Dear students,

In this edition of the International Newsletter we show you how you can de-stress, prepare for exams and give you an insider look at the awesome events happening around campus. We also introduce a new section of the newsletter for students with partners or families.  

Need help to relax before exams?
MONSU will be running an Exam Help Desk at Caulfield Racecourse during the exam period.  Grab some snacks and a hot drink before your exams and access student rights information if you need it. MONSU is committed to sustainability so we ask all students to bring their own water bottle. We also ask students to bring a reusable coffee cup for hot drinks.

Stress less and learn how to manage your time
Managing your time is really important when you’re preparing for exams. Check out the Library’s tips for sorting out your week and staying on top of university life here.

Library resources
The Monash Library is more than just books! Find out what extras the Library offers to make your life easier.

Campus life

Rate your favourite retailers to win free food!
The new Monash Food and Retail website is here to help you find cheap eats and good food that suits you. Use the website to rate any retail shop on any campus, and go into a draw to win a $50 voucher at any store of your choice. Five winners will be chosen every season!

Living in Melbourne

Free work rights legal service
International students who have been treated unfairly, dismissed or exploited can meet with a lawyer for free legal advice at the Study Melbourne Centre. Operating hours for our legal service have been extended so there is no wait list. Find out more here.
Where: Study Melbourne Student Centre, 599 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne

Are you thinking of breaking your lease?
If you need to break your lease before the end of the contract date you should:

• Check your contract
• Give your landlord notice in writing within the proper period
• Know that if it you are on a fixed term contract, then you may have to pay the remainder of your lease unless you can find someone to replace you
• Check out this page for more help and go to this page to view your tenancy rights and responsibilities

If you need further assistance, you can also submit your questions to Ask.Monash or go to Monash Connect at your campus.

Staying safe on campus

Scams
Monash University has been made aware of a scam targeting international students who are being asked about mistaken identities and to supply personal information. Our advice is to not respond to any questions and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Monash Security on 9902 7777.

Monash security buses
Security buses help students get around after dark. They run every 30 minutes from 5:30pm – 12:00am from Monday to Friday on our Clayton and Caulfield campuses. Clayton campus students can download the Clayton security bus route and use the live Clayton campus tracker to see exactly where the bus is when it’s running. Caulfield campus students can download their security bus route and check out the live Caulfield campus tracker.

Study Safe survey
Crime Stoppers Victoria has developed an international student safety survey. Fill it out here to help them develop a campaign to improve international student safety in Victoria. All answers are anonymous and confidential.

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Opportunities

Explore your career options as an international student
Attend an on-campus Career Conversation session for international students. Whether you’re hoping to stay in Australia or return home, a career coach will help you prepare for your career.
• Sessions available at Clayton and Caulfield campuses now.
• Login to Career Gateway to register.

In this interactive session, an experienced coach will give you the rundown on:
• employability skills valued by industry
• graduate recruitment
• your graduate career options as an international student.
You’ll also have a chance to think about next steps to progress your career.

Apply for the 2019 Ancora Imparo Leadership Program
Applications for the 2019 Vice-Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo Leadership Program are now open and all first year international undergraduate students are invited to apply. This program inspires participants to create the change they want to see in the world. Participants will attend a three-day workshop in Torquay for some exclusive leadership training and gain access to some of Australia’s most influential thinkers. All participants will also receive a stipend of $500 to cover expenses. Submit your application here and email any questions to ancora.imparo.leadership@monash.edu.

Volunteers needed in Malaysia and Singapore
We are seeking volunteers for the Monash pre-departure briefings in Singapore (Friday June 22) and Malaysia (Sunday June 24). You will be required to greet new students and their parents, assist at the registration desk, share your Monash journey and answer questions. Selected volunteers will receive a certificate of appreciation. If you will be in Singapore or Malaysia this June and you are keen to help out, register your interest here.

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What’s On

Want to have your voice heard by CISA these holidays?
Come along to the 8th Council of International Students Australia (CISA) National Conference in Cairns, Queensland to help develop a vision for the future of international education in Australia. Get more info and register here.
When: Monday June 25 – Wednesday June 27
Where: Rydges Esplanade Resort, Cairns, Queensland

Things to do in Melbourne this month

• See amazing performers sing and dance at the Changwon K-Pop World Festival.
• Watch the city burst into life with an Asian food fair, cultural performances and a dragon boat sprint race at Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival.
• Discover, taste, share and enjoy delicious treats and drinks at the Good Food & Wine Show.
• Experience the sensational spirit of jazz at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
• Explore creative and colourful market stalls with an assortment of arts and crafts at The District Makers Market.
• Do you like boardgames? Make new friends and win prizes through the Games Laboratory
• Visit comedy at spleen bar to enjoy a funny comedy night.
• Be part of a live audience for TV shows Quiz Night or Australia’s Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Tickets are free.
• Celebrate IDAHOBIT Day
• Find a Free Community Workout session near you
• Check out the Melbourne Food Innovation Hub and change the way you think about food and sustainability

Join (or start) a club!
Did you know that we have a cultural club on Peninsula campus? HongKostralia only started last year and already we have more than 100 members! If your hobby, religious or interest group isn’t represented at Peninsula campus, there is nothing stopping you from creating your own club. MONSU strongly encourage applications for a Business Students Club and a Chinese Students Club, or you can create your own! Email hello@monsupeninsula.org.au for more information on how to start your own club.

Make yourself at home at the International Student Lounge
International students have an exclusive space at Peninsula campus that they can use anytime during the day to relax and unwind, study, eat lunch, meet up with friends or conduct meetings. We even have a microwave!
Where: Ground floor, Building U

Focus group Opportunity
International Student Engagement is conducting a focus group to better understand what types of events and activities Peninsula students want to see happening on campus. The group will run for just one hour and participants will receive a gift card. Lunch will be provided. Register here.
When: Thursday May 24, 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Where: Conference Room C1.02, Building C

Answer questions, score prizes!
International Student Services Peninsula has developed a survey where you can submit your thoughts about Peninsula campus. Tell us what you love, what you hate and what could be improved to help us make Peninsula campus the best it can be for you and future students. You’ll also go in the draw to win a $50 gift card. Fill out the survey here.