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www.rusu.rmit.edu.au
Acknowledgement of Country RMIT University Student Union acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT University Student Union also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where it conducts its business. © Copyright 2020 RUSU All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the publisher. Printing Dinkums Print and Design 460 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC, 3053 (03) 9349 4355 www.dinkums.com.au Acknowledgements This project was made possible by the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). This guide was produced by RUSU, the RMIT University Student Union, in collaboration with RMIT Connect and Student Life. With thanks to our RMIT student contributors and to RUSU staff, for both written content and publication design. Special thanks go to RMIT Students Shiona Oosha Raj (writing and editing) and Sayali Harde (design).
Hello th ere ! I’m Daniel. I study IT, enjoy footy and Star Wars, and I’m the President of your student union, RUSU. My one piece of advice to you is this: university isn’t just an education – it’s an experience, so make the most of it. While higher education is about studying hard to get where you want to go, balance is crucial. Uni is also about having fun, making new lifelong friends, and developing as a person outside the classroom. The RMIT University Student Union can help you do all these things. With student clubs, camps, campaigns, parties, free food, lounges, activities, a student magazine, and a fantastic volunteer program, there really is something for everyone. Get involved! RUSU is about students. It’s run for students, by students. We’re here for you when times get tough in both life and study. While RUSU is the heart of student life, we are also here for when you need help. Check out Compass, our drop-in welfare centre, if you ever need a chat with a qualified social worker, or come see our trained Student Rights team if you’re having trouble with your course. RUSU is your voice, support, and representation. We ensure you get a fair go at uni by working to improve university rules and policy, representing you to RMIT and the community, and standing up for your rights as a student. I hope this booklet gives you all the information you need to get started at RMIT University, and I hope to see you at one of our membership stalls early in the semester. RUSU Membership is $10 for the whole year, and it gets you access to a bunch of freebies, discounts, events, and giveaways. I hope to see you around, come and say Hi! Daniel Hoogstra President, RUSU
CONTENTS
Uni Life.................................................. 7
Getting Started At RMIT �������������������������������������������������������������8
Important Dates��������������������������������������������������������������������������0
Academic Matters ���������������������������������������������������������������������11
Culture At RMIT �������������������������������������������������������������������������12
The First Australians �����������������������������������������������������������������13
Safety...........................................................................................14
My Life..................................................15
Starting Out In Melbourne�������������������������������������������������������16
Finding A Home �������������������������������������������������������������������������18
Being A Good Housemate ��������������������������������������������������������19
The Suburbs Of Melbourne �����������������������������������������������������20
Public Transport������������������������������������������������������������������������22
Sustainability..............................................................................23
Shopping On A Budget �������������������������������������������������������������24
Finding Work..............................................................................25
Getting Help................................................................................26
Social Life ���������������������������������������� 27
Making Friends �������������������������������������������������������������������������28
Volunteering...............................................................................29
Fitness, Sport & Clubs���������������������������������������������������������������30
RMIT Media Collective ��������������������������������������������������������������32
City Life.............................................. 33
Beaches and Markets ���������������������������������������������������������������34
Cheap Eats..................................................................................35
Coffee..........................................................................................36
The Weekend..............................................................................38
5
—
How2RMIT
Get your questions answered
Register for free:
bit.ly/how2rmit
SCAN ME
WITH YOUR
SMARTPHONE
CAMERA
—
Get ready. Get organised.
In this 90 minute session, which includes a campus tour,
current students will help you:
na
Ma ge ganise nnect cover Explore
Or Co Dis
your your with people, student life your
email, fees, student card, make friends and RMIT campus,
enrolment, transport and get services that facilities,
Canvas concession, involved support you study spaces
and more timetable and more
and more
Your first few weeks at uni can be a pretty scary and
overwhelming time. There’s so much you need to do and
remember, and that’s before you even start studying...
Starting out at RMIT is a lot like visiting a new country for
the first time – you need to know where to go, what to do,
and even when to do it. It’s useful to have at least some
knowledge of the local terrain, it definitely helps if you can
speak a few words of the local lingo, and you understand
the regional customs and traditions. It’s all a pretty steep
learning curve, but the sooner you get across all of this
stuff, the sooner you can start to enjoy yourself as you
embark on this new adventure.
Don’t be daunted – everyone who goes to uni starts with
the same level of apprehension and confusion. They got
through it, and so will you – read on... everything is going
to be fine.
7
Let’s get it
started... Akshay Jose
Believe it or not, before the internet was KNOW YOUR STUDENT
invented, new students had to trudge NUMBER
around campus on foot, invariably getting
Learn your student number so
lost, while trying to find out where to enrol,
you can recall it from memory.
when to arrange their timetable and how
You’ll save yourself countless
to join their union. Happily, those days
hours of delving into your
are long gone, and you can now do pretty
much all of your uni prep from the comfort wallet to find out what the damn number is
of your own sofa. So put your slippers on, (again!). Burn that shit onto your retina if you
log into your wifi and get to work! have to. Or you know, just learn it.
Open up your new students guide on the UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
RMIT website, and read your way through As a new student, you may
each section to learn what you need to do: currently be in the middle of
moving house (or about to
be soon). If that’s you, RMIT
www.rmit.edu.au/students/ needs to know ASAP, so they
new-student-guide can do stuff like send out your student card.
Log in to myRMIT and dial in your deets.
And follow our handy tips to make sure GET YOUR TFN
your first few days run according to plan... You need a tax file number
to access HELP or VSL loans
(and to work!). If you don’t
CHECK YOUR EMAIL already have one, apply to
That’s whatever email the ATO now, as the process
address you registered with can take up to 30 days, and you need to
RMIT, right at the beginning, have all your ducks in a row before your
way back when you applied. census date to ensure your studies are
It’s where you’ll find details of funded.
your program code.
GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT
NOW CHECK YOUR
RMIT EMAIL It’s always better to seek
help early if you need it. If
Logged in? Good. Now
make sure to check your you need help with RMIT
emails, REGULARLY. Your issues, talk to RMIT Connect,
student email is where you will receive who can assist you with any administration-
all important communications from the related issues if you run into difficulties
University, so make it your priority to know doing it alone. They have an online chatbot
what’s going on, when. It’s also part of your and a dedicated phoneline, or you can visit
student agreement with RMIT, so it’s a pretty them in person on campus. Search RMIT
important thing to remember. Connect for more.
8
How I survived my
first semester at uni...
Saminabanu Munshi
It can be overwhelming starting your first My initial query about the timetable was
semester at the University, and that's why I resolved in a succinct, timely, and friendly
want to share my personal experience as an manner at a mouse-click, by submitting an
international student. And to give you some online request to RMIT Connect. The RMIT
of the highlights of my journey as a new Connect team is more well-equipped than
student at RMIT University... Alexa, trust me! They are your go-to people
for the rest of your time at the Uni.
I started with the enrolment guide, available
from the website and via e-mail to your Moving on to the most important part – your
personal email account. I booked and assessments! I attended one of the early
attended the How2RMIT Orientation, which drop-in sessions held by the Canvas support
was very informative. The staff not only took team to get familiar with the course and how
us through each step of enrolment, but also to get through it. The sessions are held at
helped to navigate our journey at RMIT. all campuses and this was so convenient for
me as I went to the City campus (otherwise
A student ID card is your Master key to the would have to travel Bundoora Campus). So,
university, so the first thing is to request no more panicking because exploring your
your student card which is a simple and syllabus for the units to be studied turns out
easy-to-follow procedure to be completed simpler and flexible with the Canvas support.
online. Get a good head-shot ready to
upload on your ID card. RUSU to your rescue! While navigating
the Bundoora campus on Welcome day, I
happened to bump into an old friend who is
a RUSU member, and that’s how I became a
How2RMIT part of it. There are numerous benefits, such
as discounts at RUSU Café, fun events, free
What is How2RMIT? An interactive food, parties, social gatherings, and so on.
session where current students I always grabbed a fruit and muesli on my
show you everything you’ll want to way to attend a class (once a week) at the
know to get started. RUSU free breakfast counter. Oh, and the
aromatic, flavorsome, and sustainable lunch
From ordering your student card options – give it a go – you’ll love it!
to paying your fees, setting up your
timetable and even getting involved CareerHub is a must for job hunting,
in student life – How2RMIT is a internships and networking events, and
must attend for all new students. makes you job-ready. Look out for micro-
creds to gain essential life-learning skills
They’ll also show you around to make your life at uni run smooth. I’ve
campus so you know where
gained 10+ micro-cred certifications so far.
everything is! Book your session
Freebies, coffee, food, connections, a variety
NOW! Search How2RMIT to find
of interesting clubs and societies, and the list
out more!
goes on! Welcome to the life of RMIT University
Student. Wishing everyone all the best!
9
Hot Dates
Get free stuff at
By Shana Schultz
Know your census Swot Vac
Orientation! date A week with no classes? Tell
O-Week is a super fun way The census date for your me more! No, it’s not time
to start your life at RMIT, course is really important, to kick back and do nothing,
and can be a great bonanza as it’s the absolute latest it’s time to knuckle down,
for scoring free food & you can sort out enrolments revisit your notes, and prep
giveaways, too. There’s and loans to ensure your for your exams, which start
a Welcome Day on each course is funded, and it’s the following week. You’ve
campus, so don’t miss yours! also the last day you can worked hard all semester,
withdraw from your course you can do this! Bonus
Join RUSU without incurring financial points for studying hard in
Your RMIT University Student penalty. WARNING: Census your PJ’s at home.
Union is the only 100 dates can vary for each
percent independent body course! (especially if you are All About Exams
at RMIT. RUSU is responsible a VE student). Search RMIT Exams are mainly held at the
for creating student life Important Dates to find Melbourne showgrounds in
on campus, as well as the census date for your
Ascot Vale. You want to be
representing student welfare program of study.
fresh on arrival, with a head
and student rights. Every
week, you can enjoy free Save your GPA full of study facts, so you
food at our breakfasts and STOP! If you’re heading shouldn’t wait until the last
Chill N Grill lunches. Sign up down to fail town, it’s Save minute to know the ins and
online for only $10 at Your GPA Day to the rescue! outs of what to expect at the
rusu.rmit.edu.au/join Save your GPA day is the exam venue. Search RMIT
absolute last day you can Exams to get across all the
You can find me in withdraw from your course info you need well before
the club... without incurring academic your big day.
Clubs day falls in week one, penalty. Check Enrolment
and is your chance to engage Online to see the final Graduation
with like-minded people who date to withdraw without Graduation is an amazing
have similar interests. Enjoy academic penalty for each time, as you and your fellow
free food and fun activities, course you are enrolled in. students finally receive the
while taking a look at just recognition you deserve for
some of the many clubs that Stress Less Week years of hard work. While
are on offer at RMIT. At the pointy end of semester, graduation might be a way
when deadlines are looming, off for you, make sure you
Picking your and exams are just around are familiar with how it all
classes the corner, join RUSU and works, so that you can enjoy
For Higher-Ed students, Compass to help you explore your graduation day in style!
get in FAST! Timetables are a range of mindfulness Search RMIT Graduation to
preferential, and if you leave and relaxation techniques, find out what’s what.
it too late, you’ll be left with information and support
the dregs that nobody else services to help you and your For more information, and
wants. Nope. Make sure you friends to ‘Stress Less’ before to ensure you know all the
check online NOW to find exams begin. Do yourself and other important dates for
out what you need to do, so your stress levels a favour, your course, search RMIT
you don’t get left behind. and come along! Important Dates.
