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Adjusting to a new academic culture

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What is academic culture?

Academic culture encompasses the shared beliefs, values, and practices that define how academic work is conducted in universities (Brick et al., 2020). As you embark on your journey as a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student at Monash University, understanding academic culture is essential for your success. This resource aims to guide you through the elements of Monash’s academic environment, helping you to adapt to its expectations and thrive in your research endeavours and overall experience at Monash.

Understanding academic culture at Monash

Academic culture shapes how knowledge is created, shared, and critiqued. At Monash, key components of academic culture include:

Differences from other academic contexts

For international students from diverse educational backgrounds, Monash’s academic culture may differ significantly from your previous academic experiences. Key differences may include:

You are expected to critically evaluate information, question assumptions, and develop your own arguments rather than accepting arguments and conclusions at face value.
Australian academic culture often values directness and clarity. This requires you to be straightforward in your arguments, feedback, and communication.
In Australia, feedback is often seen as a valuable part of the learning process, not a personal critique. Be prepared to receive constructive feedback on your work, learn from feedback and view it as an opportunity for growth rather than a personal criticism.
There is a strong emphasis on academic honesty in Australia’s academic context. Proper referencing and avoiding plagiarism are taken very seriously, and you are required to understand and follow academic integrity guidelines.
Active participation in discussions is often expected. Silence may be interpreted as disengagement rather than respect.
Monash recognises and values diverse perspectives, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges to enrich research and foster respectful academic engagement. You are encouraged to reflect this by integrating inclusive approaches in your work and acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land on which you study and research.
Monash is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. You’re welcome to celebrate students with disabilities, make accessibility a priority, and proudly support Monash’s strong tradition of standing with the LGBTIQA+ community.
Student-supervisor relationships are central to your research experience. Supervisors provide academic guidance, professional development support, and valuable industry connections. These relationships are less hierarchical in Australia, so it is common for you to address your supervisors by their first names and engage in open, collaborative discussions.

Practical strategies for adjustment View

	Engaging with resources Monash offers a wealth of resources to support your transition. Monash Graduate Research Office (MGRO) MGRO provides workshops and support tailored to HDR students. Take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your skills and connect with your fellows and other researchers. Student Academic Success (SAS) The SAS team offers guidance on study skills, writing, and academic support for your research. Book with the team for 1:1 consultations, workshops, and programs, and utilise Learn HQ resources to refine your research approach and improve your academic performance. Library services The Monash Library offers extensive resources, including access to academic journals, databases, and research support. Familiarise yourself with the library’s services, including workshops on literature searching and reference management. Faculty-based support Monash also has faculty-based support for their students. Keep updated with your faculty/institute/research centre websites; they may offer workshops, individual consultations, or writing groups.
	Developing critical thinking skills To thrive in Monash’s academic culture, focus on developing your critical thinking skills. Practise critical analysis Engage with academic texts critically by questioning assumptions and evaluating arguments. This practice will enhance your understanding and improve your writing through finding, expressing and maintaining your writing voice. Participate in discussions Join conferences, seminars and workshops to practise circulating your critiques and insights. Engaging in dialogue with your HDR fellows and research groups will deepen your understanding of complex topics or your own field of study. Engage with diverse perspectives Actively seek out literature and research from diverse fields and viewpoints. This should broaden your understanding and enhance your ability to critique and synthesise information.
	Building a support network Establishing a support network is crucial for your success in a new academic culture. Here are some strategies: Connect with peers Join study groups or social events to meet fellow HDR students. HDR Peer Mentor Program and graduate student groups at Monash are great places for interdisciplinary knowledge-sharing to foster learning and expand social networks within and across programs. Seek support Reach out for help with expert advocacy and academic advice on progressing through your milestones, navigating your student-supervisor relationship, and succeeding in your graduate research journey.
	Managing your time Effective time management is essential for HDR students. Manage your milestones Make sure you are aware of the milestone requirements by your HDR program and faculty. Set realistic goals to manage your milestones and maintain focus and motivation throughout your journey. Create a plan Plan your research activities and deadlines to ensure you stay on track. Break big tasks into manageable steps and track your progress to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Utilise productivity tools Explore apps and tools that can help you manage your time effectively. Tools such as Notion and Google Calendar can assist in organising your tasks and projects. Prioritise self-care Balancing research with your personal health and well-being is crucial. Schedule regular breaks, engage in physical activities, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Other students are asking...

