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Frequently Asked Questions-
Clayton Residential Prospective Residents
- Can I get temporary on campus accommodation whilst I look for alternate accommodation off campus?
Temporary accommodation is usually offered during the summer break between December and early February. The rate for a short stay is higher than if you take a room for two semesters. If there are vacancies during the year the Admissions Officer might accept applications for temporary accommodation. At the start of the academic year temporary accommodation is not offered.
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- Is the accommodation at Clayton Residential co-educational or single sex?
All the accommodation at Clayton Residential is co-educational. At the Halls of Residence and Normanby House all the student rooms are single rooms, there are no double rooms. The South East Flats offers apartment style accommodation, with students sharing the lounge, kitchen and bathroom facilities. At the South East Flats students can list a preference to stay in single sex or mixed gender accommodation.
Bathrooms are shared at Halls. At Normanby House the bathrooms are divided into male and female.
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- Is there separate accommodation for post graduate and undergraduate students?
All the accommodation at Halls of Residence and Normanby House is mixed study levels. At the South East Flats students can choose who they wish to live with and apply in groups. In the South East Flats application form you can choose to make a preference for study level. This will be taken into consideration where possible when doing room placement. Howitt Hall sets aside some floors for graduate accommodation.
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- Is linen provided free of charge? If yes, what does it include?
At the Halls of Residence and Normanby House the linen is provided free of charge. Each room is supplied with two blankets, two sheets, one pillow, one pillow case, one bedspread and one mattress protector. Once a week, you can exchange your dirty sheets and pillowcase for fresh linen.
Note: Linen is not provided at the South East Flats.
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- If I want to leave earlier than agreed, how much notice am I required to give?
At the Halls of Residence and Normanby House you need to give at least one weeks notice. Please note that if you break your contract at the Halls of Residence or Normanby House you will be charged an adjustment rate which is higher than the concession rate.
At the South East Flats you need to give at least one months notice and residents are charged for accommodation until a replacement is found or until the end of tenancy, whichever comes first.
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- How do I apply for accommodation at Clayton Residential?
The Clayton Residential Application Form can be downloaded from the website. Please fill in the Application Form with all the attachments and mail it to the address mentioned on the form. Payment of the Application Fee should be made in the form of a cheque, money order or bank draft payable to "Monash University" in Australian dollars. This fee cannot be paid using a credit card.
Note: Please do not send cash through the mail.
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- May I move into Clayton Residential accommodation earlier than the nominated admission date and/or stay beyond the nominated contract expiry date?
An early admission date can be pre-organised. This requires you to make prior arrangements with the Admissions Officer by emailing arrivals.mrs@adm.monash.edu.au. Students are permitted to stay over the summer period if a Request to stay over summer form is submitted and approved by the appropriate College Head.
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- Can I study somewhere else other than my room?
The Halls of Residence have study and computer rooms where you can study individually or in groups, if desired.
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- Can I bring a VCR/TV/Stereo/Fridge?
At the Halls of Residence, Normanby House and the South East Flats dedicated common areas are equipped with stereos VCRs, TVs and DVDs etc. However, students are permitted to bring in their own audio/visual equipment if desired. Before deciding to bring such equipment in to residence, students should be mindful of the limited space in their bedrooms and the sensitivities associated with high density living. MRS has been testing TV streaming across the network. This is a free service that allows you to watch certain free to air television stations on your computer connected to the Monash Network. Personal audio/visual equipment should not disturb a resident's neighbours. If residents desire to bring a fridge into the residences, a small bar fridge would be preferable. Self catering facilities across the residences are all equipped with large communal fridges.
Note: Please be advised that Monash Residential Services is not responsible for the safekeeping of your belongings. Please do not leave personal belongings in communal areas and corridors.
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- Where do I park my car/bike?
Clayton Residential properties provide free car and bike parking for current residents. Residents are required to obtain a valid parking permit from the Operations Office before parking their car on site. However, car parking spaces are not guaranteed and are on a first in first served basis.
