Rabelais 2016 STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

Student Survival Guide

Illustration by Nour Lababidi

Student Survival Guide /

Welcome to your new Student Union - Unite Hey there! Welcome to La Trobe!

Whether your fresh out of high school, joining us from another university or back to study a little later on in your life, we welcome you all with open arms and happy smiles.

La Trobe was definitely a great choice, aside from the great education you’ll be receiving with your degree; you can expect a great social environment especially if you make an effort to partake in Student Union activities and join the clubs and societies. You can also expect to see random ducks waddling around the university, great afternoons basking in the sun somewhere near the moat and absolutely AMAZING coffees (which is a must).

The best thing about La Trobe is the amazing atmosphere in the Agora, so make sure you take some time out of your day to just breathe, chill and relax in the Ag! (it is also really useful when you get lost on campus! Just find your way back to the Ag and you’ll be totally fine).

This guide was put together for you by the welfare and education officers at the student union to simply make your new beginning just that much easier (yes we are amazing like that). You’ll find a little history, tips and just some sneaky tricks to help you get by as a J.A.F.F.Y. We simply want you to have the best possible experience you can have at La Trobe so if you ever need anything please feel free to contact us!

Hey there! Welcome BACK to La Trobe!

Welcome back beloved loyal La trobians! Congratulations, you survived your first, or second or maybe even FOURTH year going to your fifth (hats off to you for your dedication so far)!

We sincerely hope your break was everything you wanted and more. However now it’s time to dust yourself off, get out of bed, find your student card, work out what subjects your doing this semester

and just jump straight back into your university life.

You might be reading this just for the sake of it with the thought that there’s nothing in here that could possibly be useful to you, you’ve already read/heard it all, but rest assured we have made sure there is something in here for EVERYONE… including YOU. We have new tips and tricks to make your uni life a little bit more smooth, we are an entire new team and we aim to bring a fresh take on things, so take a moment and check out what we have put together for you.

LTSU membership Are you interested in having fun, making friends and food? Well for just 40 dollars a year you will get access to the amazing benefits that an LTSU membership offers. Get ready for a year of discounts, benefits, food and much more!!! More info can be found on discounts available on and off campus through the LTSU Website and Facebook page.

In addition to fun activities and food, LTSU is your peak student representative body and provides services such as Student Advocacy and Legal Support. So whether your interested in a particular area or just want to join for the benefits, the Union is your gateway to fun and excitement on campus.

Want to get involved? Get in touch with us via email, pop by the office in Upper Agora West or by joining the Welfare Collective. For updates, events, discounts please give us a like on Facebook, follow us on Instagram or download the LTSU app, Latrobe Live.

Goodluck in 2016, May the odds be in your favour!

JOIN YOUR STUDENT UNION

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THE ONLINE SYSTEM

HOW TO LOGIN TO LMS

HOW TO SELECT YOUR CLASSES

Step 1: Get a computer and click on the internet

Step 1: Google search ‘La Trobe Allocate +’

Step 2: Google search ‘La Trobe LMS’

Step 2: Click the first link.

Step 3: Click on first link.

Step 4: Click on ‘Log in to the LMS’ Step 5: Click ‘Log In’ Step 6: Your Username is your student number and your password is the one you created when you created your online account.

Step 7: Make sure ‘student’ is selected, then click log in

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Step 3: Click on ‘Go to Allocate+’ Step 4: Scroll down and select ‘Log in to Allocate Plus’ Step 5: Your Username is your student number and your password is the one you created when you created your online account.

Step 6: click log on.

Step 7: On the left hand side of your scree you should have a list with all of your subjects. Now Green means you’ve been put in a class, Orange means your class selection is pending approval (it will go green or red at a later date)

and Red means you have to select a class time.

Also: S1= Seminar | L1= Lecture | T1= Tutorial Step 8: Now click on the little orange arrows Step 9: In the centre of the page there should now be a timetable.

