Under the Microscope - getting started

Your (un)official guide to starting out at University

Starting out at University can be a daunting experience.

What is the LMS?
Where can I get the best coffee?

To help you in those first few weeks, we have put together a checklist of things to do, places to see and people to meet.

  1. Find your local

    If you’re new to Melbourne, then you will shortly become accustomed to the way Melbournians speak about coffee. Melbournians live and breathe coffee. So, why not get involved? The University is home to many coffee shops, why not take the time to taste test your way around each corner of the campus?

    P.S. The Science team loves Ho Ho’s, Castro’s Kiosk, House of Cards and Standing Room. Come on, give it a go - you know you want to!

  2. Secret gardens

    If you’re in need of some ‘time out’, visit the System Garden near Biosciences. The beautiful plants are grouped together in families and subclasses. If you’re a keen gardener, there is also an awesome little community garden on Monash Road. The University has many secluded spaces to sit in the shade on a hot day.

  3. Eat your heart out, Harry Potter

    Have you ever wanted to eat dinner in the Harry Potter dining hall? The University is well known for our historical residential buildings. Make friends with someone staying in a college and see if you can get an invitation to dinner. Be prepared to step back in time.

  4. Find your passion

    Did you know that the University has a Quidditch Team?

    Yes, we do!
    Yes, we know it is awesome!

    Perhaps Quidditch is not your thing? The University has heaps of clubs and societies to participate in at all levels. If you’re interested in meeting other science students, why not consider attending the Science Student Society Orientation Camp running from Feb 16th – 18th?

    Find the perfect Student Union club for you. We personally love the ‘Coffee Appreciation for Enthusiasts’ and the ‘Cheese Club’. There really is something for everyone.

    Studying is important, but the friends you make along the way, will ensure your university experience is truly amazing.

  5. Lunch time sports

    Campus Sport has a sporting competition running nearly every day of the week. Put out a call on Facebook to gather a group of Science students and create a team!

  6. Get Rowdy

    The Rowden White Library (AKA, the Rowdy), located in the Student Union Building is not your regular library. The Rowdy is for enjoyment: your enjoyment.

    There are DVD’s (over 6,000 of them), books, e-books, computers – gaming and regular, VR headsets, printing, magazines, music, a room full of bean bags to sleep in, a big TV screen screening Foxtel all day, and comics.

    The best bit? It’s free.

  7. Help me!

    We couldn’t put this checklist together without including the obligatory ‘we are here to help’ statement.

    BUT seriously, we are here to help.

    If you have a burning question, the first place you should look for answers is at ask.unimelb.edu.au. There are many frequently asked questions from other students. Can’t find the answer? The friendly staff at Stop1 are always here to help. Simply drop in, have your question ready and they will see you as quickly as they can.