ATAR Notes: Forum

Uni Stuff => Universities - Victoria => University of Melbourne => Topic started by: Russ on January 08, 2011, 07:59:19 pm

Title: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 08, 2011, 07:59:19 pm
Since VCE results have been released and offers and being made during January, there are probably going to be a lot of people wondering certain things over the next few weeks. I wrote this whilst watching Australia get destroyed in the Ashes and it's my (and hopefully others) attempt to answer those questions. It's written specifically for UoM, but if you're thinking of Deakin/Monash/LaTrobe/VU/etc. then it's still worth a read.

First thing, is to congratulate you on your results and wish you the best for university. Second thing is to tell you that Google and the UoM website can answer a lot of questions. The student centres, especially at this time of year, are notorious for taking a LONG time to respond to queries. Thirdly, and most importantly, I'd like to quote a section from the UoM enrolment guide

Quote
It is your responsibility to make sure your subject plan meets your course requirements.

This is true but the bolded bit is more important. You've finished high school and you're adults now. You might have heard that at university, nobody cares - that's not true. It's just that there are thousands of students at UoM and a limited amount of advisors/tutors/lecturers etc. so they're spread across everyone. You're equally responsible for ensuring that you receive the education you're paying for, so be proactive. If you need help, advice or support then you'll get it but you're going to have to go looking for it.

Dates
Semester One start - 28 February
Non teaching period - 22 April to 1 May
Semester One finish - 29 May
Swotvac - 30 May to 3 June
Exams - 6 June to 24 June

Yes the semester is split into 8 weeks and 4 weeks with only 1 week off. Yes it sucks. Get used to it. The non teaching period is not a holiday, you're expected to work over it. You may have mid semester exams/tests on the first week back, so don't go booking holidays just yet (you can also theoretically have work due in the non teaching period, but that's unlikely).

Semester Two start - 25 July
Non teaching period - 19 September to 2 October
Semester Two finish - 30 October
Swotvac - 31 October to 4 November
Exams - 7 November to 25 November

The Melbourne Cup happens to fall on the 1st of November in 2011, so nobody will have an exam on Cup Day (the university doesn't consider it a holiday, you may have an exam on cup day in the future). There's also a 2 week break this time!

Important links
The student portal, which is generally considered to be a slow and buggy mess but it allows access to all the information you'll need.
Student Webmail login, if you don't want to go through the portal. The uni is migrating to GoogleApps so you’ll probably get an offer to sign up for that.
The Learning Management System is where you'll get information on your subjects, lecture notes etc.
The Handbook lists all subjects, timetables, assessment etc. It is your bible, use it often and don’t go asking questions that can be answered by just reading it.
The Past Exams Collection has all past exams that the faculty has given permission for you to see. Study tool #1
Careers Online is where you go when you want a job/tutor/to tutor etc.

Academic Advice Day - 24 January

The purpose of this day is basically to get you set up for your course. You'll hear from your coordinator, current students and other people who can help you. Student advisors will be available for you to ask questions about whether subject X is needed for major Y etc.
You really should attend, this is your first opportunity to meet the other students in your course - you're going to be seeing them a lot over the next few years, so meet them sooner rather than later. The advice is also pretty good (if a bit general) and you'll start to get a feel for what campus is like. If you can’t go it’s not a big deal.

Quote from: rustic_metal
Remember to grab a showbag from the SSS (Science Students' Society) too. It has an alternative handbook in it with an awesome uni survival guide (reviews of pubs and coffee places, tips on subject selection, which social events are the best, etc).

O-week

Don't miss this. You'll be assigned groups of about a dozen, who will be joined by a student host (ie a 2nd year or above, usually from your course). There are activities to do, some fun and some...less fun, which will show you the campus and help you get to know people. Be nice to your student host and ask them lots of questions about 1st year so you can get some insider tips on what to do/not to do. There will be literally thousands of first years wandering around with a lost look on their face; if you see one then go up to them and introduce yourself. You run into people you saw six months ago with scary regularity.

There will be a lot of free stuff. Free food, free drinks, free stationary, free red bull etc. Get a bag, put everything you can into it and sort it out later. If you play your cards right, you won't need to buy pens/pencils ever again. Try to get around the whole campus, because I can guarantee you that you'll have tutes (especially for breadth) in places that you've never seen before.

There are a lot of clubs on campus and thus there's a day when they'll all have stands at Union House and showcase themselves. The one piece of advice I can give you is this: don't join every club that looks semi interesting. Ask yourself if you're really going to be attending regular meetings and taking part or if you just like the idea of a club dedicated to chocolate or juggling or llamas.

In terms of joining the student union, I think it's a very good idea. They do a lot of work behind the scenes and need money to keep doing that. The bonuses you get from the membership (access to the Rowden White Library, the members lounge etc.) are nice but probably aren't worth $99 unless you use them regularly.

Quote from: rustic_metal
It's definitely worth it [joining the student union]! Clubs are generally around $2 if you have a union membership and up to $10-15 without it, so you'll save at least $25 just in o-week from joining clubs. You'll also get (unlimited!) free sausages, veggie burgers and drinks (soft drinks, water, beer, cider, etc) every Tuesday at the union bbq, so that's your lunch sorted for 24 days a year (5 weeks worth of uni lunches). Then there's social events, where being a member of the union will get you $10 tickets to cocktail party, rather than $25 (there are dozens of night events like this which are awesome to go to).

Oh and you'll get free easy access to cheap printing and PCs/macs at any time in union house without the hassle of having to run around the uni to find a computer that's connected to a printer. The Rowden White is useless unless you want to sleep (they have beanbags!), but the members lounge is an absolute pain if you aren't a member, since you can't go in to talk to your friends if they're in there (it's right in the middle of union house). And yes, they check cards all the time.

I reckon I made back a few hundred dollars worth of savings, which isn't even counting all the free food and drink you'll get from clubs pretty much every Tuesday through Wednesday (and sometimes Monday and Friday too, but those are usually the dead days).

On that note, if you're looking to get a day off, make it Monday or Friday. When you're creating your timetable, the best times to schedule a break for are Tuesday 12-2 (this is a common break anyway, the uni must have decided to make sure everybody will have at least one chance to see their friends), Wednesday 12-2 (preferably get the entire afternoon off if you can) and Thursday 12-2 (...okay so I just realised these are all 12-2 haha). Wednesday is the day where all the big events occur, so do your best to get the whole afternoon off. Kegs n Sun (SSS - science), Beer n Chips (MUESC - the engies), More Beer events (Including Fort Beer) are just some of them. Also most night events are held on Wednesday, so groups of people tend to meet up a few hours before on South Lawn for pre drinks and to get ready before heading off.

That's all the formal uni stuff. O Week is also a great time for celebrating...something. There are going to be plenty of events happening during O Week, even if none of them are major. Lots of free BBQs for you to meet people at, pub tours of Carlton and introductions to the uni lifestyle. The uni bar is never more busy than during O-week so head over there if you're lost and you can always grab a drink with randoms.
nb, there are quite a few people on here who are student hosts, if you want to know if you got one of us then post your name/course closer to O week.

Bits and Pieces of Advice for Uni

Textbooks - under no circumstances should you ever buy a textbook from the university bookstore without first checking every other store you can think of. They get subsidised by the university/government and still manage to be more expensive than independent retailers. Yes, it's a disgrace. The one exception to this is student readers, which are published by the university and only sold through the bookshop (theoretically at cost price). In general, you don't need to buy textbooks before the subject starts. Often you can wait until the end of the first week to decide whether you should buy it or hold off a bit longer.

A couple of places to try  buying things from are Encompass Books or The Book Depository

Just in case you don't believe me, here's an example:

Book - Jawetz, Melnick, and Adelberg's Medical Microbiology, 25th Edition
Price at The Book Depository - 67.78 with free shipping
Price at Uni Bookstore - $81 with the 10% discount

If you want to buy secondhand, textbookexchange is a decent place to find them, but I can't speak from personal experience.

Lectures - go to all of them. If you don't go, listen on Lectopia and take notes as usual. There's a very big temptation to skip lectures, especially when it's at 9am or when you're on South Lawn in the sun and there's a BBQ. But nothing really makes up for being in the theatre when the lecturer is explaining a concept. You can make do with the recordings but I always find that it takes longer to listen to a recording than it does to actually attend the class.

Often, you'll find that off the cuff comments and statements make their way into multiple choice questions, pay attention. Take notes, whether in a book or on the printed notes is up to you, but make sure you're putting in some sort of effort because it focuses you on the actual content.

Choosing subjects

You need to think ahead a little bit. Take half an hour, write down the majors you would consider and look at the subjects that you have to do for them. Then check their prerequisite subjects. Can you qualify for multiple majors to keep your options open or do you have to exclude some of them? If you're an Arts student the conditions are often a little broader (eg 25 points of first year English subjects) but in Science it's generally a specific subject that you must do.

Studying

If you already know what you plan to do after your degree (apply for job, masters of X, research etc.) then you should check out what the requirements are. Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70% for Honours? That's your target to aim at. In 1st semester you should get a feel for how difficult it is to get certain grades and you'll get an idea of what effort you need to put in. Obviously it all depends on your particular work habits etc. but the following are a few general pieces of advice that may be useful:

Don't put off work with the rationale that "it's only the first week" or "I have plenty of time". No need to go over the top with study in your first year but at the same time don't ignore your degree.
Research should be done fast. Books won't be in the library a week from the essay due date.
Just because the lecturer didn't explain it, doesn't mean it won't be on the exam. You need to study it yourself.
Making some summary notes at the end of every week is a good idea (or end of every lecture if you're keen).
SWOTVAC is for working not for sleeping/drinking despite what every other student (including me) will tell you

FAQs

Q. I heard the term "JAFFY", what does it mean?
A. Just Another Fucking First Year. Yeah, we hate you guys.

Q. I got an H1/H2A/etc., what does this mean?
A. Uni grades are different. 80+ is an H1, 75-79 is an H2A, 70-74 is an H2B, 65-69 is an H3, 50-64 is a P, <50 is an F. The H stands for Honours, the P for Pass and the F for Fail. Just so you know, all failed assessment is double marked.

Q. My timetable isn't displaying/I can't change subjects or enrol in classes, what do I do?
A. The university adopted a new database system last year (ISIS) and it's universally considered to be a joke. Wait it out or contact your student centre (be prepared to wait).

