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 there!

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 ts en es r P U CONTENTS S U R Uni Life...... 7 Getting Started At RMIT �������������������������������������������������������������8 Important Dates ��������������������������������������������������������������������������0 Academic Matters ���������������������������������������������������������������������11 Culture At RMIT �������������������������������������������������������������������������12 The First Australians �����������������������������������������������������������������13 wELCOMEwELCOME Safety...... 14 My Life...... 15 BASH Starting Out In Melbourne �������������������������������������������������������16 Finding A Home �������������������������������������������������������������������������18 2020 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 th THURSDAY 5 march Social Life ����������������������������������������27 Making Friends �������������������������������������������������������������������������28 3:00pm ~ 8:00pm Volunteering...... 29 Fitness, Sport & Clubs ���������������������������������������������������������������30 Alumni Courtyard RMIT Media Collective ��������������������������������������������������������������32 City Life...... 33 FOR RUSU MEMBERS ONLY - JOIN NOW! Beaches and Markets ���������������������������������������������������������������34 Cheap Eats...... 35 Coffee...... 36 The Weekend...... 38

FOR STUDENTS. BY STUDENTS. Become a RUSU member now at rusu.rmit.edu.au/join rusu.rmit.edu.au | facebook: RUSUpage | instagram: rmit_rusu 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:

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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 part of it. There are numerous benefits, such How2RMIT 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 By Shana Schultz Get free stuff at Know your census Swot Vac Orientation! dat e 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 Join RUSU you can do this! Bonus 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 You’re not doing this on your own... Akshay Jose 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 be difficult to keep up with your coursework. As an RMIT University student you have 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 Remember, no one wants you to fail. There Academic progress is the way the University 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 [email protected] appeal an exclusion decision. Act quickly and be decisive to ensure a positive outcome.

11 R.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 established in 2018, with aims university setting in 2016 – a statistic that is wholly 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 Kinsgton you see something, say something, because we are lounge is a safe space for RMIT all in this together. students who identify as LGBTQIA+, queer or questioning. The queer lounges are open Monday Bringing in the Bystander 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: [email protected] 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

12 The 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 RMIT CREDS little more. Here’s some things to get you started. 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.

13 EXIT

Make it your mission to SAFETY 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 RMIT Security Melbourne is a pretty safe place to live, work 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.

14 It’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!

15 are 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 Employment new to Australia, A place to live will likely be 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 hours per week during the make sure you choose 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 to work, you need a tax file accommodation on page 18. 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 When you sign up for students at RMIT, and RUSU, below), as a great first services such as phone, step to develop your skills. are things they wish electricity, etc., most For further information on companies will encourage they had known when finding a job, see our guide you to pay by direct debit. on page 25. they first arrived here. What this means is that the 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 not compulsory – don’t feel apply for one straight away. here, you are an Australian pressured to use direct debit You will need to supply resident for tax purposes, if it doesn’t work for you. documentation such as 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.

16 language 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 Undergraduate Student RMIT. We make your time at Education pass (iUSEpass) Health Insurance uni even better through: It’s a requirement of your Myki card. The iUSEpass »» Weekly free food events can save you money even if Visa to have health insurance »» Volunteering you’re not in Melbourne all while you are studying here. opportunities year round - you only need Most healthcare providers 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 hospital cover. NOTE: Make International Students Myki to »» Fun events throughout sure ambulance is covered, or find out more, and check out the year our full guide to transport and you will have to take out extra »» Workshops and getting around on page 22. insurance to ensure your safety (see below). professional development Proof Of Age Card opportunities Ambulance & Join now – it’s only $10 for Lost passport = nightmare. 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 number is ONLY to be used Victorian government for in absolute emergencies. Medical Hub $10. Search Victorian proof Ambulances are not a free of age card to find out more. service, and you must either @ RMIT 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.

17 epic BBQs in the summer, cost is highly dependent on Everybody but it also means you have 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 you sign on the dotted line. take the leap into a 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 housing? your costs down. And whether equivalent of one or two you are moving in with friends months rent), which is a 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 best option for you. disappointed later. Online is your best place to start. Be smart when Factors to think about include: STUDENT ACCOMMODATION inspecting any property, don’t rental costs, proximity to the Student accommodation is go alone, and make sure you uni/work, transport links, worth a mention, and can be 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.

