Academic Enrichment Services Transition and Orientation Programs

Frequently asked questions

The First Year FAQs is designed to provide answers to the questions most frequently asked by first-year students. The FAQs also come in a printed book. Please contact Rebecca if you would like a copy.

 

| Getting Started | Accommodation, Food, Money and Work | Lectures and Tutes | | Communication and Information |

| Meeting People | Academic Support | Campus Maps | Transition and Orientation Programs |

 

Getting Started

Where do I get my timetable?
The way you access your timetable will depend on which faculty and departments you are studying in. Check the How to Directory of Administrative Processes to find out your timetable. If you still have trouble, see your Student Centre.

How do I find out where the lecture theatres are?
You should ask at your Student Centre. They will be happy to direct you to the lecture theatres. The Student Union Information Centre also has maps of lecture theatre locations and you can find the full list of lecture theatre locations online on the University website. During Orientation, your Host will also be able to help you find the lecture theatres that you'll regularly use.

What about tutorials?
You can access your timetable through the Student Portal. Otherwise, you should sign up for tutorials on the relevant subject noticeboards in your department. Do this early - during Orientation or in the first week - so that you can get your preferred time slot. Check the How to Directory of Administrative Processes for instructions.

Where can I get my book list? Do I have to buy everything on it?
You can get your booklist either in the first class for the subject, by going to the Student Portal or visiting the University Bookshop website. You may not need to buy every item on the list, as some of them may be recommended reading rather than compulsory reading. Ask your lecturer or tutor whether you will need to use the book very regularly. If you only need to use it once or twice, or read only part of it, you can probably borrow the book from the library and save your money for the essential and frequently used books.

Where can I get cheap textbooks?
You can get second hand textbooks at a number of places around the University. Nearby second hand book stores include 'Academic and General' and 'Book Affair' in Elgin Street, and the 'Carlton Bookshop' in Swanston St. Check the online noticeboards, your department or in Union House, as students often sell their old textbooks by advertising there.

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Accommodation, Food, Money and Work

Is there anyone who can help if I have financial difficulties?
Student Financial Aid is able to give financial help to students, including loans, bursaries and budget advice. They are located on the ground floor of the Baldwin Spencer Building. You can also find information and advertisements about part-time and casual jobs in the same building. Log on to one of the computer terminals there to browse through the database of employment options or visit Careers Online.

Can I get Youth Allowance?
Eligibility for Youth Allowance - income support for Australian students - usually depends on your parents' income or how much money you earn as an 'Independent' student. See a Financial Aid adviser for more information. Centrelink, the government agency that provides Youth Allowance, has staff available on campus during semester time for information and advice on Youth Allowance, Austudy or Abstudy.

How can I find a new place to live?

Go to Student Housing in the Baldwin Spencer Building. You'll find information about all kinds of housing, noticeboards to consult and people there to help you.

Where can I buy food cheaply?

The Student Union has a number of food outlets on campus, mostly in Union House. For your own cooking, you can buy bulk foods at the Co-op on the first floor in Union House. The University of Melbourne is very close to the Queen Victoria Market, where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and some deli goods quite cheaply. You can also buy inexpensive clothes at the other end of the markets. Student Financial Aid has a shopping guide with advice about where to shop cheaply in Melbourne.

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Lectures and Tutorials

What should I expect to have in my notes at the end of a lecture?
This will really depend on what kind of lecture you are in. Some lecturers provide complete notes while others talk to a couple of overheads. Listen carefully at the beginning of the lecture to determine what format the lecture will take. Don't try to write full sentences or to transcribe everything the lecturer says, although it's a good idea to note examples, further references and memorable quotes. There will usually be three or four main points in the lecture. These should be your major headings. Some students find it helpful to print the lecture notes from the web before the lecture (if available), and then annotate these notes during the lecture.

Remember: Your notes are only as good as the way you use them. Within 24 hours, try to read through your notes and write up the lecture in a useful way, e.g. as a summary, as a study sheet, as a diagram; whatever is most useful to you.

If I don't understand a lecture what do I do? Can I ask questions in a lecture?
Lecturers often don't mind if you ask a question during a lecture as long as you keep the question relevant to the topic. If in doubt ask the lecturer beforehand if it is okay to ask questions. Most lecturers are available to see students briefly after the lecture. Otherwise you should check their consultation times or ask your tutor for that subject. Tutorials are a good opportunity for you to clarify lecture information with your tutor and other students.

How much am I expected to read for tutorials?
Try to read at least some of the set reading before class. Take some time to read and think about the questions to be addressed in the tutorial. The more you read and think, the better prepared you will be.

How much should I contribute to tutorials?
Tutorials are a time for you to discuss your ideas with others. Your tutor will be pleased to hear informed opinion on the topic that is being explored and it's also your chance to ask questions and explore issues raised in lectures or pracs.

What should I do if I miss a lecture or tutorial? What if I miss more than one or two?
Get in touch with your lecturer by phone or email if you miss a lecture. You may be able to get notes and lecture handouts from him/her, or ask if you can borrow notes from a friend. Many lecturers also post their notes on subject websites, or they may record their lectures for the web (known as 'i-lectures'). If you miss a number of lectures and tutorials, you will need to see the course coordinator. Remember that some subjects have a minimum requirement for attendance and if you do not notify the department there is a chance that you will have a penalty applied, so always let someone know. For example, you may not be awarded a pass in a subject because attendance may be a hurdle requirement.

