City Survival Guide

Country Students Club

Third Edition 2010

Thanks
The idea of this booklet was conceived by the Country Students Club Committee in April 2007. We spent many months compiling content and editing the draft in our spare time. Obtaining funding for publishing was made possible with the support of the START the Student Transition and Retention Team based in Building 102 and a grant from the Student Guild. First Edition compiled by: Samudra Sarubin (Broome) - President Chris Collins (Busselton) - Vice President Kate Lee (Karratha) - Secretary Karrissa Cotterell (Karratha) - Treasurer Other contributors: Helen Hesselberg START - Retention Equity Officer Len Bailey Guild President 2007 Collette Swindells Guild Education Vice-President 2007 Robert Moore PC Champs Team Leader

For comments on this booklet or to contribute something to next years survival guide, please email us at countrystudentsclub@yahoo.com.au.

COUNTRY STUDENT CLUB CITY SURVIVAL GUIDE Curtin University of Technology Bentley Campus
INDEX
So Youre Going to Uni Huh? ......................... 2 About Us Country Students Club ............................. 2 Where Will I Live? .............................................. 3 Living On-Campus ............................................................ 3 Living Off-Campus ............................................................ 3 A quick guide to Off-Campas accommodation ........ 4 A. Rooms ............................................................................. 4 B. Homestay ....................................................................... 4 C.Whole Property Rental Accommodation ................ 4 What to Pack ........................................................ 6 Bedding and Clothing ...................................................... 6 Stationery............................................................................ 6 Toiletries .............................................................................. 7 Computer ............................................................................ 7 REBOOT .............................................................................. 7 Kitchen A starter kit ..................................................... 7 Miscellaneous items ......................................................... 8 Shopping .................................................................. 9 Shopping Hours ................................................................ 9 Places to shop near Curtin............................................. 9 Ive Just Arrived in Perth Now what? ............................................................10 StartUp Week ..................................................................10 Centrelink .........................................................................11 Text Books ........................................................................11 Scholarships .....................................................................11 Class Timetable ...............................................................11 Transport ..............................................................12 Using Public Transport in Perth ...................................12 Trains..................................................................................12 Bus ......................................................................................12 Smart Rider ......................................................................12 Taxis ...................................................................................12 Finding your Bearings ....................................................13 Driving ...............................................................................13 Cycling ...............................................................................13 Parking on Campus ........................................................13 Study Tips..............................................................14 Actually Study! .................................................................14 The Library .......................................................................14 Lectures .............................................................................14 Tutorials .............................................................................14 Mentor Program..............................................................14 Study Groups ...................................................................14 Using computers PC Champs Program ................15 Are You Smart Enough For Uni?..................................15 Campus Facilities ..............................................16 Student Support Services on Bentley Campus .......16 Missing Home?................................................................16 What is the Student Guild? .........................................17 Getting Involved! ...............................................18 Keeping Safe ........................................................19 Getting Out in Perth ......................................................19 Clubs and Pubs................................................................19 Eating Out Student Style ..............................................20 Fun things to do if you are bored ...............................20

So youre going to Uni huh?

Congratulations and welcome to Curtin! The next few years will pave the way for your future.Your degree will have a profound impact on your lifestyle, career and income for the rest of your life. Spending three or four years to get a degree is not a long time in the bigger scheme of things! University can be the best time in your life - fun times that will make for unforgettable memories and special friendships. We, the Country Students Club, have created this City Survival Guide, to help you make the move to the Bentley campus and settle into study without too many hassles. Hopefully this guide will answer any questions you might have about moving to the city and give you some useful advice and tips! The information is based on our experiences as first year students going back a few years now! We try to verify facts and figures where we can. However, we cant guarantee accuracy, so please do read this as informal advice, written by country students for country students! Once you have enrolled, ensure that you have received and read your Curtin A-Z Guide. This is the official university information booklet for all new students, covering every aspects of your university life! The Student Guild publishes a Survival Guide, which we recommend you get hold of. It contains great study tips and information about the Guild services. See: http//guild.curtin.edu.au/go/publications/ survival-guide This booklet The Country Student Club City Survival Guide, is written specifically for you, the country students. If you have any suggestions or questions, please get in touch by emailing us at countrystudentsclub@ yahoo.com.au. Enjoy the read!

About us the Curtin Country Students Club (http://www.guild.curtin.edu.au/ go/clubs/club-contacts/social-clubs)

There are dozens of student clubs and societies on campus, but only one has a focus on country students. The Country Students Club provides a social and support network for country students moving to the Curtin Bentley Campus. We welcome new students to Curtin and offer to help them settle into Perth and uni life with the minimum of hassles. We are on hand to provide advice and mentoring to new members if they request it. However, our primary goal as a club, is to have fun and form social networks with fellow country students. We do this by organising regular events in a casual atmosphere. Whether you have just left high school or took some time off to work, starting uni is a whole new challenging experience. There are great times and frustrating occasions. Time to cruise along and stressful times juggling assignments, exam studies and part time work. Whatever your experience, it always helps to hang out with a bunch of people who you can relate to! Most members of the Country Students Club are from the south west region (since most of WAs country population resides there). Despite that, more remote areas are represented by of our committee members being from the Kimberley and Pilbara. Membership for the year costs $5 or is free with a Guild Clubs voucher if you join the Student Guild. If you are interested in joining, or curious to meet our committee members, then come to our stall at Guild O-Day during Orientation. Alternatively you can email us at: countrystudentsclub@yahoo.com.au We hope you enjoy reading our guide and wish you all the best for your studies at Curtin.