18 How 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.

19 FROM HERE TO...

lanes. You are in vicinity of Afghani or Indian, there Real residents the hustling and bustling is an abundance of cheap Suburbiadish the dirt on city, but it’s leafy and a bit and delicious choices. quieter, and you have easy Dandenong market is a the best and access to Vic Market, along fantastic place to pick with everything the City has up a bargain. There is a worst from their to offer. Rent is a little on direct train line into the suburb. the steeper side - you could 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 which is home to hiking and multicultural suburb COBURG Coburg is a great balance tracks, famous wineries and popular with young people. waterfalls in easy reach. It’s a hotspot for food, with between good house and 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 old fashioned milk bars too. CARLTON DANDENONG 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

20 easy 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, Bundoora campus, Mill of shopping centres close 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 so if you want a garden, for a room in a sharehouse. be in ethnic food heaven it might be a good choice – affordable Vietnamese, for you. Different types Indian and African THORNBURY 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 it’s great for the quiet life. KENSINGTON and less gentrified, popular There is a single tram (route A stone’s throw away from 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 feel’ vegan cafe (volunteer plenty of parks and cafes. scene, along with unique there - it’s a blast). Rent in Check out neighbouring clothing and design stores. Thornbury is often around Newmarket for shopping Despite it’s proximity to the $150 or so a week. and cheap, ethnic eats. city, there’s a small-town 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 station near the Royal Park. away, when you need some MELBOURNE CBD It’s relatively peaceful, with The best thing about living time in nature to unwind several parks, and while in Melbourne CBD is that 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 many at low prices, and Vic suburb. Parkville is better RICHMOND by bike - the connectivity Market is a stone's throw Richmond is just a couple of by train and trams is patchy away for fresh and healthy kms to the city centre, and and can be infrequent at groceries. You are central 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.

21 Round 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 by law to wear a helmet, and you must ride on The Free Tram Zone 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 zone are clearly marked, and tram drivers will make regular announcements when approaching the zone Melbourne Surrounds 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

22 SUSTAINABILITY 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.

23 SHOPPING 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 SUPERMARKETS Markets offer great fresh food that is usually well below Definitely convenient but they aren’t always supermarket prices. In the City, Vic Market has great the cheapest. It’s a great idea to hunt down prices and quality for fresh meat, seafood and fruit & food near closing time, when items near veg. Maybe avoid the deli hall, as it’s pricey. Suburban the use by date will be sold off cheap. The markets will save you even more - Dandenong, bigger the store, the better the price, so if Footscray and Preston all offer excellent choices. For all you’re in the CBD, avoid ‘metro’ style stores markets, there are bonus bargains to be had if you go in favour of the bigger shops (like Woolies in at closing time, as stallholders don’t want to save goods QV). Aldi can’t be beat for cheap staples, but for tomorrow that they can sell today. 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 time to shop around, there are of fruit and a muffin, or a yummy lunchtime a number of so-called ‘Community Grocers’ that sausage or vegeburger, we have you covered. could save you an absolute fortune. Providing In 2019, we served over 70,000 breakfasts and a huge range of culturally diverse food options, 55,000 lunches to starving students - all for prices are often up to 60% cheaper than FREE! But we couldn’t do this without your help supermarkets. Visit thecommunitygrocer. - consider joining RUSU for only $10 per year com.au for more information on this excellent to help us feed you! Visit rusu.rmit.edu.au/ community service. freeweeklyevents to find out when and where you can score a free meal. FOOD WELFARE If you’re on campus, and struggling BEYOND MEE EDIBLE GARDENS to afford something to eat, RUSU GORENG Have most of what you operates a Food Bank cupboard Look out for RUSU’s very need for dinner tonight, but system, with snacks and other easy own cookbook! We focus want some free, fresh herbs to prepare food available. You can on fresh, healthy food, and veges to spice up your help yourself to food from our and help you to make palette and improve your cupboard, but bear in mind it’s a wise choices on a very low nutrition? RUSU comes to short term fix. Please note that the grocery budget. Available the rescue again, with our RUSU food banks are not designed from RUSU front edible gardens. Situated on to be a permanent option - if you counters, and best the City (Alumni Courtyard) need longer term food aid, speak of all, it’s free! and Bundoora campuses, to one of our Compass volunteers, you are free to help yourself who will be able to put you in touch to anything you need to with more relevant community improve your dinner. Enjoy food resources (see page 26 for seasonal and mega-fresh all the amazing services that RUSU food, completely free. We Compass offers). encourage you to take only what you need, so that the gardens are accessible to all. You head to the coffee shop, ready to invest in a $5 coffee - go to your online banking app and realize you only have $4.87. It’s a sign, you need a job. Lucky for you, you study at RMIT! In 2019, we had over 1,000 students with jobs on campus. Yes, these students not only studied at RMIT, they got paid to work at RMIT! Working at RMIT has its perks, but more importantly RMIT makes sure that even if you can’t get a job on campus that you are ready for a job! Keep reading to know how you can go from YOU NEED THAT EXP rags to a little more richer. By Shiona Oosha Raj Experience, experience, experience. All jobs require WORK WHERE YOU STUDY I’LL TAKE YOU TO THE experience but, how can you get Jobs on Campus gives you JOBSHOP it if no one will hire you? the opportunity to gain paid You don’t have to figure You can gain experience in employment on campus. The out whether your resume lots of different ways! Get into roles are available on RMIT is good! You don’t need to volunteering (you can volunteer at Career Hub and vary from stress if you don’t have a RMIT and RUSU). Look into casual entry level positions to high headshot. At the Jobshop, work or internships. The Job level industry specific roles. they can help you with Shop staff can help you in finding You can build a great network everything career-related. volunteer, internship and work with RMIT Staff and other Oh yeah, this service is opportunities relevant to the type Students as Staff members! FREE! of job you wish to apply for. If you can’t find a job on The Jobshop offers Finally, we also have RMIT campus that suits you, we still services such as: Creds available! These digital got you! • Free Resume and Cover credentials can help you Letter reviews build skills to improve your RMIT On Demand • Help to find job (rmitondemand.com/student) employability, career outcomes opportunities and life skills. – Make some extra cash for • Careers workshops and hourly, daily or project-based events See, you can get a job as easy jobs. • Information about as ABC! You are not alone when LinkedIn (if you aren’t on Careers Consultations you go on a job hunt, make sure LinkedIn, get on it to start • Info about other job to engage in the free services building your RMIT Network.) ready programs, such as that RMIT has to help you Future Edge, Industry achieve your working goals! Mentoring and Jobs on Campus.