Q. What is my "study plan"?
A. When it works, it's a record of all the subjects you've done, when you did them and your results. It also shows what subjects you need to complete in the future and any you've already pre-selected

Q. I don't like my tutor and he/she doesn't like me, help!
A. Change tutes or deal with it. If you tutor is going to be marking your work (eg final essay) then I strongly suggest you change tutes (takes 30 seconds via the study plan but is probably a worse timeslot). If you don't like your final mark it’s really hard to get it remarked.

Q. I emailed my lecturer at 10.30am about the assignment and it's now 2pm and it's due in 3 hours, WHY HASN'T HE REPLIED?
A. Lecturers get a lot of mail, 50+ messages a day that need to be replied to. Also, don't leave assignments to the last day.

Q. This is really hard and I don't know whether I'll be able to pass. Everyone else seems so much better than me.
A. You got the marks to get in here, you'll get the marks to pass. Every first year has these confidence freak outs at some point during the year. Passing at uni is not hard and you can always build better marks later.

Q. What's this "Prosh Week" thing I keep hearing about?
A. It's a week during second semester where students form teams to compete in challenges (Iron Gut, Scavenger Hunt etc.). There is a lot of alcohol, nudity and general silliness and it's a generally enjoyable week. Stay away from South Lawn if you don't want to see people doing crazy things.

Q. Why isn't uni like the hollywood representation with no work, easy women and epic parties?
A. Deal with it.

And finally, have fun. You're in the real world, so make the most of it. The lecturers have a sense of humour and are more than willing to be "normal", as evidenced by this exam paper, which is probably my favourite thing from my time at uni.
(http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4079/examu.png)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 08, 2011, 08:56:15 pm
Extremely informative and comprehensible, thanks Russ
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Choclit on January 08, 2011, 09:36:34 pm
Thanks for this Russ! :)
The handbook link doesn't seem to work.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 08, 2011, 09:38:14 pm
Thanks for this Russ! :)
The handbook link doesn't seem to work.

Look here (think the problem was needed https):
https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/faces/htdocs/user/search/SimpleSearch.jsp

Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Ghost! on January 08, 2011, 10:01:28 pm
Thank you so much for this Russ, incredibly helpful.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: werdna on January 08, 2011, 10:15:28 pm
Uni sounds like heaps of fun.. thanks Russ!  ;)

GO MONASH!!
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: 98.40_for_sure on January 08, 2011, 10:24:29 pm
Should have gone to UoM... ffffffffu--
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 08, 2011, 10:24:51 pm
Should have gone to UoM... ffffffffu--
muhaha
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 08, 2011, 11:00:29 pm
Should have gone to UoM... ffffffffu--

you still can... do eeeet - so much better then monash xD
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 08, 2011, 11:07:29 pm
Why is UoM considered 'better'?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 08, 2011, 11:27:34 pm
Academic Advice Day - 24 January

The purpose of this day is basically to get you set up for your course. You'll hear from your coordinator, current students and other people who can help you. Student advisors will be available for you to ask questions about whether subject X is needed for major Y etc.
You really should attend, this is your first opportunity to meet the other students in your course - you're going to be seeing them a lot over the next few years, so meet them sooner rather than later. The advice is also pretty good (if a bit general) and you'll start to get a feel for what campus is like. If you can’t go it’s not a big deal.

Remember to grab a showbag from the SSS (Science Students' Society) too. It has an alternative handbook in it with an awesome uni survival guide (reviews of pubs and coffee places, tips on subject selection, which social events are the best, etc).

In terms of joining the student union, I think it's a very good idea. They do a lot of work behind the scenes and need money to keep doing that. The bonuses you get from the membership (access to the Rowden White Library, the members lounge etc.) are nice but probably aren't worth $99 unless you use them regularly.

It's definitely worth it! Clubs are generally around $2 if you have a union membership and up to $10-15 without it, so you'll save at least $25 just in o-week from joining clubs. You'll also get (unlimited!) free sausages, veggie burgers and drinks (soft drinks, water, beer, cider, etc) every Tuesday at the union bbq, so that's your lunch sorted for 24 days a year (5 weeks worth of uni lunches). Then there's social events, where being a member of the union will get you $10 tickets to cocktail party, rather than $25 (there are dozens of night events like this which are awesome to go to).

Oh and you'll get free easy access to cheap printing and PCs/macs at any time in union house without the hassle of having to run around the uni to find a computer that's connected to a printer. The Rowden White is useless unless you want to sleep (they have beanbags!), but the members lounge is an absolute pain if you aren't a member, since you can't go in to talk to your friends if they're in there (it's right in the middle of union house). And yes, they check cards all the time.

I reckon I made back a few hundred dollars worth of savings, which isn't even counting all the free food and drink you'll get from clubs pretty much every Tuesday through Wednesday (and sometimes Monday and Friday too, but those are usually the dead days).

On that note, if you're looking to get a day off, make it Monday or Friday. When you're creating your timetable, the best times to schedule a break for are Tuesday 12-2 (this is a common break anyway, the uni must have decided to make sure everybody will have at least one chance to see their friends), Wednesday 12-2 (preferably get the entire afternoon off if you can) and Thursday 12-2 (...okay so I just realised these are all 12-2 haha). Wednesday is the day where all the big events occur, so do your best to get the whole afternoon off. Kegs n Sun (SSS - science), Beer n Chips (MUESC - the engies), More Beer events (Including Fort Beer) are just some of them. Also most night events are held on Wednesday, so groups of people tend to meet up a few hours before on South Lawn for pre drinks and to get ready before heading off.

There are a lot of clubs on campus and thus there's a day when they'll all have stands at Union House and showcase themselves. The one piece of advice I can give you is this: don't join every club that looks semi interesting. Ask yourself if you're really going to be attending regular meetings and taking part or if you just like the idea of a club dedicated to chocolate or juggling or llamas.


Fuck yeah, juggling club! I used to go to that after uni on a Thursday, since it's in North Court and it's a convenient buffer between classes and Thursday night Pugg's. Haven't been since semester 1, though. :P

Has anybody actually seen FOUL this year? I think they might have shut down. They won prosh a couple of times a few years ago...

If you'd like I can write a guide to student societies, pub nights, balls, cruises, prosh week and other social events for you to tack onto the end of your post.

Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 08, 2011, 11:31:17 pm
Why is UoM considered 'better'?

i personally only like melbs so much more because of it being so much prettier (yes i am someone who feels more comfortable and happier in a more attractive/lively environment) and in a good & convenient location.xD
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 08, 2011, 11:33:11 pm
Why is UoM considered 'better'?

Because we're better than everyone else and our opinion is correct.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Edmund on January 09, 2011, 12:11:33 am
Add these links to first post please ;D

Past exam papers for the earlier generation subjects can be found here - the digital repo
http://dtl.unimelb.edu.au/

Also, a cheap printing shop can be found under the Arts Centre (you have to go round to the back of the building). Alternatively, go to Scotts printing that's along Swanston Street.

Careers, Employment, Volunteering and Campus jobs
http://careersonline.unimelb.edu.au/Identity/LDAP/Wayf.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Default.chpx

Quote
Q. I don't like my tutor and he/she doesn't like me, help!
A. Change tutes or deal with it. If you tutor is going to be marking your work (eg final essay) then I strongly suggest you change tutes (takes 30 seconds via the study plan but is probably a worse timeslot). If you don't like your final mark it’s really hard to get it remarked.
If you really have to get something remarked, go to your tutor first. If your tutor doesn't make things better, go to the head tutor and if the matter isn't resolved then see the coordinator. I got bumped up 2 grades going through this process so it was worth it.

/offtopic
How to use 'the secret passageway'. :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Whatlol on January 09, 2011, 12:25:35 am
Wow this is great, thanks
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 09, 2011, 12:56:34 am


/offtopic
How to use 'the secret passageway'. :)
[/quote]

This is only for non-students right>?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: kevvy on January 09, 2011, 03:17:26 am
wow i cant wait till uni :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: tram on January 09, 2011, 09:35:08 am
This is awesome! Thanks everyone :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 09, 2011, 10:20:52 am
Why is UoM considered 'better'?

I will answer this question visually:
(http://www.monash.edu.au/campuses/tours/clayton/images/02.jpg)
(http://www.colleges.unimelb.edu.au/assets/images/trinity-01.jpg)

(yes, I'm being facetious)

Also, updated the OP with the contributions from others, if you write anything else I'll edit it in :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: dyaner on January 09, 2011, 03:09:16 pm
FAQs

Q. I heard the term "JAFFY", what does it mean?
A. Just Another Fucking First Year. Yeah, we hate you guys.


That made me laughed!

Great post too! :D
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: 98.40_for_sure on January 09, 2011, 03:15:52 pm
Why is UoM considered 'better'?

I will answer this question visually:
(http://www.monash.edu.au/campuses/tours/clayton/images/02.jpg)
(http://www.colleges.unimelb.edu.au/assets/images/trinity-01.jpg)

(yes, I'm being facetious)

Also, updated the OP with the contributions from others, if you write anything else I'll edit it in :)

I don't get it...
first pic: chick in the grey looks good from a distance?
second pic: asian guy got hit and his tooth moved up 5cm?
third pic: ... hogwarts wannabe

how does this in any way say that uom is better
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: berryy on January 09, 2011, 03:17:50 pm
i like this!
mega thanks
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 09, 2011, 04:28:21 pm
Stickied.  Awesome post.  :D
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 09, 2011, 05:41:07 pm
how does this in any way say that uom is better

Bus stop is monash, sweet architecture is melbourne. It's why I went there.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 09, 2011, 06:34:36 pm
how does this in any way say that uom is better

Bus stop is monash, sweet architecture is melbourne. It's why I went there.

And we have the model.  If something goes wrong, and I mean anything in the world, the model takes a beating.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: burbs on January 09, 2011, 06:44:58 pm
Russ, you are making me reconsider interstate study.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 09, 2011, 06:51:03 pm


/offtopic
How to use 'the secret passageway'. :)

This is only for non-students right>?

You'll still need to get into the Doug McDonnel building (whenever it opens).  Or you can use the ERC and walk past the Charles Pearson Theatre.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 09, 2011, 07:12:19 pm
Russ, you are making me reconsider interstate study.

Don't study anywhere that doesn't offer African Dance and Drum
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: burbs on January 09, 2011, 07:13:58 pm
Russ, you are making me reconsider interstate study.

Don't study anywhere that doesn't offer African Dance and Drum

How did you know my first preference was the North African Dance and Drum Academy?!



