VU Student Life

Hey international students! Need a break from laptop screens? Here’s a chance to dive into the world of indoor gardening and bring a touch of green to your space! 🌿

We’re excited to invite you to our Garden in a Jar: A Beginner’s Terrarium Workshop—a hands-on experience designed to spark your creativity and give you the skills to create your very own mini garden!

📅 Thursday 3 October, 1:30–3pm
📍 City Tower campus, Level 10

Spaces are limited. Find out more and sign up today: https://events.humanitix.com/garden-in-a-jar-a-beginner-s-terrarium-workshop

Not an international student? Watch this space for more exciting events coming up!

Brought to you by the Student Life team.

Garden in a Jar: A Beginner’s Terrarium Workshop | Humanitix Register on Humanitix - Garden in a Jar: A Beginner’s Terrarium Workshop hosted by VU Student Life. Victoria University: City Tower Campus - Level 10, 370 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Thursday 3rd October 2024. Find event information.

Dear followers, we are looking for the creators of these two artworks! 📣🔍

VUnique, our brand-new arts festival, is taking place from 7-11 October.

We have received many beautiful art submissions from our talented VU community. However, a system glitch happened and lost the contact details of two of them!

If you recognise either of these artworks, please raise your hand by commenting with a ✋ emoji to claim your own work or tag your artist friend who created it.

If you prefer to stay anonymous, please email [email protected] to claim your artwork.

Now that VUnique is less than three weeks away, we want to find the creators as soon as possible. Please share this post with your artist network. 💞

Submission closes on Monday 30 September! Become a published artist by submitting your work for exhibition at VUnique here: https://forms.gle/1xRpAzjPMKvwNi2B6

There's still time to apply for a Student Leadership Award – a $500 prize awaits the winner of each category! 🤩

The Victoria University Student Leadership Awards recognise and celebrate our students for their leadership roles and outstanding achievements within VU and the wider community. This is your opportunity to get recognised and rewarded for making a difference!

Applications close on Monday 30 September at 10am.

Awards finalists are invited to attend the Student Leadership Awards ceremony, to be held on Thursday 14 November.

Find out more and apply: https://studenthub.vu.edu.au/students/workflows/Detail/27

Get ready for Semester 2 Block 3 O-Fest! 🎉

🏫 City Tower Campus
📅 26 September, 11am-1:30pm

Join a club, meet other students, and learn about support on campus. There will also be free food and entertainment throughout the day.

You are invited to attend, regardless of your main campus of study!

Proudly brought to you by the Student Life team.

Find out more about the O-Fest: https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/events/semester-2-block-3-o-fest-city-campus

Are you tired of eating the same food? We’ve got you. Try something new and healthy from our free frozen meals.

When: 1–3:30pm on Mondays & 2–4:30pm on Thursdays
Where: Footscray Park, Building M, M124.

Don’t forget to bring a bag and your student ID.

vu.edu.au/free-student-meals

Victoria University students - the Student Experience Survey (SES) closes tomorrow!

Don’t miss your chance to share your experience as a current student. Your answers are used to shape the future of higher education.

A sample of VU students are randomly selected to participate in the survey. Check your VU email for an invitation – complete the survey to enter the VU student prize draw!

For more info and Terms & Conditions, please visit: https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/campus-life/competitions-surveys/student-experience-survey-ses

Congratulations to VU student A.G. for winning the first prize in the 2024 Student Experience Survey Week 4 Prize Draw!

The state weekly prize draws have now concluded, but there are still chances to win in the VU student prize draw! Completing the survey helps VU and the government improve student satisfaction across various aspects of university experience.

Students are randomly selected and invited to participate. Check your VU email to see if you've been selected to take part.

For more info and Terms & Conditions, visit: https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/campus-life/competitions-surveys/student-experience-survey-ses

Congratulations to the week 4 prize draw winners!

Thanks to all who participated in the , and congratulations to all our winners!

Winners for this round:

First prize $1000

E. B., Health Education & Training Institute, NSW, A. G., Victoria University, VIC, A. P., The University of South Australia, SA and T. D., University of Tasmania, TAS.