25 Getting Help What to do when you Compass Cupboard don’t know what to do... Now try this... Are struggling with your finances at the moment? If Sit comfortably with you’ve had less work than 1. your feet flat on usual, and you are struggling the floor and close to buy food this week, that is Starting uni is full of new your eyes if you feel what the Compass Cupboard decisions. One decision is comfortable to do so. easy. You want to look after is for. We also have extra your stress levels, your information if you are 2. Now concentrate on anxiety, your mental health? struggling with money and your breath. Take You want to come to RUSU’s need some extra support. a deep breath and Compass Drop-In Centre. hold it for as long as Outreach you comfortably can. What Is Compass? Compass also provides Then let it out fully. Compass is RUSU’s free awesome Outreach Events! Repeat this deep student drop-in centre, Catch us at Chill N Grill breath in and out. where you can drop in throughout semester anytime between 10-4, promoting: 3. Focus on relaxing Monday to Thursday, have »» RUOK Day your shoulders. a chat, and get information, Lower them if you »» Stress Less Week referral and support about notice they are literally ANY issue you might »» Compass Marketplace hunched. As you let be having, including: »» World Mental Health Day your shoulders sink, »» Study stress »» Calm Zone notice a nice relaxed »» Food Security heavy feeling in the muscles. »» Mental health Guess What? »» Substance abuse There are also HEAPS more 4. Focus on relaxing »» Housing issues support services available your fingers. Imagine to you on campus... So if »» Centrelink, employment the tension going out times get tough- hit them of your fingers, your and financial issues up. Search RMIT Support palms, your wrists. »» Relationship issues Services to find out more. 5. Focus on relaxing We Love Tea... Try our One Minute your jaw. Unclench Asking for mental health Relaxation your teeth if you are support is difficult. Asking Feeling stressed or anxious? clenching them and let for a cup of tea is easier. Try this quick and easy your teeth fall slightly Come into Compass have a portable relaxation exercise. apart. Feel the tension cuppa and a safe chat with Do it as often as you like leaving your jaw. the Compass Coordinate or throughout the day! a trained peer volunteer. 6. Take another two deep You can do this exercise breaths in and out. Don’t Forget... just about anywhere, and »» Don’t forget Compass. nobody need know you are doing it. Once you are good Are you »» Don’t forget your mental at it, you can even try a health. modified version, with your feeling a bit »» Don’t forget to eyes open, for as little as 10 stress less. seconds. more relaxed? 26 Sociallife Life at uni isn’t just about study: It’s so much more than that. What about making friends, staying healthy, and knowing about all the best things that Melbourne has to offer? When you’re studying and working hard, it’s all too easy to forget that your social life is important, too. When you’re at uni, you’ll make lifelong friends, through study, and more importantly, through play. Read on to find out how other RMIT students learned the best ways to have fun outside of the books.