(ANU?)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 09, 2011, 08:29:08 pm
Just to clarify, most subjects without exams (breadth) dont count towards GPA, does anyone have a list? Just pick such consecutive subjects = more time? theres probably a catch?

Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 09, 2011, 08:37:34 pm
Erm, what? You're thinking of applying for the MD, in which case breadth definitely counts towards your GPA.

Some programs like Honours will only consider your marks in your major or related subjects.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 09, 2011, 08:50:41 pm
Aha, anyway nevetheless would you happen to know which breadth are examless?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 09, 2011, 08:56:51 pm
Anything wishy washy usually is. Philosophy, creative writing etc.

Search for breadth subjects on the handbook and check the assessment there
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 09, 2011, 09:21:29 pm
Anything wishy washy usually is. Philosophy, creative writing etc.

Search for breadth subjects on the handbook and check the assessment there
Mmm, all the philo subjects ive looked at have exams(still not discouraging) the creative writing looks good (film scripts), Russ did you do 25% breadth or just the minimum?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 09, 2011, 11:56:46 pm
Anything wishy washy usually is. Philosophy, creative writing etc.

Search for breadth subjects on the handbook and check the assessment there
Mmm, all the philo subjects ive looked at have exams(still not discouraging) the creative writing looks good (film scripts), Russ did you do 25% breadth or just the minimum?

I'd love to do creative writing and philosophy amongst other similar subject types. However, I'd be too afraid to ruin my GPA this way :( If only breadth didn't have to count for Medicine entry! Ah well..
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 10, 2011, 12:24:55 am
Anything wishy washy usually is. Philosophy, creative writing etc.

Search for breadth subjects on the handbook and check the assessment there
Mmm, all the philo subjects ive looked at have exams(still not discouraging) the creative writing looks good (film scripts), Russ did you do 25% breadth or just the minimum?

I'd love to do creative writing and philosophy amongst other similar subject types. However, I'd be too afraid to ruin my GPA this way :( If only breadth didn't have to count for Medicine entry! Ah well..
oh man, tell me about it
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 10, 2011, 01:29:50 am
Anything wishy washy usually is. Philosophy, creative writing etc.

Search for breadth subjects on the handbook and check the assessment there
Mmm, all the philo subjects ive looked at have exams(still not discouraging) the creative writing looks good (film scripts), Russ did you do 25% breadth or just the minimum?

I'd love to do creative writing and philosophy amongst other similar subject types. However, I'd be too afraid to ruin my GPA this way :( If only breadth didn't have to count for Medicine entry! Ah well..
oh man, tell me about it

Well you could find out you are actually good at it, and then it could aid your GPA. First year isn't weighted as much as others anyway if it doesn't work out.. I'm personally just not as willing to take a risk yet :P
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 10, 2011, 10:24:13 am
Quote
Mmm, all the philo subjects ive looked at have exams(still not discouraging) the creative writing looks good (film scripts), Russ did you do 25% breadth or just the minimum?

Did 2 creative writing, one philosophy and one uni breadth (genetics and ethics). Probably going to do two more breadth this year, both about population health/control

Don't worry about your GPA when picking subjects, that's a great way to screw yourself over. Why should the advice "do what you enjoy" be any different at uni than at VCE?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: zomgSEAN on January 10, 2011, 01:49:39 pm
Russ,

amazing post.


ily babezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 10, 2011, 02:35:12 pm
Quote
Mmm, all the philo subjects ive looked at have exams(still not discouraging) the creative writing looks good (film scripts), Russ did you do 25% breadth or just the minimum?

Did 2 creative writing, one philosophy and one uni breadth (genetics and ethics). Probably going to do two more breadth this year, both about population health/control

Don't worry about your GPA when picking subjects, that's a great way to screw yourself over. Why should the advice "do what you enjoy" be any different at uni than at VCE?

How did you find creative writing? & How did the majority go - did it seem to most that it was difficult to get an HD - is it possible for an average writer to get this?
Unfortunately I will worry about GPA, since I'll try to transfer to UNSW after first year, so I really need perfect grades for this over the year to raise my ATAR to be competitive.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 10, 2011, 03:28:38 pm
Depends on how you treat the subject. To get an H1 your writing really does need to be edited to the extreme. Your tutor's comments absolutely must be followed exactly, because it's completely subjective and if they don't like it when they mark it...bad luck
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 10, 2011, 03:37:08 pm
Depends on how you treat the subject. To get an H1 your writing really does need to be edited to the extreme. Your tutor's comments absolutely must be followed exactly, because it's completely subjective and if they don't like it when they mark it...bad luck
Yea the subjective nature of those subjects poses a risk, did you do film scripting? you do ok?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 10, 2011, 03:49:43 pm
Depends on how you treat the subject. To get an H1 your writing really does need to be edited to the extreme. Your tutor's comments absolutely must be followed exactly, because it's completely subjective and if they don't like it when they mark it...bad luck

Ah, that's no fun. hmmm may just learn a language over February and then do it as breadth.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 10, 2011, 03:53:42 pm
Quote
Mmm, all the philo subjects ive looked at have exams(still not discouraging) the creative writing looks good (film scripts), Russ did you do 25% breadth or just the minimum?

Did 2 creative writing, one philosophy and one uni breadth (genetics and ethics). Probably going to do two more breadth this year, both about population health/control

Don't worry about your GPA when picking subjects, that's a great way to screw yourself over. Why should the advice "do what you enjoy" be any different at uni than at VCE?

How did you find creative writing? & How did the majority go - did it seem to most that it was difficult to get an HD - is it possible for an average writer to get this?
Unfortunately I will worry about GPA, since I'll try to transfer to UNSW after first year, so I really need perfect grades for this over the year to raise my ATAR to be competitive.

A few of my friends got H3-H2Bs in creative writing. I had a look at some of their stuff and, to be honest...it was shithouse. lol
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Fyrefly on January 10, 2011, 06:50:03 pm

An article about upfront CSP payments... I've noticed a few have you have been asking whether you should pay upfront to get the 20% discount and such.

http://money.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=100209
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 10, 2011, 07:31:36 pm
Aha, anyway nevetheless would you happen to know which breadth are examless?

African Drum & Dance!  :)  Would've loved to do that if I could fit it in my degree.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 11, 2011, 12:09:24 am
Aha, anyway nevetheless would you happen to know which breadth are examless?

African Drum & Dance!  :)  Would've loved to do that if I could fit it in my degree.
why cant you?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 11, 2011, 04:54:29 pm
Aha, anyway nevetheless would you happen to know which breadth are examless?

African Drum & Dance!  :)  Would've loved to do that if I could fit it in my degree.
why cant you?

Cos I've already got my breadth all planned out and can't do any more breadth in my degree otherwise I wouldn't be doing a B.Sci lol.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 12, 2011, 10:21:11 pm
Aha, anyway nevetheless would you happen to know which breadth are examless?

African Drum & Dance!  :)  Would've loved to do that if I could fit it in my degree.
why cant you?

Cos I've already got my breadth all planned out and can't do any more breadth in my degree otherwise I wouldn't be doing a B.Sci lol.
ah, so whats more important than african dance? are you doing 4 breadth or 6?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 14, 2011, 12:40:05 am
During O-week do we spend our time indefinitely with our prescribed group? Tour the campus with them exclusively, I want to take advantage of all the freebies, free stationary sounds appealing (yes im homeless) so is it all planned out so we cover ever area, from what ive heard many leaders vary in terms of their 'touring'
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 14, 2011, 09:41:47 am
The first day, unless you want to meet up with them again another time
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 14, 2011, 12:03:09 pm
The first day, unless you want to meet up with them again another time
ah I see, so the rest of the week we just go solo if we want?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: peepers on January 14, 2011, 12:31:07 pm
The first day, unless you want to meet up with them again another time
ah I see, so the rest of the week we just go solo if we want?

Yep!
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 14, 2011, 12:54:14 pm
The first day, unless you want to meet up with them again another time
ah I see, so the rest of the week we just go solo if we want?

Yep!
So for the remaining of the week we just walk around taking free stuff?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 14, 2011, 01:11:50 pm
The first day, unless you want to meet up with them again another time
ah I see, so the rest of the week we just go solo if we want?

Yep!
So for the remaining of the week we just walk around taking free stuff?

Yep!  Walk around, go to info sessions if you want.  The joys and freedom of uni, eh?  haha
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 14, 2011, 01:13:42 pm
The first day, unless you want to meet up with them again another time
ah I see, so the rest of the week we just go solo if we want?

Yep!
So for the remaining of the week we just walk around taking free stuff?

Yep!  Walk around, go to info sessions if you want.  The joys and freedom of uni, eh?  haha
sweeet, what kind of info sessions are running?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 14, 2011, 01:15:54 pm
The first day, unless you want to meet up with them again another time
ah I see, so the rest of the week we just go solo if we want?

Yep!
So for the remaining of the week we just walk around taking free stuff?

Yep!  Walk around, go to info sessions if you want.  The joys and freedom of uni, eh?  haha
sweeet, what kind of info sessions are running?

Lots.  In your enrolment package, you'll receive a booklet called Undergraduate Orientation Program.  In there it has a map and a list of information sessions you can attend if you want.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 15, 2011, 12:25:02 pm
Quote
Mmm, all the philo subjects ive looked at have exams(still not discouraging) the creative writing looks good (film scripts), Russ did you do 25% breadth or just the minimum?

Did 2 creative writing, one philosophy and one uni breadth (genetics and ethics). Probably going to do two more breadth this year, both about population health/control

Don't worry about your GPA when picking subjects, that's a great way to screw yourself over. Why should the advice "do what you enjoy" be any different at uni than at VCE?
Which creative writing did you do, I want to do either writing for screen or ideas and practice, im unsure about the latter because im not particularly interested in poetry and they was some reference in one of the descriptions
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 15, 2011, 12:35:14 pm
I'm going to be away on the 24th of Jan for academic advice day, is this a problem?
I really wanted to speak to them about my subjects and get everything sorted, like plan my entire 3 years and the like.. Can I do this in early February? What else do i miss on that day?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 15, 2011, 12:45:02 pm
Don't bother enrolling in your entire 3 years now, it's completely unnecessary and will just result in you changing subjects this time next year (seriously). Putting in 2nd/3rd year subjects now, as opposed to next year makes no difference. First year science is usually fairly generic (cough two semesters of chemistry and biology cough).