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Communication and Information

Where can I get an email account?
It is vital that every enrolled student set up a University email account, even if you already have another address. University staff will often use this to communicate important information. Instructions on setting up an account are given in the Email for Students site. You can visit the CSHE Student Laboratory on Monash Road if you need help setting it up. Your University email can be redirected to personal accounts like hotmail, yahoo or gmail.

Where can I get access to the internet?
Most computers at the University have access to the internet. There are a number of computer rooms, such as the general access labs on the 4th floor of Union House and the CSHE building in Monash Road. In addition, Student Centres can tell you where computer labs for your faculty or department are located. See the Student IT page for more information.

What other good sources of information are there?
The first step is to look in the back of your student diary. You'll find an excellent listing of services and facilities there. It's also a good idea to read other publications - which you can find in stands around campus - to find out what's on around the University. The University website, particularly the Student Portal, is also an important source of information.

 

Meeting People

How can I meet other students who are studying the same subject?
Each department has a noticeboard where information about activities is posted. Check to see if there is a discussion, seminar or event coming up and take yourself along to it. There will be other people from the same department there and you'll probably meet other students who are in the same situation as you are. If there is nothing happening in your department, why not ask if you can leave a notice on the noticeboard inviting other interested students to meet. The department may be able to supply you with a room for your meeting.

Don't forget to make an effort to get together with the people from your tutorials. It's very helpful for everyone if you can organise a study group with these people. Check to see if your faculty organises study groups or a mentor scheme for first-year students.

There are also student clubs in some faculties and departments, so look out for their meetings and events.

What's on at lunchtime and after class?
There are many activities happening all the time. There are concerts in the North Court outside the Student Union most weeks, a market in the same place on most weekdays, and classical music concerts are often held in the Music Faculty. Of course, you can also go to the gym, do some aerobics or join one of the Clubs and Societies supported by the Student Union. The Student Union also runs short courses each semester in areas such as computers, creative arts and theatre. Look in the news stands available in the Student Union for details.

What's the best time for joining clubs and societies?
You can join Clubs and Societies at any time of the year but the best time is at Orientation or at the start of each semester. Clubs provide you with the opportunity to meet people with similar interests and extend your group of friends.

Most clubs have contact pigeon holes on the third floor of the Student Union. Alternatively you can go along to one of their advertised meetings, or ask the Union's Activities Officer how you can get in touch. Information about joining sports and recreation clubs is available from Melbourne University Sport.

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Academic Support

How can I settle into first-year study?
Each course has programs and support services to help you adjust to life at university. These might include mentor programs, study groups, first-year learning centres or study skills sessions. Check with your Student Centre to find out what is offered in your course, or check out the Transition in Courses page.

What's the best way to learn how to use the library?
The best idea is to take a tour of the library very early in the academic year, and also investigate your faculty or departmental library facilities. You can even do virtual and audio tours. Visit the library early, and visit it often so that you feel quite at home when the rush for assignment references begins. Take part in sessions that the library runs in using the online catalogue. There are specialist subject liaison librarians who are able to help you with information for your subject. To make bookings for these services go to the information desk at the entrance to the Baillieu Library.

How can I get help with my essay writing?
One of the central services provided to help you is the Academic Skills Unit (ASU), located in Swanston Street. You can go to the advisers there for help with not only essay writing, but with oral presentations, exam preparation, English language skills, time management and more.

If I'm doing badly in any subject what should I do?
Act quickly. Don't let a minor thing develop into a difficult situation. First of all, get in touch with your tutor, your subject coordinator or a faculty course adviser and explain what your difficulties are. You might then be referred to other people who can help or you may be offered guidance for tackling the situation. If you have been seriously ill or have had significant personal problems, you should apply for Special Consideration. There are specialist departments, such as the Academic Skills Unit (ASU) and Counselling Service (Cardigan Street) at the University designed to help you. Make sure you know what help is available and where to find it: see the list in your student diary. You can also contact the Student Union Advisory Service in Union House.

Who can I ask for help in the department?

The department office is the best place to start, or a student adviser in your Student Centre. Each faculty and department has a student liaison officer or similar person to handle student enquires. You are also welcome to contact the subject coordinator or the Head of Department if you need to pursue an enquiry further.

How do I change subjects?

First of all, check that you really want to change subjects, and that your course allows it. It's a good idea to discuss your decision with your tutor, lecturer or a student adviser in your faculty. Check the final dates in the student diary for changing subjects without incurring a fee or other penalty. See your Student Centre in order to change subjects.

What is the Student Union Advisory Service? Where is it located?
The Student Union Advisory Service is located on the third floor of the Student Union. It provides independent advocacy assistance for students, and also consists of an Employment Service and a Legal Service. You can approach the Advisory Service for academic and administrative dispute support, for help in gaining causal or part-time employment, or for legal assistance. The service also accepts volunteers to help with support programs and this is a great way to get to know lots of people.

 

Campus Maps

See the Property and Campus Services website for maps of the University campus.

Transition and Orientation Programs

What is the Transition Program?
The Transition Program - including Orientation programs - was developed to assist first-year students to adjust to life at university and contributes to the enhancement of the academic and life skills development of students through targeted programs in association with faculties and service units. We also aim to:

  1. Increase students' satisfaction with the first-year experience of their course and of the University of Melbourne;
  2. Increase the awareness and understanding of transition issues in the University community, the larger Australian and international contexts;
  3. Maintain and enhance relationships with the school sector to facilitate a more effective transition to university.

What are your contact details?

Ground floor, Baldwin Spencer Building
Fax: (03) 8344 5624

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