10
ACADEMIC MATTERS
Akshay Jose You’re not doing this on your own...
we’re here to help
Sometimes, study doesn’t go the way you
planned, and when it all gets on top, it can Your Responsibilities
As an RMIT University student you have
be difficult to keep up with your coursework.
There might be other factors in your life that certain rights and responsibilities, including
make it impossible to focus on your studies, being responsible for your own academic
or you might feel overwhelmed due to the progress. Responsibility for academic
volume of work you have to contend with. If progress includes maintaining your academic
this is you, be strong, be proactive, and take integrity.
control of the problem, before it controls you.
The absolute best thing you can do for
yourself is to seek help as early as possible. Academic Progress
Academic progress is the way the University
Remember, no one wants you to fail. There
are many support services available at RMIT supports students who are not making
to get you back on track, and the people satisfactory progress towards completing their
here want to help you succeed. program. For further information on Academic
Progress, search RMIT Academic Progress.
RUSU STUDENT
RIGHTS SERVICE Contacts and help
If you’re finding it hard to keep up with your
RUSU’s Student Rights Service works with studies, there’s help available:
students who need help with academic
issues, or problems with RMIT’s processes If you’re worried about your results and
or procedures. academic progress, we recommend first
We help students understand the Policies talking to staff in your school or college.
and Procedures that affect them at RMIT,
Study support. RMIT provides one-on-
and assist them in being assertive (and
respectful) about seeking outcomes with one study support for coursework and
RMIT staff, and when necessary advocate assessments, as well as workshops in
on their behalf to the university. academic writing, study skills, English
language development, maths, physics and
RUSU student rights service is staffed
chemistry. Counselling, financial advice and
by experienced professionals, and it is
completely confidential and independent support for people with a disability, long-
from RMIT University. If you believe that term illness and/or mental health condition is
you have been treated unfairly or need also available. Search RMIT Support Services
advice about issues like assessment to find out more.
appeals, special consideration, plagiarism,
complaints, academic progress, remission The RMIT University Student Union (RUSU)
of debt in special circumstances etc., you can provide advice and help you prepare a
should book an appointment to see one submission document if you are asked to
of our student rights officers. show cause submission, wish to make an
Book an appointment on 9925 5004 or via appeal against your assessment, or need to
email to student.rights@rmit.edu.au appeal an exclusion decision. Act quickly and
be decisive to ensure a positive outcome.
11R.E.S.P.E.C.T
Find Out What It Means at RMIT By Beatrice Ma Co
We’re a diverse community here at RMIT, and that’s RUSU Indigenous
something to celebrate! Every single person in Department
our community has the right to go about their day,
Hi, I’m Bromley, your RUSU
feeling safe and secure, regardless of their gender,
Indigenous Officer for 2020. The
sexual orientation, or anything else. A staggering 1
in 5 students reported being sexually harassed in a Indigenous Department was
university setting in 2016 – a statistic that is wholly established in 2018, with aims
Bromley
un-fucking-acceptable. to provide First Nation students
a safe and wonderful University experience and
Changing the course promote self education amongst Non-Indigenous
RMIT implemented the ‘Changing the course’ people. Pop past and see us some time, or come to
campaign in 2017 – designed to build a community one of our events, such as our Indigenous Culture
where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. Chill N Grill, which is always a blast.
Be the change RUSU Queer Department
Be the change is an RMIT campaign that encourages Hi, I’m Kingston, and I am one of
everyone in the community to actively effect change your Queer Officers at RUSU.
by putting an end to the culture of everyday sexism. Did you know that there are
queer lounges across all three
In short, don’t be a dickhead. Respect others. And if campuses at RMIT? The queer
you see something, say something, because we are Kinsgton
lounge is a safe space for RMIT
all in this together.
students who identify as LGBTQIA+, queer or
Bringing in the Bystander questioning. The queer lounges are open Monday
to Friday, 8am–8pm and all queer students and
It can be difficult to call out other people’s queer-allies are welcome. Please come, visit us, and
inappropriate behaviour, and it’s normal to feel
get involved!
nervous about doing so. But speaking up doesn’t have
to be a big thing, and it doesn’t have to end in an »» City: Building 5, Level 1, Room 17
argument or fight. For some excellent tips on how »» Bundoora: Building 202, Level 2, Room 24
to confidently call out any bullshit behaviour you’re a »» Brunswick: Building 514, Level 2
witness to, search RMIT Bystander Intervention.
RUSU Women’s
RMIT Safer Community
Department
RMIT Safer Community provides confidential
support to RMIT students who have experienced Hi, I am Mounika, the RUSU
threatening or concerning behaviour, including Women’s Officer for 2020. The
sexual harm. Safer community can be contacted via RUSU Women’s Department
phone or email. organises events, workshops, Mounika
tours, activism campaigns, and
Phone: 9925 2396
fun activities on and off campus for RMIT women.
Email: safercommunity@rmit.edu.au We also provide you a platform to meet new
Please note that Safer Community is not an students both internally and externally and also help
emergency service. In an emergency, call 000, and in providing support and advocacy on wide range
alert campus safety and security on 9925 3333 if concerns that impact women. Come and visit one of
you are on campus. our lounges:
»» City: Building 5, Level 1, Room 16
»» Carlton: Building 56, Level 4, Room 92
»» Brunswick: 514.02 Building 514, Level 2
»» Bundoora West: Building 202, Level 2, Room 25
»» Bundoora East: Building 251, Level 1, Room 17
12The first Australians
By Shiona Oosha Raj
Disclaimer: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the
following article contains mentions of historical injustices and trauma.
When you first get acquainted with RMIT at orientation, meetings, classes or events, you would of heard of
the term “Wominjeka” or “Acknowledgement of country” or noticed that at RMIT, we raise two flags. This
is all part of RMIT’s journey to recognise and respect the unique culture and contribution that Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people bring to our communities. Don’t worry, keep reading to learn more as we
break it down for you.
