Graduate research students July/August 2018
Dear students,
In this edition of the International Newsletter, we share some fun events to help you get settled back in to 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.
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.
Hoping to gain confidence with English?
The Let’s Chat HDR program is a free program and an engaging way to build your skills in conversational English. Module 1 for research students includes themes on social conventions, entertaining, social rituals, politeness and directness in different social settings. It is a great way to meet other people too.
Module 2 topics include the language for politeness, apologies, requests, complaints, opinions, slang and workplace communication.
Registrations for Grammar workshops are also now open now to help you develop academic English and improve your grammar.
Trying to get a job?
The team at Career Connect understand the complexities of the Australian job market for international students. 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 the services they provide, or go straight to Monash’s Career Gateway to search for jobs in Australia.
Getting through graduate research
The library has heaps of resources on offer to help guide you through the process of graduate research, from planning to publication.
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.
Book your own study space
Caulfield HDR students are invited to apply for their own private study space. The MPA has opened nine individual desks located across three rooms, all designed for students who are near the end of their candidature and need a quiet place to concentrate on writing.
Do you have the best supervisor in the university?
Make sure your supervisor knows how much you appreciate their hard work by nominating them for the 2018 MPA Supervisor of the Year award! Entries are judged by an independent committee of postgraduates. Nominate your supervisor before Friday September 7.
Living in Melbourne
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 this web page 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 anytime from Tuesday July 3 – 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
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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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.
Let us help you find a job!
The MPA’s Job Hunting Seminar is open to all postgraduates and will include a mix of presentations, interaction with the audience and facilitated activities. Grab a ticket to get tips on everything from building professional connections to developing the right skills.
When: Tuesday July 31, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where: John White Room, Level 1, Building C, Caulfield campus
Trip to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs
Relax and refresh on a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula’s famous natural hot springs with the MPA!
When: Saturday August 4
Central Australia trip
If you love adventure travel and want to see more of the outback, then the MPA’s trip to Central Australia is just what you need! And the best part? The whole trip is subsidised just for Monash postgraduates. Grab tickets before they run out!
When: Tuesday September 25 – Friday September 29
Women’s Industry Night
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
You’re always welcome at HDR Social Evenings!
Come along to monthly HDR Social Evenings at Clayton campus to meet other research postgraduates, make new friends and share stories! You’ll even receive a free drink courtesy of the MPA. Research postgrads from all faculties are welcome.
Things to do in Melbourne this month
- Hear from your favourite authors and meet other literature lovers at the Melbourne Writers Festival.
- 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.