Under the ‘Preference’ section, select a number (1 being you want that lecture, seminar or tutorial the most) and preference your way down. Usually you’ll only need to do 3 or for preferences.

Step 10: Click save. The little icon on the left hand side of the page should go orange (its pending approval).

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LA TROBE O-WEEK BUCKET LIST: Join the La Trobe Student Union (LTSU).

Take a photo with a duck.

Take a selfie with an LTSU Student Rep (we’re in the purple t-shirts) and post it to Instagram with the hashtag #LaTrobeOWeek.

Get a free breakfast on Wednesday provided by the LTSU. Get on a FREE La Trobe Library Tour.

Come to the awesome O-Week Party on Thursday Night.

Make at least 3 new BFF’s in your course.

Eat Donuts on the Thursday Markets.

Go to Clubs and Societies Day and join at least 2 different clubs.

Go to Sports day and join a Sports Club (or if you’re not into sports, chill and listen to the good tunes).

Have some of the best coffee ever at Velocies.

Visit the second hand book shop.

Post a drunk selfie on the La Trobe Stalkerspace Facebook Page with the Hashtag #LaTrobeOWeek.

Go up to one LTSU Student Rep and tell them they’re super good looking (or tell them your ideas for what you’d like to see on campus, either is fine).

Sit in the agora and listen to the awesome tunes.

HAVE FUN AND GET INVOLVED!

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SEX

Check yourself.. before you wreck yourself: Sex is fun. A sexually transmitted infection is not.

Remember to have regular STI check-ups as many of these illnesses will not show obvious symptoms. Quite a few STIs can be treated with a simple course of antibiotics if caught quickly enough.

HIV: Do not be silly! Wrap that willy!

Safe sex: In order to remain not-pregnant, use either condoms or contraceptive pills. In order to stay STI-free, wrap up mate.

Free condoms are available from the queer lounge, women’s lounge and welfare office. You can also visit off campus locations like headspace or Melbourne Sexual Health centre.

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Pap smears: Are you: 1) Sexually active 2) Rocking a cervix 3) Over 18 Yes? Well then you need a pap smear test every two years!

A pap smear test is used to pick up cervical cancer. You can visit you local GP to get wtested.

Got consent?

Consent is vital.

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Cash/Moolah/Dough

Youth allowance There are benefits that you may be allegeable for through centre link. These are some of the different conditions: • Unable to live at home • Have parents who cannot exercise their responsibilities • Are aged 22 or more and a full-time student or Australian apprentice • Have, or have had a dependent child • Have supported yourself through employment • Are, or have been legally married or in a registered relationship • Are living in a de facto relationship with another person as a member of a couple for at least 12 months • Are a refugee without parents who are living in Australia • Are an orphan who has not been legally adopted.

• Are in state care.

For more information visit: humanservices.gov.au/ corporate/publications-and-resources/a-guide-to-australiangovernment-payments

Banking The best way to save money is to open a bank account with two accounts. One in which you’re able to access your money and the other is a hidden savings account.

La Trobe university is home to the Commonwealth bank as well as Westpac – both which offer student specific services.

Costs at university There are loans available to students. These help with fees, books, equipment and so much more. To see if you’re allegeable for any of this visit the administration office or the Student Financial Services Office.

Email: finaid@latrobe.edu.au Phone: (03) 5444 7500 Website: Latrobe.edu.au/ students/fees/assistance/loans To see a range of scholarships you may qualify for Visit: Latrobe.edu.au/scholarships Tax You MUST have a tax file number or else you may be taxed nearly half of your earnings.

Apply: www.ato.gov.au

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Universal university Mythbusters The facts of University MYTH: You will fail your subjects if you don’t buy all prescribed textbooks.

