Welcome to the Student Life Monthly News!

Student Life Monthly News contains updates, announcements and events that are relevant to international students. The newsletter is delivered straight to your inbox every month.

If you wish to change your email address, please email siactive@swin.edu.au with your new details.

Almost ready to graduate?

The next graduation ceremony for international students is on Tuesday 15 July 2008.

If you're in your last semester of studies and want to attend, download an application form (PDF 935KB) and submit it by Friday 9 May.

You'll also need to complete a request for letter of completion (PDF 82.0KB).

Graduation ceremonies not really your thing? If you don't want to attend, just fill out the forms and have your certificate mailed to you.

The cut-off date for the next round of graduations in September/October is Friday 18 July.

Semester 2 fees

Semester 2 fees are payable in two installments. The first installment of 50 per cent is due Tuesday 22 July; the remaining 50 per cent is due Wednesday 10 September 2008.

Students with financial difficulties, and can demonstrate exceptional circumstances, can apply for a four-part special payment plan. Applications for Semester 2 must be submitted by Monday 16 June 2008.

Mid-year intake

Swinburne's mid-year intake is now open and there's a great range of courses on offer.

If you've got a friend or family member who has always wanted to study, why not point them in the direction of Swinburne?

Don't let them wait until 2009 – tell them to contact Swinburne today!

Student forums

Postgraduate and international students – from any discipline – are invited to participate in a forum hosted by the Swinburne Student Amenities Association (SSAA). The forums are aimed at getting your thoughts and feedback on your experience at Swinburne.

International students
The international student forum will be held on Friday 23 May. Activities include a trip to Healesville Sanctuary, morning tea and lunch which is free for student participants.

Postgraduate students
The postgraduate student forum will be held on Friday 30 May. Activities include a trip to a winery, morning tea and lunch which is free for student participants.

How to register

If you'd like to attend either of the forums, please email your name, student number and faculty along with two topics of discussion relevant to you. Topics of discussion may include: support services, library resources, computer access or postgraduate supervision. Please include a brief description of why you have chosen these topics.

Register via email at lbeel@swin.edu.au or call 9214 5443 for more information. Get in early, as numbers are limited.

Learn the lingo with LAS

Learning English is hard enough, let alone as a second language in a new country.

Swinburne’s Language and Academic Skills (LAS) advisory service provides lots of free help for individuals, small groups and a great range of workshops to help with your reading and writing skills.

Workshops tackle many different topics, including:

• Understanding ‘Aussie’ English
• Report and essay writing
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Pronunciation

There's no need to make a booking and you can come to as many workshops as you like.

LAS also offers lunchtime conversation groups at the Hawthorn, Lilydale and Prahran campuses. They're a great way to practice your conversation skills in a relaxed setting.

Visit the LAS website for a full timetable of workshops and services on offer.

It's fun, it's free – it's CALD!

Are you an international student from a non-English speaking background? Want to meet new people and learn strategies to improve your academic and social skills?

Settle into Australia with the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Program (CALD). Come and join in the fun with free food and activities.

Swinburne Library

Need help finding information for a project or assignment? Come to the service desk at any Swinburne campus library. You can email library@swinburne.edu.au, phone 9214 8330, or SMS 0427 841 787.

You can also take a look at previous exam papers to prepare for your upcoming exams.

International student advisers

Swinburne's International Student Advisers (ISAs) provide a comprehensive advisory and referral service for academic and pastoral care.

Whether you're having trouble with your studies, feeling homesick or just need someone to talk to, ISAs can help you find out what the problem is and who you need to see.

To make an appointment, call 9214 6741or email isa@swin.edu.au. Please include your full name, student ID, campus, phone number and the reason for your appointment.

Swinburne foodbank

Don't go hungry this winter! Student Services operates a foodbank support service on the Croydon, Hawthorn, Prahran and Wantirna campuses.

If you need to access the foodbank in an emergency, contact Student Services to make an appointment or call in.

Safety tips

On trains

Travelling in the dark can be scary for anyone, but there are things you can do to help you feel safer when you catch the train.

Did you know there are safety zones on train platforms, which are marked by signs and clear yellow lines? These zones are well lit, monitored by video surveillance and within reach of the emergency communication system.

All railway stations and many train carriages are equipped with CCTV cameras which capture video surveillance security footage. You should board train carriages with CCTV cameras and stick to those with plenty of other passengers on board.

If you are approached by anyone acting suspiciously, report them to the driver or public transport staff who can contact police.

Remember: the emergency number is '000' (Fire, Ambulance or Police).

SPAM email from banks

Watch out for emails from banks asking for your personal and banking details. These emails should be deleted immediately – banks will never ask for your personal details via email. If you've already responded, contact your bank immediately.

Mt Hotham ski trip

Whether you are an excellent skier or have never seen snow, the SSAA Mt. Hotham ski trip is a great opportunity to experience skiing at one of Australia's best ski locations.

The trip is scheduled for 15–17 August 2008. The package includes return coach travel, accommodation, lift pass, equipment hire, ski lessons and breakfast and dinner each day.

Numbers are limited. To find out more and reserve your place, visit your SSAA office or phone recreation officer Luke Gordon on 9726 1703.

What's On in Melbourne?

Looking for some fun in the city? Check out what’s happening in and around Melbourne throughout May and beyond.

Keep up-to-date with the latest events on the International Student Life website.