You can add subjects to your study plan from home, it doesn't have to be at uni or even in January. You're free to make an appointment with your student center, but at this time of year it's busy due to the influx of several thousand new students. In terms of what you'll miss...not much uni stuff. The OP is a summary of what happens, but it's your first chance to meet students in the course etc. and that's probably more important than picking your subjects

@mike

The screen one is only if you want to write scripts, there's not much focus on "creative" writing (ie prose). I did ideas and practice. I also don't really like poetry but it was handled well (modern poems as well as ye olde english ones) and I enjoyed writing my piece.

Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 15, 2011, 01:09:22 pm
I see, Films also Level 2 so I cant do it in first year, ideas and practice however I can as its level 1, so writing poetry was compulsive as one of the major 3 pieces of assessment?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 15, 2011, 01:41:46 pm
Is it in second semester? If it is, you can do it after completing Ideas and Practice in first semester.

The three major pieces were: poetry, creative non fiction and regular fiction
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 15, 2011, 02:15:59 pm
Don't bother enrolling in your entire 3 years now, it's completely unnecessary and will just result in you changing subjects this time next year (seriously). Putting in 2nd/3rd year subjects now, as opposed to next year makes no difference. First year science is usually fairly generic (cough two semesters of chemistry and biology cough).

You can add subjects to your study plan from home, it doesn't have to be at uni or even in January. You're free to make an appointment with your student center, but at this time of year it's busy due to the influx of several thousand new students. In terms of what you'll miss...not much uni stuff. The OP is a summary of what happens, but it's your first chance to meet students in the course etc. and that's probably more important than picking your subjects

@mike

The screen one is only if you want to write scripts, there's not much focus on "creative" writing (ie prose). I did ideas and practice. I also don't really like poetry but it was handled well (modern poems as well as ye olde english ones) and I enjoyed writing my piece.



I meant just planning my 3 years not enrolling, since I kind of already have planned first two, but need to confirm a few things to ensure all is fine (already done first year chem, so not as generic), and i really want to do it ASAP. I'm very much one to have to plan all this stuff well in advanced :p
So could I call up and even ask to make an appointment for the next week if they are available? i'd love to feel 'prepared!' Or do they not start making appointments yet..

argh, that annoying though that i'm missing it, is it worth just delaying my trip to go? or is it not really that much of a big deal?
like will i find the same stuff out in O-week anyway?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 15, 2011, 02:42:10 pm
If you've booked a trip it's probably not worth changing it, you can call the uni and they'll have a system in place to deal with it. You can get the same help before O-week (which is probably a bit too late to be changing subjects etc.)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 15, 2011, 04:41:19 pm
Don't bother enrolling in your entire 3 years now, it's completely unnecessary and will just result in you changing subjects this time next year (seriously). Putting in 2nd/3rd year subjects now, as opposed to next year makes no difference. First year science is usually fairly generic (cough two semesters of chemistry and biology cough).

You can add subjects to your study plan from home, it doesn't have to be at uni or even in January. You're free to make an appointment with your student center, but at this time of year it's busy due to the influx of several thousand new students. In terms of what you'll miss...not much uni stuff. The OP is a summary of what happens, but it's your first chance to meet students in the course etc. and that's probably more important than picking your subjects

@mike

The screen one is only if you want to write scripts, there's not much focus on "creative" writing (ie prose). I did ideas and practice. I also don't really like poetry but it was handled well (modern poems as well as ye olde english ones) and I enjoyed writing my piece.



I meant just planning my 3 years not enrolling, since I kind of already have planned first two, but need to confirm a few things to ensure all is fine (already done first year chem, so not as generic), and i really want to do it ASAP. I'm very much one to have to plan all this stuff well in advanced :p
So could I call up and even ask to make an appointment for the next week if they are available? i'd love to feel 'prepared!' Or do they not start making appointments yet..

argh, that annoying though that i'm missing it, is it worth just delaying my trip to go? or is it not really that much of a big deal?
like will i find the same stuff out in O-week anyway?

When VTAC advises you that UoM is prepared to give you an offer, accept it.  Enrol online.  Finish enrolling.  Give it a few days.  Then call them up because then you're officially a UoM student and see (or hear in this case) what they have to say.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 15, 2011, 04:55:40 pm
^ ok thanks guys :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 15, 2011, 05:15:15 pm
Academic Advice Day is probably the day where you're least likely to get 1-to-1 help, since there are thousands of kids around. You'll almost never be able to sit down and plan out your course, as you said: that's entirely your responsibility and the student centres don't have the time to help you with it (they'll just tell you to go to the handbook, which is pretty much all you need).

The biggest problem with missing academic advice day is that you'll miss out on getting an SSS showbag. :D
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 15, 2011, 05:22:39 pm
Academic Advice Day is probably the day where you're least likely to get 1-to-1 help, since there are thousands of kids around. You'll almost never be able to sit down and plan out your course, as you said: that's entirely your responsibility and the student centres don't have the time to help you with it (they'll just tell you to go to the handbook, which is pretty much all you need).

The biggest problem with missing academic advice day is that you'll miss out on getting an SSS showbag. :D

awwhh. will i be able to obtain the important contents of this showbag by other means? perhaps when i have my student advisor appt thing..?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 15, 2011, 05:35:05 pm
The SSS is the Science Students' Society. It has nothing to do with the uni or the student advisers. :P
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 15, 2011, 05:36:47 pm
Doesn't most of it go up on the sss facebook/website? I remember getting a list of events and stuff from there (or maybe that was another club)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: vexx on January 15, 2011, 05:38:39 pm
noooooo, i want that stuff :(
ahh welllllll, im sure i'll be fine..
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 15, 2011, 05:42:10 pm
Yeah, the showbag is mostly awesome freebies, though. It also contains the collaborative eng + science uni survival guide!  ;)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 15, 2011, 05:46:23 pm
The survival guide is great, I want a copy anyway haha
You writing for it rustic?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 15, 2011, 05:51:33 pm
Nah, don't think much is being added to it this year. Basically just smacking the alternative handbook and the survival guide together I think.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 15, 2011, 08:32:06 pm
hey fellas when are the subject selections due in?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 15, 2011, 10:13:38 pm
hey fellas when are the subject selections due in?

Census date is 31 March for semester 1 subjects.  After this date, if you decide to drop a subject, it will appear as a Fail on your academic transcript and you will have to pay for it. 

But in any case, it's not like high school where you have a "due date".  You can drop the subject on the last day of the semester if you want.  No one is going to stop you, I think.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 16, 2011, 12:07:58 am
Dont lectures start 28th?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 16, 2011, 12:18:14 am
Is it in second semester? If it is, you can do it after completing Ideas and Practice in first semester.

The three major pieces were: poetry, creative non fiction and regular fiction
So poetry wasnt that bad? creative non fiction seems like a paradox
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 16, 2011, 12:29:48 am
You can enrol and unenrol in subjects any time before the census date, which you can find on the website and is after lectures start. Just enrol in everything a week or two before uni starts at the latest and you'll be fine.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 16, 2011, 01:01:15 am
You can enrol and unenrol in subjects any time before the census date, which you can find on the website and is after lectures start. Just enrol in everything a week or two before uni starts at the latest and you'll be fine.
Alright cool, I still refining my subjects, since on academic day its unlikely that ill get to have a one on one, would making another appointment be pointless as they'll jut tell me to check over the handbook?

















/
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 16, 2011, 01:05:32 am
Yeah. Student centres are really only there for bureaucratic purposes, such as processing credit applications, prerequisite waivers and transfers. Everything you need is in the handbook. AAD is really just about going to lectures and getting a feel for what it's like to be a uni student. The uni just finds it convenient to throw bits of information about subjects at you. The only people who will really get a lot out of it are people who hadn't bothered to find out about subjects at all, since they basically just read the handbook entries to you over the course of the lectures with a few motivational pictures and stuff.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 16, 2011, 01:10:34 am
Well the motivational posters will make all the difference aha
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 16, 2011, 08:53:04 pm
Just remember this:  If you want to change subjects, just drop it in the portal under the "Admin" tab.  Then add the subject of your choice.  That's what you call "changing".

Took me ages to figure that one out.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mankay on January 23, 2011, 09:09:54 pm
I have a few questions :O

1. Is it worth joining the union?

2. Is it worth getting a locker? (and is there any place i can rent one, either temporary or yearly, other than the union and sports centre thing)

3. Can i get a The Age 2011 Tertiary Card without being a union member?

Thanks! :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mikee65 on January 23, 2011, 09:32:04 pm
You can enrol and unenrol in subjects any time before the census date, which you can find on the website and is after lectures start. Just enrol in everything a week or two before uni starts at the latest and you'll be fine.
Gloam says census is 31 march, calendar says Semester 1 (12 teaching weeks) including:    Monday 28 February - Sunday 29 May, maybe im reading it wrong

Also were can we pick up the SSS showbags??
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 23, 2011, 09:36:56 pm
I have a few questions :O

1. Is it worth joining the union?

2. Is it worth getting a locker? (and is there any place i can rent one, either temporary or yearly, other than the union and sports centre thing)

3. Can i get a The Age 2011 Tertiary Card without being a union member?

Thanks! :)

1. Yes it's definitely worth joining the union. We run a free bbq every tuesday, have a computing centre upstairs so you'll never have to wait to use them, will save you a over 50% on joining clubs & societies, often save you $20 or more on tickets to events, etc. I made my union membership fees back many times over the course of last year. :)

2. Talk to envi, the environments society. The old postgrad society, apple, used to have a ridiculous number of lockers in the architecture building, but they collapsed. Pretty sure they've handed control of the lockers over to envi, though. That's where I'd go if I wanted a locker.

3. No idea.


You can enrol and unenrol in subjects any time before the census date, which you can find on the website and is after lectures start. Just enrol in everything a week or two before uni starts at the latest and you'll be fine.
Gloam says census is 31 march, calendar says Semester 1 (12 teaching weeks) including:    Monday 28 February - Sunday 29 May, maybe im reading it wrong

Also were can we pick up the SSS showbags??

Yeah the census date is during semester, so you can change subjects after uni starts if you find you don't like them.

We'll be in a few different locations tomorrow if you're after a showbag. You'll find us eventually. If you're struggling, just ask somebody with a bright orange plastic bag where they got it. :P
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Edmund on January 23, 2011, 09:40:57 pm
I have a few questions :O

1. Is it worth joining the union?

2. Is it worth getting a locker? (and is there any place i can rent one, either temporary or yearly, other than the union and sports centre thing)

3. Can i get a The Age 2011 Tertiary Card without being a union member?

Thanks! :)
3. Yeah for about 15 dollars iirc
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mankay on January 23, 2011, 09:45:03 pm
Thanks both of you :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 24, 2011, 09:10:56 am
I don't think a locker is really worth it. What are you thinking of leaving in there?