There is an enclosed area in each of the Halls for securing bicycles.
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- What on-campus accommodation is available at Clayton Residential?
- At Clayton Residential you have a choice between a standard student room and an en-suite room at the Halls of Residence and Normanby House.
Please note en-suite rooms are extremely limited.
- At Normanby House the rooms are slightly larger and have the additional facility of a hand basin in every room.
- At the South East Flats you have a choice between a 2, 3, 4, or 5 bedroom flat. Each Flat comprises of private student bedrooms with common living room, kitchen and bathrooms.
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- What do I need to bring with me to live on campus?
You need to bring your personal belongings and towels. If you intend to use the self catering facilities, pots, pans, cutlery and crockery is required.
Note: Residents at the South East Flats will also require their own personal bed linen.
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- How long do I have to wait to get a place?
If you are planning to stay for the entire academic year, it is best that you apply between August and November of the previous year. Those on the waiting list for a place in first semester may be successful at the start of Semester 2. Generally there are very few vacancies during the academic year.
Short term accommodation is available during November, December and January..
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- Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes. Every resident staying at any Clayton Residential site must sign a residency agreement. The length of the agreement will vary depending on which type of accommodation you choose to live in.
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- Does Clayton Residential provide accommodation for non Monash University students?
Students enrolled at Monash University are given first preference. If we have any accommodation available after accommodating all requests from Monash University students, applications from students of neighbouring Universities will be accepted.
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- Can I put up picture frames, posters and other art effects in my room to give it a personal touch?
You are allowed to put things on the walls as long as you use appropriate material e.g. Blu tack to fix them to the walls. On departure, students must ensure that all adhesive material is properly removed and the room is restored to its original condition, otherwise charges will apply.
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- Do the Halls/Flats have cleaning staff that come in to clean my room?
No. You are responsible for the cleanliness of your own room once you take up residency. At Clayton Residential there is provision for students to borrow vacuum cleaners to assist them with this task.
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- Can I have my own bed in my room?
Yes. You are allowed to bring your own bed if you wish. However, please be mindful of the limited space in the bedrooms and acknowledge that some rooms may be too cramped with a queen size bed. If you do own your own bed, please request Domestic Operations to remove the existing bed i.e. fill out a Maintenance Card.
At the Halls of Residence we do have some rooms that have a King size Single Bed in them and if you are of above average height you may request the Admissions Officer to make the consideration whilst allocating the rooms.
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- If I don't settle after the first few weeks into the Hall I have been allocated, am I able to transfer to another accommodation?
Making a student feel comfortable with their surroundings is of prime importance at Clayton Residential. Students are allowed to transfer within the same hall or between halls. Transfers are restricted at the start of semester. Charges apply for more than one transfer in an academic year, see Fee Regulations.
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- What furniture is provided in my room?
Your room is carpeted, heated and furnished with bed, desk, chair, bookshelves, clothes airer and built-in wardrobe. The rooms are not air-conditioned.
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- Can I leave after my exams and pay only until then?
Not if this is different to the defined period of your contract and you wish to qualify for the concession rate.
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- Do the rooms in Hall/Flats have private bathrooms and/or toilets?
Majority of the student rooms do not have attached bathrooms and toilets. We do have some en-suite rooms which are at a higher price than a standard room. En-suite rooms have their own toilet and shower.
Please note there are a limited number of such rooms available.
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- Is there an application fee and is it refundable?
There is an application fee and it is non-refundable. Application fee details are available on the website, www.mrs.monash.edu.au/on-campus/clayton/applications-clayton.html. Please be advised, that your application is valid for the current year only and will be destroyed on the 31st December. If you are unable to secure a place in the current year, the Application Fee and your application cannot be transferred to the following year. If you are applying for more than one type of accommodation at Clayton Residential you need to lodge only one application and pay the Application fee only once. Application forms are site specific. Application forms can be transferred between sites should your preference change.