This is definitely a MYTH! Textbooks are outrageously expensive and it’s quite ridiculous to expect students to always buy ALL the prescribed books that are listed. Many subjects only end up using very few pages of the book throughout the semester; so our suggestion would be to wait until your first tutorial and personally ask your tutor if you REALLY need the textbooks. If you find you only need to use the textbook once every few weeks you can always borrow it from the library, or alternatively buy it at the LTSU Second hand Bookstore.

MYTH: I can get away with plagiarised work, no one will really check.

Beware! It can be really easy to believe this myth even though deep down somewhere in your logical brain you know it’s wrong and you will get caught. The University is actually really strict when it comes to plagiarism, there are many policies in place to ensure students submit their original work. You will find most subjects now use a program called Turnitin, which will easily pick up any copied work as it cross checks your work with a huge database full of past students work, websites, journals and books.

MYTH: Once you’re in a course or Subject there’s no turning back.

Luckily for us, this isn’t true. You actually have until the census date to pick and choose between your subjects. You can even transfer into another course if you find that you may have made the wrong choice. Even if after semester one you realise that perhaps your course isn’t the right one for you, you can still transfer and maybe even get to carry some of your credit points into your new course. Set up a meeting with your faculty or go to ASK La Trobe in the library to see how this can be done.

MYTH: It is up to the lecturer/tutor if they want to give you feedback on an assignment or not.

LIES! It is your right as a student to get as much feedback as you feel is necessary to ensure that you understand where you went wrong on an assessment. Whether you failed or achieved an excellent 95% and simply just want to know where the rest of the 5% went. Just speak to the lecturer/ tutor, try and set up a time to sit with them and have a chat about it if necessary.

MYTH: Your Mark is final, NO ARGUMENT. If you feel your mark wasn’t fair, by all means fight for what you believe is right! It’s actually really simple - you can challenge your grade and have it remarked. The La Trobe Student Union Advocacy team can help you with the process, just go to www.latrobesu.org.au/advocacy

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La Trobe University: A Historical recap The Bendigo, Melbourne CBD and Wodonga Campus’ affiliate with La Trobe University

1991

La Trobe’s Law school was established. Previously, it was La Trobe’s Legal Studies department but was formed and officially recognised as a Law School. Students enrol with great eagerness.

The La Trobe Student Union forms and implements many services. One in particular is Student Spaces. This included the Eagle bar and recreation, dining and study areas.

1974

1995

La Trobe becomes one of 36 universities across Australia to be a part of the Elite Athlete Friendly University Network.

It was established to identify, promote and support the specific needs of university students who participate in sport at an elite level.

La Trobe’s second Mildura City campus opened in the old Mildura Cultivator offices.

2004

2006

2011

1967

Rabelais write an article on “How to Shoplift”. This landed The Editors of Rabelais in a Federal Court case after the Office of Film and Literature Classifications ruled that it “promotes, incites and instructs in the matters of crime.” This is taught as a case study at RMIT.

1992

The SRC becomes an independent Union officially naming itself the La Trobe Student Union (LTSU).

La Trobe was created and enrolled 557 students to become the third University open in Victoria. La Trobe was named after Charles Joseph La Trobe, a man renowned for his love of ducks and for his passion to help the communities he was involved in. The first publication of Rabelais is released.

The Vice Chancellor flees from the Student Union because some outraged students are protesting aggressively. VC John Dewar is forced to make an impromptu exit via that La Trobe Underground Tunnel System. This event made national news.

2012

The University tried to move to a 12 week semester, however, the Student Representative Council (SRC) ran a successful campaign against the changes.

2009

The LTSU made it clear to the Government that they did not support Fee Deregulation. This was a long winded campaign, which eventually helped tell the government to scrap fee deregulation plans. Students are satisfied to have cheap, accessible education under a HECS system.

2015

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HELP The La Trobe Student Union offers a Student Advocacy service which assists students with a range of academic, administrative and welfare related issues. It’s available to all La Trobe Students and is 100% free. Score!

