart?
Are you starting a new rental contract, or do you need to break your lease? We’ve put together some important points:
- Check your contract thoroughly. If you’re not sure about any part of it ask the off-campus accommodation advisory team to check it for you
- If you are breaking your lease, then give notice within the proper period in writing
- Check out Tenants Victoria for important information on breaking a lease
The Rent-Smart website has more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. If you need further assistance, check out the off-campus accommodation website, submit a question via ask.Monash or contact Monash Connect.
Want to learn how to swim?
It’s very important to be able to swim when you live in Australia! Luckily, Monash students who aren’t confident with swimming are eligible for free swimming lessons through the Water Wise program. To enrol in lessons starting in October, please visit the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool at Clayton campus.
Are you totally confused by your tax return?
You’re not alone! Tax Help is a network of ATO-trained and accredited Monash student volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help students complete their tax returns online using myTax. You can make an appointment until Tuesday October 30.
Staying safe on campus
Security tips and advice
Monash Security has put together a handy video with useful tips and advice for new and returning Monash students.
Taking care of yourself
On-campus counselling services survey
Please fill in this counselling services survey to help the MSA and Monash better understand to what extent students are aware of on-campus counselling services and how students are using the services available on campus. Your contributions will remain anonymous. Counselling can help you deal with problems coping with university life, anxiety or depression, loneliness, drug and alcohol abuse and addictions, negative feelings or suicidal thoughts and relationship or family issues. Our counsellors will work with you to help you find the cause of the problem and solutions or ways to cope. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment at any of our Caulfield, Clayton, Parkville or Peninsula campuses.
Free mental health sessions
Monash is offering a range of activities to educate, support and foster student wellbeing. Please take advantage of our free programs, including Mental Health First Aid training, suicide prevention workshops, weekly lunchtime meditation, mindful stress reduction programs and mindful relationships sessions.
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Opportunities
Do you have an innovative social business idea?
Are you passionate about making the world a more equitable place? Interested in developing your skills in innovation and entrepreneurship? Then join Leave No One Behind, a social business competition reaching out to students and recent graduates from the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences faculties. Register for our Social Innovation Summit to start out.
When: Saturday August 11, 8.30am
Where: Learning and Teaching Building, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton campus
Volunteering at Monash
Find the best on-campus volunteer opportunities by creating a profile on the Volunteering at Monash portal. You’ll be able to register your interest in volunteering activities, communicate with volunteer organisations and log your hours! It’s a one stop shop for all your volunteering needs. Join the Volunteering at Monash community today to start making friends and give back to the community. For all Volunteering at Monash enquiries, please contact msa-volunteering@monash.edu.
Volunteer with the MSA!
Have some spare time between classes? Want to get involved in the student community? Need a boost in your resume? Check out what MSA Volunteering has to offer. Our volunteering opportunities can assist with professional and personal development, help you meet new people and give you some time away from your studies. We have 25 programs and groups available, a volunteer reward program and volunteer certificates. Sign up and get more info on the MSA website.
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What’s on?
WinterFest
WinterFest is a week long festival running from August 13 – August 19 with heaps of events happening across Clayton, Caulfield, Peninsula and Parkville campuses. You can check out:
- WinterFest Playground – we have a giant seesaw, giant games and a DJ booth where you can request your favourite songs.
- Live at the Alex – a massive live music event headlined by one of the hottest acts right now, held in the recently refurbished Alexander Theatre at Clayton campus.
- Winter Carnival – our annual carnival with dizzying rides, food trucks and a fireworks display.
Like Monash University Campus Events on Facebook to keep up to date with what’s happening at WinterFest, and check out the program to plan out your week.
The MSA Women’s Department is hosting a Women’s Industry Night to showcase and celebrate the work women are doing across a range of different industries. It will feature guest speakers from a number of companies as well as opportunities for networking.
When: Wednesday August 22, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Where: Main Dining Room, Campus Centre, Clayton campus
Winter Wellbeing Workshops
Want to lift your spirits and improve your wellbeing this winter? Come along to one of the City of Melbourne’s free Winter Wellbeing Workshops to learn how to practice everyday mindfulness, build your courage, connection and self-compassion and more.
Need to find a professional or part-time job?
Learn how to navigate the Australian job market and improve your interview skills by registering for Study Melbourne’s free interview skills workshop.
When: Wednesday August 1, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Study Melbourne Student Centre, 599 Little Bourke St, Melbourne
Things to do in Melbourne this month
- Hear from your favourite authors and meet other literature lovers at the Melbourne Writers Festival.
- Discover vintage clothing, locally made goods and vinyl records at the Footscray Finds market held on Sundays throughout Winter.
- Open House Melbourne is an annual event where famous modern and historical Melbourne buildings are opened to the public.
- Check out talks, tours, events and performances and discover some of Australia’s leading artists at the Melbourne Art Fair.
- See secret laneway gigs, eat amazing international food and celebrate Melbourne’s cultural connection with New York City at MEL&NYC.
- Are you obsessed with movies from around the globe? Check out the hottest screenings and events happening at the Melbourne International Film Festival.