Second prize $500

T. W., Sydney Institute of Business and Technology, NSW, Q. N., Swinburne University of Technology, VIC, L. D., Griffith University, QLD and J. H., Curtin University, WA.

Third prize $250

S. P., Kaplan Business School, NSW, A. C., RMIT University, VIC and J. R., University of Southern Queensland, QLD.

If you are approaching graduation and getting ready to conquer the professional world, the Beyond VU program is for you! 💼

Packed with industry secrets and invaluable insights, this series is your ultimate guide to career success.

Whether you’re just starting your graduate job search or still fine-tuning your career strategy, this program will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in the competitive job market and ensure your professional growth as a VU graduate.

The series kicks off on September 9 and runs for four fabulous weeks.
1: Unlocking Self-Awareness
2: Crafting Winning Applications
3: Mastering Job Search and Negotiation Skills
4: Acing the Interview - Strategies for Success

Don't forget, you have access to VU Career Hub services for two years after graduation!

Register now: https://studenthub.vu.edu.au/s/careers-hub/events

Attention international students! Ready to explore the wonders of Werribee Open Range Zoo, just 30 minutes from Melbourne? 🦒

VU Student Life is proud to present Werribee Open Range Zoo Day Out 2024.

Date: Friday, 20 September 2024
Time: 8:15am - 4:00pm
Meeting Point: Level 1, Building M, Victoria University Footscray Park Campus

Experience the excitement of an African safari, meet rhinos, giraffes, lions, and gorillas up close, and discover fascinating Australian wildlife.

A registration fee of $10 applies to cover lunch, transportation, and entry to the zoo.

Hurry and secure your spot now! With only 50 places available, registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis: https://events.humanitix.com/werribee-open-range-zoo-day-out-2024

We look forward to you joining us on this unforgettable journey.

Zoos Victoria

Join our Student Leadership Masterclass “Set meaningful goals and bring them to life”!

📅 When: Thursday 5 September, 2:30-4:30pm
📍 Where: Footscray Park Campus

Guest presenter Joe Bakhmoutski is a podcaster, health activist and the author of three books, the most recent being “Finding Hope in Times of Uncertainty: A Guide to Thriving in the Challenging World of Today".

Register to secure your spot: https://studenthub.vu.edu.au/students/events/detail/4443477

Hang out between classes and watch the Paralympics LIVE on campus!

We will screen the games at Footscray Park and City Tower campuses, with free food for VU students!

Thrive* will also be running a range of mini activities with prizes to be won.

💚 Footscray Park campus: Wednesday 28 August, 11am—1.30pm, P Courtyard
💛 City Tower campus: Thursday 29 August, 11am—1.30pm, Ground level foyer

Find out more: https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/events/vu-games-pop-ups

Empower yourself with confidence and safety through Women's Self-Defence Classes by VU Thrive*!

In a supportive and encouraging environment, you'll learn practical techniques to protect yourself in real-life situations. Our expert instructors will guide you through effective strategies, combining physical skills with mental awareness to ensure you feel secure in any setting.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, join us to build strength, resilience, and peace of mind. Book one, multiple or all sessions. Suitable for all those identifying as women.

All sessions are Wednesdays, 1—2pm at L008a in the Footscray Park Aquatic and Fitness Centre.

4 September - Stages of Self Defence
11 September - Moving Between Points of Safety
18 September - Being Safe on a Night Out
2 October - Using Transportation Safely
9 October - Being Safe on Holidays
16 October - Prioritising Safety

Register here: https://engage.vu.edu.au/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz66c2a98197ec8382/interface.html

Check out other upcoming events held by VU Thrive*: https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/campus-life/sport-fitness/thrive-active-living-wellness

Join us for an early Wear It Purple Day celebration on campus tomorrow!

📅 Date: Tuesday 27 August, 11am – 1pm
📍 Location: P Courtyard, Footscray Park Campus

Wear It Purple Day is an annual LGBTIQ+ awareness day where supporters wear purple to celebrate inclusion of rainbow young people. The focus is to give pride, empower and advocate equality of well-being for rainbow young people, and create supportive, safe and inclusive environments.

Come for a photobooth, make your own tie-dye socks, and free fairy floss!

