Studying in Melbourne

[saresha]

A bit of an odd request, but is anyone here (or somebody you know) leaving for that place in late Jan? Either as a new student or a returning student. My brother is going, and despite being old enough to look after himself, my mum would feel better if he had the company of other students. (We will, of course, contact IDP concerning the same thing.)

[lysander]

i have a friend studying at RMIT, interior design. Let me know if you need any help!

[saresha]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind My brother is starting with the diploma in Photography.

[Blu_Volka]

Me Me!! I be going there in Feb after CNY. My bf and his brother will be there to meet me. Can pm me if your brother need more info

[saresha]

Sorry, Blu_Vodka! I don't know why I missed your reply! Which programme are you doing?

My brother is going over at the end of Jan, even though his course doesn't start till mid-Feb, to do the enrolment and orientation stuff. He'll be attending the IDP Predeparture Seminar on 29/1. He's travelling alone, which I think should be ok, though we hope he can hook up with other students at the seminar.

Blu_Vodka, where will you be living? My brother is renting an apartment at Arrow On Swanston, and when my dad and I visit him over the CNY week, we'll be staying at the attached hotel.

You may notice the changed thread title; it's because I'm very likely doing my MA at the Uni Of Melbourne starting this July. (Was doing the distance thing with Macquarie, but just haven't got the self-discipline for it!) I thought it'd be nice to get to know some Cotters in Melbourne

[natnatviv]

saresha, should u need help in anything, PM or email me

good to see u in melbourne if there is a chance!

[saresha]

Sure thing! For the immediate trip I'll be there 7th-11th Feb, and will work in a visit to the Uni of Melbourne. This is the second time I'm spending CNY in Melbourne, but I hope I can do something more interesting than just going to Chinatown (in any case, the CNY Fest there occurs after I leave, looks like).

[natnatviv]

tried out authentic viet food?

the vietnamese also celebrate chinese new year so i reckon places like springvale, richmond and footscray will have celebrations as well

not to forget crown casino as well!

[saresha]

Yes, I will definitely be indulging in some pho bo! Want to say more; let's continue over at the Melbourne thread:
Australia > Melbourne

[mai2401]

I'm heading to Melb for my Masters at Monash in Feb. Will be living in the city with my bf and his buddy.

[Velvet Revolver]

I'll be heading back to Melb on the 23rd feb. I study at Monash though.

[saresha]

I'm really mad at RMIT now. Don't want to go into the details, but suffice to say that they made a very serious mistake in their offer to my brother, which they only "discovered" on the day of enrolment. And they seem to expect us to take it lying down - all they can say boils down to an "oops, sorry"?! I feel like we've been scammed by some misrepresentation of product in an ad! Have lodged a complaint, I hope they make it up to us in some way. Really disappointed because I had a high opinion of RMIT.

[saresha]

Just got back from visiting my brother; bumped into somebody from the Student Union, and it seems that RMIT admin is notorious for messing up, and not being particularly interested in admitting it. I found a couple of interesting articles on the online The Age newspaper. The University Complaints Unit is now on the case; we'll see what happens.

I met with my course co-ordinator right after I received news that I'd got into Melbourne Uni, so it's pretty certain now I'm going over in July. I haven't decided if I'll stay at Arrow yet; other options in the vicinity include Nelson College Apartments, College House and the spanking new 528 Swanston St. Any experiences to relate?

[beckooky]

Hi saresha

Not too sure about college house or nelson but arrow isnt a good bet.. My bro stayed over there for 1.5 yrs. Initially it was good but as the months passed, management show their true colours. I've had a few friends who moved out of arrow after 1/2 yr stay. My bro couldnt move out due to the contract he had signed.

As for RMIT, yes it is a well known fact there's a lot of mistakes in their offer. It happened to me 7 yrs ago. I went for a Jan intake instead of July intake. Only found out they offer the July intake exemption for a module which the Jan intake had to take. I went to the Faculty Administrator & Coordinator to make a big fuss about it. Initially they expected me to take it lying low. I threatened them i will return to Singapore and blow up the matter in the local newspapers. In the end, our results for that module was heavily 'moderated' so as it will not be a disadvantage to Jan intake.

I've also heard of a case involving some HK students. It was regarding some exemption issues. In the end, to keep the issue under wrap, the 4 students involved need not pay for their tuition fees.

[saresha]

Hi beckooky! Can you elaborate on your bro's problems with Arrow? My brother has a 1-year contract. We wanted him to switch to a 2-room apartment when I go over, but he doesn't like the idea of living with me; he may not have a choice, in the interest of economy.

Anyway, I see no point in keeping things under wraps. My brother had been offered a 1-year diploma programme with direct entry into the 2nd year of the BA in Photography programme (1+2 years). His letters of offer for, and confirmation of acceptance into, the Diploma of Arts programme both clearly state “You have been granted 1 year of Advanced Standing into this program”, and "Expected Duration: 1 year”. However, on the day of enrolment, he was told that there had been a "typo", and the offer is really for a 2-year diploma programme, with direct entry into the 2nd year of the BA programme (2+2 years). RMIT staff informed my brother that taking a 2-year diploma programme is in his best interest, since he will not be able to complete the diploma in one year. We can take it or leave it; it would be very much to his disadvantage even if they were to allow him to do it in 1 year, so that's out of the question.

In our opinion, the only fair thing to do would be to waive his fees for that extra year, but chances are they won't see it that way!