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- When is the best time to apply for on campus accommodation?
Applications for on campus accommodation are available on and after the Monash Open Day, which is usually in the month of August. The closing date for applications is the 30th November for accommodation in the following year.
We continue to accept applications beyond this date.
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- If I submit an application for on-campus accommodation, does that mean that I have secured a room?
No. The demand for accommodation always exceeds rooms available. Submitting an Application Form simply means you will be included in the selection process. Once you have been selected a formal Letter of Offer will be sent to you and on payment of the Building & Amenities Fee and Orientation Week Levy a room is secured.
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- What do I need to submit with my application?
You will need to submit the following with your application:
a. 2 Recent passport type photos
b. Application Fee (Non-refundable)
c. Two self addressed envelopes (size 110mm X 220mm)
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- Are Domestic students guaranteed housing?
Domestic and International students are given equal opportunity in acquiring accommodation. The application selection process is based on a first come first serve basis. Monash University receives a large number of international students who enrol every year and MRS has an obligation to consider their application for accommodation within the same process as domestic students.
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- If I am going to defer my studies, should I still apply for accommodation?
Applications are valid for the current academic year only. If you are deferring studies to the following year, then you need to apply for accommodation for the relevant year of your studies. Applications and fees are not transferable from one year to the next.
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- Can I request a specific hall?
The Application Form provides space to indicate your preferred hall. Every attempt will be made to meet your request but in the event we are unable to accede to your request, you will be given an alternate hall.
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- How do I pay my Application or Building & Amenities Fee from overseas?
If you are applying from overseas you need to obtain a Bank Draft. The Draft must be made through a bank that is affiliated to a bank in Australia, should be in Australian dollars and be made payable to 'Monash University'.
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- Do I require a referee?
No referee is required for a student resident application.
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- Should I advise Clayton Residential about the course I have been offered at University?
In your Application Form you are required to state the course that you intend studying at University. This may change from the time you actually completed the application up to the time that you take up residency. Please inform the Operations Office if there are any changes.
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- Is it possible to apply for accommodation at Clayton Residential before being offered a place at the University?
Yes. Since the demand for accommodation is far beyond the number of rooms that are available, it is in your best interest to apply for accommodation well in advance. Some students apply for accommodation at the same time as applying for a place at University.
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- Do I need to attend an interview and do I need to provide the Admissions Office with my transcripts?
No. At Clayton Residential we do not hold interviews as part of the selection process. Transcripts are not part of the attachments that are required with your application.
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- What support services are available on campus?
At Clayton Residential each of the Halls/Flats has an appointed Residential Support Team in place. The Residential Support Team consists of a College Head, Deputy College Head or Residential Supervisor and Resident Advisors. The members of this team all live on campus and are available 24/7. The Residential Support Team organizes a number of social programs throughout the year for their residents.
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- Can I cater for my own meals?
Yes. Clayton Residential has self-catering kitchens that are equipped with a cook top, microwave, refrigerator and toaster.
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- What recreational programs are available for students?
All students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of sporting activities organized by the Sports Co-coordinator, Clayton Residential. Each Hall has a sports representative who assists in the organisation of sporting competitions within Clayton Residential throughout the academic year.
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- Can a resident's guests be accommodated in the Hall?
Yes. A maximum of 2 (two) consecutive nights applies to all overnight guests. Applications for overnight stays should be completed and approved by the College Head and handed into the Operations Office. An extra bed is provided, if required, in the student room and the student will be invoiced the charges.
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- In case of an emergency, who do I contact if I need immediate assistance after hours?
If you have a problem, MRS Services Personnel can be contacted from 8.45pm to 8.45am, seven days a week. The College Head, Deputy College Head and Resident Advisors can also be contacted in case of an emergency.
All the Halls are locked down 24/7 and only authorized personnel and residents have access to the accommodation buildings.
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- Internet Access at Clayton Residential - What do I need to do and what will it cost?