The different types of Student Advocacy are as follows: • Legal Service Deals with any sort of legal issue you may have. Doesn’t matter what it is, make sure you contact the team here:  ltsu_legalservice@latrobe.edu.au  9479 2314 • Advocacy Anytime you need someone to speak on behalf of you to the University doesn’t matter what it is, make sure you contact the team here:  ltsu_advocacy@latrobe.edu.au  9479 2314 • Financial Support If you’re ever in a sticky situation, make sure you contact these guys. Weather it’s in need of emergency housing/loans, or just need some tips on how to save while at Uni, contact the team here:  ltsu_financialsupport.latrobe.edu.au  9479 2314 If you want any other advice call, or walk into see the friendly Staff or Student Reps at the LTSU Reception.

La Trobe Student Union (LTSU) Upper West Agora (Lvl 2), Call: 9474 2314 Email: ltsu_advocacy@latrobe.edu.au

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Illustration by Nour Lababidi

Photography by Vraj Shah

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Concession Fares If you have a Health Care Card you are entitled to half price travel on all transport throughout Victoria.

If you don’t have a Health Care Card you can apply for Public Transport Concession Card. You must be a full time domestic student (3+ subjects) to be eligible. Forms are available online or at Ask La Trobe reception. Bring it to campus to get it stamped at Ask Latrobe and take it down to your local Premium Station. You will require 2 passport photos and $9 for payment. Check out the PTV site for more info: http://ptv.vic.gov.au/tickets/concessions/students/ From Campus to the City If you’re heading to and from the city the 86 tram or the 350 and 250 bus routes are the most direct.

Trains also run from Reservoir and Macleod station into the city.

The 561 Bus will get you to these stations within 10 minutes.

Buses Servicing La Trobe University 246: Elsternwick to La Trobe University 250: Garden City to La Trobe University 350: City to La Trobe University 548: Kew to La Trobe University 550: Northland Shopping Centre to La Trobe 551: Heidelberg to La Trobe University 561: Coburg to Macleod (via La Trobe University 566: Northland Shopping Centre to Lalor 958 Nightrider: City to Eltham Campus Glider Bus La Trobe is a huge campus! Not to worry as there is an on campus glider service, which operates in a loop around the university, running from 8.30am-9.30pm Monday-Friday. Services come every 20 minutes. The night service runs from MondaySunday from 9.30pm till 2am. It is a request based service stopping at designated stops only. Contact +61 3 9479 2012 after 9.30pm to request a pick up.

More info and stop locations can be found at: http://www.latrobe. edu.au/transport-central/on-campus-bus-services-melbourne

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Myki You can top up your Myki at: • Train Stations • 7/11 Outlets • Online • LTSU Reception • Via the Bus Driver • David Meyers East Bus Stop • Australia Post on campus International Student Discounts The iUSEpass allows international students who are enrolled full time to purchase a half-price annual myki ticket for the zone/s they study in. You must be enrolled in an undergraduate course (Bachelor Degree or Associated Diploma) or a higher VET course (Advanced Diploma or Diploma) Parking If public transport isn’t your thing or if you live faraway there is ample car parking on campus. Currently La Trobe is implementing a new system of permits and payment. La Trobe’s virtual permit sytem allows staff and students to apply, manage and pay for their parking permit online.Disability access is also available. Please check out the La Trobe Mobility map at: Latrobe.edu.au/security/parking/disabled Cycling Bike racks are located across campus. However for added security theres the CycleSmart Centre located at the eastern end of the Humanities Building near ELT. It has swipe access, lockers for hire, showers, toilets and change facilities There are multitudes of lockers located throughout campus. LTSU Members will get a discount!

All enquiries regarding Cycling, storage and lockers should be made to the LTSU Reception located at Upper Agora West (level 2), phone (+61 3 9479 2314) or through email: ltsu.reception@ latrobe.edu.au.

Free Bikers Brekkie: On the third Tuesday of every month a free breakfast for cyclists is offered at Lifeskills Café. Bring your helmet for free breakfast and a coffee!

