One of the secretaries will take a message for you. You may have mail addressed to you at the department. This will be placed in one of the mail boxes in the enquiry office, along with any messages phoned in or from staff who need to get messages to you. It is a good idea to check the mail boxes regularly. You will also be able to send and receive email from your departmental computer account and should check regularly for messages from the head of department and IVH coordinator.
Research laboratories tend to be dangerous places and safety precautions are essential.
First of all, keep the rooms neat and tidy. Circuits with mains and high voltages must comply with Safety Standards. Consult the Electronic Workshop for assistance with these types of circuits. Report any mishaps immediately. The department is never clear until shortly before the first semester how much tutoring will be available for graduate students in each semester, but there is usually some.