Page 38 - JCH_2020_Fresher_Guide

RMIT & Monash by Martin Parkinson Navigating university
& Emily Mannix
By Shambhavi Mishra

I spent a lot of my first year of uni either lost, losing things, or just generally confused. Here are some
While most students at JCH will be attending Melbourne Uni, there are a few pursuing courses at RMIT or things I wish I had known before I started:
Monash Pharmaceutical Sciences. If you are one of these students, you will have the pleasure of straddling Co-Op
two worlds as you come to know both your own university and UniMelb. You might find it difficult at first to Stop 1 The Co-Op is your one stop shop for all your uni
discuss your course with other JCHers, especially with strange terms like ‘breadth subjects’ flying around, There are HEAPS of services available at Stop 1 supplies. It has lab coats, glasses, tutorial workbooks,
but you’ll eventually learn to speak the same language (just be ready for when people forget that you don’t whether you’re looking for course advice, planning textbooks, and stationery (and also a lot of branded
go to Melbourne). Everyone is so inclusive, so don’t be afraid of talking about your own uni experience with for exchange, or sorting out your timetable. You can merchandise). Do not buy textbooks because the
others. We both found studying at a different university to be a wholly positive experience, and it meant that ask questions online, have phone appointments or college library will have you sorted for that. Other than
we actually had a lot to discuss with our JCH friends. go in person. Make sure to look at the website first that, I’d check the “required materials” section for your
as many of these require a booking. It can get quite subject in the handbook and try and get there as soon
W-Week Location & travel hectic during the first few weeks of uni so try to go in as you can. It gets super crowded the first week or so
W-Week if possible. of uni.
During W-Week, it can be tricky trying to divide RMIT is closer to the heart of the city than
your time and energy between university and UniMelb, so you can walk to Melbourne Central Getting around campus Union house
JCH activities because both run fairly busy for a coffee or a catchup with ease. Consider You are going to hear a lot about an app called “Lost Union house has a whole lot going on. There are
orientation schedules. You won’t be able to getting a bike, if you don’t already have one. It On Campus” which helps you, well, not be lost on weekly meetings for collectives, like People of Colour
rely on (many) JCHers for RMIT tips, so your was probably one of my best investments, and campus. It can direct you to tute rooms, lecture or queer collectives, the Rowden library where you are
university’s orientation events are going to be will get you to uni in about 10 minutes from theatres, and show you where ATMs and kitchenettes FORBIDDEN from studying it’s for relaxing only, a food
more important to attend. They’ll be very helpful college. Otherwise, taking a Swanston St tram is are. If you’re just trying to get to a building, Google court, a Foodworks, and importantly a lost and found.
for finding your bearings! the way to go. Maps works well in a pinch. More importantly, I’d If you’re keen on any of the collectives, the union
definitely go on the campus tour in W- Week because house website has a whole bunch of information
College tutes Dates & classes there are heaps of shortcuts that will help you sleep in about meeting times and events.
and stress less.
As a student of a different university, JCH RMIT semester dates are different from the General university advice
tutorials won’t be catered directly to you. But UniMelb ones - you’ll laugh when you hear the Clubs Lectures start 5 minutes later than the noted start
don’t worry! Our tutors are very knowledgeable other JCHers complain about having a mid- There are a seemingly endless number of clubs at time and finish 5 minutes earlier!!! That’s a whole 5
and can most likely help you with your subjects. semester break in Week 9. For your subjects, unimelb and it can get overwhelming when you see minutes you can sleep in!!! If you’re in any really big
You may also find it useful to join a JCH tutorial, give notice to college as soon as you know all the stalls on club day. Honestly though, most clubs subjects though, like the first year Biomed ones, I’d
if your coursework overlaps with the UniMelb what they are, because it’s a lot more difficult have their own Facebook page where they say when get there a bit early in the first couple of weeks when
content. Otherwise, don’t be shy to reach out if to organise college tutorials for RMIT subjects. their first meeting is, so you can just show up and pay everyone is motivated enough to attend and there’s
you need some assistance. You can book in a I’d recommend you attend multiple tutorials for your fee then. If you want to go to club day for the limited seating. I would also recommend you GO to
one-on-one tutoring session through the study each subject during your first week, so that you atmosphere (and FREE STUFF) I’d take a look in the your lectures. It will hold you accountable for keeping
coordinator if need be. can decide where you want to be for the rest club booklet beforehand and prioritise which ones you up to date with the content and you can ask your
of the semester. I’d also suggest bundling your want to go for. The lines can be a killer. Clubs are a lecturer questions at the end. Additionally, remember
Food classes together during the day to minimise fantastic way to meet people in uni so I would highly that your tutors are there to help you and you can
travel between JCH and RMIT. recommend! ask them questions outside of tutes. If your assigned
If you’re going to miss lunch at college, there are tutor doesn’t have consultation hours, there will be a
a few cafes on the RMIT campus themselves Employment Libraries tutor on duty for your subject- check on the LMS to
where you can grab a bite to eat, plus, you’re The uni has nine libraries, each with its own vibe find out when and make use of it!
pretty much in the middle of the city, so there’s Make sure you join the JobShop for and unimelb love letter horror story. The Ballieu and
no shortage of restaurants within the few blocks employment opportunities! This is one of MSD are fairly close to college. Arts West also has Overall, keep in mind that while you’re at uni to study,
around the uni. Another alternative is to order a the reasons why RMIT stands out; it’s very study spaces on the upper floors. These libraries get this is also a time for you to figure out what you
packed lunch (or late dinner) through the JCH connected to your eventual industries. more and more crowded as the semester goes on like and to have fun. The first year of uni can seem
intranet. Lunches must be ordered prior to 8pm but luckily the uni’s got you covered! If you go to the daunting but if you’re organised and keep a good
the day before, and will be available for you to UniMelb library website, click on services, then “find study/life balance, you’ll have a blast as well.
take to classes in the morning in the common a study space”, it will show you the percentage of
room fridge. space free at each library. Each library should also
have a digital sign that shows you how much space is
available. This doesn’t tell you the available seats, just
space.
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