Australia’s First Peoples – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – are among the oldest living
continuous culture on earth. For more than 75,000 years, the relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people have with the land, water and each other, is connected on a level that can also benefit non-
Indigenous people in creating a mutually beneficial future.
In Australia, there was a dark time, when colonization occurred and impacted many Indigenous people
and families. There was, and still is, trauma caused by colonization. In 2008, Kevin Rudd shared that “If we
truly want to move forward together (Australia and
Indigenous people) and be part of a better country,
it’s essential that we openly acknowledge our
history and validate the pain it’s caused.”
At RMIT, we can do our part to celebrate this
beautiful culture and it’s people is understanding a
little more. Here’s some things to get you started.
RMIT CREDS
Complete the Indigenous Orientation Womin Djeka
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: micro cred and the Consent Conversations micro
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander refer to cred now to help increase your understanding of
different groups of peoples. Aboriginal refers to the culture of respect we foster here at RMIT.
the original peoples of mainland Australia. Torres
Indigenous Orientation: offers guidance on how to
Strait Islander refers to the original peoples of the
recognise and respect the living history and culture
274 islands located north of Australia, in the Torres
of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Strait. When referring to either ‘Aboriginal’ or
peoples.
‘Torres Strait Islanders’, however, it’s important to
include ‘People’ at the end, as in isolation the terms Consent Conversations: a digital credential
could be considered adjectives, and not humanised. outlining appropriate and respectful behaviour, what
constitutes sexual consent, and how to intervene
Indigenous: Indigenous in the dictionary means safely in difficult situations (login required).
‘belonging or occurring naturally in a particular
place’. It has become a popularized term to use RMIT Creds are free micro courses on a whole range
when referring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait of subjects, that allow you to quickly develop skills
Islander people. to help increase your employability, career outcomes
and life skills.You can choose from popular subjects
Boon wurrung and Woi wurrung: The language like digital literacy, leadership, sustainability, innovation,
groups of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. collaboration, and communication. On completion of
your cred, you can download a verifiable digital badge
This is just the beginning, we encourage you to take to display on your Linked In profile, to show off to
the Indigenous Orientation micro cred, and to make prospective employers.
contact with the Ngarara Willim Centre, where you
can engage and learn more about Indigenous culture Visit www.rmit.edu.au/creds to find out more!
at RMIT.
13EXIT
SAFETY Make it your mission to
avoid unsafe conditions.
Whether you’re studying on campus late at night, travelling home or simply having a
day out, your personal safety and security is of the utmost importance, and you should
take any and all necessary steps to ensure that you stay safe – both on and off campus.
SAFETY ON CAMPUS SAFETY OFF CAMPUS
Melbourne is a pretty safe place to live, work
RMIT Security
and study. But, like anywhere, problems
RMIT Security is the safety and security can and do happen. Make sure they don’t
service for the University’s City, Bundoora and happen to you, by thinking, planning, getting
Brunswick campuses, and are available 24/7. help from friends, and being smart. This
If there’s an emergency situation on campus, includes:
security staff are available to respond
»» Travelling on public transport
immediately. In the event of an emergency:
»» Partying and getting home safely
»» Dial 000 for police, fire service or
ambulance. »» Taking trips to remote areas (such as
bushwalking)
»» Call RMIT Security on 9925 3333 from any
phone on campus. »» Protecting yourself from the sun.
RMIT Security is also the contact point for »» Water safety when visiting pools, rivers
after-hours building access, lost property, lakes and beaches.
and lost or stolen student cards.
»» Bites and stings
For more comprehensive information on
»» Personal injury
RMIT’s Security, search RMIT Security.
For more comprehensive information on
OH&S Issues any of the following, search RMIT Safety in
Melbourne.
Occupational health and safety (OH&S)
is about creating a safe environment for
everyone on campus, and we all have a
responsibility to report accidents and potential SAFEZONE APP
safety concerns. Some important tips:
To help you feel safe on campus,
»» If you have an injury or accident, fill out an download SafeZone, a free app which
incident report (from RMIT Connect) and is available for any smartphone. This
hand it in to your school office. app enables you to connect instantly
»» Report maintenance issues to RMIT to Campus Security, First Aid, or
Connect. Emergency support if you need it. RMIT
»» Do not perform activities (such as encourages ALL students to ensure
operating machinery) that you have not they download SafeZone.
been trained for.
14It’s not all about uni, all the time.
At the same time as being a student,
you’ve got a life to live: finding a
place to stay, navigating the world of
flatmates, getting a job. All of these
things are important.
This section is all about the
practicalities of navigating your life
outside of RMIT. Whether you are
an international student, new to
Melbourne, or you just need some
helpful tips on finding work or
accommodation, this section is
for you.
If you are new to Australia, welcome.
You chose wisely – Melbourne
was picked as the number one
city in Australia to study and live
for International students, and is
ranked number three in the whole
world! Of course, we have to agree –
Melbourne rocks!
15are SIM-only plans. Look
out for perks, such as free
local calls and texts, free/
cheap international calls,
and a large data/download
allocation. Most suppliers
offer monthly contract or pay
as you go options, and many
offer home broadband, so it’s
worth checking to see if they
can give you a package deal.
Don’t forget to download all
the free communications
tools on your phone, such as
Skype and WhatsApp, and
use wifi whenever possible to
avoid running up your bills!
If you’re completely Accommodation
new to Australia, A place to live will likely be Employment
your biggest expense while While studying, international
starting out can be you are here. There are lots students can work up to 20
tricky. Fear not! of options available, so to
make sure you choose the
hours per week during the
semester and full-time during
We’re here to help. one that’s right for you, check the semester breaks. In order
The following top out our guide to finding
accommodation on page 18.
to work, you need a tax file
number, which you can apply
tips come from some for through the Australian Tax
of our international Direct Debits Office (ATO). If you lack skills,
consider volunteering (see
students at RMIT, and When you sign up for
services such as phone,
RUSU, below), as a great first
are things they wish electricity, etc., most
step to develop your skills.