Where will I live?

There are various AFFORDABLE accommodation options available to students!

Living On-Campus
The first option is to live in on-campus student housing. This is brilliant for new-to-Perth students who dont know their way around and want to meet other new students.You will get to know fellow country students and meet international students from all over the world. Most members of the Country Students Club have lived on campus at some point and we all have made awesome friendships as a result. Country and interstate Australian students receive high priority for on- campus places! Curtin University provides around 1200 beds on campus. There are four Student Housing villages to choose from, ranging in price, number of bathrooms, age, design and other features. (See the individual residences for detail http://housing.curtin.edu.au) Most on-campus accommodation is a single room, in a six or eight bedroom self contained apartment. Living on campus is very affordable.You pay your weekly rent, which includes your power, water and gas costs! All rooms are furnished with a study desk and chair and most rooms have internet access. For peace of mind, you know that Campus Security Services are only a phone call away, with regular patrols of the area. The Housing Villages provide plenty of social support for students - organising loads of social events and inter-house competitions. Recreational facilities include pool tables, fuse ball, table tennis and TVs. Some housing even have entertainment systems and Foxtel! There is always something happening in the common room, so its a great place to meet new people, have a drink, or just chill out from all that study! Student Housing villages are located close to the local shopping complex, various eateries (Chinese take-away, KFC, Chicken Treat, Subway, Nandos Chicken, Indian take-away to name a few) which is very convenient! In addition, you are close to the Waterford Tavern, which goes off on a Wednesday night, offering cheap drinks and karaoke! What more could a Uni student want? Living on-campus means that you are literally on campus! You can sleep in a little longer before classes. There is no driving in traffic or searching for parking! You can go home during long breaks between lectures for some lunch, study or a nap! Living on campus is great way to meet the people, who in the future, you may wish to move out with into a rent share arrangement off campus.

How do I apply?
Log onto the Curtin Housing Website: http://housing.curtin.edu.au/OnCampus/How/ApplyNow. html. Its best to do this as soon as possible as its first in, best dressed. Priority is given to those who have not lived in Perth before.

Living Off-Campus
The best place to find all the available accommodation is through the Housing Advisory Service located in Building 103, next to the International Office. They help students looking for accommodation. They have a collection of properties near the Curtin Bentley campus so you can flick through all the available room or rental options. Staff may also be able to arrange to take you to view the properties if you dont have a car and have not lived in Perth before! The Housing Service offers useful advice about tenancy law and information about public transport.

A Quick Guide to Off-Campus Accommodation

There has been an economic boom in Perth over the past several years, and finding off campus accommodation has been more difficult and expensive for Curtin staff and students. This is a quick guide to prices, availability and conditions. Private off campus accommodation will include: Rooms (also called share accommodation) Homestay (also called Full Board) Whole Property Rental Accommodation (Units, flats, apartments, houses, etc.) IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Off campus accommodation is privately owned and is NOT controlled, by the University. Conditions, convenience and quality will vary. The earlier you arrive in the weeks before semester starts to search for off-campus accommodation the greater range of options available to you. DO NOT sign contracts from afar. (See it in person to make sure it is what you want.) DO NOT sign contracts for friends. (YOU will be legally liable for the contract if there is a problem.) DO NOT sign a contract without seeing the property. It may be different from the photo or description and there are scams out there! Contract length and other conditions may be open to negotiation. Expenses such as water, electricity and gas will sometimes be included, sometimes not. A Bond, usually equal to 4 weeks of rent, will usually be required to be paid up-front. Rent will also be paid in advance, usually 2 weeks ahead, but longer advance periods are also common. A. ROOMS - also called share accommodation Very often this type of accommodation is with students who already rent accommodation and have a spare room. Other room accommodation might be with a family, or with others who live near the university. Single room rental is fortunately still in reasonable supply near the university. Generally you will be doing your own cooking and cleaning. The average price is $140 per week, but rooms with their own bathroom, air conditioning or other desirable features will start from $160 per week. Sometimes bargains can be found lower than this price, but you cannot rely on it. This type of accommodation is often within walking distance of the university. Things to note: Rooms will generally be for 1 person per room. Off campus rooms are not owned or controlled by the University. Conditions, convenience and quality will vary. If you want to search for a room cheaper than $140 per week you will need to arrive early weeks before semester starts. B. HOMESTAY, also called full board Homestay accommodation often means living with a family. Usually it means that meals and other expenses will be included. Budget for at least $220 per week for this type of accommodation. Conditions, as well as what is provided will vary with different Homestay providers. C. WHOLE PROPERTY RENTAL ACCOMMODATION Rental accommodation is where you take a vacant house, or apartment. Prices for rental accommodation have been rising rapidly in Perth. For a furnished 1 bedroom apartment, budget for at least $250 per week for basic accommodation. For a furnished 2 bedroom apartment budget for at least $300 per week for basic accommodation.
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 For a furnished 3 bedroom house, apartment or Villa, budget for at least $350 per week for basic accommodation. Things to note: Very few bargains can be found in the rental market. If you are looking for rental accommodation cheaper than the prices above, you will need to arrive at least a month before orientation, that is mid January for first semester, and Mid June for second semester. If you require other features such as air-conditioning you will need a higher budget. You may be able to get slightly cheaper rental accommodation if you are prepared to take an unfurnished place and buy or rent your own furniture. Contract length and other conditions are less open to negotiation than room rental. Generally contracts will be for 6 or 12 months. Expenses such as water, electricity and gas will usually NOT be included. Important: Landlords will set a maximum number of people who can live at a property. Usually a maximum of 2 adults will be able to live in a one bedroom apartment. Usually a maximum of 2 adults will be allowed to live in a 2 bedroom apartment or perhaps a couple and 2 children at the most. Usually a maximum of 5 people will be permitted to stay in a 3 bedroom house or apartment. 1 or 2 bedroom apartments will not be walking distance to the university. They will be at least a 15 minute bus ride, or 10 minute drive from the Bentley campus. Rental contracts LESS than 6 months in length can be even more difficult to find. If you have rental references, bring them with you. If you have no rental references, a personal reference, or a reference from an employer may also help. CURTINS HOUSING ADVISORY SERVICE If you require further information or assistance please contact the Housing Advisory Service at: (08) 9266 4430 - Building 103. Website: http://housing.curtin.edu.au

