Dear students,

Welcome to your first monthly newsletter for international students. Here’s some information to help you settle in and make cultural adjustments, and to 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 consessions website or visit Monash Connect on campus.

Sun, swim and splash
Enjoy a day of fun and games at the beach, while making new friends. Learn how to stay safer in and around the water with the Life Saving Victoria team and try a range of body boards and flotation devices.  For more information, visit the Sun, swim and splash website.

When: Saturday 4 March, 10am – 2pm
Cost: $30 includes beach activities, lunch, transport from Clayton or Caulfield campuses and entry into the sand sculpture exhibit on the Frankston Waterfront
Where: Edithvale Beach

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. For more information, visit the Water Wise website.

Renting in Victoria
Renting in the private rental market can sometimes be challenging. There are so many things to prepare, 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 (name, email address, contact address, phone number)
• Communicate with your real estate agent/landlord in writing
• Make sure you 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.

International Students with families
Monash welcomes international students with partners and children.  You are invited to an informal 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. Children are welcome to come along and refreshments will be available. Register you attendance now.

When: Friday 24th March, 11am – 1.45pm
Where: Greenview room, Monash Sport, 42 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton campus

Monash Security
Our security video offers some tips and advice for all Monash students. Watch the security video answer some survey questions for the chance to win a notebook/tablet.

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.

Conversational English Programs
Do you want to make friends with local students or meet students from around the world and practice your Englsih? Join “Let’s Chat”. It is a free, fun way to talk, ask questions, meet fellow students, make friends and share experience. No credit points, no assessment, no lectures, no books, just programs delivered by specially trained students. Places are limited and registration is required. Available at all campuses. More information

Lets Talk Australia
Come and joing MPA and Engilsh Connect for a fun, interactive, event focusing on conversation. Learn about body language in different cultures, common forms of address for lecturers and other university stafrf as well as make lots of new friends. There will be games, prizes and a free lunch!

Bookings are required before entry. Link can be found in the MPA booking system or the MPA website ‘Social events’ section.

When: Thursday 9 March, 12pm – 2pm
Where: Overseas Student Lounge, Building S, Caulfield

AFIS Info Day 2017
The AFIS (Australian Federation of International Students) Info Day provides essential information for international students through seminars, workshops and social activities. There is a free lunch so register via AFIS website or the Facebook event page!

When: Saturday 18 March, 11am – 5pm
Where: City Convention Centre, Level 12, Victoria University, 300 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Lord Mayor’s Student Welcome 2017
Join this special event that celebrates students’ contributions to the cultural life and diversity of Melbourne. Get involved in interactive activities, roving entertainers, performances, workshops and information stalls. Follow the City of Melbourne Facebook page for details.

When: Friday 24 March, 5 – 10pm
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Gardens, 21 Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne

MUISS – Monash University International  Student Society
Here is a message from our 2017 President:
“Hi everyone. My name is Jason and I will be your MUISS President for 2017. Last year, I was involved in the Program for Leadership And Careers Engagement (PLACE) and so developing students professionally to prepare them for the corporate world is one of my passion. This year as well, we in the MUISS executive team hope to not only be able to help YOU academically, but also socially as we all immerse ourselves into our new home here at Monash University. Stay tuned for our events, both academic and social, which are designed to help you make the most out of your experience here. We hope that with our help, you will be able to enjoy a fulfilling year, learn a lot of new things, and make a lot of new connections.”

Globe Cafe

Friendship, Support, Fun for International Students. Meet international students and Australian familes by being involved with games, BBQ’s, Karaoke nights, trips away, multicultural nights, film nights, dances and get to know Melbourne. This program is presented by the St John’s Anglican Parish. For more information on activities visit the Globe Cafe website.

Live at Warrawee – Soul Explosion
Get into the groove with family and friends, fantastic live music and delicious food at this live and local gig. As the sun goes down watch Warrawee Park come alive with animal light installations. With a range of food trucks available this event is not to be missed. For more information visit the Monash Council’s events website.

When: Saturday 18 March, 4pm – 9pm
Where: Warrawee Park, Crn Drummond St and Atherton Road, Oakleigh, Melbourne (two minutes from Oakleigh station)

Rang Barase – Festival of Colours
A collaboration between Monash University and the Monash Council, this free event will bring together a community of various cultures, religions and national backgrounds. With live performances, delicious food, camel rides and the traditional sprinkling of coloured powder. Register your interest in the event today.

