When you arrive in Melbourne, take some time to recover from your long journey. VU will support you through your Orientation and enrolment periods. Below are some suggestions to help you enjoy your time here.

First days in Melbourne

When you arrive you may feel tired, anxious and even apprehensive. Take time to adjust to your new environment. It may take a while before you feel comfortable and relaxed. This is a normal reaction for new international students and you should not feel alone. To find out more about coming to Melbourne download the Arrive and Thrive guide. Use the on-arrival checklist on pages 4-5 to make sure you don't neglect essentials like:

• finding accommodation
• accessing money
• using public transport
• visiting your VU campus
• finding restaurants and takeaway food outlets

Orientation

Orientation is the perfect opportunity to get started on a great life at VU. It is important that you attend the Orientation program to get essential information about living and studying in Melbourne. Make sure you register for Higher Education or TAFE orientation.

What is orientation?

A fun and social event, Orientation is a comprehensive program designed to:

• create an opportunity for you to make new friends
• help you with your transition to university life
• put you on the path of your once-in-a-lifetime student journey
• provide you with essential information about living in Melbourne and studying at Victoria University

Orientation includes official events such as enrolment and information sessions and a variety of other events. During Orientation you will:

• meet fellow classmates and other international students
• meet staff from the International Student Support team and the VU faculties
• learn about our campus facilities

You will also receive information on the services and facilities at VU and in the local community, including:

• International Student Support (ISS)
• facilities and services
• legal services
• emergency services
• complaints and appeal processes
• visa conditions

Orientation dates for 2012

Semester 1

Higher education orientation session
Monday 20th February (9am - 4pm)
Room L114, Footscray Park Campus

TAFE orientation session
Thursday 9th February (9am - 12.30pm)
Room T226, Building T, Footscray Nicholson Campus

Semester 2

Higher education orientation session
Monday 16th July (9am - 4pm)
Room L114, Footscray Park Campus

TAFE orientation session
Thursday 12th July (9am - 12.30pm)
Room T226, Building T, Footscray Nicholson Campus

Enrolments

All new international students must attend their course or faculty enrolment session. Information on enrolment dates for international students including venues, campus locations and times will be published before you plan to arrive in Australia.

How to enrol

Once you have accepted your offer you need to check this website before your course start date and:

• check the schedule of enrolment dates for international students
• take note of your course enrolment date, time, venue and campus (different details for TAFE, undergraduate or postgraduate courses)
• attend your enrolment session
• check on Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) document
• any letters from Victoria University International stating exemptions you may have received.

Higher education - changes to your units of study

Any changes made to your units of study after week one of any semester will incur a late amendment fee.    

Census date

Your student enrolment details must be finalised for each semester by:

• Semester 1, 31 March
• Semester 2, 31 August

Welcome Event for new international students

The Welcome Event provides an opportunity for commencing international students to get to know each other while experiencing Australian culture.

We invite new international students commencing in Semester 1, 2012 to join International Student Support, Life Saving Victoria and Rootvij Kadakia Foundation at the Big Beach Day Out on Saturday 3 March, 2012.

Have lunch, get to know other students and experience Melbourne’s summer culture with an afternoon of activities at the beach.

You must register to attend this event.  Registration and more information is available from this link.