Immerse yourself in student life at Victoria University (VU) and you will create opportunities to make new friends, expose yourself to new experiences and participate in satisfying activities. Remember, the International Student Support staff are always available to help with anything relating to your studies.

Meeting your study responsibilities

Your most important responsibility at university is completing your qualification. As a guide, you should allocate about 10 hours per unit outside the classroom to your studies. That's 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

Ensure that you are studying the correct units in order to meet your course requirements. You can select the units necessary to complete your course from your course outline.

For more information about your course, speak to your course coordinator and the International Student Advice Officer in your faculty.

Lectures

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

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

Lecturers are approachable and if you have any questions do not be afraid to ask.

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.

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 can be different than going to high school. You'll be expected to do a lot more work on your own and it will challenge your time management skills.

We have a host of programs, workshops and facilities to help you in adjusting and improving 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 are a student at VU you will have different needs at different times. On arrival you may need to do any or all of the following:

Set up a bank account

We recommend you open a bank account as soon as possible after arriving in Melbourne. Always make sure you understand the conditions of any account and remember to ask about any special "Student Accounts" the bank may offer.

Organise childcare

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

Find a place for worship

We have on offer some services for worship:

• Reflection Centre
• Prayer rooms

Seek employment

Once you become more settled and involved in class and campus life, you may want to find part-time employment. There are ways VU can assist you with this task. The Student Career Development Centre can provide a range of online and face-to-face career and employment services include resume writing, interview skills and job hunting tips

Like many international students you may get a part-time or casual job to help pay your living
expenses while you study in Australia. The information below will help you get to know your workplace rights:

• Working in Australia - What are my workplace rights 
• Workplace rights and rules

Arrange and organise a Tax File Number 

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

Visa information

For any 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 yourself as a person.

Being bored should never be a problem while you're at VU you can check out:

• joining a club or society or even a sport and fitness centre
• our international student association 
• leadership groups and opportunities, and how to gain a line of commendation on your student transcript just by getting involved