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Health Care Mental health: Whilst it may look like everyone has his or her life together on the outside, everybody can acknowledge that it’s a hard life living the independent life. Work, study, more work and maintaining what little there is of a social life. It is not easy. It’s perfectly ok to feel isolated, alone, and anxious and even fall behind in class. Always understand however that you are not alone. La Trobe is here for you.

LA TROBE UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING: (03) 9479 2956 or email counselling@latrobe.edu.au.

After university hours call any of these services: - Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 - Lifeline: 13 11 14 - Suicide helpline 1300 651 251 Medicare cards and bulk billing: Every permanent resident is eligible to receive a Medicare card. If your parents have one, you can apply to share their card or receive a copy of their card. From the age of 15 however you can apply for your own card. For more information on applying and utilising the card visit: humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/medicare/medicare-card This same card will allow you to access the bulk billing system.

Through this system you receive free medical treatment from doctors

who bulk bill. This essentially means the doctor cannot charge you any extra fees. If you need to seek more medical attention such as scans or x-rays remember to ask if they bulk bill.

Health care cards: You can apply for a Health Care card if you are a full-time or part-time student earning under a threshold or are a recipient of certain centre link payments. Having a Health care card is very beneficial as it gives you concession prices on health-care costs such as prescription medicine and some medical services. A concession card can further more be used for public transport and some entertainment.

For more information visit humanservices.gov.au Emergency: In case of emergency, please call 000. You will be able to access the fire service, police and ambulance.

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Control Your Stress Chronic stress may make it harder for you to learn and remember things.

Get your stress under control.

W

hen it comes to higher education things can get quite hectic during the year; between attending classes, doing your readings, taking shifts at work and most importantly keeping up your social life, things just get overwhelming. However it is important to just BREATHE and keep things in perspective, here are some tips to help you avoid turning into a complete stress head.

Budget Between books, lunch, rent, and just life in general it’s hard to keep up as a university student, things don’t have to be so tough though, you can save little bits here and there from the very beginning of the semester so you can afford to take time off during exam time as opposed to taking extra shifts. Simple little things like buying books second hand from the LTSU Second-Hand Bookshop which sells at 60% of the full RRP. You can save even more if you are an LTSU member with an extra 10% discount.

Being an LTSU member helps you save all over the university, with discounts on coffees and even meals!

Assignments Let’s face it, assignments are a pain but there is no way of escaping them… unfortunately… However, usually assignments are a lot easier than we think, our subject coordinators and tutors can generally be very helpful if we simply ask! Give yourself time to complete the assignments.

50% procastinating, 40% freaking out and only 10% of actual work.

Use the facilities provided by the university to help you excel academically, the library has people that hang around simply to help you with your assignments! Seek them out! They truly are wizards at what they do. Attend the seminars your lecturer organises for you, don’t be lazy!

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The seminars usually cover everything from choosing a topic to referencing, they really are useful and not a waste of your time.

Exams Ahh… the horrid reality of exams, they seem to creep up on you and you realise you’ve missed the last 10 lectures and have absolutely no clue what the subject is about anymore! Now before you completely lose it, remember, stress is not going to get that info into your brain. Make a plan, stick to it, remember to take breaks… there’s always interesting activities happening in the Ag by the different clubs and societies so you’ll always find something to get your mind off things for 20 minutes. Join a study group and just simply do your best!

Special Consideration The University doesn’t expect you to be superman/ woman… if you happen to face exceptional circumstances that severely impact your performance on an assessment task, just apply for special consideration. As long as you follow all the guidelines, your subject coordinator will find a way to help you get through the subject. Just remember, there are so many people here to help you and so many facilities. Uni life, although stressful at times, can be a lot of fun! Just remember to keep it all balanced and under control.

Exercise and meditation: Involves breathing deeply and being aware and focused on your surroundings. Decrease your stress. Get in control of your stress.