I never had a problem that could have been resolved by having a locker, just use your backpack instead.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on January 24, 2011, 05:14:08 pm
I have a few questions :O

1. Is it worth joining the union?

2. Is it worth getting a locker? (and is there any place i can rent one, either temporary or yearly, other than the union and sports centre thing)

3. Can i get a The Age 2011 Tertiary Card without being a union member?

Thanks! :)

1.  Along with the reasons above.  In life, when the shit gets damp, the Union can be a VERY powerful resource.  :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 24, 2011, 05:19:15 pm
So can the education officers of relevant student societies.

If you've been treated unfairly in terms of academia or you fuck up badly and need rescuing, you'll get much more help from the union if you're a member (otherwise they'll just tell you to scram - nicely, of course).
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mankay on January 24, 2011, 06:50:39 pm
Hmm interesting, i might end up joining it then :)

Another question, in my study plan, it's got my UMEP subject! "MAST10013 - UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students , Exempt Mark: 0" I didn't add it, it just appeared in the last few days.

Does this mean I've lost a potential subject space?

I did some research and if i did lose it, i'm guessing i have to use this "C03 Request to Amend Credit / Advanced Standing" form to remove it?

Quote
If you have previously been awarded credit you can apply to have this credit amended by either rejecting existing credit or applying to have previously rejected credit re-granted for course planning purposes. Students must have a sound academic reason for amending credit. Requests to amend any advanced standing / credit awarded towards the Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Biomedicine or Bachelor of Science degrees at the University of Melbourne, can be made using the C03 Request to Amend Credit / Advanced Standing
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 24, 2011, 07:46:21 pm
Yes, that's what it means. If you go to the student centre and ask for a form to rescind credit, they'll give you the one you need.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mankay on January 25, 2011, 11:12:35 pm
Yeah, i spoke with them and they said i'll have to come in to give in the form :/

Oh well, i'll just do it at o-week or something.

Thanks again - and for those pink pacers! :P
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: rustic_metal on January 25, 2011, 11:18:47 pm
Calling the uni never does anything. :P
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mankay on January 26, 2011, 11:27:17 am
I was trying to see if they had a fax number, and they said 'if it has one on the form then you can fax it in' otherwise i have to go in person. I was >_> <_< at the time, as none of the forms have one!
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Fyrefly on January 26, 2011, 01:20:49 pm
Calling the uni never does anything. :P

Calling does *occasionally* work, but most often only in the instances where you can get the direct line of the person you need to deal with. Therefore, 90% of the time, expect to have to drive in to uni to get shit sorted.

Again: welcome to uni bureaucracy :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: schmalex on February 12, 2011, 01:17:07 pm
So with the host program, where it has a T-shirt colour, do we have to wear a t shirt that colour? or is that just the colour t shirt that the host will be wearing?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: minilunchbox on February 12, 2011, 01:19:12 pm
So with the host program, where it has a T-shirt colour, do we have to wear a t shirt that colour? or is that just the colour t shirt that the host will be wearing?
So with the host program, where it has a T-shirt colour, do we have to wear a t shirt that colour? or is that just the colour t shirt that the host will be wearing?

Pretty sure that's the colour the host will be wearing so you can find them easier.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on February 12, 2011, 01:57:20 pm
It's the colour that your host will be wearing to differentiate them from a student
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: VivaTequila on December 27, 2011, 09:31:28 pm
Top notch man, very happy that I've read this
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Russ on January 19, 2012, 10:09:38 am
It's that time of year again /bump
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Planck's constant on January 19, 2012, 10:43:15 am

Another question, in my study plan, it's got my UMEP subject! "MAST10013 - UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students , Exempt Mark: 0" I didn't add it, it just appeared in the last few days.

Does this mean I've lost a potential subject space?

I did some research and if i did lose it, i'm guessing i have to use this "C03 Request to Amend Credit / Advanced Standing" form to remove it?

Hmm interesting, i might end up joining it then :)

Another question, in my study plan, it's got my UMEP subject! "MAST10013 - UMEP Maths for High Achieving Students , Exempt Mark: 0" I didn't add it, it just appeared in the last few days.

Does this mean I've lost a potential subject space?

I did some research and if i did lose it, i'm guessing i have to use this "C03 Request to Amend Credit / Advanced Standing" form to remove it?



Could you explain your reasons for wishing to have your UMEP maths credit removed?
From what I can gather, the University considers it equivalent to Accelerated Mathematics 1

Of greater interest to me is whether I can keep my actual grade from last year. Does anyone know?

PS. Great informative post OP !


.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: tram on January 19, 2012, 12:39:12 pm
Could you explain your reasons for wishing to have your UMEP maths credit removed?
From what I can gather, the University considers it equivalent to Accelerated Mathematics 1

Of greater interest to me is whether I can keep my actual grade from last year. Does anyone know?

PS. Great informative post OP !

Personally i chose to gt rid of my UMEP maths credit because i didn't want to do one less maths subjects and go straight into accelecrate maths 2 without doing maths in semester 1 so i did vector caculus instead of accelcrated maths 1 which was muhc easier but didn't mean i went into accelerated maths 2 with more of a shock than i already had. Having said this if you're not planning to do accelerated maths two then you could defintiely just cut one subject from your study plan and substitute this in (i would strongly recommend saving that free subject space for later years when the subjects are much harder) it would be a breath subject and yes you would keep your grade and score.

Note that even if you get rid of the credit for doing UMEP maths so you can do one extra subject, you can STILL use the uni maths score to count towards subjects that requires it (or accelerated maths 1) as a pre-req.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mankay on January 19, 2012, 04:49:23 pm
Quote
Could you explain your reasons for wishing to have your UMEP maths credit removed?
From what I can gather, the University considers it equivalent to Accelerated Mathematics 1

Of greater interest to me is whether I can keep my actual grade from last year. Does anyone know?

PS. Great informative post OP !

I got a bad mark for it and I needed the space for another subject. You can still use it as a pre-req if you get it removed.

Last year for me, it took up one of the subjects in the study plan and so i'm fairly sure you keep the grade by default.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Planck's constant on January 19, 2012, 07:50:44 pm

Personally i chose to gt rid of my UMEP maths credit because i didn't want to do one less maths subjects and go straight into accelecrate maths 2 without doing maths in semester 1 so i did vector caculus instead of accelcrated maths 1 which was muhc easier but didn't mean i went into accelerated maths 2 with more of a shock than i already had. Having said this if you're not planning to do accelerated maths two then you could defintiely just cut one subject from your study plan and substitute this in (i would strongly recommend saving that free subject space for later years when the subjects are much harder) it would be a breath subject and yes you would keep your grade and score.



Makes sense.
I appreciate the concern of tackling Accelerated Maths 2 after a long break with no maths.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Pixon on January 19, 2012, 09:53:39 pm
Hmm...I've enrolled into Accelerated Maths 2 because that was really the only option open to me in biomed for which I could get credit.
So I suppose you're saying this is a bad idea?
Also...I didn't do /that/ well in it (79...didn't count towards my ATAR), but I like to think that has more to do with my lack of effort rather than actual ability xD. Is this something that is worth removing and replacing with something and getting a higher mark (will it hurt gpa or something)? (sorry this is probably a bit silly)

sorry again...kinda off-topic (might need a split?)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: tram on January 19, 2012, 10:13:11 pm
Hmm...I've enrolled into Accelerated Maths 2 because that was really the only option open to me in biomed for which I could get credit.
So I suppose you're saying this is a bad idea?
Also...I didn't do /that/ well in it (79...didn't count towards my ATAR), but I like to think that has more to do with my lack of effort rather than actual ability xD. Is this something that is worth removing and replacing with something and getting a higher mark (will it hurt gpa or something)? (sorry this is probably a bit silly)

sorry again...kinda off-topic (might need a split?)

Sorry, i'm just confused as to what your situation is, so have you gained credit for UMEP maths and then planning to do AM2.

If this is the case, and you're planning to not to do maths in first sem, it would probably be advisable not to do AM2. AM2 is not impossible to do well at, but you either have to have a pretty good knack for maths, or work extremely diligently, neither of which was applicable to me (when i say good at maths, i don't count myself as being good at maths, i'm not bad at maths, and i am good at VCE math, but that's a whole different kettle of fish to being good at 'real' maths, good at maths is being able to fully understand rather complex concepts-things like the lovely vector spaces you would have enjoyed in UMEP, not the robotic rubbish you do in VCE, even in UMEP to an extent with partial derivatives and multiple integrals). </rant>

If you don't class yourself in the class of people that 'get' maths, then going cold into AM2 is a pretty bad idea unless you're prepared to do a fair chunk of work.

79 is not a 'bad' mark and probably won't hurt your average too much. If i were you this is what i would do: Do whatever subject you would do if you weren't going to credit UMEP, if you get better than 79, leave it as is, if you do worse than 79, get rid of that subject and replace it with UMEP credit. (also it's not silly, it about getting a good GPA which is important-although less so given your guaranteed place.... dude just party it up in your undegrad and save the studying for your MD haha, your undegrad marks will count for little by the end of your MD whihc you're already got a place in haha)

also yeah, kinda off topic, mods feel free to split
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Starlight on January 20, 2012, 03:24:44 pm
This is really helpful, i'm not sure if I missed this being posted anywhere on the forum but:

1. When we enrol online then do we select subjects for first year too? I've got a lot of confusion with whether we choose subjects on AAD or whether we enrol online.

2. A question about Chemistry 1, I myself have not done chemistry in VCE, but it may be a prereq for me depending on what I choose to major in, is it going to be ridiculously hard to do this subject first year if i haven't done it in VCE? Do they offer some sort of program for people who haven't done certain science subjects in VCE but will do them in uni?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mark_alec on January 20, 2012, 03:37:27 pm
If you haven't done chemistry in VCE you will do Fundementals of Chemistry - https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2012/CHEM10007
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: jasrulz63 on January 20, 2012, 03:38:51 pm
1. A question about Chemistry 1, I myself have not done chemistry in VCE, but it may be a prereq for me depending on what I choose to major in, is it going to be ridiculously hard to do this subject first year if i haven't done it in VCE? Do they offer some sort of program for people who haven't done certain science subjects in VCE but will do them in uni?