For further information on
they had known when companies will encourage
you to pay by direct debit.
finding a job, see our guide
they first arrived here. What this means is that the
on page 25.
By Akshay Jose company is that you have
authorised the company Free Money
Bank Account
to take the fee from your (Tax Refunds)
account each month, without If you’re an international
You’ll need a local bank asking you first. You should student, working, shopping
account, so make sure you know that direct debits are and day-to-day spending
apply for one straight away. not compulsory – don’t feel
here, you are an Australian
You will need to supply pressured to use direct debit
resident for tax purposes,
documentation such as if it doesn’t work for you.
and you will need to lodge
your passport and proof of an annual tax return. There
address. Most major banks Phones & Sims is a tax free threshold, which
offer some kind of account You need a smart phone means you don’t pay tax
aimed at International for ready access to internet, until you earn $18,200, but
students. Things to look for calling home, etc. You can your employer may tax you
include low or no account sign up for a handset & on a ‘pay as you go’ basis,
fees, free international call package through any meaning you pay the tax,
money transfers and hidden major provider, or if you then claim it back at the end
costs, such as overdraft fees. already have a phone, there of the year.
16language skills will develop
Transport as you go along. To help you Join RUSU!
Myki is the public transport sharpen your skills, RUSU RUSU is the RMIT University
card system used in offers free English language Student Union. We are
Melbourne. International workshops during semester RMIT’s only 100% student-
undergraduate students can one, and the uni offers paid run organisation. We made
save 50 per cent on an annual courses if you are struggling. this book for you, and we’re
Myki with an international a great place to start at
RMIT. We make your time at
Undergraduate Student
Education pass (iUSEpass)
Health Insurance uni even better through:
Myki card. The iUSEpass It’s a requirement of your
»» Weekly free food events
can save you money even if Visa to have health insurance
while you are studying here. »» Volunteering
you’re not in Melbourne all
Most healthcare providers opportunities
year round - you only need
to travel in Zone 1+2 for 98 offer Overseas Student Health »» Support for struggling
days of the year to make Cover (OSHC), which provides students
your money back. Search you with medical care and »» Safe spaces on campus
International Students Myki to hospital cover. NOTE: Make
»» Fun events throughout
find out more, and check out sure ambulance is covered, or
the year
our full guide to transport and you will have to take out extra
insurance to ensure your »» Workshops and
getting around on page 22.
safety (see below). professional development
opportunities
Proof Of Age Card
Lost passport = nightmare. Ambulance & Join now – it’s only $10 for
the whole year! rusu.rmit.
If you’re worried about Other Emergencies edu.au/join
bringing your passport out The emergency services
and about, particularly on number for ambulance,
nights out, you can get a fire and police is 000. This
proof of age card from the
Victorian government for
number is ONLY to be used
in absolute emergencies. Medical Hub
@ RMIT
$10. Search Victorian proof Ambulances are not a free
of age card to find out more. service, and you must either
make sure that your health
Melbourne Weather insurance covers ambulance Medical Hub is a
new Medical Centre
They say Melbourne has four costs, or sign up separately
situated right on
seasons in one day, and it’s for ambulance insurance.
Swanston Street, at
true that the weather can be RMIT City Campus.
temperamental. Ensure you Grades & Your Visa Direct billing is
are prepared for all weathers If you’re studying an RMIT available, which means
– sunscreen, hat and water program on a student visa, there are no up-front
bottle when it’s hot, and you need to ensure your costs, and a wide range
umbrellas and warm layers for academic performance of health services
colder days. You’ll get used to is satisfactory. If you’re are offered. Some
the weather here eventually! excluded from your of the doctors are
program for poor academic multilingual. Medical
Speaking English performance, your visa to Hub is a confidential
You will need some level Australia could be cancelled. service - your medical
of English to get by in your The key message is, if you’re information will not
studies, and day to day in struggling academically, get be shared with RMIT
Australia. But don’t panic help early to avoid problems University. Visit
if your English is not good later. See page 11 of this medicalhubrmit.com.au
– if you immerse yourself guide for more information for more information.
in Australian life, your on academic matters.
17Everybody epic BBQs in the summer,
but it also means you have
cost is highly dependent on
location, size and quality
needs a place to maintain it by doing the of the accommodation. Of
weeding, watering, etc. course, you will have bills on
to call home. Conversely, apartment living top of that, which generally
is generally more cramped, aren’t included. The lease is a
But there’s a lot to but is also secure and low legal document, so make sure
consider before you maintenance. you read it thoroughly before
take the leap into a you sign on the dotted line.
QUIET LIFE OR PARTY
new home. The big CENTRAL? BOND
question is, what do The likelihood is, you’ll be Most landlords will require
you want from your sharing a flat or house to keep you to pay a bond (the
your costs down. And whether equivalent of one or two
housing? months rent), which is a
you are moving in with friends
SCOUTING FOR A LOCATION or strangers, it’s important to security deposit held by the
be clear about what you want property owner, and covers
Do you like the quiet life, costs in the event of damage
or perhaps you feel more – if it’s the quiet life you seek,
moving in with party animals to the property. Provided you
comfort in the noise and care for the property, you’ll
bustle of the big city. Think is a terrible idea. Conversely,
if you are keen to grow your get this amount back when
about what you really want you move out.
from an area, and put in friendship circle, living with
the research, so you aren’t social butterflies might be the PLACES TO LOOK
disappointed later. best option for you.