Learn more about Wear It Purple Day: https://www.wearitpurple.org/

Australia's favourite new game show, Tipping Point, hosted by Todd Woodbridge, is looking for contestants!!

If you want a shot at winning $20,000 or more, we are holding live auditions, right here at Victoria University St Albans campus!

So come along and have a crack!

Where:
Building 9
Victoria University: St Albans Campus
University Boulevard, St. Albans, VIC 3021

When:
Wednesday 28th AUGUST 2024
Arrive: 3:45pm for a 4pm start.

What to prepare:
1. Arrive 15mins before the start of the audition.
2. Bring Photo ID so we can mark your attendance.
3. Fully charged device or mobile phone to scan a QR code.
4. OR – pen and pencil if you will not be using a mobile device for the test.
5. Please come to the audition with a story, fun fact, something quirky or funny about yourself ready to go. This is your time to shine!

Apply here: https://calendly.com/tippingpointcasting/tipping-point-australia-stalbans-audition

VU Contact Centre will be operating on Open Day, 25 August.

If you have any questions about courses, application processes, the VU Block Model, or anything else, please feel free to call or chat with us on Open Day, between 9:15am and 3:15pm.

📞 +61 3 9919 6100

For more ways to contact us, please visit: https://www.vu.edu.au/contact-us

Victoria University, Melbourne Australia

Take a break from your studies and join us for Respect and Wellbeing Week from 3–12 September!

Respect and Wellbeing Week aims to build a deeper understanding of what respect means and how our relationships with others can be happier, safer and more rewarding.

Join us for relaxing activities and get answers to important questions about relationships. Enjoy free massages, food and drink giveaways, arts and crafts, and find out how VU supports your safety.

Check out when Respect & Wellbeing Week activities are coming to your campus: https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/news-events/events/respect-wellbeing-week-2024

Respect and Wellbeing Week is a proud collaboration between the VU Student Life and Equality, Inclusion and Belonging teams.

Don’t miss your chance to complete the Student Experience Survey (SES)!

Your answers are used to shape the future of higher education. There are still chances to win in the last two state weekly prize draws PLUS the VU student prize draw.

Check your VU email to see if you’ve been invited to participate in the survey.

For more info and Terms & Conditions, please visit: https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/campus-life/competitions-surveys/student-experience-survey-ses

Experience VU’s award winning student-run restaurant located on campus!

VenU offers mid-week lunch and dinner options with a changing menu that features a variety of dishes based around seasonal produce.

Sit back and enjoy dishes prepared by our culinary students, and professional service from our hospitality and events students!

To see operating hours and reserve a table, please visit: https://www.vu.edu.au/about-vu/facilities-services/our-facilities/food-catering/venu-restaurant

Join our Leadership Snack “Privilege and Intersectionality: How to use your unique identity to inform your leadership”! 🎙️

When: Tuesday 27 August, 4-5pm
Where: Online

In this session, guest presenter Allie Stapleton will share her learnings from leaders in the culture and business sector to help you explore your own leadership style and build your “Leadership Toolbox”.

Leadership Snacks are bite-sized (1 hour) introductions to topics relating to leadership. Each month, an expert will explore a different skill or topic that will help you grow as a leader.

Register now: https://studenthub.vu.edu.au/students/events/detail/4440237

Become a VU Vollie (volunteer) and make a positive impact on VU and the broader community! Join the Vollies Program by attending the next training session.

📅 Wednesday, 28 August 2024, 1–3pm
📍 City Tower Campus, Room T0915

• Make new friends and expand your network.
• Develop useful professional and interpersonal skills.
• Have the opportunity to receive rewards and recognition for your work.
• Include the Vollies program in your VU Extra Transcript.
• Use your Vollies hours to earn Leadership Points for the LEAD program.
• Volunteer at V4U Day - VU's award-winning event.

Don’t forget to register for training by 5pm, 27 August. We can’t wait to meet you! 🤩

Register now: https://timecounts.app/vu-vollies/opportunities/shifts/73c6a87d-324b-4148-8eb0-e03a446e6cd9

Unwind and meet new friends in our International Student Chill Zone at Footscray Park campus!