What to pack?
You can save a fair bit of money and time by bringing some items from home. This is a basic guide. There are too many items to fit into one suitcase but here are some ideas to get you started

Bedding and Clothing

You decide on your own clothing. Unlike high school, where its important to look cool, nobody cares what you wear at uni. Wear whatever you like, within reason.. shoes preferred! If you arent used to winter in Perth, be warned as it can get pretty chilly, so pack in some warm clothing. As most people start uni in summer, you can assess what you need as winter creeps in, but its advisable to bring a Driza-Bone or raincoat if you have one. Alternatively, buy a cheap umbrella when the rain begins. Beds at student housing are single size. No linen is supplied, so bring or buy two sets of sheets, pillow cases and blankets. A sleeping bag is handy for the odd really cold night or if you stay over at someone elses place. Add a couple of towels bath and beach.

Stationery
You can buy stationery on campus at The Spot or the Curtin Bookshop. Off-campus you will find supplies at supermarkets, news agents or Officeworks in Victoria Park (drive or take the 99 Bus from the campus bus port). Getting started: Buy four A4 two-ring binders, in different colours - one for each unit of study. Write the unit name on blank stickers on the spine. Lever arch files are too large; you want the type that will take about 40mm of A4 paper. (D-ring is better than O-ring type, as they hold 25% more paper) Filing Tip: Divide files into sections (with dividers, duh!) for each of the 12 weeks of uni. Number them week 1 to 12 and your lecture notes, assignments and handouts go into their own weekly section. At the end of semester, pull out all the paper, clip it all together (it should still all be in week order) and pop it in an archive box for future reference. Then you have four empty files for next semester! Youll need a punch and stapler. Spend a little extra on decent quality item that will punch more than 10 sheets at a time. Add an A4 lecture pad for each unit for taking notes, bonus points to you if it has holes to clip into the file. Saving Tip: Your files might get very full, so to save space print off your lecture slides 4 or 6 to a page, on both sides of the paper. Of course youll need the basics like pens, pencils, highlighters eraser and a sturdy pencil case. Saving Tip: Dont buy too much or too fancy.You can score heaps of free pens and rulers during O- Week on Guild O-Day. Dont buy any elaborate drawing equipment for design-based units (e.g. drafting equipment) until you are told by your lecturer exactly what you do and dont need. Buy a diary or get one free if you join the Student Guild.

Toiletries
Consider what you use in the bathroom throughout the week. Soap and toothpaste are easy to remember but dont miss what youd use occasionally like tweezers or plasters and antiseptic. Dont forget the chargers for electric toothbrush, shaver and for your mobile phone and camera!

Computer
Do you really need to have your own computer at home? Having your own computer would be a great advantage. So bring it with you if you have one for the convenience and easy access to the internet. However, dont stress if a computer is too expensive to obtain straight away you can certainly get by without one. There are heaps of computers you can access around the clock on campus, in the Abacus Labs, the Library or within each School. A pen and paper are much better for taking notes in lectures, not to mention cheaper and easier to carry. Very few students feel the need to carry a laptop to uni every day. As you get further into your degree you can make the decision whether you really need your own laptop computer or not. Either way, you will need a thumb drive or USB stick. A small 4 GB unit is inexpensive and sufficient (unless you like collecting movies and music).

REBOOT
Curtin Student Guilds REBOOT program is an initiative established to assist financially disadvantaged Curtin students with a seconf hand computer of their own for University related use. Application forms are available from Guild Reception (Building 106F) or downloadable form from http://guild.curtin.edu.au/go/ student-assist/reboot

The Kitchen A starter kit

Most items are available cheaply at a supermarket. It is worth spending a little extra on a good quality kitchen knife and nonstick frying pan. Check out specials at Myers, Target or any kitchenware shop. A good chefs knife will handle over 90% of all food cutting tasks. If youll be filleting fish or carving roast get a 15cm filleting knife too. Keep knives sharp blunt knives are annoying and unsafe to use! Plates Bowls Forks Spoons Knives (steak knife is the most useful) Teaspoons Wood or plastic spatula Tongs Drinking glasses Measuring cups Dish washing up liquid Cheese/veggie grater Freezer bags Glad wrap Sponge Chux cloth Felt pen to mark your food Chefs knife, 20cm rigid blade Frying pan, non-stick, 28-30cm, lid optional Saucepan, 17-20cm, with lid Salad bowl (optional but handy) Baking tray and ovenproof baking dish. Can opener Coffee Mugs Ladle Wooden spoon Metal strainer/colander (can also use for steaming) Alfoil Potato peeler A few plastic storage tubs with lids 2 tea towels Medium or large chopping board BBQ tongs & scraper (metal) if you like barbies