You can't do Chemistry 1 unless you've done Chemistry in VCE. Since you haven't done it you'll have to do Fundamentals of Chemistry first (first semester), then Chemistry 1 (second semester) and then Chemistry 2 if you need it (summer semester). You can skip Chemistry 1 which is what I did if you get a high enough score in Fundamentals. This means you'll do Fundamentals of Chemistry in semester 1 and Chemistry 2 in semester 2.

Fundamentals of Chemistry pretty much assumes you've done no chemistry whatsoever, so it really does start from the very basics.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Starlight on January 20, 2012, 03:42:46 pm
1. A question about Chemistry 1, I myself have not done chemistry in VCE, but it may be a prereq for me depending on what I choose to major in, is it going to be ridiculously hard to do this subject first year if i haven't done it in VCE? Do they offer some sort of program for people who haven't done certain science subjects in VCE but will do them in uni?

You can't do Chemistry 1 unless you've done Chemistry in VCE. Since you haven't done it you'll have to do Fundamentals of Chemistry first (first semester), then Chemistry 1 (second semester) and then Chemistry 2 if you need it (summer semester). You can skip Chemistry 1 which is what I did if you get a high enough score in Fundamentals. This means you'll do Fundamentals of Chemistry in semester 1 and Chemistry 2 in semester 2.

Fundamentals of Chemistry pretty much assumes you've done no chemistry whatsoever, so it really does start from the very basics.

Thanks for clearing that up, and we have to enrol our subjects online right? You can't do it at AAD?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Plan-B on January 20, 2012, 03:58:42 pm
Am I allowed to bring a friend on academic advice day? Would that person be allowed into the info sessions, or not? :s
Thanks :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mankay on January 20, 2012, 04:08:48 pm
Am I allowed to bring a friend on academic advice day? Would that person be allowed into the info sessions, or not? :s
Thanks :)

You're "allowed" to do anything you want. This isn't school.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Starlight on January 20, 2012, 04:12:48 pm
Am I allowed to bring a friend on academic advice day? Would that person be allowed into the info sessions, or not? :s
Thanks :)

You're "allowed" to do anything you want. This isn't school.

lol...
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: superstar1 on January 20, 2012, 04:13:39 pm
hey i was wondering, how many subjects do you need in the first year.??? ive got 8 and it stil;l says that my enrolment isnt complete
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: 86 on January 20, 2012, 04:19:09 pm
Am I allowed to bring a friend on academic advice day? Would that person be allowed into the info sessions, or not? :s
Thanks :)

You're "allowed" to do anything you want. This isn't school.

lol...

(http://clean.alltheragefaces.com/img/faces/jpg/happy-i-see-what-you-did-there-(clean).jpg)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Plan-B on January 20, 2012, 04:26:27 pm
Am I allowed to bring a friend on academic advice day? Would that person be allowed into the info sessions, or not? :s
Thanks :)

You're "allowed" to do anything you want. This isn't school.

Thanks :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: nubs on January 21, 2012, 07:56:11 pm
For some of the sessions on AAD, they split them up according to surnames, do they do this for a reason other than not having the lecture rooms too crowded? Do I have to go to the Science session that corresponds to my surname?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: 86 on January 21, 2012, 11:05:46 pm
For some of the sessions on AAD, they split them up according to surnames, do they do this for a reason other than not having the lecture rooms too crowded? Do I have to go to the Science session that corresponds to my surname?

Yeah you do. Mine's 11:00-12:00.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: nubs on January 21, 2012, 11:15:43 pm
yeah so is mine, I was just wondering
it's not like they're going to check our surname or whatever before letting us in, is it? Does it really matter if I go to another one? Cause I'm getting clashes with other sessions
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: 86 on January 21, 2012, 11:22:24 pm
Actually I never thought of that myself...I think I'll take an earlier train and sneak into the 10:00-11:00 sesh. But my scheduled time doesn't clash with info sessions anyway so it's all good for me.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Edmund on January 22, 2012, 10:51:11 am
Nope, they won't check your IDs. Imagine 300+ students queueing up outside a lecture theatre to get their names checked :P
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Planck's constant on January 22, 2012, 11:05:57 am
Russ,

The stuff you post on this forum for beginning Uni students is gold.
I really appreciate your contributions.
Thanks
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Starlight on January 22, 2012, 07:21:02 pm
Russ,

The stuff you post on this forum for beginning Uni students is gold.
I really appreciate your contributions.
Thanks


I second that, we appreciate your help.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: VivaTequila on February 10, 2012, 07:05:51 pm
When is the UoM midyear break (between what dates precisely) and does it correspond with typical high school midyear holidays?

I looked at the diary but I just want confirmation
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: jasrulz63 on February 10, 2012, 07:36:06 pm
Principal Dates

Last day of exam period is 22 June (could be earlier depending on when your exam is. I know in my first year, my last exam was on the Friday of the first week). First day of semester 2 is 23 July.

Victorian School Term Dates

Mid-year break is 30 June - 15 July. So yup, definitely does correspond (plus a week each side for us lucky uni students!)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: liuetenant on February 10, 2012, 09:46:01 pm
Oh, just a quick question..for unimelb O-week...is it recommended that we attend tuesday through to friday? i have work on wednesday and thursday...will i miss out on much...and, if i must, which day is best to go to? (and i can hopefully take a sickie!) :D
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: 86 on February 10, 2012, 09:48:10 pm
^ Do we have to go all 4 days?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mankay on February 17, 2012, 11:00:09 am
^ Do we have to go all 4 days?

Technically you don't need to go at all.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gloamglozer on February 17, 2012, 11:43:02 am
^ Do we have to go all 4 days?

Technically you don't need to go at all.

So true.   Technically, you don't need to even go to uni at all the whole semester if you really cbf.  Or even your exams for that matter.*

*But it would of course, put your future as a UoM student in a very questionable position.

So would I advise it?  Hells no.  Go for the experience.  You can only be young once.  Who knows?  You could meet your future partner.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Tashi on February 17, 2012, 10:42:47 pm
Principal Dates

Last day of exam period is 22 June (could be earlier depending on when your exam is. I know in my first year, my last exam was on the Friday of the first week). First day of semester 2 is 23 July.

Victorian School Term Dates

Mid-year break is 30 June - 15 July. So yup, definitely does correspond (plus a week each side for us lucky uni students!)

When is the exam timetable released?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mark_alec on February 18, 2012, 01:47:53 am
When is the exam timetable released?
About a month before the exam period.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: VivaTequila on February 23, 2012, 06:31:53 pm
Important links
Student Webmail login, if you don't want to go through the portal. The uni is migrating to GoogleApps so you’ll probably get an offer to sign up for that.

This link is broken for me
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mickeymouse on March 05, 2012, 05:49:36 pm
for Introduction to Microeconomics I read that solutions to the case studies book were posted online but where are they? I can't find them...
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Starlight on March 05, 2012, 09:32:47 pm
Important links
Student Webmail login, if you don't want to go through the portal. The uni is migrating to GoogleApps so you’ll probably get an offer to sign up for that.

This link is broken for me

yep same
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: harper on April 15, 2012, 12:08:06 pm
I'm a first year and struggling with QM. How would I go about finding a private tutor?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mark_alec on April 15, 2012, 12:21:22 pm
I'm a first year and struggling with QM. How would I go about finding a private tutor?
Have you been using consultation hours and finding that they are not enough?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: yazza on November 09, 2013, 03:03:14 pm
hey, just a random question.. not sure where to post this.. but can someone with experience tell me how hard it is to get into post grad physio after doing a science degree at melb or how hard it is to get into engineering after doing a science degree at melb? thankss
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Hancock on November 09, 2013, 06:06:23 pm
Probably better to post it in a new thread or in the 'UoM General Chat' thread below. This new student one is for advise about beginning study at UoM.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: yazza on November 09, 2013, 06:20:28 pm
cheers
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: This-is-not-me on January 20, 2014, 11:34:52 pm
Not sure where to post this but, I'm a little confused for what's happening on Academic Advice Day.  I am doing Bachelor of Commerce and so am going to attend that one hour information session, but I also want to do engineering, for which the information session is at the same time (11am-12pm).  Do I have to go to the information session with my surname? Why have they placed this at the same time? I don't get  ??? Someone inject me with some help, thankz
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Stevensmay on January 21, 2014, 03:13:38 am
Trying to enroll in my subjects online but unsure which ones to take.

So I believe I'm eligible to do Calc 2 instead of Calc 1, as well as Physics: Advanced instead of Physics.
I'm not sure which subjects I should do.

Advanced ones let me learn new things, but are likely to lead to lower marks.
Basic ones let me get good marks and go over my previous knowledge.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: hobbitle on January 21, 2014, 03:16:17 am

Trying to enroll in my subjects online but unsure which ones to take.

So I believe I'm eligible to do Calc 2 instead of Calc 1, as well as Physics: Advanced instead of Physics.
I'm not sure which subjects I should do.

Advanced ones let me learn new things, but are likely to lead to lower marks.
Basic ones let me get good marks and go over my previous knowledge.

If you got 25+ in Spesh then you do Calculus 2. Don't waste your time with Calculus 1.
If you were good at VCE Physics and enjoyed it, then take Advanced. If you didn't, just take normal Physics.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Stevensmay on January 21, 2014, 03:19:12 am
Thank you.

So it's better to learn new things and suffer lower grades?
In doing this, it should allow me to do more of the other subjects that interest me yes, as I will have free blocks?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: hobbitle on January 21, 2014, 03:45:58 am

Thank you.

So it's better to learn new things and suffer lower grades?
In doing this, it should allow me to do more of the other subjects that interest me yes, as I will have free blocks?

Well what's the point in essentially re learning something you already know (in the case of Calculus 1)? It's not even about ease of grades... I wouldn't ever think of it like that... The subjects follow on from each other so that you are consistently building on your body of knowledge. That's the point. And yes of course - it leaves room for more interesting and advanced subjects down the track. You might even have room for a 'double major' if you plan carefully and can't decide between two things you enjoy.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Stevensmay on January 21, 2014, 03:47:39 am
Well.