I struggle to balance my research responsibilities with part-time work and personal life. The workload is overwhelming, and I often find myself falling behind.
Create a schedule
- You need to develop a detailed schedule that includes all your commitments.
- Using tools like Google Calendar or Notion can help you keep track of deadlines and tasks.
Set priorities
- Identifying your most important tasks and focusing on completing them first will help you manage your time better.
- Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Seek support
- If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to book 1:1 consultations with Student Academic Success for guidance on managing your workload.
- Explore resources onLearn HQ, workshops and programs offered by Student Academic Success to help you stay on track.
- Schedule a meeting with your supervisors to openly discuss your challenges and ask for specific advice and options on time management and research responsibilities.
- Additionally, explore the MGRO’s support and resources available to you for managing your candidature and navigating your research degree.
- You can book free consultations at Monash counselling. They can assist you with challenges such as managing study or university life, dealing with stress, anxiety, as well as addressing relationship and family concerns.
I am unsure about the academic expectations at Monash, such as the emphasis on critical thinking and independent research. The academic culture here is different from what I’m used to.
Attend orientation programs and workshops
- These sessions will provide valuable insights into Monash's academic culture and expectations, helping you clearly understand your responsibilities and what is required for academic success.
Understand your assessments
- As part of some PhD program requirements, you may be expected to complete coursework assignments. Always take the time to carefully read and understand both the task sheet and the marking rubric. If you need help understanding the assessments or planning your approach, book a one-on-one consultation with Student Academic Success for guidance.
Consult with your supervisors
- Meet with your supervisors regularly to discuss your progress and clarify any doubts about academic expectations. This will ensure you receive the necessary guidance and support.
I find it difficult to accept and act on feedback from my supervisors and peers. I often view it as a personal failure rather than an opportunity for growth.
Change your perspective
- You need to view feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism.
- Understanding that constructive feedback is meant to help you improve is crucial.
Reflect and act
- Take time to reflect on and learn from feedback to improve your learning experience.
- Creating a plan to address the points raised will help you implement changes and enhance your work.
Ask for clarification
- If the feedback is unclear, you should ask for specific examples or suggestions on how to improve. This can make the feedback more actionable.
- Book a 1:1 consultation with a learning adviser for support with unpacking and understanding the feedback.
I come from a non-English speaking background and find it challenging to meet the academic writing standards at Monash. The structure, style, and citation practices are different from what I'm used to, and I often feel overwhelmed by the expectations.
Attend workshops and courses
- There are a range of writing workshops on academic writing and PhD intensive writing workshops and courses offered by the Student Academic Success team at Monash. These will help you understand the expectations and improve your writing skills.
Use writing resources
- Utilise online sources and guides provided by Monash to develop your academic writing skills, such as the Excel at writing resource on Student Academic Success Learn HQ website.
- Meet with a librarian for help with finding resources, managing references, and improving research strategies. You can also get guidance on publishing, research impact, and open access requirements through extended sessions for graduate researchers.
Seek feedback
- Regularly seeking feedback from your supervisors and PhD fellows can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing style.
- You can also book a consultation with a learning adviser to go through a draft you are working on for initial feedback on your academic writing.
I feel uncomfortable participating in group discussions due to cultural differences in communication styles and fear of making mistakes. In my previous academic experience, students were not encouraged to speak up as much.
Practise active listening
- You can start by actively listening to discussions and noting down key points. This will help you understand the flow of conversation and build confidence.
Prepare in advance
- Preparing questions or comments before class can make it easier for you to enhance your class participation and ensure your contributions are relevant.
Join study groups
- Engaging in smaller study groups where you can practise discussing topics in a more informal setting will build your confidence for larger class discussions.

Other students are learning…

Embracing critical analysis

Developing critical thinking

Adapting to feedback

Building a support network

Reference

Brick, J., Herke, M., & Wong, D. (2020). Academic culture : a student’s guide to studying at university (Fourth edition.). Macmillan International Higher Education.

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