27 BY SIMONE ETHEVE

Making friends at RMIT is easy! Too nervous to strike up a conversation? Well clubs day at RMIT is just the day for making friends That’s where I ended up in front of RMIT FUNKADELCIS tent. They were all so lovely and helped me signed up. I arrive to the clubs first Welcome day and felt so nervous but the whole committee were so welcoming and I made friends straight away. I also found friends for life at my time at Funks and also ended become apart of its core committee as Vice President in my second year of being a Funk. Finding my loved hobby of dancing at a club at RMIT helped me gain confidence in meeting new people and creating friends. Clubs are great at meeting other people who have the same interests as you. So I highly recommend join a club today! RMIT University has an array of clubs from sports, arts and culture. What are you waiting for! Also become apart of RUSU so you can come down to the Chill n Grills grab yourself a bite to eat and a cold bevy and meet all the other cool students at RMIT! In addition, Mates at RMIT is a great initiative that unites like-minded students to settle in at university. It’s so easy to sign up as a new student mentee where you’ll get your very own friendly and helpful student mentor to show you where you need to go around campus and what you need to do. This program allows students to enjoy university life through fun activities as well as find out about what Student Life and RMIT has to offer with the huge range of programs, events, excursions, activities and support services run by Student Life. I remember being so nervous to start my first year at uni and I used the Mates at RMIT to help me settle into uni life as well as create social connections and friendships with other student from different disciplinary. There are also great volunteer opportunities at RMIT. This year I was lucky enough to be on the RMIT Creative Council panel where student volunteers undertake roles as arts and culture collectives, members of the RMIT Creative Council and the creative funding assessment panel. I was able to be on the creative funding assessment panel looking through different creative proposal from student and delegating the funding to successful applicants. It was also a great way to meet other students, chat and work together. Karan

HEY, I’M KARAN, your elected RUSU Activities Officer for 2020. We at RUSU aim to enrich our fellow students social lives through events and functions organised throughout the year that help students connect with each other and find a sense of belonging in this cohort. As your RUSU activities officer, I hope to fill your 2020 social calendar with the most dynamic and entertaining events and hope to have your cooperation, support and wholehearted participation in making this year exciting as ever. 28 The first step to becoming a RUSU volunteer is to sign up online to receive an invitation to RUSU VOLUNTEERS attend a RUSU Volunteer Induction session. All volunteers must register and attend an induction DO IT BETTER... session before they can get started on volunteering. Our Volunteer Want to make new friends Inductions are held each year from while making a difference? February until the program reaches full capacity around August- Volunteering at RUSU gives you a chance to September. develop new skills and socialise with fellow students as you gain practical experience in a We have huge interest in our supported environment. Take a chance to do volunteer program, and as such something different as you expand your social and unfortunately won’t be able to professional networks. All skills developed through accommodate every request or volunteering can assist you in preparing for paid place every budding volunteer. work outside of uni – win, win! However, we will try our best to help find you a volunteer role within After you attend a RUSU induction session, you one (or more) of our volunteer will be able to express interest in volunteering departments. areas that best suit and interest you. We have huge interest in our volunteer program, and as such Most volunteers contribute a unfortunately won’t be able to accommodate every minimum of two or three hours per request or place every budding volunteer. However, week during the semester. Some of we will try our best to help find you a volunteer role our volunteers contribute more by within one (or more) of our volunteer departments. doing two or more shifts per week, and some do less by volunteering As a RUSU Volunteer, you’ll get access to: once a fortnight. In order to get • Accredited training related to your the most out of your volunteering volunteer role, such as RSA, Food Safety and experience, and build strong skills Youth Mental Health First Aid and connections, we recommend • Supervision and support from RUSU staff that you contribute at least two hours per week. • Professional and leadership development opportunities • Social activities and events just for RUSU Visit rusu.rmit.edu.au/volunteer or Volunteers email [email protected] • Recognition on your RMIT transcript and a to find out more! certificate if you complete at least 15 hours of volunteer work with RUSU How can I get involved? RUSU volunteers work in many areas, including: ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS, REALFOODS, COMPASS VOLUNTEERS & STUDENT HEARINGS VOLUNTEERS

29 « How I got » R I P P E D

FOR FREE!