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How to be a functioning A c h i c l o l Jake Cripps

1: Plan to leave at 11

Okay, so I know this sounds strange because the party literally starts at 11pm. However, all good functioning alcoholics know that time is not their friend and they often lose track of it. Now, logic would say that if you plan to leave early, then you will leave early. So, the logic of a functioning alcoholic is “if I leave early I won’t be eating Hucci’s at 4am when I have an assignment due in tomorrow.”

2: Water is bae Contrary to popular belief, there is actually no scientific evidence that suggests that water sobers you up. However, there is a decent amount of evidence that it helps you the next day. I always got told to do the one-for-one trick (one water for every one bev), but I know that is just absurd because I am no way near responsible enough for that.

However, I have learnt that you can catch up on that water later. All you need is to have a pre-chilled bottle of water hanging out in your fridge. Sip the water while you spoon it as you slowly fall into your drunken slumber. You’ll thank me.

3: Get shit done before you go out Obviously, right? Plan to do all of your assignments 2 days before you head out. Once again, all good functioning alcoholics know that time is not their friend. This way, you’ll get your assignments done the day of going out. Win, win.

4: Look after your fellow functioning alcoholics Comrades are your only hope. They’ll put you to bed when you’ve had one too many, they buy you late-night Maccas and, if they’re nice enough, they may even get your spooning bottle from the fridge.

However, be prepared to take care of your mates when you’re out.

There are many dangers in going out, but if you stick together you’ll be safe AND have a sick time. *shakra* 5: Stay healthy Okay, so you can totally get away with living off of Maccas and Mi Goreng, I get it. However, make sure you look after you. That means, say no to going out some times, eating an apple instead of 4 cheese burgers and 10 chicken McNugs and, as much as we dislike it, knowing when to put down the drink. Be responsible. It’s okay to have a bit of fun, but don’t have too much fun. Moderation is key in mastering functioning alcoholism.

So there you have it. How to be a functioning alcoholic brought to you by the education team in the Student Union. Have fun, be safe and please, please go to your classes. So before I go; don’t be a nerd—get involved. But don’t be an idiot— have some responsibility.

PEACE OUT *shakra*

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Food at La Trobe Microwaves If you want to save money and eat healthy, a great idea is to bring lunch to Uni. You’re probably thinking well I can’t bring anything warm. Well don’t fret as LTSU is here to the rescue. Microwaves are available in the Student Lounge in front on Upper Agora West next to Grain Express. The LTSU Student Lounge is open Monday to Friday from 8am – 11pm and on weekends from 8.30am -8.30pm.

Microwaves can also be accessed in the Union Building (ground floor) and in the Mature Aged Student Organisation (MASO) Lounge.

Markets -

Queen Victoria Market Preston Market Footscray Market Bundoora Farmer’s Market

Shopping The closest shopping centre is Polaris Shopping Centre, which is located at 1056 Plenty Road Bundoora. There are a variety of food related outlets with a Woolworths being present. Or if you want a really cheap option it’s a great idea to check out Aldi with the closest outlet being in 584-604 Grimshaw Street Bundoora just up the road from uni.

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As a member of LTSU you are entitled to 5% discount off Woolworths and Coles Gift Cards. These can be purchased at the LTSU Reception at Upper Agora West level 2.

LTSU BBQ: La Grill Every Tuesday during semester the Student Union will hold a BBQ in the Agora. The BBQ is free to all members and $2 for future members. Each week we will have an assortment of student performers and DJs coming in as well.

The Breakfast Club FREE WEEKLY BREAKFAST. YAY! The Student Union offers a weekly breakfast open to all students every Monday during the semester from 8am in the Agora. Come for the tea, coffee, toast, cereal and much more!