Online is your best place
Factors to think about include: STUDENT ACCOMMODATION to start. Be smart when
Student accommodation is inspecting any property, don’t
rental costs, proximity to the
worth a mention, and can be go alone, and make sure you
uni/work, transport links,
have your charged mobile
shopping & markets, local an easy option when you first
with you. The following are
amenities, restaurants and start out, given that they come
a few good websites to start
bars. If you’re stuck for ideas, with furnishing, are usually
your search:
make sure to check out our centrally located, and internet
recommendations on page 20. & bills are taken care of. But FLATMATES:
while convenient, it’s worth flatmates.com.au
WHAT KIND OF HOUSE? noting that most students
What does your home look end up moving to a flatshare GUMTREE: gumtree.com.au
like? If you love to cook, a well eventually. FLATMATE FINDERS:
fitted kitchen might be top flatmatefinders.com.au
of your list. A huge garden THE NITTY GRITTY
means you can spend more On average, you’ll pay FAIRY FLOSS REAL
time outside, grow your own between $200-$300 per week ESTATE: facebook.com/
organic veggies and have to live in a flatshare, although groups/117412174975402
Confessions of a Bargain Queen
Don’t pay over the odds for big furniture items. Go for quality second-hand goods,
which are better for the planet, and way lighter on the wallet! Many charities operate
large stores in some of the outer suburbs, and you can score yourself some quality
used furniture, if you spend a day shopping around.
If you visit a few stores on the same day, you can pay for your items,
before collecting them all in one go. Most of these places do offer
delivery, but you’ll save yourself a pretty penny on delivery costs by
doing it yourself – borrow a friend’s car (make sure you have boot space),
use a local car share company, or hire a flatbed ute from Bunnings for the
afternoon , and enlist a mate to help you with the heavy lifting. Job done!
To score yourself cheap, new items (such as bedding, kettle, etc),
check out the popular discount retail stores, such as Kmart, Big W and
Ikea – you can usually order online for a small delivery charge, which
saves you the hassle of going there yourself.
18How to be
A GOOD HOUSEMATE
Living with other people is
hard. I mean there are plenty 1. Be respectful
of positives; having someone Keep housemates informed. Planning on having a bunch of
around to complain about work friends around for a big night of karaoke? Probably best to
with; having help to build that message your housemates and give them a heads up.
IKEA bed; borrowing a shirt for
Personal space is very important. Spending time watching
a wedding; not having to watch Netflix with your housemate is amazing - but sometimes you
scary movies alone; and just need your alone-time and your housemates will need the
generally sharing life’s ups and same. If the bedroom door is closed, best to leave it that way.
downs.
Money is awkward and you don’t want to owe people. Set
Living together is often the up scheduled payments for shared expenses and send over
only option if you want to live money as soon as your housemates order UberEats.
close to uni, work and maybe
even save some money. But Leave the house from time to time. Absence makes the
there are certainly times when heart grow fonder and gives you and your housemates some
it can be frustrating. I moved breathing room.
in with my two housemates;
a friend-of-a-friends and a 2. Be clean
random from Gumtree; we When you’re living in a confined space, simplicity is key.
didn’t know each other, and we Your home environment can really affect your mood and the
started a new life together from mood of your housemate. Keep the common areas minimal
scratch - that was seven years and tidy - all your stuff can live in your bedroom.
ago. We’re still living together
Wash dirty dishes as you go, they can pile up quickly. 3
in the same apartment and have
minutes of washing pain now will save you 30 minutes later.
a bit of a family dynamic going
on now. You don’t last seven Be aware of your food… and your cooking smells. Open
years without picking up some a window or turn on the fan. Is your food out of date or
simple tips. Here’s what I have getting mouldy in the fridge? Just throw it out - no one
learned… wants it, ewwww.
Schedule cleaning between all housemates - yes, it’s boring,
but needs to be done and keeps the workload fair. If cleaning
gets too hard, you could all chip in and get a cleaner every
couple of weeks.
3. Be kind
It’s nice to be nice... and easy too. Say hi to your housemates
- take a moment to hear about their day.
Listen to each other - communication is key. If someone is
having an issue with the house, its best to talk it through.
Include your housemates in activities but know that it’s ok
if they say ‘no’.
Do random nice things - buy a box of cupcakes, pick some
flowers for the kitchen, randomly cook dinner for everyone.
Awwwww cute.
19FROM HERE TO...
Suburbia
Real residents
dish the dirt on
the best and
worst from their
lanes. You are in vicinity of
the hustling and bustling
city, but it’s leafy and a bit
quieter, and you have easy
access to Vic Market, along
with everything the City has
Afghani or Indian, there
is an abundance of cheap
and delicious choices.
Dandenong market is a
fantastic place to pick
up a bargain. There is a
suburb. to offer. Rent is a little on
the steeper side - you could
direct train line into the
city, making the RMIT city
be paying upward of $300 campus pretty accessible.
BRUNSWICK per week. The area is also close to
Just 4 km north of the CBD, the Dandenong Ranges,
Brunswick is a creative
COBURG which is home to hiking
and multicultural suburb tracks, famous wineries and
popular with young people. Coburg is a great balance
between good house and waterfalls in easy reach.
It’s a hotspot for food, with
plenty of organic stores, land size, and proximity to
vegan and vegetarian cafes, the city. Only 25-30 minutes FAWKNER
and Mediterranean and on the tram, or a 20 minute Fawkner is situated to the
Middle Eastern delis and train ride on the Upfield north of Melbourne, around
restaurants. The area is also line, RMIT city campus is 12km from the CBD. Rents
jam-packed with op shops, within easy reach. If you’re are reasonable, and it’s a
vintage stores and offbeat the kind of person that culturally diverse place,
boutiques,.The arts and needs a back garden for which is quiet, leafy and
culture scene won’t let you your sanity, Coburg is your peaceful. The train ride
down either, with plenty of best bet for big blocks/ to the city is about half
local gigs, exhibitions and green spaces at affordable an hour long, every 20
art markets. Rent can vary prices. There’s lots of minutes. Fawkner is kind
in the area, but $150-200 shopping within easy reach of in the middle of a lot of
a week is the lower end of too. Expect to pay around things - there’s easy access
the scale for a room in a $150-180 per week for a to lots of shops along
sharehouse. room in a share house. Sydney Road. There’s plenty
of parks around, and a few
CARLTON DANDENONG old fashioned milk bars too.