When you got to university, It’s okay, everyone is in the I bet you had hopes, same boat as you. Whether dreams and resolutions. it’s to fit into those old jeans One of them, was probably that you just can’t Marie getting fit (don’t lie to me, Kondo away, or just to be or yourself – you made that able to walk up stairs and resolution!). not pant – RMIT has your back with some completely FREE options!

30 1. Anti-Social 3. Just Dance Need some new moves for the Social Sport club? Need to break a sweat? Sign up for FREE dance classes! Taught Okay, maybe not anti-social. But, by some awesome Melbourne need to make some new healthy dance professionals, classes are buddies to help you achieve your held during lunch time, and you fitness goals? Join RMIT social can simply drop by and sign up sports! All you gotta do is turn for some free classes. And you’ll up and join in. You can join in on be rocking the dance floor in no rock climbing, yoga, futsal and time! Search RMIT dance classes so much more! You can find out for more information. more by joining their Facebook Group (search RMIT Social Sports on Facebook). 4. Club Sandwich? A great way to get involved with 2. Trial and Error RMIT is to join a sports club. You will probably have to pay an initial Need that quick visit to the gym membership fee but, your money and don’t want to spend the will be put to good use - meeting money? How about a 7 day free life-long friends and training that trial at Melbourne City Baths? will get you ripped while having Students simply need to come a lot of fun! Search RMIT sports in and show their valid student clubs to see what sports are on card, and City Baths will issue offer. them with a pass. The only downside? You only have it free for a week. On the upside, you have exactly one week to become 5. Don’t be lazy ripped like Dwanye “the Rock” Johnson. RMIT can’t help you here but, rather than taking that lift or hoping on your E-Scooter to the next class, have a walk and enjoy the beautiful buildings that make RMIT, RMIT!

RUSU Clubs & Societies RMIT doesn’t just offer sports clubs. RUSU has an incredible assortment If your interests extend beyond of over 100 clubs, a huge mix of physical fitness, and you want to academic, cultural, creative, spiritual meet new people and make friends and political clubs, spread across with others who share common all three campuses. Come and interests, you can’t go past RUSU see what’s on offer at Clubs Day Clubs. Clubs are an integral part of on Thursday 5 March at RMIT City student engagement, and provide Campus, or find out what’s on offer opportunities to do something at rusu.rmit.edu.au/clubs more than pure academics at RMIT.

31 The RMIT Media Collective

RMIT has just unveiled its SYN RADIO Media Collective, a brand new co-working and training SYN is a media organisation run by a community of young people that provides broadcasting and space for three student and training opportunities for young Australians. We youth media organisations, believe young people should be creators, not just located in Bldg 12, Level 3. consumers of media.

This shared space houses an “SYN is an incredible organisation that gives access and opportunity for young people to make media content independent community of that they know and love. It matters to me because I young media makers sharing love being involved in a community that shares the resources, spaces and same values as myself, while also allowing myself to knowledge. make radio content that has a place in the Melbourne, Australian and international music scene.” The Media Collective equips volunteers with all the CATALYST necessary skills to work and Catalyst is RMIT’s student magazine, and has been in lead in media industries print since 1944. Run exclusively by an editorial team of the future. If you’re of elected student representatives, Catalyst focuses interested in media, and on creative writing, high quality journalism, news, would like to meet friends, photography, and the arts, as well as producing enhance your skills, and digital content. broaden your networks, sign “Catalyst has provided me with the opportunity to up to volunteer at the media collaborate with like-minded students and gain collective today. Search invaluable industry experience in media and print. RMIT Media Collective for Nothing ever competes with the feeling of opening more information. up a newly-published Catalyst magazine and seeing your printed piece, ready to be shared with the RMIT community and beyond.” RMITV RMITV is RMIT University’s student-run TV production house. RMITV produces content for both online and broadcast platforms. RMITV provides hands-on experience to RMIT students and members of the local community. Many ex-members have gone on to paid employment in the TV and AV industries. “RMITV alumni include Rove McManus, Hamish and Andy, Shona Devlin and Andrew Tacon. We’ve also had crew members go on to work at the ABC, Network Ten, and many more. Crewing on an RMITV production will give you invaluable skills and experience, so go on and get involved!”

32 No doubt about it, Melbourne In fact, Melbourne has is truly one of the best cities in consistently been voted as the world. Whether you want having the best quality of life to world class sporting events, of anywhere on the planet. food festivals, art markets, Well, we live here, and of pristine landscapes and course, we have to agree! beaches, hidden backstreet And no doubt, so will you, bars, or world class fine once you see everything that dining, Melbourne is a real this amazing, Internationally winner for lifestyle. renowned city has to offer.