Miscellaneous items
Photos: Initially you will miss home, your mates and your dog. Bring a photo frame or pack in some Blutack to stick some photos of familiar face up on the wall. ID: You will need more than a Drivers License when you open a bank account. Check with the institution what ID is required. Having your Passport, a Proof of Age Card, your Student ID card (youll get one when you enroll) and Drivers License should be sufficient. Personal Records: Want to apply for a Scholarship? Or funding from Centrelink? Authorities will want to see all your personal documents, such as your school or academic records, record of work history, proof of Australian citizenship. If you intend to apply for part time employment, bring copies of your CV, references and certificates. NB: Photocopies are not acceptable, unless they have been certified by a Justice of the Peace. Tools: A large Swiss Army knife or Leatherman type tool is sufficient for most students. Include Allen keys if you have a bicycle. Bits & pieces: Laundry powder, clothes pegs, a laundry basket and a bag of $1 coins for the Laundromat washing machines and tumble dryers. A torch and spares batteries.

Shopping
Shopping Hours: General (Suburban shops ONLY) Monday to Friday Thursday (Late Night Shopping) City Centre Monday to Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Fremantle Sunday 8.00am / 9.00am to 6.00pm 8.00am / 9.00am to 9.00pm 8.00am / 9.00am to 6.00pm 9.00am 9.00pm 8.00am 5.30pm 12.00pm 6.00pm 10.00pm 4.00pm

Places to Shop near Curtin

Waterford Plaza Corner Manning Road and Kent Street, Karawara. On older maps will be called the Village Green Shopping Centre. In 2006 it was refurbished, expanded and renamed. There is a medium sized Coles, Post Office, a few specialty shops and food outlets. Waterford Plaza is very close to all of the student housing residences. Most on-campus students do their shopping here. Westfield Carousel Shopping Centre 1382 Albany Highway, Cannington The Carousel is one of the largest shopping centre in Western Australia. Pretty much anything youll find in a large mall is here, including a large Coles, Woolworths and Myers department store.. Its a five minute drive from uni, or Bus No. 34 runs there every half hour from the Curtin bus station. (Vickery House is it is right next to the bus station!) Garden City Shopping Centre Risely Street, Booragoon A smaller upmarket version of the Carousel with a wide range of stores! Handy if you live west of the Canning River. Perth City Centre The main shopping attractions in the CBD are the two large department stores, David Jones and Myer, as well as countless arcades with a variety of specialist shops. Only a ten minute drive from uni (in light traffic). Parking can be a challenge. Investigate the parking garages and one way streets before you leave home and be prepared to pay by the hour for city parking. Circling around the city, lost and looking for an empty bay is no fun! Several bus routes run from Curtin to the city. They all terminate at the City Busport (the Esplanade Busport), which is a few minutes walk south of the CBD, near the convention centre and the foreshore. The Park Centre Corner Albany Highway and Basinghall Street, Victoria Park A medium sized shopping centre, only a few minutes drive from Curtin along Kent Street. If you live around East Victoria Park, this is well located for you. Albany Highway in East Victoria Park is a busy area, lined with shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Ive just arrived in Perth. Now what? StartUp Week

www.oweekcurtin.edu.au You are required to and should attend StartUp Week. There is nothing worse than getting lost, not knowing anyone and feeling like an idiot on your first day. Orientation is the opportunity to meet other new students, find your way around the campus and library, find out about your Faculty and School, work out where your classes are located (handy!) and get over all your nerves and worries before the first teaching week commences. Every Faculty and School has their own Welcome and Orientation timetable. These are held on different days during StartUp Week. Find out when yours will be! Go to the StartUp Week website to see what the Faculty of Humanities, Science and Engineering, Health Sciences or the Curtin Business School has planned for you. The Guild O-Day, for all students, is held on the Wednesday of StartUpWeek. There are heaps of displays, activities and free give-aways.You can find out about the student clubs on campus. We hear the COUNTRY STUDENTS CLUB is a pretty awesome club to join! Look out for us!! Joining is cheap as chips or is free with a Guild Clubs voucher if you join the Student Guild. Your chance to make instant friends on campus! NB:There are some important things that every student must attend to once you have enrolled: You cannot survive without your Curtin Student ID Card. You can get your Student ID Card at Student Central in Building 101, or some Faculty Student Services. Try to get to Student Central early as it is usually very busy at the start of the semester! You will use your Student Card to access the Library, Abacus Labs and for easy ID. Dont lose it replacements cost $15! Take a guided Campus Tour.You will be shown the important place like the Library, the bus station, the Faculty Student Services, START the Guild Tav, Building 599 and Georges Kebabs. A Library tour is a must! You will be shown how to access the system, how to loan books and resources and be informed about all additional facilities and services that the Library offers. Go to the Abacus Computer Labs. There are 3 on campus, located in Buildings 303, 408 and 501. Students can activate and access their OASIS account for the first time and change the password. If you know how to use a computer this will take only a few minutes, however if you dont, take this opportunity for free computer advice from the Abacus Lab staff. They are there to help! Most importantly HAVE FUN!! Your first StartUp Week will be a new, different and exciting experience. Make new friends, get comfortable with your campus surroundings and make sure you find time to relax at the Tav.

