But it is more than that. Not only will you be dwelling in the company of friends, peers, mentors and leaders, but you will enjoy the fruits of a thriving, warm and supportive academic environment. During your stay, you are likely to meet leading international academics and visiting scholars, who regularly seek the stimulating environment of a university college when choosing somewhere to reside while they pursue their scholarly interests in Melbourne. College living means that you will be able to participate in a comprehensive tutorial program to complement your university lectures and tutorials. Conducted by both resident and non-resident tutors, the tutorials are far smaller and more personal than those at the university, and encourage group discussion and active learning.
Pastoral care is a joint responsibility of the college staff and the tutors.
They are there to provide a listening ear or counselling in time of need, and to promote a secure and supportive social, academic and personal environment. Socially focussed, but nonetheless structured, orientation programs are run by each of the colleges prior to the start of the academic year to assist students making the transition to university life and study. The independence implicit in tertiary studies requires a frequently underestimated degree of adjustment, and it is in those first few weeks of college life that students come to appreciate the social contact and support that derives from communal living. Many colleges offer scholarships and bursaries, and details of these are available from individual colleges.