Dear students,

Welcome to your first monthly newsletter! Here are some tips to help you settle in, make cultural adjustments, and connect you to other students and the local community.

International student Orientation sessions
If you arrived late or missed the compulsory International Student:Essential Information Session, we have organised repeat sessions just for you! Register online. These sessions at Clayton will help you transition to life in Melbourne and to life at university. Students from any campus are welcome to attend.

Have you updated your 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.

New to Monash? Too shy to speak? Not confident with English grammer?
You are not alone – English Connect is here to share tips and support you!
English Connect offers a range of free peer to peer programs developing academic and conversational English, grammar and public speaking. To find what programs are the best for you, visit the English Connect website and check out how to register .

Chance to win a Monash Hoodie 
We want to assess the level of demand for packaged trips and tours offered to students at Monash. It will take about 2 minutes to complete, and your responses will remain anonymous and help Monash provide a better experience for students. Take the survey here for your chance to win this hoodie.

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.

Allianz Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Step 1. Register for your online services   Visit: www.allianzassistancehealth.com.au
Step 2: Download the My OSHC Assistance app

On your OSHC Assistant app you have easy access to:
– Your instant E-membership card. (You don’t have to order a physical card as doctors and hospitals will accept the e-card)
– Your policy information
– Finding a Doctor using the GPS network on your mobile
– Medical term translator (up to 20 languages)
– Submit your claims for medical expenses

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.

Free tickets to an Aussie Rules football game at the MCG
The Melbourne Football Club is hosting a Student Match Day Experience involving activities and the chance to watch the Melbourne Football Club  AFL team play at Australia’s biggest sporting stadium (MCG).
When: Sunday August 13th – 9.30am check in  for a 10am start
Where: Gosch’s Paddock – Corner of Punt Rd and Olympic Blvd.  Public transport information.
Activity: Hands on session – 10am to 11am   After that we will walk together to the MCG at approx. 11.30am to watch the game – Melbourne v’s St Kilda.
Game starts: 1.10pm
Registration link

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

Check out the Off campus accommodation and Rent Smart websites and learn about your tenancy rights and responsibilities.

Monash Security
The security video offers some tips and advice for students arriving at Monash for the first time. If you are studying late at the Caulfield or Clayton campus, make sure to use the FREE security bus to help you get around campus after dark. The bus operates from 5.30pm – midnight, Monday to Fridays, leaving every 30 minutes. See where the bus is by viewing the live tracker for Clayton or Caulfield Campus on the Monash App under Transport.

Ask Me Ambassadors: Ask us questions!
Friendly ASK Me volunteers are available at all campuses 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!

WinterFest
From the 7-13 August, all monash campuses will be transformed into a winter wonderland. There will be daily entertainment, live music, a snow zone, light show, comedy performances, night market, fireworks and a selection of food trucks to choose from. Details are available on the WinterFest website.

Monash Library 101
Access the Monash Library Orientation guide to get a head start on your studies and find out about places to study, how to start your research, library resources available and other study tips!

Salaam Monash 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 is available online the Monash website

International Students with Families
Come to an networking information event to assist international students with families. Meet like-minded people, make social connections and gather information on services and programs to help you settle into Melbourne and children. Partners and children are welcome. Refreshments will be available. Register online.

Local community and Monash service representatives will be available to answer any questions you might have on a range of topics including;  child care, accommodation, English language support, healthcare and more.

When: Friday 11 August 3.30 to 6pm
Where: Where: English Connect Seminar Room, G106 (Campus Centre)

Following this event, families are invited to the ‘Winter Carnival’,  a family focused event being offered as part of the Monash Winterfest Program.

The Winter Carnival is a free event on the Clayton campus with food trucks, roving entertainment, rides, a kids’ zone… and a fireworks display to light up the night! Fireworks begin around 7.30pm.

Monash 2017 Facebook group
To get to know people, keep up to date with social events, clubs and societies, join the New to Monash 2017 Facebook group.

Monash Day Out – Phillip Island
Hundreds of new international students recently went to Phillip Island Penguin Parade and Wildlife park. Everyone got a chance to get up close to kangaroos, wallabies, emus and see the little penguins on the beach at sunset. This was a popular trip and tickets sold out fast. If you missed out on coming along, and you are still interested in visiting Phillip Island, you can register for a tour with Bunyip by calling (03) 9650 9680 and quoting Mon2017 for a 15% discount. You can also use this code to register for other tours to the Great Ocean Road, Wilsons Prom and the Dandenong Ranges.

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