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Centrelink
If you have had a year off and have worked to become independent, you may be eligible for the independent rate of Youth Allowance and Rent Assistance. If so, you will be assessed on your circumstances, rather than your familys ability to support you.You would have had to have earned about $18,850 in previous 18 months to qualify for this (NB: New legislation will come into effect from 1 January 2010 check for updates). Centrelink provides approximately $371 per fortnight. This allows for a Health Care card, which can save you money on medical services and prescription medicine. In addition you are allowed to earn up to $236 per fortnight of your own income, before Centrelink will start to dock your allowance. NB:This info is only a rough guide. Each individual should go to a Centrelink office to find out if you qualify for help and how to go about applying. There is a Centrelink office on campus, located in the Guild Precinct- Bldg 106. Call 13 24 90 or go to www.centrelink.gov.au NEVER try and pull one over Centrelink! If you get caught you have to pay back the money and you may also get a criminal record - not good when applying for jobs in the future.

Text Books
Dont rush out and buy your books straight away. Within the first week your tutor will tell you if its really necessary or not. If you know someone who did a particular unit last year, ask for their opinion on the importance of buying the textbook. The Curtin Bookshop is conveniently located on campus in Bldg 200. http://www.bookshop.curtin.edu.au/ You will be able to access your book list therough your OASIS login.You can then order your books online for collection at the Curtin Bookshop. If you are really quick you can loan the book from the Curtin Library for FREE! Search through the Curtin Secondhand Book Shop for cheaper books, but ensure that they are the edition specified on your book list. The Secondhand Bookshop is easy to find in the Guild precinct it is next to the TAV!

Scholarships
The Scholarships Office has a wide range of Scholarships available to all students, amd some specifically for students from rural and remote regions. Go to: http://scholarships.curtin.curtin.edu.au/. Check out what is available to ease the financial burden of being a student!

Class Timetable
After you have enrolled, you must register on OASIS (Online Access to Student Information Service). Once you have activated your OASIS account, go to E-Student and register for your classes in order to create your personal timetable. If you have a flexible timetable, USE IT to your advantage! Its a great way to ensure long weekends or a midweek study day. Some courses have more than one lecture and/or tutorial for each unit during the week. So choose one that best fits your schedule. Try not to have long breaks between classes. If this is unavoidable, there is a student lounge in the Library where you can relax, use the internet or read the newspapers. In addition, there are plenty cafes on campus to grab a snack or a coffee.

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Transport
Using Public Transport Transperth has a comprehensive network of buses and trains that travel all across Perth. If you dont have a car, its cheap as chips to get anywhere you want. Go to www.transperth.wa.gov.au to plan your route by using the Journey Planner or call their friendly service staff to ask for advice. Get a copy of your local Bus and Train timetables. They are usually available at Student Central. If you are planning a night out on the town DO NOT Drink and Drive. Using public transport is the cheapest and safest way to make your way home. Train The ARMADALE LINE (between Armadale and the city) is a one zone journey from Oats Street Train Station to the city. Oats Street Station is only 3km from Curtin University.You can travel to Oats Street on the 98 Bus, then take the train to the city centre. On the return journey to uni, take the 99 Bus from Oats Street to Curtin campus. The MANDURAH LINE was opened in 2008 and goes between Perth City and Mandurah in the south. The closest station to Curtin campus is Canning Bridge. It is one zone from Canning Bridge Train Station to the city and it is only 3km from Bentley campus.You can travel from Curtin on bus 101 or 102, then take the train to the city centre. On the return journey, take bus 100 or 103, which leave from Stand 3 to the campus on a regular basis. Bus Most bus services run until around midnight on weekdays and finish earlier on weekends. The 72 Bus service leaves the city just after midnight and returns to Curtin University Bus Station. The last trains leave Perth Station at midnight Monday to Thursday & Sundays. The last train leaves at 2am on Friday and Saturday. The train service resumes again between 5am 6am. COST: This depends on zones and how far you want to travel. Student prices are considerably cheaper than adult fares.You will need your Student ID Card and a Smart Rider (see below) to pay cash for a concession fare. Smart Rider It is advisable to purchase a Smart Rider card, the automatic bus and train ticket system.You buy credit on your Smart Rider card and use it instead of buying a ticket for each journey.You just tag on and off as you ride, by swiping the card across a magnetic card reader when you enter and exit a bus or train. This saves time and you dont have to worry about carrying cash and your student card. The card entitles travel discounts of between 15 % 25%, depending on how you reload your credit. A trip from uni to Perth City will cost you $0.77 or $1.00 if you take the train via Oats St. If you live in a surrounding suburb, a bus ride to uni is about $0.50. To buy your Smart Rider: Print the Application for Tertiary SmartRider.pdf form from http://www.transperth. wa.gov.au/ SmartRider or collect a form from the Curtin Bookshop. Bring your Student ID to Student Central (Building 101) and they will stamp the form to certify that you are a Curtin student. Bring the stamped form back to the Bookshop. They will sell you a Smart Rider card. A card purchase fee of $5 applies. A minimum $10 fee applies to reactivate your account (total: $15). Taxis Depending on the night (and your taxi driver) a fare will cost between $20 - $25 from the city to Curtin Student Housing. If you choose to use a taxi, try to share the fare with some friends. Swan Taxi: 13 13 30 Perth Maxi Taxis: 9221 2400
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Finding your Bearings

You will be unfamiliar with the layout of Perth. A useful tip is to use the train lines as bearings. There are five main lines that all extend across Perth City. the north west line (to Joondalup) the south east (to Armadale) the north east (to Midland) the southern suburbs railway (to Mandurah) the south west (to Fremantle) To help you get your bearings in Perth city, remember: West the ocean South across the Narrows Bridge away from the city, East inland towards the hills in the direction of Curtin Uni North across the Swan river looking towards the city.