33 Melbourne's Makers Life's a Beach Markets Melbourne isn’t really known for beaches - but If there are two things Melbourne does well it’s de- there are a few gems that are accessible from the sign and markets. Put them together and you have city. Every so often when the sun comes out, it’s solid gold! From skincare to silverware - support time to hit the beach. Here are our top 5… local designers and makers, and pick up something unique. 1. Brighton Beach Days and times vary throughout the year, so best 15min walk from Middle Brighton Station to check the websites to plan your visit… We’ve all seen the cute colourful bathing boxes. They are an institution – ready made for a Melbourne inspired Instagram post. Once you’ve The Rose Street Melbourne Design done sunbathing, there are great cafes and Artists’ Market Market 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy Federation Square, restaurants close by. Every weekend Car Park www.rosest Various times

2. St Kilda Beach market.com.au www.fedsquare.com Trams 16 or 3 from Flinders Street Station So… it’s not the best-looking beach, but it’s all The District Makers The Big Design about the vibe and the impressive sunsets. This Market Market The Square, Docklands Royal Exhibition Building, beach has atmosphere if that’s what you’re after - Last Sunday of the Carlton plenty of people, bars, restaurants and stuff going month Various times on. It has the added bonus of being the closest to www.thedistrict www.thebigdesign the city and easiest to get to. docklands.com.au market.com

3. Elwood Beach The Fitzroy Mills 25min walk from Elsternwick Station The Finders Keepers Just down from St Kilda Beach is Elwood Beach - this Market Market 75 Rose Street Fitzroy Royal Exhibition Building, is cleaner and calmer beach. Bit more chill and the Every Saturday Carlton perfect place to relax and stroll along the beach. www.thefitzroy Various times mills.com www.thefinders 4. Half Moon Bay keepers.com 30min walk from Sandringham Station A beautiful secluded spot (don’t tell too many people St. Kilda Esplanade about it) is the perfect place to chill. The ‘half-moon’ Market Melbourne Collective The Esplanade, St. Kilda Market shape helps protect the beach from the weather Every Sunday Various times making it perfect for swimming in calm waters. www.stkildaesplanade Federation Square, market.com.au Atrium 5. Williamstown Beach www.themelbourne 5min walk from Heide Market collective.net Williamstown Beach Heide Museum of Station Modern Art - Sculpture Heading out west is this beautiful Park, beach, very close to the station. 7 Templestowe Rd, Take a walk out on the pier to get Bulleen an amazing uninterrupted view of Once a month the Melbourne city skyline. www.heidemarket.com

34 Don Tojo 164 Cardigan Street, Carlton FEED ME! The sister restaurant to Don Don (above), serving There’s so much great food to be had in Melbourne. up Japanese delights in Carlton for excellent prices. And if you know the right places, you can eat like a Score yourself a curry, rice and a beer for just $11. king on a very low budget! We asked some locals what their favourites are, to save you the legwork. Dosa Hut 209 King St, Melbourne (and multiple locations) 4fingers Crispy Chicken A great variety of Indian food at good prices, 189-191 Bourke St, Melbourne cheap Curry and rice, and a good selection of Great Korean fried chicken, burgers and fries. Mix it Indo-Chinese choices if your palette is feeling up with some kimchi coleslaw. And bonus - they’re adventurous. halal, and offer a 15% student discount. Hi Chong Qing Blue Moon Bar 26 Orr Street, Carlton 380 Russell Street, Melbourne An award-winning noodle joint, serving up This karaoke bar has a range of food and drink delicious, hand-pulled noodle dishes for between specials that won’t break the bank. Check out their $10-$15. This place is conveniently located Thursday night student deals with $3 pots and $2 between the City and Carlton campuses. vodka infusions or the regular happy hour with cheap jugs, 5-7pm daily. I Love Istanbul 95 Lygon Street, Carlton Borek Bakehouse Just north of the Carlton campus at the edge of Vic Market Deli Hall, 481 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Lygon Street, Istanbul serves classic Turkish kebabs, Delicious, freshly made boreks (Turkish savoury salads, dips and sweets. The mixed kebab and pastries) and wraps for under $5. Check out the baklava are not to be missed. ever popular cheese & spinach, or try lamb for a filling lunchtime meal. Malaysian Laksa House 449 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Canto Serving cheap, classic Malaysian dishes for under Bowen Street, RMIT city campus $12, with plenty of vegetarian options. The barbecue If you hang around Bowen Street after 4pm, you chicken and seafood laksa are popular choices. might find Canto selling cheap single pizza slices for a couple of dollars. Their pastas are also delicious, and Realfoods they’re licensed. City: Building 8, Level 3; Bundoora: Building 220 Looking for a tasty, affordable lunch on campus Chinger Biang Biang that’s ethical, vegan and organic? A great selection 74 Victoria St, Carlton of curries, salads, wraps and sweet treats to choose This halal, Uyghur Chinese noodle and dumpling from, alongside delicious coffees. RUSU members house serves up delicious, Muslim Chinese street get a discount too! food specialities at excellent prices. Shanghai Dumpling House Don Don Japanese 23 Tattersalls Lane, Melbourne 198 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Chinatown is renowned for student-friendly feeds. Cheap, fast and filling Japanese curries, just around Shanghai is a classic destination, with cheap plates, the corner from the city campus. Their bento boxes veggie options, and a $17 all you can eat menu. A and chicken curry don are crowd favourites. great destination for a night out with friends.

