Graduate research students December 2018
Dear students,
We’d like to remind you to take some time to relax over summer – just don’t forget to check your student email, as Monash staff work year-round and you may be sent important notices. This edition of the International Newsletter includes advice on working over summer, volunteering opportunities and plenty of fun events for the months ahead. Happy holidays!
Supporting a family while studying? Make sure you check out the Partners and Parents edition of the newsletter.
Campus life
Orientation workshop for research students
Whether you have studied in Melbourne before or just arrived, find out about the services and programs available to international research students to help you adjust to life on campus and become part of the local community. Workshops are run each month and cover accommodation and living in Melbourne, student support networks, visa regulations, work rights, adjusting to Australian culture and learning how to use your overseas student health cover.
Register for our final orientation session this year on Wednesday December 12.
Is this your final semester? It’s time to apply to graduate
Graduation applications for May 2019 ceremonies have now opened. You need to apply to graduate before the deadline on Thursday February 28.
Working over summer?
Are you considering working over your summer break? Fair Work’s Record my Hours app can help you keep track of how many hours you’re working so you don’t breach your visa conditions. Make sure you’re aware of your work rights, and if you face any problems at work, be aware that you can contact the International Students Work Rights Legal Service for free, confidential and independent legal advice. To make an appointment at the Study Melbourne Student Centre, email info@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au or call 1800 056 449.
How to get your bond back
Are you planning on ending your tenancy? Give at least 28 days notice to your landlord or agent before you move out. After cleaning up your property/room, check the photos and/or condition report you were given when you moved in. Make sure you keep copies of receipts for cleaning services. And don’t forget to give back your keys on time! If you have vacated and are still having trouble getting your bond back, contact Monash Residential Services’ Off-campus Accommodation service via Ask.Monash or Monash Connect for free and confidential support.
Cool off at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool
After an extensive maintenance project, the Main and Leisure Pools at Monash Sport on Clayton campus have now reopened. Check out the Monash Sport website for opening hours. Keep fit over summer at our Health and Fitness Centres at Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula campuses.
Happy holidays
Stay sun smart over summer
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. It’s important that you are sun smart to protect against skin cancer, sunburn, eye damage and premature ageing. The free SunSmart app can tell you when sun protection is recommended for your location. Make sure you:
- SLIP on sun protective clothing
- SLOP on SPF 30+ water resistant sunscreen
- SLAP on a wide brim hat
- SEEK shade under trees, shadows of buildings or an umbrella
- SLIDE on sunglasses. Choose a close-fitting wrap-around style
Be safe around water
Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, rivers and lakes. However, you need to know the risks so you can enjoy the water safely. Check out these tips on staying safe at the beach, as well as general advice on water safety. If you’re not confident with swimming, you can sign up for Water Wise classes, which are free for Monash students, at the Doug Ellis Swimming Pool at Clayton campus for next year.
Fire safety
Victorians enjoy hot, dry summers, although this means our state is fire-prone. Take a look at the CFA’s home fire safety checklist and read Parks Victoria’s bushfire safety tips.
University end-of-year close down period
The University will close at 5pm on Thursday 20 December and reopen on 9am on Wednesday 2 January. During this time, you can still contact the following services if required:
We wish you a fun, safe and relaxing summer break.
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Opportunities
Volunteers needed in Indonesia, Malaysia and SingaporeWill you be in Malaysia, Singapore or Indonesia in January 2019? We are seeking expressions of interest from students who are keen to volunteer at Monash’s pre-departure briefings. You’ll meet and greet new students and their parents, answer questions, share your own Monash journey and help out at the registration desk. Selected volunteers will receive a certificate of appreciation. These sessions will be held in Jakarta January 9-10, Kuala Lumpur January 11 and Singapore January 16. Please note no travel expenses will be covered.
Looking for a job overseas?
Australia’s international students are highly valued by employers. Check out what jobs are out there using Monash’s Global Careers portal. You can search through hundreds of full- and part-time jobs and internships from a variety of industries.
Seeking a rewarding career?
Register your interest now for Career Connect’s 2019 Careers Expo. Join us to meet with top industry employers and broaden your career horizons.
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What’s on?
HDR postgrad? Come along to HDR Social Evenings
The MPA’s monthly HDR Social Evenings at Clayton and Caulfield campuses, and at the Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), are a great opportunity to meet other research postgraduates, make new friends and share stories. PhD & Masters by Research postgraduates (HDR’s) from all faculties are welcome to attend. Check out the details on the MPA website.
Things to do in Melbourne this month
- The Big Design Market is the perfect place to get some early shopping done before the holiday season – and to nab stylish gifts for friends who are seriously hard to buy for.
- Melbourne Museum’s not all school trips and dinosaurs. On the first Friday of every Month, the museum holds a party with a lounge bar, live music and talks from experts.
- Enjoy your favourite films under the stars at the Botanic Gardens. Moonlight Cinema is playing fun flicks all summer long.
- Come and explore the Japanese Festive Market at Kimono House on Swanston St.
- The City of Melbourne holds a huge Christmas Festival every December, with art installations, a gingerbread village and a festive film showing.
- Queen Vic Market’s Summer Night Market will be held every Wednesday over summer, with street food, fun drinks and hip stalls with art, fashion and more.
- Carols by Candlelight is a famous Christmas event that started out in Melbourne and supports children who are blind or have low vision.
- Will you be spending New Year’s Eve enjoying the fireworks in Melbourne? Plan ahead using the Victorian Government’s dedicated web page.