Lot's Wife Edition 1 2016

STUDENT
Picture this: you are about to stride into a new
stage of life, a stage in which you have to
learn new things, study independently, and write
essays or reports that require perfect citing and
referencing. This transition may be overwhelming,
however, we’ve complied a list of the best tips and
tricks that you can follow to bolster your confidence
and performance so you can make the most of your
first year at university!
Get A Map
Turning up late to your first tutorial because you
couldn’t find the room is embarrassing – take it from
us – so plan ahead and figure out where on campus
your classes are. Download the Lost on Campus app
or the Monash app to make sense of all the building
numbers and addresses. If you’re still lost in the
middle of endless corridors, ask someone who looks
like they are walking purposefully for directions.
Study On Campus
Classes don’t take up a whole lot of time at
university, so make good use of your spare time
and do some work on campus. The Louis Matheson
Library is the go-to study space at Clayton, but with
the refurbishment works all year, some sections may
be closed.
If you want to do some serious study, check out the
quiet upper floors of the Law Library. More interested
in chatting with friends and not getting work done?
The Hargrave- Andrew Library is perfect for that.
Brian says: There are plenty of alternative
study areas, like the informal open space lounges in
the Menzies building or the secluded John Medley
library in the Campus Centre.
to a whole range of discounted food and other
goodies on and off campus. (20% off everything at
Sir John’s Bar adds up after a semester).
George says: Before buying your textbooks,
have a look online on Monash Marketplace to see
if anyone is selling your book second hand and at a
much more affordable price. Make sure it’s the right
edition though.
Practice Your Signature
You’ll be signing up to plenty of clubs during O Week,
which is a great time to find groups that match your
interests. MSA cards give you free membership to
most clubs on campus. Don’t feel obligated to go to
every event if you sign up and feel free to drop out of
any group if you find them too boring/too rowdy/too
time consuming.
Brian says: I started uni in the middle of 2015,
and with no major exhibitions for clubs and societies
in July, I missed out on being properly introduced to a
handful of clubs and societies. Take the time during
O Week to find like-minded people outside of lectures
and tutorials because it’s a great chance to do so.
University is a place where you learn and
create memories. Do not be afraid of making
mistakes and always remember that you are not
alone. There are plenty of resources at Monash to
reach out to. Now, embrace all challenges and start
exploring!
Actually Go To Lectures
You’ll struggle to get a seat in week one. However,
by the mid semester break, half the lecture theatre
will be empty. Keep up your routine and attend your
lectures. Turn them into a social occasion – get your
friends and hang out on the campus lawns or grab
lunch as a group and suddenly you’ll have a reason
to show up every week.
Extreme Couponing
Make your dollar go as far as possible - take
advantage of weekly free/dirt cheap breakfasts and
barbecues organised by the MSA or other clubs and
societies. Carpooling costs $75 per person for a year
and is way cheaper than forking out $400 for a blue
permit. Pick up an MSA Card for $20 and get access
Lot’s Wife | 7