35 Coffee, coffee, coffee... Buzz, buzz, buzz!

Locals spill the beans advantage of their courtyard Dukes Coffee Roasters on all the best places to tables and chairs to soak up 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. get your favourite fix. some rays while you discuss As soon as you walk in a group work. We asked RMIT small of freshly roasted STREAT coffee hits you and you students and staff know the coffee is going what their favourite Bowen St (Outside the NAS to be amazing. Try the flat coffee places are Building). white, as it’s one of the best around RMIT, here’s Streat serves up great in town. what they said… coffee, at reasonable prices, and with an ethical Hash Specialty Coffee ON CAMPUS standpoint: a not-for-profit 113 Hardware St, Melbourne. Realfoods social enterprise café, Worth a visit for the hot chocolate alone, Hash also City: Building 8, Level 3; providing training and offer one of the best cold Bundoora: Building 220. employment to people brew coffees in Melbourne Serving up super delicious, under 25. Their sausage rolls are amazing too! – perfect for a hot day. Their specialty coffee from Amelia hot coffees are really tasty Franklin Coffee Roasters, as well. and offering a huge range To see all food & drink of milk options, Realfoods choices on campus, Little Rogue is worth a visit on both City search RMIT food. 12 Drewery Lane, Melbourne. and Bundoora Campuses. In a cute little laneway Bonus – If you bring your OFF CAMPUS near Melbourne Central, own cup, you’ll score a you’ll find the best matcha discount! Assembly latte’s in town. Gorgeously 60/62 Pelham St, Carlton. Little Bang Espresso light and bright, and with Assembly take their coffee beautiful plant life included Building 12 (NAS), Level 2. very seriously. With a large in the experience. Once you find this gem, range of blends on rotation, tucked away in NAS, you’ll brewing methods for every Parco Canteen definitely be back for more. palette, and friendly staff, 2 Argyle Place South, Carlton. With a wide range of strong, it’s definitely worth a visit, Take a stroll through Carlton bespoke coffee offerings, and the iced latte is the best to find this gem, with friendly and friendly baristas, and around. service and good coffee bonus points for grabbing in the beautiful gardes of yourself one of their tasty Brother Baba Budan Argyle Square. With plenty of toasties for a hot brekkie on 359 Little Bourke St, outdoor seating, it’s great on the go. Melbourne. a sunny day. Pearson & Murphy’s A beautiful little hidden shop Woodside Green Building 1, Level 1 (across in the heart of the CBD. The 87 Cardigan St, Carlton. from University Lawn). coffee is amazing, as is the This old school joint offers One of the oldest cafés at hot chocolate, and they do a up some pretty decent RMIT, serving up great coffee really good line in pastries, coffee if you’re venturing in a refined atmosphere. On with the almond croissant into Carlton. Hearty and sunny days, it’s worth taking and donuts a standout. substantial food options.