Puppy bonus: furry therapy dogs will drop in for Chill Zone sessions during the last week of each block to offer extra comfort and joy. Don’t miss out on the perfect opportunity to de-stress between your classes! 🐕‍🦺

Therapy dog sessions:
- Tuesday 20 August 2024, 2pm – 4pm
- Tuesday 17 September 2024, 2pm – 4pm
- Thursday 24 October 2024, 2pm – 4pm
- Wednesday 20 November 2024, 2pm – 4pm

Location: Student Lounge, building P, Footscray Park campus

Find out more about the International Student Chill Zone here: https://events.humanitix.com/international-student-chill-zone-footscray-park-campus

Need a space to escape sensory overload? We’ve got your back. 🤍🧠

Our Quiet Rooms are designated spaces where neurodivergent learners can retreat to find relief when overwhelmed by sensory input.

In these sensory rooms, you can expect:
- a quiet space
- comfortable furniture
- fidget tools
- lampshade.

If you need a sensory reset, visit the Quiet Room on your campus at:

- Footscray Park: Building E, Ground floor, Room E106
- Footscray Nicholson: Building N, Level 1, Room N110
- St Albans: Building 10, Level 1, Room 10.121
- City Tower: Level 1, Room CT0129

Learn more about the Quiet Rooms here: https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/campus-life/advice-support/disability-accessibility-services

Congratulations to VU student E.S. for winning the first prize in the 2024 Student Experience Survey Week 2 Prize Draw! 🥳

There are still chances to win in the remaining state weekly prize draws PLUS the VU student prize draw. Completing the survey helps VU and the government improve student satisfaction across various aspects of university experience.

Students are randomly selected and invited to participate. Check your VU email to see if you've been selected to take part.

For more info and Terms & Conditions, visit: https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/campus-life/competitions-surveys/student-experience-survey-ses

Congratulations to the week 2 prize draw winners!

Share your experience as a current student through the today and go into the remaining two prize draws for a chance to win $1,000.

Winners are listed below.

First prize $1000

C. G., Australian Catholic University, NSW, E. S., Victoria University, VIC, A. R., University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD and A. L., Charles Darwin University, NT.

Second prize $500

A. D-P., University of New England, NSW, A. G., La Trobe College Australia, VIC, K. L., Flinders University, SA and C. S., The University of Western Australia, WA.

Third prize $250

W. C., Western Sydney University, NSW, R. K., Charles Sturt University, NSW and D. H., Deakin University, VIC.

August Careers workshops crafted to gear you up for success!

Here’s what’s coming up:

Navigating the Jobs Market for International Students
Thursday 15th August @ 12:00pm

LinkedIn: Your Digital Brand
Monday 19th August @ 12:00pm

Creating a Winning Application: Resume, Cover Letter and Key Selection Criteria
Monday 26th of August @ 12:30pm

Book your spot today: https://studenthub.vu.edu.au/s/careers-hub/events

Victoria University students, how would you rate your university experience?

By contributing your views and experiences, you’re helping improve higher education for everyone - including current and future VU students.

A sample of VU students are randomly selected to participate in the survey. Check your VU email for an invitation – complete the survey to enter TWO prize draws!

For more info and Terms and Conditions, visit: https://bit.ly/33b9Abw

Do you know someone who is struggling with mental health?

VU has a dedicated out-of-hours free help line. Call 1300 511 971 or text 0485 908 389 to get the assistance you need.

Open 4:30pm–9am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.

Presenting VUnique – VU’s newly-created Arts Festival! 🎨

We are looking for VU students to support, participate in and help organise our new festival. The sky is truly the limit – we encourage everyone to submit works for display in our week-long pop-up gallery at Footscray Park, commencing Monday 7 October. Expressions of interest now open!

From an outdoor cinema featuring student works to an event by student musicians at Kindred Studio and more, there is something for everyone. Look out for the program announcement in the coming weeks!

Get involved by:
- submitting a work
- volunteering at an event
- becoming a stallholder
- submitting a live art installation proposal.

Register your interest now: https://bit.ly/4dzsoSE

Registrations close on Monday 30 September. The VU Student Life team will assess the applications and be in contact with you regarding the next steps.