Great brunch places and You’ll find Dandenong in
an easy stroll to the CBD the south eastern suburbs. FOOTSCRAY
and RMIT city campus. Rents are reasonable, but Not as cheap as it once was,
Transport options include a what’s most notable about but still has some good
well serviced tram network, the area is the food - if places at pretty low-ish
along with lots of bike you want middle eastern, rents. Footscray offers
20easy access to the city on Victoria Street. Swan Street
the Sunbury Train Line and
MILL PARK and Bridge Road have even
multiple buses. There’s lots Situated close to RMIT more going, on with cafes,
of shopping centres close Bundoora campus, Mill
shopping and cool bars.
Park is beautiful, peaceful
by, and Footscray market Expect to pay anywhere
and leafy. Houses here are
has some of the best food upwards of $200 per week
generally quite spacious,
bargains around. You’ll for a room in a sharehouse.
so if you want a garden,
be in ethnic food heaven
it might be a good choice
– affordable Vietnamese,
for you. Different types THORNBURY
Indian and African of cuisines, bars, gaming Lesser known but
options are all really well zones, medical centres, effortlessly cool, Thornbury
represented here. There is shopping centres, gyms is like Northcote’s quirky
a slowly blossoming hipster are all available easily. older sister. Sitting further
scene, too. When compared to city north on the 86 tramline,
life, its vastly different, but
the suburb is a bit grungier
KENSINGTON it’s great for the quiet life.
and less gentrified, popular
A stone’s throw away from There is a single tram (route
with students (and old,
the CBD, Kensington is a 86) to get to the RMIT city
campus. Rents are in and Italian Nonnas!). Psarakos
quiet and leafy suburb. RMIT supermarket is a haven for
is only a couple of stops around the range of $150 -
$200 per week. cheap fruit & vegetables,
away from Kensington or and you can get your health
South Kensington station
food fix at Naturally on
on the train, and cycling NORTHCOTE
High. Another gem of the
is a breeze. It’s a good High St in Northcote is
‘burb is Lentil As Anything,
suburb for those who prefer home to countless bars,
a volunteer-run ‘pay as you
a quieter lifestyle, with cafes, a great live music
scene, along with unique feel’ vegan cafe (volunteer
plenty of parks and cafes.
clothing and design stores. there - it’s a blast). Rent in
Check out neighbouring
Despite it’s proximity to the Thornbury is often around
Newmarket for shopping
city, there’s a small-town $150 or so a week.
and cheap, ethnic eats.
Expect to pay around $200- vibe to Northcote, and it’s
250 a week for a sharehouse popular with young artists PARKVILLE
room. and musicians. The Yarra Aim for the quieter side,
Bend Park and Merri Creek near Flemington Bridge
Trail are a short distance
MELBOURNE CBD away, when you need some
station near the Royal Park.
The best thing about living It’s relatively peaceful, with
time in nature to unwind
in Melbourne CBD is that several parks, and while
and relax. Weekly rent in a
almost everything is within sharehouse often starts at it’s not too far from the
walking distance. There are around $180-200 per week. city, it has all the benefits
various types of cuisine, of living in a beautiful
suburb. Parkville is better
many at low prices, and Vic RICHMOND
Market is a stone's throw by bike - the connectivity
Richmond is just a couple of
away for fresh and healthy by train and trams is patchy
kms to the city centre, and
groceries. You are central and can be infrequent at
easily accessible by tram,
to all trams and trains too. train or bike. With plenty of non-peak hours of the day.
You can’t beat the city life hipster joints, and a huge There are loads of great
for buzz and energy. The variety of Asian restaurants, (and cheap!) ethnic eateries
downside of living in the it’s is a great place to as you venture towards
city is definitely the rent, hangout. Cheap groceries Newmarket train station.
and you can expect to pay are widely available, $180-200 per week is the
quite a bit for a reasonable especially if you choose normal starting price for a
sized apartment. the ethnic retailers around room in a houseshare.
21Round And Round
Public Transport Travelling By Car
Melbourne has an extensive public transport Travelling by car and parking in the CBD can be very
network, consisting of trains, buses, and our world difficult and expensive. Use public transport for city
famous trams. Most suburbs are serviced by one journeys where possible. Brunswick campus offers
or more forms of transport, but you may need to free parking, but be aware that Sydney Road is highly
experiment to find the fastest way to get to RMIT. congested, which may affect travel times. Bundoora
Often times, tram services are slower than trains, as campus has paid parking. Permits are available, or
they tend to have more stops, but they’re great for casual parking costs $6 per day. Several car share
travelling short distances. schemes operate around Melbourne and the suburbs
for those that may only need a car occasionally.
Myki Card
Myki card is now the only payment option for Bike Riding*
public transport travel in Melbourne. Users are Get fit, spend less and reduce your carbon footprint.
required to purchase a card, which they then top-up Free and secure bike parking is available on campus.
as necessary, with both regular debit and ad-hoc Some parking locations have facilities such as showers
payment options available. Users are required to and changing rooms. For closed facilities, swipe access
touch their card to a card reader when using public may need to be granted through RMIT Security. For
transport. Transit Police Officers patrol the network, more information, search RMIT Ride to Uni. No
and can be very strict, so ensure your card is always bike? No worries. Look out for the Melbourne bike
topped up! Depending on your study load, you may share scheme, where you can hire bikes cheaply from
be eligible for a transport discount. Check your docking stations located around the city centre.
status on myRMIT, and apply if you can.
