Welcome new students – Semester 2, 2016
Thursday, July 28th, 2016Dear 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.
A message from BISA