Before you arrive - Student Equity Unit

Rural students at Monash University suggest some helpful things you can do while still at school.

Mick

I did a Year 12 subject in Year 11. It meant that my Year 12 workload was easier and I felt less pressured.

I've since heard that quite a few schools allow flexible arrangements with your subjects, so it's a good idea to ask about the possibilities.

Sonja

I was really glad that I stayed with subjects that were useful in getting me into the course of my choice. For example, I kept up with physics, even though the class at school was very small.

Ray

It's important to check which subjects are important for your preferred course before it's too late. You need to ask, phone or write to the University for information so that you know what's what. In your final year you might think you're too busy to track down information, but you can't make good choices if you're not fully informed about options and requirements.

Michelle

Most of the time what you expect will happen at uni is quite different from what actually does happen. The move from the country to the city is daunting, so my advice is to find out all you can from the careers advisor at school. Persist in asking questions that you need answered.

More helpful hints!

Ray

Talk to others from your town who have gone on to uni. Even if you don't know them personally, contact them and ask them to tell you what uni is like. Or ask if you can invite them to talk at your school when they are home during uni breaks.

Sonja

Ask your teacher to run some sessions about what to expect in an interview, and what you should say and do when you first meet people at uni.

I know it sounds stupid, but I was afraid that I would somehow be 'different from the others' when I got to Monash for my interview for medicine. So I asked our neighbour, who goes to the city a lot, about what to wear, and at home I practised what I was going to say. As it turned out, people were very friendly and most of the time I felt confident that I was doing and saying the right thing.

Toni

If you're from a country school - and if you're going to the city to study, don't think that you're not as intelligent as city students. You're as good as the next person. And you'll find that you have learned and achieved just as much as people from city schools.

Going to uni can be a good opportunity to surprise yourself, and to expect more from yourself. At home you're in your comfort zone, because you know everyone and feel safe. But take it from me, the effort that it takes to extend your world and your knowledge is well worth it. Try not to let the city intimidate you. Give yourself time to adjust to it.

I'm glad I decided to come to uni. I think I can also look forward to a more exciting future, especially in job prospects.

Michelle

You need to be strong about your goals and high in your expectations. There will always be people around you-wherever you're from, who dampen your hopes with what they say. I've realised that I am responsible for my future, not them!

While you're at school it's not so important to think about the job you want to do. Concentrate instead on the further study and training that you believe will be useful. Learning doesn't finish at the end of school, not for anyone. So you may as well set your sights on learning that will get you a good degree and open up better prospects for yourself.

Further Advice

If you want to follow Ray's and Michelle's advice about contacting Monash University, here's what you do:

Telephone number/contact: Information Desk 03 9902 6000 or the On-Shore Student Recruitment Office at Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800 on 9905 1320.

If you have a disability which may affect your study, please contact: The Disability Liaison Unit.

Gippsland Campus: Telephone: (03) 5122 6425