Each student bedroom has internet and telephone connections. Bi-annual charges for Internet and Telephone connections apply. These are compulsory charges and apply irrespective of whether you connect your telephone line or have a computer in your room. Refer to the Fee Regulations for more details.
Each Hall has a Network Advisor who is available to assist you should you have any queries. However, prior to approaching the Network Advisor, please ensure you have the following:
a. Authcate and Password (after University enrolment);
b. Ethernet Card (or internal LAN port on newer laptops) and LAN Cable;
Internet usage is not free. More information about internet access at Monash University is available at http://www.mrs.monash.edu.au/on-campus/internet-use-charges.html
Internet usage in 2008 - $9.00/gb rate for download outside Monash firewall/website.
Students are reminded that once they graduate from Monash University or are not enrolled in a Monash University course they will cease to have internet access.
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- How do I pay for phone calls?
Telephone connections in student rooms are activated on arrival. Your telephone account will be set up and operates as a pre-paid system. When your account is in debit you are unable to make chargeable calls. You will need to go to the Operations Office and add credit to your telephone account. A $5.00 minimum is suggested.
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- How can I make telephone calls if I do not have a telephone handset in my room?
There are communal phones in Clayton Residential that allows you to make internal calls to other extensions in Monash University and Monash Residential Services.
There is no public phone in the Clayton Residential premises. If you have a 1800 phone card, you can also use the communal telephone to make external phone calls. Follow the instructions on the back of the card to make an external telephone call. Please Dial 0 before the 1800 number. 1800 phone cards can be purchased from MRS Operations Office, the Campus Centre on Monash's Clayton campus, Newsagents, Post Offices and Telstra Shops.
Residents are required to purchase their own telephone handset.
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- On my arrival, how can I collect my room keys, if the Operations Office is closed?
The Operations Office is open 8.30am to 9.00pm Monday to Friday AND 9.00am to 9.00pm Saturday and Sunday. During weekends, the Operations Office is closed for lunch from 1.00pm to 1.30pm.
If you are arriving outside these hours you need to make prior arrangements with the Admissions Officer for after hour's arrival. Services Personnel on duty after hours will assist you with your keys.
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- Can I use a different internet provider to the University?
No, you are unable to use alternate internet service providers.
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If my accommodation, meals and other expenses are funded through a scholarship, am I able to be invoiced on a full board plan?
Yes. We are able to make special arrangements if required to ensure all the charges go on to your accommodation account.
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Is there an option of having a meal plan?
No. The Mess Hall Dining Room at the Halls of Residence is Halal certified and open seven days a week for Lunch and Dinner. It is a pay as you go facility.
Students are able to purchase a meal card which entitles you to 10 (ten) main meals at a discounted price - conditions apply.
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- What is the distance from the airport to the Campus?
The distance from the airport to the Clayton Campus is 40kms. Once you clear Immigration and Customs and arrange transport, it will take you approximately 1 (one) hour to get from the airport to the campus.
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- Am I allowed to bring pets?
No. Pets are not allowed at any of the Clayton Residential sites.
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- What will my address be when I move into the Halls?
All your personal mail should be addressed to:
- Your Name
- Your Hall
- Monash Residential Services
- Building 47, Monash University
- VIC 3800, Australia
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- Do you organize airport pick up?
No. We do not organize airport pick up. You need to contact International Student Support if you are a new student to Monash University and they will organize airport pick up for you. If you are a returning student you will have to make your own arrangements.
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- Are there any casual work opportunities?
Yes. Contact the Operations Office for further information.
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- How far from University is the on-campus accommodation?
The Halls of Residence and Normanby House are about a 7 to 10 minute walk on the designated walking paths, whilst the South East Flats are adjacent to the main University entrance.
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- How far is a shopping center from the accommodation?
The closest shops are a 5 minute drive from the campus. Clayton Residential organizes a free shuttle bus on Saturday morning to a local shopping centre during the academic year.
