Meeting your study responsibilities

Your most important responsibility at university is completing your qualification.

• You should allocate about 10 hours per unit outside the classroom to your studies, about as much time as a full-time job.
• Know your deadlines. If you need help you can use the services and support available to all VU students.

Course information

Make sure you are studying the right units to meet your course requirements. You can select the units necessary to complete your course from your course outline.

Speak to your course coordinator and the International Student Advice Officer in your faculty if you need more information about your course.

Lectures

Normally held in a large theatre, lectures are where you:

• receive the outlines of your subject
• are told important dates
• receive lecture notes, handouts and other material. Some of this information will be available online.

Lecturers are approachable and if you have any questions, ask them.

Tutorials

Normally held in smaller groups and led by a tutor, tutorials are where you are expected to participate and discuss the lecture material. Tutors are approachable and if you have any questions do not be afraid to ask.

Examinations

Find out more about examinations including venues, dates and timetables.

Know your academic calendar

Your enrolment responsibilities:

• check your student email
• know your academic calendar
• update your address on the MYVU (student portal)
• notify the Department of Immigration and Citizenship of any changes to your enrolment 

Accessing study support

Studying at university is very different to going to high school. You will be expected to do a lot of work on your own and it will challenge your time management.

We have many programs, workshops and facilities to help you to adjust and improve your research, writing and studying skills.

Find links to our resources for learning support page, including the services and help available.

Studying and living in Melbourne

When you arrive you may need to do some or all of the following:

Set up a bank account

We recommend you open a bank account as soon as possible after you arrive in Melbourne. Always make sure you understand the conditions of any account and remember to ask about any special student accounts the bank offers.

Organise childcare

VU operates four children's centres that provide care and services for children aged from three months to six years.

Find a place for worship

We cater to many faiths on campus:

• Reflection Centre
• Prayer rooms

Seek employment

You may look for part-time work

Once you have adjusted to university life, you may want to find part-time work. It can help you learn valuable workplace skills integrate you into Australian life.

VU can help you. Our Student Career Development Centre provides online and face-to-face career and employment services, including:

• resume writing
• interview skills
• job hunting tips

The Fair Work Ombudsman will give you further information about your workplace rights.

Organising a Tax File Number 

A Tax File Number (TFN) is a number issued to you by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) so your employer can pay you and tax you at the correct rate. 

Visa information

For information on visas, please visit our section on visa applications.

Getting involved 

 

Get involved with campus life while studying at Victoria University.

Make the most of your campus experience and use your time with us to develop as a person.

While you're at VU you can:

• join a club or society or a sport and fitness centre
• join our international student association 
• take advantage of leadership groups and opportunities, and learn how to gain a line of commendation on your student transcript.

Watch a video showcasing student life at Victoria University!

Download the transcript of the Student Life at VU video.