Driving
Driving around the Perth is pretty easy, but do yourself a favour and get a map book. The UBD or Street Smart directories cost around $25 and they are worth every cent. Never try to read one while you are driving! Plan your journey before you set off! There is nothing more stressful then driving aimlessly round an unfamiliar city, not to mention all the petrol you will waste! If you prefer online maps, look up www.whereis.com.au. Type in the address of your destination and it will show you a map and/or directions to get there. Speaking of petrol, you can find the cheapest fuel by looking up: www.fuelwatch.com.au This is a government website that shows what each servo in WA is charging for petrol, diesel and LPG every day. Its well worth a look because its not uncommon for two petrol stations, in the same suburb, to have a price difference of up to 15 cents per litre. Perth has seen a population boom in recent years and the roads have become quite congested during peak hour. These are the times on weekdays when people are driving to and from work: Between 7:40 and 9:00 am for lanes heading toward the city Between 4:30 and 6:00 pm for lanes heading away from the city Try to avoid driving during these peak times if you can. Cycling If you live within a three or four kilometres of uni, a bike can be faster than driving because you dont waste time looking for parking or walking across campus to your class. There are plenty of facilities for bike users on campus, including racks, showers and a secure area for bike storage (swipe card access required). For more details visit: http: //properties.curtin.edu.au/roles/am/parking/alt_trans/cycling.cfm If you enjoy recreational cycling, bike shops sell the Perth by Bike maps for a few dollars (www.dpi. wa.gov.au/cycling/14679.asp). These great little guides show all cycle paths and give suggested quiet roads that get you from A to B. Riding a bike on a main road or highway is not fun or safe if you dont get run over, you will breathe in a lot of exhaust smoke. Riding on the Freeways or sections of Roe and Tonkin Highway is illegal. For more Perth cycling info look up: www.dpi.wa.gov.au/cycling/1515.asp Parking on Campus If you drive to the campus and park your car you are required to buy a Student Parking Permit $105 per year or $58 per semester. Students can park in any of the designated green zones. Student parking bays can be very hard to find and this can be a frustrating exercise at times! Parking bays are usually full by around 9:30am, so consider arriving early and doing some study in the library before your lectures. Give yourself plenty of time to find a spot about 20 minutes to park and walk to class. Bays are quite easy to find after 3:30pm. Parking after 5:00pm is free (no permit required) and students can park in any of the parking areas on campus.

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Study Tips
Tip 1: Actually Study! Studying does improve your marks! Uni is nothing like High School. No one will force you to study, go to class, or do your assignments. Some tutors probably may not even know your name, or care if you pass or fail. So a word of warning - its pretty much up to you to stay on track. However, if you do feel that you are not coping and need some assistance, dont be afraid to ASK FOR HELP! University Life offers a range of Support Services on campus to assist you with any issues you may have. See http://unilife.curtin.edu.au/ Talk to your lecturer or course co-coordinator, make an appointment to see the First Year Experience Coordinator in Bldg 102 (Hayman Hall) or go to the The Learning Centre (Bldg 105). For the full range of Support Services go to: http://unilife.curtin.edu.au/servicefinder.cfm. This is a very useful tool. Click on the issue that concerns you and it will direct you to help available on campus. Tip 2: The Library has six levels. The top levels are quiet places for individual and group study. Groups are welcome to study, and there are sound proof rooms available. There are also single desks for those who want to read or study by themselves in peace and quiet. http://library.curtin.edu.au/ Tip 3: Lectures are not a waste of time. Go to as many as you can, sit up the front and pay attention.Youll gain a lot more out of your lecture if you quickly read through the appropriate chapter in your textbook beforehand.Your education is expensive! You may as well get your moneys worth! Tip 4: Tutorials. A tute comprises a small group of students in a classroom with a tutor/teacher.You will get feedback, ask questions, have discussions and do oral presentations. Attendance is expected and counts towards your final grade. Make sure you go! Some units will fail you if you do not attend a percentage of your classes. Besides, you will be missing out on important information and you will soon fall behind. Tip 5: Find out if there is a Mentor Program in your school. This is a great way to get help from a senior student who knows the ropes. Go to: http: //retention.curtin.edu.au/programs/mentoring.cfm Tip 6: Study Groups. Find other students in class to study with. Great for motivation and company to get through long hard tasks. If you dont know anyone to study with, then thats where the COUNTRY STUDENTS CLUB comes in handy! Come along to our events, meet people and WHAMO... instant friends to study with!