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- What happens to my mail after I have left?
As a service, for a period of two weeks MRS will redirect your mail to the forwarding address you provide. After this period your mail will be returned to sender.
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- How far from the Central Business District (Melbourne City) is the accommodation?
Monash University is located approximately 20km from the Central Business District. There are buses that run from the University bus loop to the train station.
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- What Contents Insurance Company do you recommend?
Whilst Clayton Residential do not recommend any particular insurance company we do recommend that personal property is adequately insured.
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- Can I store my belongings when I go home for the long vacation?
Clayton Residential does not provide any storage facilities. Please look up the yellow pages for self storage providers in the area.
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Can I remove furniture and fittings from my room?
Yes, provided you contact the Domestic Operations Office or submit an on-line maintenance request for the removal of items. Please note that if items are not found in your room on departure or cannot be verified as being removed, you will be invoiced for the cost.
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What do I do if I find insects in my room?
You may fill out a maintenance request on-line or in person and the Domestic Operations Office will attend to your request. Alternately you may approach the Operations Office to borrow insect repellent.
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Am I able to decorate my room with pictures and other artefacts?
You are allowed to put things on the walls as long as you use appropriate material e.g. Blue tack to fix them to the walls. On departure, students must ensure that all adhesive material is properly removed and the room is restored to its original condition, otherwise charges will apply.
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Can I change my own smoke detector battery?
No. Please complete a maintenance request on-line or in person and the Domestic Operations Office will attend to your request.
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- What is included in the accommodation fees?
- 40 weeks accommodation at Halls and Normanby House;
- 10 months accommodation at the South East Flats
- Single furnished bedroom
- All utilities
- Access to self serve laundry
- Use of self catering kitchen facilities
- Residential Support and Activities
Note: Food, telephone and internet are not included in the rental rates.
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- How do I pay my rental fees?
- By Cash - at Clayton campus student services (Building 3C)
- BPAY - through your bank
- Online - by credit card
- Telephone - by credit card
- Post - bank draft or cheque
Note: Direct Debit from your bank is not one of the payment options
Payment details are located at the bottom of the invoice.
Residents are billed monthly and the invoices are delivered to the student's mailboxes in their respective halls.
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What constitutes a download?
Downloading is the transmission of a file from one computer system to another. From the Internet user's point-of-view, a download is transfer of information from the Internet (that is a Web page on another computer) to your own computer. It includes: requesting and receiving data displayed in a web browser, chatting through MSN messenger, the use of programs like Skype or Googletalk and webcam, listening to the radio online and video and audio streaming. It also encompasses the more general definition of a download as we know it, like viewing or copying e-mail attachments onto your computer, downloading mp3's of movies, or copying journal articles from internet databases. When viewing websites, those with graphics, pictures, moving images or with data streaming generally mean more information being downloaded onto your computer than a website with simply text.
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Which types of downloads get charged?
All those which pass through the Monash University firewall and require you to enter the Authcate username and password that is they are downloaded via the Monash proxy.
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Who gets charged under the internet quota system? What about Monash University Staff members or PH.D students who also lecture?
If you use a student Authcate Username and password to access the internet and the download is being done at halls you will be charged for the usage. The charge will appear on your accommodation account.
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Can non-residents use the internet from MRS accommodation sites?
No. As each internet transaction is being recorded and traced to a particular username, only those who are Halls, South East Flats or Normanby House residents can access the external internet from MRS.
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How can I ensure that I receive minimal MRS internet charges?
By only using sites within the Monash University network, provided your computer is configured to MRS specifications. Please speak to your Network Advisor or the accommodation office.
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How can I configure my computer to access the Monash University WebPages for free?
Please contact your Hall Network Advisor or the Operations Office to assist in connecting you to the Monash network.
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Which websites qualify as 'within Monash University'? How can I tell?