*When riding a bike in Victoria, you are required
The Free Tram Zone by law to wear a helmet, and you must ride on
the road or in a designated bike lane. Riding on
The Free Tram Zone in Melbourne’s CBD makes it
footpaths is prohibited. Penalties apply.
easier to move around the city. All stops within the
Melbourne Surrounds
zone are clearly marked, and tram drivers will make
regular announcements when approaching the zone
boundaries. Zone boundaries are signed, and free RMIT Trips & Tours offers students discounted trips
tram zone maps are displayed across the network. If and tours, allowing them to see more of Melbourne
your tram journey is only within the free tram zone, for less.Visit top Melbourne tourist spots or get
travel is free, so you do not need to touch on with a back to nature in country Victoria. Search RMIT
Myki. For further information on public transport in Trips, visit rmitlink.rmit.edu.au or connect on
Victoria, visit ptv.vic.gov.au Facebook facebook.com/RMITTrips
22SUSTAINABILITY AND
THE CITY
By Emily Cork
3. Forget fast fashion
Did you know that fashion is second only to
oil as the world’s largest polluter!? The industry
is responsible for millions of tonnes of waste,
CO2 emissions and worker exploitation.The
Believe it or not, you can be kind to the Earth good news is that it’s so easy to avoid. Skip your
without making life difficult. Here’s five hot next Melbourne Central shopping spree and
tips for a cooler planet. hit up an op shop instead – you’ll find unique
pieces that won’t harm the planet.You can also
1. Be part of the solution… join the save coin by mending your own clothes, or by
revolution! hosting clothes swaps with your friends!
While individual action is ultra important,
the best thing you can do for our planet is 4. Revamp your grocery list
speak up and start campaigning for a greener Eating sustainably doesn’t have to break the
future. Head to the next #ClimateStrike, bank. Nearly a quarter of all greenhouse gases
start volunteering with a climate organisation, come from animal agriculture, so cutting down
or join the environment groups on campus. on your meat consumption is a great way to
Activism is also a fantastic way to meet like- start. Cooking large meals at home to bring
minded people and make new friends, while for lunch also saves you having to buy plastic-
fighting for a greener world! wrapped snacks at uni.
2. BYO keep cup and drink bottle 5. Compost (feed the worms!)
We all know that caffeine and H20 are essential, Want to go a step further than recycling?
but it’s time to cut ties with single use cups Start composting! When your banana peels
and bottles. The disposable coffee cups you and other food scraps end up in landfill, they
use today will exist in landfill until 2050. And as actually produce greenhouse gases (because
for plastic bottles? They won’t break down for they can’t break down properly) and contribute
approximately 450 years! Check out KeepCup, to global warming. Composting stops this from
Frank Green and JOCO for sustainable coffee happening – and instead allows food waste
cups (…or if you’re on a budget, old glass jars to break down into a rich soil, which recycles
with a lid can work just as nicely). essential nutrients back into the earth.
23SHOPPING ON A SHOESTRING
Let’s face it... living in Melbourne is expensive. And while we’re lucky
that we live one of the world’s most amazing cities, times can get
tough real quick if you’re surviving on a shoestring. But fear not,
by following our top tips below, you’ll be able to live like a King (or
Queen!) without breaking the bank.
MARKETS
usually well below
SUPERMARKETS fresh food that is
Markets offer great the Cit y, Vic Ma rket has great
. In
Definitely convenient but they aren’t always supermarket prices sh me at, sea foo d and fruit &
for fre
the cheapest. It’s a great idea to hunt down prices and quality li hal l, as it’s pri cey. Suburban
the de
veg. Maybe avoid ndenong,
food near closing time, when items near you even more - Da
the use by date will be sold off cheap. The markets will save all offer exc elle nt choices. For all
ston
bigger the store, the better the price, so if Footscray and Pre s bar gai ns to be had if you go
bonu
you’re in the CBD, avoid ‘metro’ style stores markets, there are lde rs do n’t wa nt to save goods
stallho
at closing time, as
in favour of the bigger shops (like Woolies they can sell today.
QV). Aldi can’t be beat for cheap staples, but
in for tomorrow that
their product range is limited (but if you love
cheese & chocolate, go wild!). FREE FOOD EVENTS
If you missed breakfast, or can’t afford lunch,
FOOD CO-OPS RUSU operates FREE food events on campus each
and every week. Whether it’s a healthy breakfast
If you have the tim of fruit and a muffin, or a yummy lunchtime
e
a number of so-ca to shop around, there are sausage or vegeburger, we have you covered.
lle
could save you an d ‘Community Grocers’ that In 2019, we served over 70,000 breakfasts and
absolute fortun
a huge range of e. Providing 55,000 lunches to starving students - all for
culturally divers
prices are often e foo
up to 60% cheape d options, FREE! But we couldn’t do this without your help
supermarkets. Vis r than - consider joining RUSU for only $10 per year
it
com.au for more thecommunitygrocer. to help us feed you! Visit rusu.rmit.edu.au/
information on
community servi this excellent freeweeklyevents to find out when and where
ce.
you can score a free meal.
FOOD WELFARE
If you’re on campus, and struggling BEYOND M EDIBLE GARD
to afford something to eat, RUSU GORENG EE ENS
Have most of wh
operates a Food Bank cupboard Look out for RU at you
need for dinner
system, with snacks and other easy own cookbook!
SU’s very tonight, but
want some free,
to prepare food available. You can on fresh, healthy
We focus fresh herbs
and veges to sp
help yourself to food from our and help you to
food, ice up your
palette and impro
cupboard, but bear in mind it’s a wise choices on
make ve your
nutrition? RUSU
short term fix. Please note that the grocery budget.
a very low comes to
the rescue again
RUSU food banks are not designed from RUSU front
Available , with our
edible gardens.
to be a permanent option - if you counters, and be Situated on
the City (Alumni
need longer term food aid, speak of all, it’s free!
st Courtyard)
and Bundoora ca
to one of our Compass volunteers, mp
you are free to he uses,
who will be able to put you in touch lp yourself
to anything you
with more relevant community need to
improve your din
food resources (see page 26 for ner. Enjoy
seasonal and me
all the amazing services that RUSU ga-fresh
food, completely
Compass offers). free. We
encourage you
to take only
what you need,
so that the
gardens are acce
ssible to all.You can also read
