Getting started
Orientation is your opportunity to get to know us - it is held in the week before your first semester of study. It’s a time for you to explore our spaces, meet new people, and prepare for your study journey.
There are so many programs and activities happening on campus and online, clubs you can choose to take part in, and academic and learning workshops to help you settle into Monash life - all of which will continue during your time with us.
Remember to get your essentials sorted!
- find course information
- get familiar with the student portal - student.monash
- use the Handbook for course and unit details
- take a look at our Electives - if you have space in your course
- enrol in your units via WES (Web Enrolment System)
- enter your timetable preferences via Allocate+
- get your M-Pass (student ID card)
- download the Monash Study App
The New to Monash webpage will also help you get going, including this handy week-by-week guide to your first semester - along with the information in the tabs below. There are plenty of social activities organised as well, so get involved and have fun!
Orientation
Orientation is vital to getting your time with Monash (and the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture) off to the best possible start, with a big welcoming information session and course sessions for all of our offerings.
The Orientation webpage will have all the details you need about university and faculty events that are planned for when you start your course. You can now plan and book your Orientation events via the Monash O-Planner, where you’ll find details of both university-wide and faculty events.
All commencing MADA students are strongly encouraged to attend the faculty orientation - MADA Day for Commencing Students. This dedicated faculty event provides key information about your course, introduces you to staff and fellow students, and helps you begin your studies at MADA with confidence.
Prepare
What will my study load look like?
We recommend you allow 2 hours per credit point per week of scheduled study time. This includes reading time and participation in classes (lectures, tutorials, studios, seminars, discussion groups), and research and preparation for assignments. Try to balance this out across the semester, as some tasks will be weighted more heavily at different times during the semester.
For a 6 credit point unit this would equate to 12 hours of study per week, or 144 hours in total for the semester (there are 12 teaching weeks each semester). Typically, this would include a mix of scheduled learning activities (contact hours, either face to face and/or online) plus independent study.
We recommend keeping any paid work to a maximum of 15 hours per week.
What materials will I need?
Students studying Design and Architecture should receive details from teaching staff about suitable computer options. Many classes rely on the use of Adobe Creative Cloud, which is discounted for students if purchased via the Monash Shop.
Students studying Fine Art please be prepared to budget between $50 to $100 for your initial art supplies. You will be notified of material and levy requirements by staff on a project-by-project basis. Cost for each studio-based unit you enrol in will approximate $80 per semester. The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture has an arrangement with a supplier to offer you these supplies at a discounted rate. Further information will be provided during Orientation week.
What mandatory modules/units should I complete?
All new Art, Design and Architecture students must complete the compulsory Occupational Health and Safety unit (online, in Moodle): OHS1000. You should do this by the end of Week 3 in your first semester of study - it will take you less than 15 minutes!
Monash requires all new students to complete three compulsory modules - you should complete these before classes start for your first semester:
Note: You will only gain access to these modules/units once you are officially enrolled.
We also recommend that ALL international students complete the International Student Scam Prevention Module to help identify scams, report incidents and access support services. Log in here to complete it.
Settle in
Each course will have a different approach, but teaching staff will be able to provide you with all the information you need to successfully complete your course requirements.
First Year Undergraduate Success
Take a look at the First Year Undergraduate Success webpage for programs and resources to help you succeed as you settle in to your Monash degree.
Study skills
Having the right skills and strategies for study, assignments, exams and research is crucial to your success at university. Take a look at the wide range of resources available to you via Learn HQ and the Library. If you will need ongoing support or some flexibility, visit Disability Support Services, Special Consideration and Monash Counselling for more information.
Accessing facilities
We have a wide range of technical facilities and spaces including a number of different bookable workshops and digital labs, and a team of technicians on hand to assist you. You can find out more about our spaces and making a booking here.