Welfare Collective The Welfare Collective is open to all and is a great way to meet new people and like minded individuals who volunteer their time to help the wider uni community. Regular meetings and signups begin in semester one. If you want to donate food or want to get involved shoot us an email: ltsu_welfare@latrobe.edu.au The Agora is where it’s at when it comes to food at Bundoora. Whether it’s Asian cuisine you’re after, a parma or just a coffee you won’t be disappointed. Joining as a member of LTSU will unlock many discounts at these outlets.

Illustration by Nour Lababidi

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Housing Colleges Living on campus has a lot of benefits. It is close to class so you never have to worry about transport or sleeping in for that extra hour.

At La Trobe University you will also be close to Polaris, which is the shopping complex behind the colleges. Different colleges offer different services and it is a good idea to get to learn more about them. They may be mostly small, but they are furnished and available to full time students.

Share houses This is a great was to save money and also meet life long friends.

However, you HAVE to be careful what you sign up for.

• Know your lease. There are two types – fixed term lease and periodic lease. If it is a fixed term lease, that means if it says 1 year or ever 2 years, that is the length you shall stay there for.

However a periodic lease is month by month. It definitely has more freedom as you can move at will but it is risky as you are guaranteed accommodation for a month.

• If a lease needs to be broken that is fair, but be careful as you could lose your bond. Make sure proper notice is given and no agreements are broken.

• If there is any damage in the property upon moving that you notice make sure the agency is well informed (in writing and with visual images). Making such a report can save your bond from being taken away for an issue that was not your fault.

• Remember, is anything breaks during your lease, do NOT endeavour to fix it yourself, contact the agent.

Crisis housing For help with emergency housing, call the St Kilda crisis contact Centre, between 10am and midnight daily.

Phone: (03) 9536 7777 Rent assist

It’s very difficult to afford living out of home and juggling university, a social life and trying to keep yourself alive. Rent assist can definitely help you.

For more information visit: humanservices.gov.au/corporate/ publications-and-resources/a-guide-to-australian-governmentpayments The Education Network WHAT? The Education Network is a body of student representatives who tackle issues related to your education experience at la Trobe. It is the body where students share their skills, thoughts and opinions regarding education and relay any issues to the university.

WHO? ED NET is made up of STUDENT reps from: Faculty societies Student representatives (this could be YOU) Elected representatives from the Student Union WHY? Students that are interested in representation and leadership are strongly encouraged to apply for the ED NET. You will have the opportunity to represent the student voice on various committees and boards with La Trobe University’s management, or you can get involved in organising events/activities/programs to get the rest of the student body involved within the education field.

WHEN? The Education Network meets approximately once a month with a few variation throughout the year depending on what’s going on that month!

HOW? How to get involved with the Education Network? It’s super simple, shoot us an email at ltsu_educationvp@latrobe.edu.au or give us a call on ph:94795752

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Illustration by Nour Lababidi

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Studying Studying: It is what we are all here to do, but for many the adjustment into university study patterns is difficult.

Basic tips to get started on studyng: * Plan ahead of time to make sure you have enough time to make notes and revise: Scheduling is the key to success! * Split study time into small sessions and try to set goals * If you need help ask your tutor or lecturer, pop in during their consultation times or make an appointment * Get a head start on that essay as soon as you get the required information Essay Writing Everyone will inevitably write an essay, but don’t fret as there is help available for the novices amongst us! Always start as soon as you can to avoid the pressure and stress as the due date approaches Referencing The time consuming and tedious side of essay writing is made easy through the Academic Referencing Tool found on the Latrobe Library Website: http://www.lib. latrobe.edu.au/referencing-tool/. Make sure you find out the style that your lecturer wants before you start your essay. Also a great tip to save time is to download the Endnote Program available from the Latrobe website: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/it/software/endnote.

Wi-Fi Wi-Fi is readily available throughout the campus.

Connect to LTUWireless2 through your username and password. Another alternative is eduroam, which allows you to connect at La Trobe and other universities Textbooks They’re the financial nightmare of most students.

Unless told otherwise you can hold off from buying any textbooks until the first tutorial to see if they will be used.

