:: GUVSA :: Griffith University Vietnamese Students Association ::

Griffith Uni

DURING YOUR STAY :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

All below information is taken from Griffith University Student Support website.

Keeping on track with your studies

It is important that you keep on track with your degree program and are aware that you are studying the correct courses in order to meet the requirements of the program.

You need to:

Download a copy of your Program Structure and Degree Requirements from the Programs and Courses homepage. These documents provide you with all the information you need to select
the right courses to complete your degree, including advice on elective courses.

Look at the Programs Advisors and Enquiries section for information on who can help you with issues arising from your program.

Study support

Learning Services provide a range of free workshops, consultations and self-help resources to
help you succeed at university and beyond.

Academic Skills - Develop strategies for effective reading and study, time management, academic writing, critical thinking and more.
Computing Skills - Brush up on Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, EndNote, Dreamweaver and other software. For new and advanced computer users.
Library Research Skills - Get a head start with finding items on your reading list and researching effectively for assignments.

English HELP at Griffith

EnglishHELP (Higher Education Language Program) provides English language support to
students while they study and compliments the academic services offered through Learning Services.

The programs and services offered in EnglishHELP aim to assist students to develop:

confidence and clarity in written and spoken English communication
a resource of discipline specific terminology and English language forms
the ability to access texts and tasks relevant to their discipline
the skills to mange independent, ongoing English language development throughout
their years at university and beyond
the ability to communicate effectively in English in the workplace

EnglishHELP provides support in group settings and in one to one tutorials.

The full program for each semester can be found at: http://www.griffith.edu.au/centre/call/gueli/englishhelp/

or contact us by email at: englishhelp@griffith.edu.au

Exams & Assessment

For information on how assessment is conducted at Griffith, look up Understanding Assessment Requirements at the Examinations & Assessment homepage.

Undergraduate students should access the Student Administration website for further information or visit the Student Administration Centre on your campus.
Postgraduate coursework students should access the Office of Graduate Studies website for further information or visit the Graduate Student Centre on your campus.

Getting around - transport in South-east Queensland

Public Transport - generally refers to our local and inner city bus, train and ferry
services for Brisbane, Logan and the Gold Coast. Getting to know these services, timetables and networks is very important to settling in here and safely finding your way
to and from your University campus
Private Transport - refers to transport of your own such as a car, motorcycle or
bicycle. However, there are many things to consider when it comes to buying, owning
and running a motor vehicle in Australia, such as understanding the local road rules,
vehicle registration, using a local or international driver's license
Travelling interstate or overseas - visit the friendly staff at STA Travel on campus
at Nathan and the Gold Coast

We recommend that you start by visiting the Orientation Information page and downloading
Info Sheet 5. Transport for helpful advice and important contacts.

Health & medical

On-campus Medical Services - The Griffith University Health Service provides a
general practice and emergency care service to all students on campus at Nathan and
Gold Coast
Off-campus Medical & Health Services - public hospitals and private medical centres
are available near to all of the Griffith campuses for regular and after-hours services

Check out Info Sheet 6. Health & Medical for more information.

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

It is a condition of an international student visa that you obtain and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies in Australia. To make sure our International students meet this visa condition, Griffith University will charge Overseas Student Health Cover
in each semester of your enrolment. As long as you are a student at Griffith University you will be covered by OSHC Worldcare, Griffith University's preferred provider.

You will be required to pay your OSHC to Griffith University by the Census Date (end of week 4) each semester. If you fail to pay by the Census Date this will mean cancellation
of enrolment. You will be charged $185 per semester* (fees are subject to change)
Students not wanting the university to arrange their cover, may do so independently. However, Griffith University International Office staff will require you to provide proof
of cover by the Census Date. Upon evidence of your other health cover, Griffith will
reverse the charge. As Griffith charges on a semester by semester basis and we want
to make sure you are insured, proof of cover and payment will be required each
semester.
An international student who obtains and provides proof of Australian Permanent Residency prior to the Census Date will be eligible for a refund.
No refund will be considered if enrolment is cancelled or withdrawn after the Census
Date. Refer to Section 3.7 of the fees and charges policy.

OSHC Worldcare is on campus at Griffith at the following locations and times:

Money & banking

Keeping track of your finances - banking & budgeting - is an important part of living and studying overseas. You will need to find out what services are available to you and how they work here
in Australia. If you want some helpful advice on money & banking? Download a copy of Info
Sheet 7. Money Matters

Working while you study

If you are planning to work while studying in Australia you first need to visit the Grifith International Office and get your "confirmation of commencement of study", before applying
for a Permission to Work Student Visa through the Department of Immigraton & Multicultural Affairs - www.immi.gov.au . This is only available after classes have officially commenced.

For information on income, taxation, links to useful websites and helpful tips on finding employment, check out Info Sheet 8. Work & Taxation

Self Education Expenses

If you have self-education expenses that relate directly to earning income from employment,
you may be able to claim them as tax deductions. Use the following link to learn more from our fact sheet “Claiming self-education expenses” www.ato.gov.au/content/18843.htm

The Self-education eligibility tool will help you work out if you are eligible to claim a deduction
for work related self-education expenses on your tax return.
www.ato.gov.au/content/49688.htm

The Self-education expenses calculator will give you an estimate of the deduction you can claim for work related self-education expenses you can claim on your tax return.
www.ato.gov.au/content/49685.htm

Legal assistance & advice

If you have a legal issue, seek help early. Many people suffer unnecessarily because they think seeking legal advice is expensive. For an introduction to some common legal issues and contact information for the services available refer to Info Sheet 9. Legal Issues or visit an International Student Advisor for help and referral information.

General support

For further advice, support and information with university related issues, use the links below
for contact details and on-campus services available to you:

Local Community groups can be helpful too, so check out these useful websites.

Brisbane City Council - www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Gold Coast City Council - www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au
Logan City Council - www.logan.qld.gov.au/lcc

Griffith University Vietnamese Students Association