Graduate research students October 2018
Dear students,
Final due dates are drawing closer so it’s a great time to prepare for submission. This edition of the International Newsletter includes research tips and information on where to get support. Scroll down for a special section with key tips for final semester students.
Don’t forget to check out the Partners and Parents edition of the newsletter if you are supporting a family while studying.
Campus life
Re-enrol for 2018
Make sure you re-enrol via the Web Enrolment System (WES) before Wednesday November 28 to avoid a fine.
BorrowCup launch
BorrowCup is an environmentally-conscious and free alternative to disposable coffee cups where you can borrow reusable cups and return them later. BorrowCup is now available in all cafes in the Learning and Teaching Building at Clayton campus. Like the Discover Sustainability at Monash Facebook page for more information and to get updates on environmental-friendly events on campus.
Fares Fair campaign
Fares Fair PTV is a student-led campaign pushing for public transport concessions for postgraduate students in Victoria. Postgrads are entitled to standard fares in all other states. In the lead-up to the November state election, we’re calling on both major parties to make public transport fares fair. There are many ways you can help. You can also follow this Facebook event for updates on when we’ll be campaigning on campus.
Are you planning for a baby?
Ensure you’re informed and join our Pregnancy Information Session. Hear Dr Rimma Medres from Monash University Health Service discuss how to prepare for a pregnancy and the mode of pregnancy care in Australian hospitals. Allianz Global Assistance staff will also speak to you about how pregnancy impacts your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Parents, children and friends are welcome to attend. A light meal and drinks will be provided.
When: Friday October 12, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Where: The Seminar Room, Campus Community Divison, Level 1, Campus Centre, Clayton campus
Need help finishing your tax return?
If you were paid last financial year then you need to lodge a tax return by Wednesday October 31. Luckily the MSA offers a free and confidential Tax Help service to help students complete their tax returns online using myTax. You can make an appointment anytime until Tuesday October 30.
Be Rent Smart and make sure your landlord attends to repairs
Repairs and getting your agent/landlord to attend to them is a common problem for students who are renting. Report required repairs via email and attach a photo. If possible, don’t wait longer than a few business days for a reply. Get in touch with Monash Residential Services’ Off-Campus Accommodation team if you are being ignored.
Building Resilience documentary
Monash’s student Mental Health Champions recently launched the first episode of their new Building Resilience documentary. Sometimes life throws a bit more at us than we can handle. Resilience helps us recover and allows us to get up every time we feel like we’ve hit the ground. Check out episode 1, all about mindfulness, on the Monash University Mental Health and Wellbeing Facebook page.
Help us improve Monash Sport!
Take the 2018 Monash Sport survey to help us improve the facilities, programs and services that are on offer to you. If you’d prefer to fill in a physical copy of the survey, you can visit a Monash Sport service desk at Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula campuses.
Daylight savings reminder
This is a reminder that your nights are about to get longer and warmer. Daylight savings starts in Victoria on Sunday October 7. Don’t forget to move your clock forward one hour.
Be research ready
Laptops available for borrowing
The MPA has laptops available at Clayton and Caulfield campuses exclusively for Monash postgraduates to borrow and use for study. These laptops can be borrowed for up to four hours at a time within MPA office hours. Fill out the loan agreement form to use this service.
Tips from the Library
The Library blog has useful articles to help you research effectively, including advice on how to check your sources are reliable and tips on how to balance study and life.
Staying safe on campus
Project Study Safe
Sometimes it’s hard feeling alone in a new city. The Study Safe Project is a partnership between Crime Stoppers Victoria and Study Melbourne, aiming to improve safety for the international student community in Victoria. Check out their website for tips to keep yourself safe and info on how to find help when you need it. Call Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 to report a crime, or call 000 in case of emergency.
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Opportunities
How will you get the job? Show them you’re a leader – Apply to be a student leader in 2019
How do you get a job when you don’t have the experience? How do you stand out from other applicants with similar degrees and academic results? Volunteering shows you have professional level skills that can give you the edge in the job market. Apply to be a Student Leader during International Student Orientation in 2019. Apply to volunteer at Caulfield campus or Clayton campus. You must be available to start by early February 2019. Successful participants will receive an official Volunteer certificate and a Letter of Recommendation. In addition you’ll complete a Project Management module to really mark you out as a future leader.
Cross-Campus Volunteering
We have a brand new cross-campus volunteer program starting in 2019. Running for six weeks before and up to four weeks into each semester, this program will combine orientation events volunteering, ASK me aspects and virtual volunteering on Monash’s brand new networking app for new students, aMigo. You’ll be provided with all necessary training and a certificate upon completion of the program. You must be available from mid-January 2019 to apply.
Become an NRC Advisor
Non-residential colleges (NRCs) provide students living off-campus with access to all the benefits experienced by those living on-campus. As a college advisor you’ll support and mentor other students in your college. You’ll also be provided comprehensive training and a range of development opportunities. Check your eligibility and apply now.
Be scene on stage!