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Tip 7: Using computers: Dont feel confident with all computer programs? The PC CHAMPS Program is available to teach and upgrade your computer skills. In the 21st century, basic computer skills are essential to succeeding in a course of study at University. For example, at Curtin University, you need to check your OASIS account every week and your assignments need to be typed - not handwritten! Furthermore, computer skills are vital for everyday life with the proliferation of internet-based services such as banking and shopping. The PC CHAMPS Program is run by Curtin Volunteers! (CV!).Volunteer mentors provide one-on-one lessons to any Curtin student who is having difficulty. The program is targeted at mature-age students, but volunteers will happily mentor any student who is experiencing difficulty with a computer program. Mentors will arrange a time that is convenient to you. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.cv.curtin.edu.au/programs/pc_champs. cfm or drop in and say hi to the friendly START staff in Hayman Hall (Building 102).

Are you Smart Enough For Uni?

Although you have received an offer to study at Curtin, you may stress about whether you are smart enough to get through a uni degree course. Well heres a revelation.You dont need to be especially brilliant to complete a degree. Some people are gifted and they will usually do well. However, the key to being a success at University is to apply yourself and work consistently! Your unit outlines may make for boring reading, but they detail exactly what to study and how much time you should spend studying every week. If you put in the effort and do just what is set out to be done in the unit outline, you will cope well. Your uni experience will be the most enjoyable, productive and stress-free time of your life. Be warned! Some of the first year units teach the basics. This allows you to build up your knowledge and skills. It sets the foundations for your further studies. Put in the effort to do very well in these units and you will avoid stress further along in your course. Aim for top marks, which indicate that you have a sound understanding of the concepts. If you just scrape through with a 50% average, you will be setting yourself up for a very rough ride in your more senior years of study. A handy tip from a PhD student, who advised: Treat your uni studies like a job. Be on campus from 9am to 5pm, five days a week and do the work. If youre not in lectures, read your textbooks or do assignments. Then go home and forget about uni altogether. Find the study techniques that work for you balance working hard and playing hard and enjoy the success that follows.

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Campus Facilities
You will find the following amenities on the Curtin Bentley campus: Optometrist The Spot The Guild convenience store for magazines, Physiotherapist greeting cards, snacks, Ticketmaster 7, tickets for event. Chemist Second Hand Bookshop BankWest Curtin Print and Design publications, design, Unicredit laminating, printing and binding. Centrelink Cafes Main Caf,Vege Patch, Bookmark Caf, Angazi Fringe Benefits Hairdresser Caf, Georges Kebabs, Noodle Corner, Basement Caf The Guild Concept Store for music, and Simply Delicious Curtin clobber, stickers, posters The famous Guild Tavern alias THE TAV. A great place Restaurant The Kirribili Caf. to play pool, get a meal and have a drink. Curtin Bookshop for new books, Computer Labs ABACUS LABS are located in stationery and computer supplies, Buildings 303, 408 and 501. Open 23 hours a day, phone credit, film developing, 7 days a week. Swipe your Student ID Card to get in. dry cleaning, Smart Rider cards Curtin Stadium - offers a range of fitness, sport and The Guild Copy Centre copying health enhancing programs for students and staff and printing Curtin Student Support Services on Bentley campus: Student Transitional Retention Team (START) Health Services Bulk billing. Free if you have a Medicare Card! Counseling Services confidential advice on any personal matters Multi-Faith Officer First Year Experience Coordinator confidential advice, course switching Housing Advisory Services Recreation Services gym, aerobics classes, squash & tennis courts The Learning Centre Free programs Academic guidance and support Careers@Curtin Student Assist ( at the Student Guild) Appeals, Study Skills, Exam preparation, Academic Misconduct, Grievances, Centrelink help, Tenancy advice, Tax advise, Budgeting advise, Fact sheets, Legal Assist, Personal Accident and work Experience Insurance Cover Disabilities Services Scholarships Student Equity Useful links: www.orientation.curtin.edu.au http://unilife.curtin.edu.au/servicefinder.cfm http://www.guild.curtin.edu.au/go/welfare-services/student-assist http://scholarships.curtin.edu.au/ www.centrelink.gov.au

Missing Home?
Coming to Uni is exciting and challenging. It is a time of adaptation and adjustment to a new environment. Being far from the safety of your home, family and friends can make you feel lonely, sad and afraid. These emotions may make it difficult for you to settle into your new accommodation, make new friends and cope with your studies.You would not be alone research indicates that 35% of new students face homesickness and may become depressed. If you find yourself feeling down, talk to your Housing Residential Assistant, your lecturer, or make an appointment to see a counselor at the University Counselling Services (Bldg 109 9266 7850). Go to http:// counselling.curtin.edu.au/. For advise, go to Building 102 to see the First Year Experience Transition Coordinator. For useful tips to overcome homesickness and adjust to student life, go to: http://counselling.curtin.edu.au/local/docs/adjusting to uni.pdf
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What is the Student Guild?