Just wanted to make sure! Thank you Hobbitle.
I guess I will pick the advanced ones then, just to see how I go.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: scribble on January 21, 2014, 03:54:28 am
definitely don't do calc1 if you've done spesh. there's no point.
from what i've heard, the advanced stream of physics is almost exactly the same as the regular physics stream, just you use slightly more math. If you like math, go for it, otherwise you probably won't be missing out on much if you take the regular stream. as far as marks are concerned, you'll prolly be looking at similar marks regardless of which stream you take.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Stevensmay on January 21, 2014, 04:03:57 am
definitely don't do calc1 if you've done spesh. there's no point.
from what i've heard, the advanced stream of physics is almost exactly the same as the regular physics stream, just you use slightly more math. If you like math, go for it, otherwise you probably won't be missing out on much if you take the regular stream. as far as marks are concerned, you'll prolly be looking at similar marks regardless of which stream you take.

Ah thank you, turns out I can't do advanced physics anyway. Didn't see the part about 35 in spec, only got 33.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Hancock on January 21, 2014, 10:06:39 am
Not sure where to post this but, I'm a little confused for what's happening on Academic Advice Day.  I am doing Bachelor of Commerce and so am going to attend that one hour information session, but I also want to do engineering, for which the information session is at the same time (11am-12pm).  Do I have to go to the information session with my surname? Why have they placed this at the same time? I don't get  ??? Someone inject me with some help, thankz

You are meant to go to the session with your surname, but you "don't" have to. If they ask you what your surname is on the way in (which they will like train inspectors, and stop a few people at a time), just say that it is something within the range (A-H) or (I-Z).
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: This-is-not-me on January 21, 2014, 11:43:26 am
You are meant to go to the session with your surname, but you "don't" have to. If they ask you what your surname is on the way in (which they will like train inspectors, and stop a few people at a time), just say that it is something within the range (A-H) or (I-Z).

Yeah thanks that's what I was thinking.  It's kind of stupid though isn't it? It's like they don't want to give any information regarding engineering to those with surname's M-Z lol
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: charmanderp on January 21, 2014, 12:34:32 pm
It really doesn't matter - go to which ever session works best for you schedule wise. Last year we ended up just sitting on the floor if all the seats had been taken.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Tadpole on January 23, 2014, 05:53:39 pm
Not sure if this is the right thread for this question,
Anyway, was doing my online enrolment today, and I wasn't able to choose calc2/linear 1 because I had done the HSC. I went through the process of applying to get a waiver
and whatnot, but am bricking it a bit here because I'm not 100% as to whether I will receive it due to the GAP year I took last year.
Do I have a good chance of getting in, and even if I do, how hard will it be to keep up at the beginning?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: charmanderp on January 23, 2014, 06:47:47 pm
Not sure if this is the right thread for this question,
Anyway, was doing my online enrolment today, and I wasn't able to choose calc2/linear 1 because I had done the HSC. I went through the process of applying to get a waiver
and whatnot, but am bricking it a bit here because I'm not 100% as to whether I will receive it due to the GAP year I took last year.
Do I have a good chance of getting in, and even if I do, how hard will it be to keep up at the beginning?
Speak to the Science Student Centre.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Stevensmay on January 23, 2014, 08:48:24 pm
Does anyone know anything about the competency test for COMP10002?
https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/2014/COMP10002

I have done small amounts of basic programming, so not sure whether I would be suitable to skip the prereq of COMP10001.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: LeviLamp on January 23, 2014, 09:08:15 pm
Contact the coordinator and/or SSS :) they'll happily help (hopefully)!
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Tadpole on January 24, 2014, 11:44:39 am
Speak to the Science Student Centre.
Cheers.
Does anybody have any experience with Calc 2 though? How hard is it to get back into the swing of things?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: charmanderp on January 24, 2014, 12:04:16 pm
Contact the coordinator and/or SSS :) they'll happily help (hopefully)!
Do NOT contact the SSS for anything remotely related to academics hahaha.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: scribble on January 26, 2014, 11:55:17 am
Cheers.
Does anybody have any experience with Calc 2 though? How hard is it to get back into the swing of things?

you should be fine. lots of people take gap years and then take calc2
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Inside Out on February 04, 2014, 09:50:31 pm
Cheers.
Does anybody have any experience with Calc 2 though? How hard is it to get back into the swing of things?


calc 2 is one of the hardest level one subjects, simply because learning the material is not enough.Topics are easy to understand so dw BUT you also need the brains to solve question you've never even seen before. A lot of people fail calc 2.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: charmanderp on February 06, 2014, 04:13:45 pm
Probably a stupid question - is it possible to do a first year subject as second year breadth? I'm torn between LING10001 and ANTH10001 and they both only run classes in second semester this year. :(

(Also, probably the wrong thread, but is there any point doing LING10001 if you've already done VCE English Language? I don't really want to learn about the basics of the subsystems all over again.)
To your first question I can say yes, you can do subjects of any level at any time (despite the uni saying you need to do 50 points at level 1 to do level 2 subjects/50 at level 2 for level 3, I've never seen this be enforced) so long as there aren't prerequisites.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: mahler004 on December 28, 2014, 06:44:54 am
Cheers.
Does anybody have any experience with Calc 2 though? How hard is it to get back into the swing of things?

Email 13MELB or the Science Student Centre, I had the same problem (with chemistry too, it would bizarrely let me enrol in Chem 2 but not in Chem 1.)

It's definitely a difficult subject, but it's doable if you study.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: jeppikah on January 23, 2015, 06:06:39 pm
To your first question I can say yes, you can do subjects of any level at any time (despite the uni saying you need to do 50 points at level 1 to do level 2 subjects/50 at level 2 for level 3, I've never seen this be enforced) so long as there aren't prerequisites.
I've seen it enforced when I tried to do Chinese 3A first semester of 1st year and they wouldn't make an exception for me even when I asked although I know that exceptions can be granted sometimes.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gutthi on January 25, 2015, 06:17:35 pm
I have heard that some Breadth subjects don't count  towards your GPA. So what if I was to apply or to aim for Postgraduate Medicine? Do I need to take subjects that count towards my GPA?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Starlight on January 25, 2015, 07:26:54 pm
I have heard that some Breadth subjects don't count  towards your GPA. So what if I was to apply or to aim for Postgraduate Medicine? Do I need to take subjects that count towards my GPA?

I don't know who you heard that from but breadth subjects do count towards your gpa, just as any subject under your specific bachelor (e.g. a science elective in a bachelor of science degree) does.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gutthi on January 25, 2015, 08:42:49 pm
Ok thankyou:) So just to reassure, everything counts towards your GPA? Everything? Even if the Breadth under BSci is not a Science subject?
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Starlight on January 25, 2015, 10:39:24 pm
Ok thankyou:) So just to reassure, everything counts towards your GPA? Everything?

Yes everything counts, and different levels of subjects are weighted differently.

Even if the Breadth under BSci is not a Science subject?

Well, a breadth subject is classified as a subject outside the cores or electives offered under the bachelor of science.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Gutthi on January 26, 2015, 12:15:06 am
true :)Thanks for help
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Stevensmay on January 26, 2015, 01:54:52 pm
Credits to Russ, I have just made some small changes.

Since VCE results have been released and offers and being made during January, there are probably going to be a lot of people wondering certain things over the next few weeks. I wrote this whilst watching Australia get destroyed in the Ashes and it's my (and hopefully others) attempt to answer those questions. It's written specifically for UoM, but if you're thinking of Deakin/Monash/LaTrobe/VU/etc. then it's still worth a read.

First thing, is to congratulate you on your results and wish you the best for university. Second thing is to tell you that Google and the UoM website can answer a lot of questions. The student centres, especially at this time of year, are notorious for taking a LONG time to respond to queries. Thirdly, and most importantly, I'd like to quote a section from the UoM enrolment guide

Quote
It is your responsibility to make sure your subject plan meets your course requirements.

This is true but the bolded bit is more important. You've finished high school and you're adults now. You might have heard that at university, nobody cares - that's not true. It's just that there are thousands of students at UoM and a limited amount of advisors/tutors/lecturers etc. so they're spread across everyone. You're equally responsible for ensuring that you receive the education you're paying for, so be proactive. If you need help, advice or support then you'll get it but you're going to have to go looking for it.

Dates
Semester One start - 2 March
Non teaching period - 3 April to 12 April
Semester One finish - 31 May
Swotvac - 1 June to 5 June
Exams - 9 June to 26 June

Yes the semester is split into 8 weeks and 4 weeks with only 1 week off. Yes it sucks. Get used to it. The non teaching period is not a holiday, you're expected to work over it. You may have mid semester exams/tests on the first week back, so don't go booking holidays just yet (you can also theoretically have work due in the non teaching period, but that's unlikely).

Semester Two start - 27 July
Non teaching period - 28 September to 4 October
Semester Two finish - 25 October
Swotvac - 26 October to 30 October
Exams - 26 October to 6 December

There is a possibility you will have an exam on Melbourne Cup day, do not consider it a long weekend.

Important links
The student portal, allows access to all the information you'll need.
The Learning Management System is where you'll get information on your subjects, lecture notes etc.
The Handbook lists all subjects, timetables, assessment etc. It is your bible, use it often and don’t go asking questions that can be answered by just reading it.
The Past Exams Collection has all past exams that the faculty has given permission for you to see. Study tool #1
Careers Online is where you go when you want a job/tutor/to tutor etc.

Academic Advice Day - 24 January

The purpose of this day is basically to get you set up for your course. You'll hear from your coordinator, current students and other people who can help you. Student advisors will be available for you to ask questions about whether subject X is needed for major Y etc.
You really should attend, this is your first opportunity to meet the other students in your course - you're going to be seeing them a lot over the next few years, so meet them sooner rather than later. The advice is also pretty good (if a bit general) and you'll start to get a feel for what campus is like. If you can’t go it’s not a big deal.

Quote from: rustic_metal
Remember to grab a showbag from the SSS (Science Students' Society) too. It has an alternative handbook in it with an awesome uni survival guide (reviews of pubs and coffee places, tips on subject selection, which social events are the best, etc).

O-week

Don't miss this. You'll be assigned groups of about a dozen, who will be joined by a student host (ie a 2nd year or above, usually from your course). There are activities to do, some fun and some...less fun, which will show you the campus and help you get to know people. Be nice to your student host and ask them lots of questions about 1st year so you can get some insider tips on what to do/not to do. There will be literally thousands of first years wandering around with a lost look on their face; if you see one then go up to them and introduce yourself. You run into people you saw six months ago with scary regularity.

There will be a lot of free stuff. Free food, free drinks, free stationary, free red bull etc. Get a bag, put everything you can into it and sort it out later. If you play your cards right, you won't need to buy pens/pencils ever again. Try to get around the whole campus, because I can guarantee you that you'll have tutes (especially for breadth) in places that you've never seen before.