Generally, those sites which include monash.edu.au in the address bar. If you have any queries about specific sites or journal databases such as the ones accessed via the Monash University Library website, please contact your faculty.
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What about the MRS computer labs?
As you have to enter your authcate username and pass word to access websites from the MRS computer labs, and the internet charges are traced to individual usernames, you will still be charged when using these computer labs.
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What about using my online email account? i.e. hotmail, yahoo, gmail.
Just like viewing any other website, you will get charged for simply viewing your emails. When talking about viewing or downloading attachments, like photos, journal articles (word documents or .PDF files) these constitute larger blocks of data being downloaded.
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Does my.monash portal count as within Monash University? E.g. Can I download files and photos without being charged?
Yes, my.monash portal is within Monash and there is no charge for using this (email is free at Monash) but you are limited to a maximum of 6 megabytes of attachments per email.
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How can I check how much I have downloaded and how will I be charged for my internet access?
Every month Information Technology Services (ITS) Monash will check the status of individual residents and charge accordingly. An invoice for the charges will be attached to the rent bill. It will be in arrears of one month. i.e. internet charges for January will be sent by ITS to MRS in early February and will be passed on to the student on their February invoice.
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Can I check my download rate prior to the monthly rental bill?
Students are able to check their internet usage on the Monash University ITS website.
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Is the charge per gigabyte a cap or will I be charged for what I use?
You will be charged for what you use each month. MRS will be charging by the Megabyte where 1 Gigabyte= 1000 Megabytes. Internet charges attract GST.
| Gigabyte (GB) |
Megabyte (MB) |
Kilobyte (KB) |
Byte |
| 1 |
1,000 |
1,000,000 |
1,000,000,000 |
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How big is an average website?
Generally websites try not to exceed 45KB. If larger they start taking more time to download than the average internet user is willing to wait.
The Age newspaper website is a graphics heavy website. At roughly 26 KB in size it would need to be downloaded around 38,000 times to reach a gigabyte.
Amazon.com is about 18.45 KB in size and would need to be downloaded 54,000 times to reach a gigabyte.
In order to find out a website's size go to File> Properties on an Internet Explorer browser or tool Page Info on a Linux Firefox browser.
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Will using MSN messenger, Googletalk or Skype cost me anything?
Yes, these types of internet usage beyond the Monash network are one of the ways which will increase your internet cost. These programs where you are typing or in particular using webcam or transmitting audio information across the internet means you are essentially transmitting and receiving a high number of information packets and will rapidly build up your internet charges.
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What about online games such as World of Warcraft?
Yes, online games download information to your computer and count as a download. Over time they can accumulate into large amounts of downloads.
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If I pay to download a movie or MP3 through a legitimate internet distributor site will I be charged again for the download?
Yes, all external downloads are chargeable.
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A) What about accessing and downloading articles through the Monash library or through databases that are linked to the Monash Library website?
If the website does not contain monash.edu.au in the address bar or you need to input your username and password to access it then you may be charged. To get a definite answer as to which websites qualify as within Monash, contact your faculty for more information.
B) Are some of these requests for the username and password not actually indicating you are leaving the Monash University website but rather serving to verify you are a student with permitted access to these sites or articles?
Yes, there are many sites in Monash that require authentication. Please contact the Monash Library for more information.
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The charges seem to be higher when compared to external providers?
Firstly the internet service available throughout MRS is provided by Monash University ITS. Secondly the network and internet access within MRS and Monash University is significantly faster than outside providers with no limitations on access speed imposed if you are a big internet user. The internet connection at MRS generally operates at a speed of 100 megabits per second while as of 1 May 2007 the fastest external internet service provider supplied internet access at a speed of just 1.5 megabits per second.
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Once I graduate and am no longer enrolled, will I still have internet access.
No. Students are made aware of Acceptable use of IT facilities when they enroll. For more Frequently Asked Questions please look up the ITS website www.infotech.monash.edu.au/itssupport/student/faq.html.
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19 December 2007
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