Monash Moodle
Moodle is the common learning platform for Monash students and your essential go-to point for:
- course and unit content
- reading lists
- assessment and study requirements
- assessment task uploads
- discussion forums
- contact information for your tutors and lecturers.
Moodle can be accessed via the Student Portal using your Monash account.
Discover how to explore Moodle and prepare for your studies.
Belong
Finding your way around campus
To make sure you know where you need to be, you can use Digital Wayfinding to find your way around the Caulfield campus.
You can also download a Caulfield campus map.
Monash University Student Union (MONSU)
Join MONSU - the student society for undergraduate students - and find out about student events, support services and how to join the MONSU crew for events.
Monash Graduate Association (MGA)
MGA is the representative body for graduate research and coursework students. Connect with this group to meet other postgraduate students at some of the trips, seminars and activities organised for you.
Clubs and Societies
Clubs and societies are your opportunity to get more out of your uni experience - form lasting friendships and networks, develop your professional skills and go deeper on the topics you're passionate about. There's something for everyone, and we want you to get involved!
Also check out the Monash Campus Life webpage to find out more.
MADASS - our student society!
MADASS is our very own student society! MADASS brings together the students of Art, Design and Architecture through social, academic and networking events. Take a look at the MADASS webpage and become a member! (You can also find them via Facebook and Instagram).
Monash Student Communities
Monash Student Communities will provide you with the opportunity to enhance your student experience while studying in Art, Design and Architecture with on-campus college games, sporting events, BBQs and movie nights, as well as connecting online through virtual platforms.
Peer Mentoring
We want you to have the best start to university life! First-year undergraduate students will connect with our peer mentoring program so student leaders can guide you through your first semester.
Galleries at Caulfield
You'll find the faculty at the heart of a vibrant, creative precinct on Caulfield campus – contributing to a dynamic atmosphere of dialogue and exchange, with exhibitions across three art galleries. You can also get involved with the student-run Intermission Gallery (via Facebook and Instagram).
Campus Bookshop
The book and merchandise shop can be found on Level 2 of Building K (enter via the walkway). Books, art supplies, Monash clothing, and more.
SONA - for Architecture students
SONA (Student Organised Network for Architecture) is the national student-membership body of the Australian Institute of Architects. Student members have access to a huge range of support networks and forums, information, resources, events, prizes and competitions. Find out more here.
English Connect - for international students
Join English Connect, an interactive program designed for international students to improve their conversational English. English Connect is open for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Each module focuses on building confidence in English as well as developing linguistic and socio-cultural skills in an Australian context.
Support
Course and general enquiries
Do you have a question about your course or something general?
For all general enquiries, Monash Connect is your one-stop-shop. The team is best placed to answer your enquiry or direct you to the appropriate area.
- Submit an enquiry via Monash Connect
- Give them a call on +61 3 9902 6011
- If visiting in person, they are on the ground floor of Building B (Caulfield).
Timetable - Allocate+
The Monash timetable system is called Allocate+ and this is where you enter your preferences for classes and find your finalised timetable.
Moodle
Find out more about using Moodle, the system you will use to access online learning materials for your units.
Resources for Thriving
Self-enrol into this Moodle page for resources to help you thrive, academically and personally, throughout your time in Art, Design and Architecture.
Student support
Feeling unsure about what supports are available? Monash has a wide range of support services to help you during your study - not just related to your academic work, but covering these areas and more:
- health and counselling
- disability support
- financial assistance
- safety and security
- international student support
- diversity and inclusion
- accommodation
University Orientation
Orientation is all about getting off to a great start - and not just within the faculty but also finding out what Monash has to offer. Understanding how the university works, as well as the systems and services that support you, means you’ll be on your way to academic success.
Click on the button below for details about University Orientation.
Important Dates
Never miss a key date again! There are important dates each year and each semester that you need to be aware of, relating to changing your enrolment, withdrawing from units, re-enrolling for the following year, and more. Click on the button below to stay updated on all key dates.