When: Sunday 19 March, 11am – 6pm
Where: Monash Sport, Monash University Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Melbourne

Dear students,
Welcome to your first monthly newsletter. Here’s some information to help you settle in, make cultural adjustments, and connect you to other students and the local community.

International student Orientation sessions
If you missed the compulsory International Students:Essential Information Session, we have scheduled repeat sessions for you. It is important to attend the session to help your transition into the University. Register for a session today.

Change of Address
As a student visa condition, you must provide your current address and phone number in Melbourne to Monash. Update your information via the Web Enrolment System (WES) or contact Monash Connect. Make sure you include your emergency contact details too.

Student Safety Seminars
Your safety is important to us at Monash! Learn some news ways to improve your personal safety on and off-campus with advice and assistance form a panel of experts including the Victoria Police, Monash Security and the Safer Community Unit. Attend the seminar on your campus. Register now.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Did you know Allianz Global Assistance has a My OSHC Assistant App?

Download the My OSHC Assistant app from the App store or Google Play and have easy access to:
– Instant E-membership card. (You don’t have to order a physical card as Doctors and Hospitals will accept the e-card)
– Easy access to your policy Information
– Set up your security PIN
– Find a Doctor using the GPS network on your mobile
– Medical term translator (up to 20 languages)
– Submit your claim from your mobile

If you are on a student visa, you must have OSHC for the duration of stay in Australia. If you need assistance, speak to an Allianz representative on campus.

Are you Rent Smart?
Renting in the private rental market can sometimes be challenging. There are so many things to do, places to inspect, contracts to read and understand! Here are a couple of important things to remember:
• Make sure you have all your landlord’s details (email address, contact address, not just phone number)
• Communicate with your landlord in writing
• Make sure you get receipts for everything you pay for
The Off campus accommodation and Rent Smart website is a useful link for students who live off campus know their tenancy rights and responsibilities.

Security Bus
A security bus service for the Clayton and Caulfield campuses is provided between 5.30pm and midnight Monday to Friday, leaving every 30 minutes. The security bus route and bus stops are located on the Clayton campus and Caulfield campus. You can see where the bus is by viewing the live tracker on the Monash App under Transport or on the security bus page.

International Students with families
Monash welcomes international students with partners and children. You are invited to an informal information event to assist 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. Children are welcome to come along and refreshments will be available. A Winterfest family event will be held afterwards. Register today.

When: Friday 12 August, 4-6pm
Where: Seminar Room 1, PHD Hub (Holman Hall, 27 Sports Walk, Clayton Campus)

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 consessions website or visit Monash Connect on campus.

Conversational English Program
English Connect has lots of fun and free programs on all campuses to improve your English! Practice your conversation and learn about Australia in Let’s Chat. Get help with written English grammar at Peer Support. Sessions start 8 August. Email: english.connect@monash.edu for more information.

Ask Me Ambassadors: Ask us questions!
Friendly ASK Me volunteers are available at all campuses (except Berwick) to help you with any general questions such as finding where certain Uni buildings and lecture theatres are, finding your faculty office and other University services and where to find the cross campus transport! Look out for your local Ask Me Ambassadors on campus!

Monash Day Out – Sovereign Hill
Hundreds of new international students from all Monash campuses went on a fun trip to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat – panning for gold, secret underground mine tour, Christmas in July snowfalls, theatre performances and sweet making demonstrations!

Shine a Light on Mental Health
Come to an inspiring night of musical performances and powerful stories hosted by Diana Nguyen (of NAKED and Phi and Me fame). There will be performances from the Mel O’Neill Quintet, the Monash University Sri Lankan Cultural Club and many, many more. Register online now to secure your place.
When: Monday 8 August, 6.30 – 9pm
Where: Monash University Caulfield Campus, H116, 900 Dandenong Road Caulfield East
Cost: $10

Salaam Monash
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.

Win a Free Monash hoodie
Enter a competition  for a free Monash hoodie to keep you warm during this cold winter! Send an email to iss@monash.edu with free hoodie in the subject line. Include your name and ID in the body of the email. Competition closes at 5pm on Thursday 28th July.

Do you like to sing?
Study Melbourne Student Centre is on the lookout for Victorian International students who like to sing or want to learn. You don’t have to be a professional – just interested in having fun, making friends and experiencing new things! Register online to express interest.