Be You – Be Scene (Stories at the hear of change) is a Study Melbourne program which gives international students the chance to express themselves on stage through a fun workshop and consultation process. Sessions are completely free and even have free food!
When: Every Wednesday, 5.30pm – 8:00pm (you can drop in at any time)
Where: RMIT Training, Level 4 cafe, 235-251 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Looking for a job overseas?
Australia’s international students are highly valued by employers. Overseas experience and a high quality of education can help you get noticed. If you’re hoping to secure work back home or anywhere else overseas, check out Monash’s Global Careers portal to be linked with over 2,000 employers and hundreds of job opportunities. What are you waiting for?
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What’s on?
MPA Queer Inauguration
MPA Queer is back in action and our new Queer Officer, Roby, will be hosting social sessions at Clayton and Caulfield campuses. If you’re a queer postgrad or an ally, come along to enjoy some colourful drinks and snacks, socialise and let us know what you want MPA Queer to do for you.
When: Caulfield – Tuesday October 9, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Clayton – Thursday October 11, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Where: Caulfield – MPA Lounge, Level 2, Building C
Clayton – MPA Lounge, Level 1, Campus Centre
Build resilience and deal with research stress effectively
The MPA is running a super useful and free workshop called Managing Transitions and Building Resilience. It’s all about building resilience and mental strength so you can handle an increasingly demanding world where you may feel pressured to get more and more done. Students enrolled in a PhD program will also be able to receive credit towards their Monash Doctoral program hours for their attendance. Make sure to register before you come along.
When: Tuesday October 9, 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Where: Lecture Theatre S9, 16 Rainforest Walk, Clayton campus
Enjoy coffee and biscuits at the Alfred
Did you know that each month the MPA holds a monthly coffee and biscuit afternoon catchup for postgrads at the Alfred? It’s a sweet way to get away from your desk and socialise with other students. Search for future coffee and biscuit afternoons on the MPA’s social events calendar.
When: Wednesday October 17, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Postgraduate Lounge, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road
Things to do in Melbourne this month
- Come and smell the flowers at the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in the gorgeous countryside town of Silvan.
- Are you a gym addict? Come along to The Fitness Show Melbourne for presentations on everything from the toughest workouts to effective meal prep methods.
- Registrations are now open for the Melbourne Marathon. Rise to the challenge and raise money for your favourite charity.
- The Victorian Festival of Diwali will take you on a magical journey through India with a vibrant program of cinema, dances, craft workshops, henna painting, traditional food and more.
- Celebrate everything cheesy at the Prahran Market Say Cheese Festival.
- Experience Melbourne’s best Italian food at the Carlton Italian Festa.
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Tips for final semester students
The end of the semester will be here before you know it. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to plan ahead you have many important decisions to make. Whether you decide to return home or stay in Australia, there is a lot of useful information available to assist you with your preparation. You can also download a handy checklist to assist you with your plans.
Plan ahead before moving out
Ending a tenancy is not quite as simple as setting a date and moving out. You will save yourself headaches, time and money if you consult with staff at Monash Residential Services (MRS) and plan ahead. Here are some basic tips to consider:
- Provide adequate notice (preferably in writing) that you intend to vacate the property.
- If you need to break your lease before the end of your contract, check it thoroughly. If it’s a fixed-term contract, you’ll be liable for paying the remainder of the lease unless you find someone to replace you.
- If you are leaving a share house, make sure your name is taken off the lease.
- If a new person is moving in to replace you, the landlord should agree to replace your name with the new person’s name on the lease.
- If renting an entire property, allow time to arrange a final inspection of the property with the landlord and complete the Bond Claim or Bond Transfer form.
- Complete the ‘moving out’ section of your condition report and keep a copy for your records.
- Do not sign a Bond Claim or Bond Transfer form if you do not agree with the landlord or agent’s claim.
For more information, visit the Tenants Union website. If a problem arises between you and your housemates, landlord or agent, please contact MRS for advice.
Staying in Australia for further study or work
If you decide to undertake further study or work in Australia, check whether your current visa allows this. Depending on your circumstances, here are a few visa options which can facilitate an extension of your stay in Australia:
- Student Visas
If you plan to continue tertiary study in Australia, you will still need to extend your visa. Monash Connect can provide information and advice on extending/applying for a student visa. - Graduate Temporary Visa (subclass 485)
Depending on your qualification, this visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to four years to gain valuable work experience. It’s important to understand that finding a job is your responsibility. For details, check out the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) website. - Skilled Migration
International students can submit an expression of interest for skilled visa. Points are available for studies in Australia, particularly if you’ve completed higher qualifications or have studied in a regional area. Visit the SkillSelect website for more information. - Company Sponsorship
If you have a job offer with an Australian company or employer, it may be possible for them to sponsor you for either temporary or permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). - Partner Migration
If you have an Australian spouse, partner or fiancée, it is possible for them to sponsor you for permanent residence. Your partner needs to be an Australian permanent resident, citizen or eligible New Zealand citizen for you to be eligible.
Visit the Department of Home Affairs website for more information. If you need assistance applying for a visa, consider using a registered migration agent.