36 The Melbourne Baptism Shiona Oosha Raj

I’m going to share with a Starbucks frappuccino by. Sadly, I learnt that my you the one thing to never and “real” coffee. I asked younger cousin knew $h*t tell a Melbournian: the barista for something because that mocha was that had coffee and was nothing but a cat-fish. sweet, his answer was a Tasted nothing like it I hate coffee. macchiato. Even though, looked - it had chocolate Expect to hear gasps and I was sure macchiato was sprinkled all over it. First groans when you utter some Gen 7 Pokemon, sip, it was chocolate but such a blasphemous it was actually a sweet then sweet turned to bean statement. Melbournians espresso coffee. Espresso, water. like quadruple coffee. will do anything for My journey to find the My first communion was their coffee. Some would Almighty coffee came bittersweet, emphasis on endure blistering winter to end with that mocha. the bitter. Macchiato was winds, Metro Tunnel I swore off caffeine and a macchia-no. construction and even decided that I will stick to long lines to get some Once I started making the childhood favourite good ole’ bean water. friends at RMIT, it was - hot chocolate. When I’ve never been one to made prominent that I I’m feeling fancy with regularly go out of my way was insane for not liking more than $10 in my to get a cup of coffee but, coffee and needed to give bank account, I splurge when I decided to move it another shot. They and go to Hash Specialty to Melbourne, everyone made it seem like I went Coffee. Don’t be fooled told me I was going to out on a first date and I by the name, they make a come back “drinking didn’t give coffee a chance killer hot chocolate that coffee with a beret”. Jokes to speak about its hopes is topped with fairy floss. on them because I look and dreams. My friends And, I’ve made my way to great in a beret. When, I and I travelled to Brother enjoying Chai or as non- dropped my stuff at my Baba Budan. While the Indians would say “Chai apartment, I made sure name of the coffee place Latte”. So, guess you to get my Melbourne sounded like grand place, could say my Melbourne baptism that came in a yet again it was crowded baptism wasn’t for paper cup – coffee. - I’m pretty sure there nothing. It showed me the were only 15 chairs. My path of Chai! My Melbourne baptism friends ordered on my was at crowded brunch behalf a mocha. The only place in Carlton painted thing I knew about mocha in baby blue tiles called was that it was the kind Humble Rays. My first of drink my 16 year old mistake, not knowing cousin orders. So, it had the difference between to be a cool drink to get

37 How I Spend My...

by Shiona Oosha Raj SATURDAY 8:00 am: Wake up to my 3:11 pm: After fumbling with 6:42 pm: Need more food, annoying alarm in hopes bank transfers because you so head to Universal of being able to go to Vic can’t do split bills anywhere, Restaurant where they Markets. we head to Carlton Gardens actually have split bill and for some grass rolling and Schnitzel for 15 bucks. 8:02 am: Put my alarm on skateboarding. snooze and forget about 9:05 pm: Make our way to the markets, there's always 4:29 pm: Stop by the shops Storyville for some good ole Sunday. and buy things. Bonus fashioned fun and drinks! points for the free T2 11:36 am: Finally, I wake up! samples we drink. 10:43 pm: After getting a Blast some Shania Twain little tipsy, we head to Be and get ready for the day. 5:30 pm: Start looking for Lucky & Sons for some old a snack because we are school arcade games and 12:49 pm: Time to feed growing uni students. some alcoholic bubble tea! the stomach with the best There are only three in-between meal, brunch! options: Hotstar Chicken, 1:07 am: Hometime! I make I eat it at Naked for Satan Harajuku Crepes or Macca’s my way back home on the with the best roommates. (McDonald’s) French fries. all night public transport. Remember to get the tapas! 1:41 am: Sleep time!

SUNDAY 12:11 pm: Wake up feeling 2:20 pm: Pick up a Gozleme 8:24 pm: Pile up money and just a little bit hungover and inside the Market Hall, and make our way to Pidapipó tired, but pull myself out of hope that it will help to cure for some of the best Gelato bed anyway. my hangover. in the city. 12:45 pm: While chilling at 2:43 pm: Saunter back home 9:57pm: Get home and home, I remember I need to with my groceries. ready to sleep. get some groceries from Vic Markets. 3:29 pm: Watch some 11:34 pm: Of course, I'm still Netflix, maybe get a up watching an obscure and 1:32 pm: Go to Vic Markets headstart on an assignment. niche Netflix movie about looking like a mess, but its bird mating. I guess I should okay, because so is the rest 5:00 pm: Get a call, asking if head to bed... Zzzzzzzzz! of Melbourne! I want to grab some Korean Barbecue/Chicken from Hwatu on Lygon Street (the answer will always be yes).

38 We’re focused on sustainability and providing ethical, vegan, organic & healthy food, plus fair trade, organic specialty coffee for the people of RMIT. Education, sustainability, community; for students, by students.

RMIT City Campus RMIT Bundoora Campus Building 8, Level 3 Building 220

/RUSUrealfoods Discounts available for RUSU members, visit www.rusu.rmit.edu.au The RMIT University Student Union is the only 100% independent body at RMIT. RUSU is run FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS and provides all RMIT students with events, representation and support. We are here to ensure that your university experience extends beyond lectures and assignments.