There are a lot of clubs on campus and thus there's a day when they'll all have stands at Union House and showcase themselves. The one piece of advice I can give you is this: don't join every club that looks semi interesting. Ask yourself if you're really going to be attending regular meetings and taking part or if you just like the idea of a club dedicated to chocolate or juggling or llamas.

In terms of joining the student union, I think it's a very good idea. They do a lot of work behind the scenes and need money to keep doing that. The bonuses you get from the membership (access to the Rowden White Library, the members lounge etc.) are nice but probably aren't worth $99 unless you use them regularly.

Quote from: rustic_metal
It's definitely worth it [joining the student union]! Clubs are generally around $2 if you have a union membership and up to $10-15 without it, so you'll save at least $25 just in o-week from joining clubs. You'll also get (unlimited!) free sausages, veggie burgers and drinks (soft drinks, water, beer, cider, etc) every Tuesday at the union bbq, so that's your lunch sorted for 24 days a year (5 weeks worth of uni lunches). Then there's social events, where being a member of the union will get you $10 tickets to cocktail party, rather than $25 (there are dozens of night events like this which are awesome to go to).

Oh and you'll get free easy access to cheap printing and PCs/macs at any time in union house without the hassle of having to run around the uni to find a computer that's connected to a printer. The Rowden White is useless unless you want to sleep (they have beanbags!), but the members lounge is an absolute pain if you aren't a member, since you can't go in to talk to your friends if they're in there (it's right in the middle of union house). And yes, they check cards all the time.

I reckon I made back a few hundred dollars worth of savings, which isn't even counting all the free food and drink you'll get from clubs pretty much every Tuesday through Wednesday (and sometimes Monday and Friday too, but those are usually the dead days).

On that note, if you're looking to get a day off, make it Monday or Friday. When you're creating your timetable, the best times to schedule a break for are Tuesday 12-2 (this is a common break anyway, the uni must have decided to make sure everybody will have at least one chance to see their friends), Wednesday 12-2 (preferably get the entire afternoon off if you can) and Thursday 12-2 (...okay so I just realised these are all 12-2 haha). Wednesday is the day where all the big events occur, so do your best to get the whole afternoon off. Kegs n Sun (SSS - science), Beer n Chips (MUESC - the engies), More Beer events (Including Fort Beer) are just some of them. Also most night events are held on Wednesday, so groups of people tend to meet up a few hours before on South Lawn for pre drinks and to get ready before heading off.

That's all the formal uni stuff. O Week is also a great time for celebrating...something. There are going to be plenty of events happening during O Week, even if none of them are major. Lots of free BBQs for you to meet people at, pub tours of Carlton and introductions to the uni lifestyle. The uni bar is never more busy than during O-week so head over there if you're lost and you can always grab a drink with randoms.
nb, there are quite a few people on here who are student hosts, if you want to know if you got one of us then post your name/course closer to O week.

Bits and Pieces of Advice for Uni

Textbooks - under no circumstances should you ever buy a textbook from the university bookstore without first checking every other store you can think of. They get subsidised by the university/government and still manage to be more expensive than independent retailers. Yes, it's a disgrace. The one exception to this is student readers, which are published by the university and only sold through the bookshop (theoretically at cost price). In general, you don't need to buy textbooks before the subject starts. Often you can wait until the end of the first week to decide whether you should buy it or hold off a bit longer.

There is also a University of Melbourne Textbook Exchange on Facebook which is pretty popular. You'll need to add your student account to Facebook before you can access it.

A couple of places to try  buying things from are Encompass Books or The Book Depository

Just in case you don't believe me, here's an example:

Book - Jawetz, Melnick, and Adelberg's Medical Microbiology, 25th Edition
Price at The Book Depository - 67.78 with free shipping
Price at Uni Bookstore - $81 with the 10% discount

If you want to buy secondhand, textbookexchange is a decent place to find them, but I can't speak from personal experience.

Lectures - go to all of them. If you don't go, listen on Lectopia and take notes as usual. There's a very big temptation to skip lectures, especially when it's at 9am or when you're on South Lawn in the sun and there's a BBQ. But nothing really makes up for being in the theatre when the lecturer is explaining a concept. You can make do with the recordings but I always find that it takes longer to listen to a recording than it does to actually attend the class.

Often, you'll find that off the cuff comments and statements make their way into multiple choice questions, pay attention. Take notes, whether in a book or on the printed notes is up to you, but make sure you're putting in some sort of effort because it focuses you on the actual content.

Choosing subjects

You need to think ahead a little bit. Take half an hour, write down the majors you would consider and look at the subjects that you have to do for them. Then check their prerequisite subjects. Can you qualify for multiple majors to keep your options open or do you have to exclude some of them? If you're an Arts student the conditions are often a little broader (eg 25 points of first year English subjects) but in Science it's generally a specific subject that you must do.

Studying

If you already know what you plan to do after your degree (apply for job, masters of X, research etc.) then you should check out what the requirements are. Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 70% for Honours? That's your target to aim at. In 1st semester you should get a feel for how difficult it is to get certain grades and you'll get an idea of what effort you need to put in. Obviously it all depends on your particular work habits etc. but the following are a few general pieces of advice that may be useful:

Don't put off work with the rationale that "it's only the first week" or "I have plenty of time". No need to go over the top with study in your first year but at the same time don't ignore your degree.
Research should be done fast. Books won't be in the library a week from the essay due date.
Just because the lecturer didn't explain it, doesn't mean it won't be on the exam. You need to study it yourself.
Making some summary notes at the end of every week is a good idea (or end of every lecture if you're keen).
SWOTVAC is for working not for sleeping/drinking despite what every other student (including me) will tell you

FAQs

Q. What is breadth? How many do I need to do?
A. A breadth subject is one that is from a different faculty to the one you are studying in, designed to 'expand your academic horizons'. You can do between four to six breadth, a maximum of three of these can be level 1 subjects. Commerce is slightly different as you can do up to 8 breadth subjects, or 9 if you are undertaking an engineering stream.

Q. What are subject levels? Are they the same as years?
A. Each subject will have a code, Introductory Microeconomics has ECON10004. The first four letters are the faculty (Economics) and the digit straight after this is the level (1). The rest of the digits identify the specific subject. Levels are not the same as years, you can do a level 2/3 subject in your first year if you wish. Technically you must complete 50 points of study at one level before progressing to the next, however this is rarely enforced.

Q. How do I know what breadth I can do?
A.The breadth search will show all your options, just select your faculty and areas of interest.

Q. I heard the term "JAFFY", what does it mean?
A. Just Another Fucking First Year. Yeah, we hate you guys.

Q. I got an H1/H2A/etc., what does this mean?
A. Uni grades are different. 80+ is an H1, 75-79 is an H2A, 70-74 is an H2B, 65-69 is an H3, 50-64 is a P, <50 is an F. The H stands for Honours, the P for Pass and the F for Fail. Just so you know, all failed assessment is double marked.

Q. My timetable isn't displaying/I can't change subjects or enrol in classes, what do I do?
A. Make sure the subject is enrolled and not just planned. Speak to your Student Centre otherwise.

Q. What is my "study plan"?
A. It's a record of all the subjects you've done, when you did them and your results. It also shows what subjects you need to complete in the future and any you've already pre-selected.

Q. I don't like my tutor and he/she doesn't like me, help!
A. Change tutes or deal with it. If you tutor is going to be marking your work (eg final essay) then I strongly suggest you change tutes (takes 30 seconds via the study plan but is probably a worse timeslot). If you don't like your final mark it’s really hard to get it remarked.

Q. I emailed my lecturer at 10.30am about the assignment and it's now 2pm and it's due in 3 hours, WHY HAVEN'T THEY REPLIED?
A. Lecturers get a lot of mail, 50+ messages a day that need to be replied to. Also, don't leave assignments to the last day.

Q. This is really hard and I don't know whether I'll be able to pass. Everyone else seems so much better than me.
A. You got the marks to get in here, you'll get the marks to pass. Every first year has these confidence freak outs at some point during the year. Passing at uni is not hard and you can always build better marks later.

Q. What's this "Prosh Week" thing I keep hearing about?
A. It's a week during second semester where students form teams to compete in challenges (Iron Gut, Scavenger Hunt etc.). There is a lot of alcohol, nudity and general silliness and it's a generally enjoyable week. Stay away from South Lawn if you don't want to see people doing crazy things.

Q. Why isn't uni like the hollywood representation with no work, easy women and epic parties?
A. Deal with it.

And finally, have fun. You're in the real world, so make the most of it. The lecturers have a sense of humour and are more than willing to be "normal", as evidenced by this exam paper, which is probably my favourite thing from my time at uni.
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: qwerty101 on January 28, 2016, 01:50:49 pm
breaks between 12-2pm, i was wondering how important this is? or how beneficial
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Spxtcs on January 28, 2016, 02:28:23 pm
breaks between 12-2pm, i was wondering how important this is? or how beneficial

it can be really good if you like relaxing and sitting somewhere to study (i.e. library or lawn), but personally I hate it because I usually study at home and trying to find stuff to do for 2 hours can get tedious. Most people choose to study in that time, eat, get ready for next class. It depends what you plan to do
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: qwerty101 on January 28, 2016, 02:31:33 pm
it can be really good if you like relaxing and sitting somewhere to study (i.e. library or lawn), but personally I hate it because I usually study at home and trying to find stuff to do for 2 hours can get tedious. Most people choose to study in that time, eat, get ready for next class. It depends what you plan to do

Alright thats cool. Yeah im trying to deliberately keep it free and its annoying, someone mentioned its good to meet with people and stuff which would be cool, but im assuming this because its the generalised lunch time.

I might just leave wednesday afternoon free? past 12pm because this seems to have the best benefits?

thanks
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: ANother1 on March 01, 2016, 06:56:14 pm
is the book depository safe/trustworthy? or am i better of just getting peace of mind from the co-op store
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: Orb on March 01, 2016, 07:00:57 pm
is the book depository safe/trustworthy? or am i better of just getting peace of mind from the co-op store

Definitely safe :)
Title: Re: New Student? Read this.
Post by: pi on March 01, 2016, 07:03:17 pm
is the book depository safe/trustworthy? or am i better of just getting peace of mind from the co-op store

Never buy from uni bookstores, heavily overpriced. Bookdepository is awesome as they have free shipping and reasonable prices, I've used them a fair few times :)