Each university in Australia has its own Student Guild, which is basically a union for students. The Guild exists to represent the rights and interests of the students. If a student has a problem, they can approach the Guild for help. For this reason the Guild is an independent organisation and not a department of the university. What do they want from me? Put simply, the Student Guild wants you to sign up as a member. This entails a payment of a fee to become a Full Guild Member. (You will need to pay cash or use EFTPOS). Until recently, it was compulsory to become a Guild member. In 2005 the Federal government banned that compulsory payment and introduced Voluntary Student Unionism, giving students a choice (VSU). If you choose not to pay the fee, you will become a Basic Guild Member and still be entitled to some basic services. What can the Guild offer me? The representation is the raison dtre of the Guild it represents your interests as a student on the Curtin campus! Annual membership for 2010 is $99.95, The Guild provides services such as food outlets, social events, sports and recreational activities. Almost every food outlet on campus is Guild run. Full members get discounts on food and drinks (Yes, that includes the Tav!). Full members have first option on ticket sales for social events. Is it worth it? If you consider the economic benefits, you can easily recoup most of your $99.95 membership fee in food and drink discounts throughout the year. Although you may never need their help or advice while studying for your degree, it is reassuring to know that its there if you need it. The Guild organises great events and parties! The Beach Bash and Oktoberfest are legendary. If you arent a full member you can forget about getting a ticket. If youre still not convinced, the Guild will give you plenty more reasons to join. For all the benefits and details of membership go to: www.guild.curtin.edu.au The Student Guild is located in Building 106F. Country callers: 1800 063 865 or (08) 9266 2900. Useful links: Guild recreation http://guild.curtin.edu.au/go/guild-rec Guild courses http://guild.curtin.edu.au/go/guild-rec/certificate-courses

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Getting involved!
There are dozens of social, sporting, academic and religious clubs that you can join on campus.They are run by students, for students. Club members are encouraged to join the committee and help run the club. The Country Students Club, for example, is always looking for enthusiastic new committee members!

By being involved in the organisation and running of a club, one gains insight into how a business is run and how to work as a team with people. Being involved in campus life will enhance your future career prospects. Employers look for graduates who offer more than just a degree. Graduates who are community orientated, socially active and involved in extra-curricular activities are generally highly sought after as employees.

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Keeping Safe

For your safety on and off campus, we strongly advise that you find out about the Curtin Campus Security Services. Like any city around the world, Perth has its share of crime, so do take care! For the full range of services, go to this informative website: http://about curtin.edu.au/campusinfo/security.cfm Make use of the Campus Security Courtesy bus! Ask questions and get to know the areas that are considered safe or unsafe. Take reasonable precautions for your personal safety at all times. Put the Campus Security phone number into your mobile: 9266 4444 Northbridge has attained a reputation for violence in recent years. This is worrying, considering the influx of young revelers every Friday and Saturday night into Perths nightlife hub. However, you can safely enjoy a great night out anywhere in Perth if you follow these tips to keep you out of harms way. Common sense really! Dont drink too much! Be civil and respectful to other people. Stick with your mates. Be aware of drink spiking it does happen! Ask your friend (not someone you just met) to mind your drink if you need to. Be responsible. Dont drink and drive! Unlike dancing, your driving skills will not be improved with alcohol, so designate who will be the driver for the night.

Going Out in Perth Pubs and Clubs

There a plenty of awesome places to go to in Perth! Below is our guide to some of the fun places, favorite student pubs and clubs that we can recommend for a good night out.
Best nights W T F J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J

Venue The Deen Hip-e Club Carnegies Leederville Hotel Black Bettys Mustang Bar Bar 120 The Newport The Tav The Waterford Club Bay View Claremont Hotel The Como The Ruby Room Mt Henry Tavern The Saint The Floreat The Paddo The Shed The Paramount Metropolis Cottesloe Hotel Ocean Beach Hotel

Location Northbridge Leederville CBD Leederville Northbridge Northbridge Hillarys Boat Harbour Fremantle Curtin campus Karawara Claremont Claremont Como Burswood Casino Manning Innaloo Floreat Mt Hawthorn Northbridge Northbridge Fremantle Cottesloe Cottesloe

M J

T J

S J

J J

J J J J J

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The Waterford and The Guild Tav are your local pubs if you live on or near campus. Both go off on a Wednesday night. The back bar of the Ocean Beach Hotel (OBH) on a Sunday arvo is Perths # 1 country pub. Bring your ute and your Akubra!!

Eating out in Perth Student Style!

The Waterford: For around $15.00 you can choose some good meals for bargain prices! IKEA: Not only good for Swedish furniture... the hotdogs are legendary! Only $1 each! A hotdog and a drink $2 (fine dining indeed)! Sizzler: A family favorite.You can never beat a place with an all you can eat buffet. Rivervale (across the road from Burswood Casino): Tuesdays and Thursdays - $15 steak night. Hans Caf: Asian food. Pretty cheap and some awesome food. On Albany Highway and at the Carousel Shopping Centre. Wongs: Chinese restaurant next door to the Waterford Tavern.Yummy cheap food!

Fun things to do when youre bored

Join the Country Students Club! We offer a number of activities and events for everyone. Wine tasting, BBQs, games, fun outings. Meet a great new bunch of country students! Movies Cheap movie tickets on Tuesdays: $10 tickets. Go to the beach or down to the river. Free amenities to renew your soul. Join a Curtin sports club netball, basketball, tennis, baseball and soccer. Social and serious. Enquire at the Guild Centre or go to http://www.guild.curtin.edu.au/go/activitiesclubs-and-sport The Guild offers many recreation courses too investigate at http://www.guild.curtin.edu.au/go/activities/-clubs-and-sport/recreationcourses Canning Football Club is always looking for players. Many Curtin Country Students Club members have played for this team a good bunch of blokes. Join Curtin Volunteers (CV!) go to Building 599 to find out what they do and how to register. An opportunity to use your free time as a volunteer in many and varied community projects http://cv.curtin.edu.au/. Heaps of fun and new friends. Join the gym! Curtin has a brand new Recreation and Events Centre on campus. Get fit, get involved, make new friends!

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