Some textbooks are only recommended not prescribed.

A great way to save on textbooks is through the LTSU Second hand Book Store. Books are sold at 60% of the RRP and members of the LTSU will get an additional 10% off. Once you’re done with textbooks a great way to get some money back is sell your used textbooks back to the LTSU with members getting a 50% commission once their book is sold.

www.latrobe.edu.au/special-consideration.

For more information and help concerning special consideration please go to the LTSU Advocacy web page: https://www.latrobesu.org.au/Common/ContentWM. aspx?CID=136 .

Do you have kids?

Don’t panic as La Trobe has a Community Children’s Centre day care program to look after your kids while you’re in class. More info on the service and fees can be found here: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/child.

Exams The most stressful time of semester for many…

Pre-Exams and During * Plan and schedule. * Keep yourself healthy through exercising and eating right! * You can’t power yourself through exams on Redbull and Mi Goreng alone! * Double-check you’re the Exam Timetable and look over the rules concerning allowed materials for your subject. * There’s no one defined way for study but make sure you take proper breaks and split it up into regular intervals per subject or through goal setting How to Book a Room in the Library The best way to study in peace and quiet on campus is through booking a room in the library. They’re a great for study groups and group assignments. Plan days ahead as these rooms go quick!

1. Go to http://www.latrobe.edu.au/library 2. On the left hand side click Facilities 3. Click Places to Study 4. Click Book a Room 5. Login with your username and password 6. Click on the room you want and choose the day and duration 7. Click I agree to the terms and conditions. You should receive a booking confirmation email.

Special Consideration If life has decided to throw you a curveball and your studies have suffered as a result always chat to your lecturer or tutor about your options. Sometimes they may move your exam to another time or give you an extension on an assignment.

However sometimes you are unable to negotiate options then you should apply for special consideration. La Trobe’s Special Consideration policy and the ground with which you may lodge an application can be found here: http://

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For Your Information

La Trobe Clubs and Societies The LTSU Clubs and Faculty Societies are a great way to get more involved whilst at La Trobe. With 83 (and counting!) different Clubs and Faculty Societies there will definitely be something that floats your boat! All of our Clubs are a great place to meet new and interesting people who are super keen and interested in what their club is all about.

University isn’t just a place to further your education, it’s also the place where you will make great friends for life and the Clubs and Faculty Societies is the place to do that. So whether you want to play Quidditch, discuss philosophy, start a band, learn about other cultures or get involved with social justice campaigns there will be a Club or Faculty Society for you!

MUST NEED APPS! Lost on campus: La Trobe is a VERY big university. Trust that! This app is best to help you navigate around campus. Most of all, its free!

To see a full and comprehensive list of all LTSU’s clubs head over to the Clubs and Faculty Societies website at www.latrobesu.org.au/clubs.

Centre link express plus: For those who need centre link, this app is the single best invention since the wheel. You can update details, report your income and so much more on the website.

International Students - Helpful Links Being in a foreign land can be a challenging experience but always know that help is available. Do not hesitate contacting the ISA team members or the LTSU for help and advice.

La Trobe International offers many services and information for international students. Please head to : Latrobe.edu.au/international Also subscribe to La Trobe Times, a regular electronic newsletter with information relevant to international students at Latrobe: http:// latrobetimes.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/category/subscribe/ Get updates from the ISA at www.latrobesu.org.au/isa, or join the Facebook group at: facebook.com/groups/latrobe.isa

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Assignment planner: Don’t trust loose-leaf paper with your assignment planning. This app helps you keep track of assignments and you will NEVER have overdue work again!

Tram tracker: The 86 Tram is your best way to get into the city. Knowing your timetable will prevent you from standing at the tram stop… like a loser!

Where to Enjoy: Who doesn’t love a good discount? This app provides LTSU members with access to HUNDREDS of discounts around Victoria.

Cheaper – groceries, fuel and entertainment.