New Blog Video!

Hey Guys,

Finally put together a video to help you settle into your first days as a Macquarie Student!!!

Hopefully this will help you feel a tad more comfortable, and ease those first day nerves!!!

Let us know what you think, hope you love it!!!

Love the MQTIPS TEAM
xoxox

Macquarie Lake

Are you stressed with uni or just stressed in general?.. or maybe you feel like mingling or taking a walk outside because of the beautiful weather?
Stress is inevitable, but where you choose to be stressed is an option, and maybe that place you want to be stressed at is a beach... Well i got great news!
We don't have a beach, but we do have a lake!

The lake is a great place to relax and unwind at any time of the day! it might be the place where you find your future partner, or it might be the place where you get the idea for your projects or it might be the place you find harmony. Maybe you just want to feed the birds! I'm certainly not judging!

At the lake you will find a diverse range of students of Macquarie, and it will be the place you will make memories for the duration of your course.  Macquarie lake has known to be a place of reflection and peacefulness. Many come to relax and de-stress from the many aspects of university life, and also to celebrate university life.

The lake has always been a memorable and iconic feature of Macquarie university, and it will always be remembered in the hearts of all current and ex students of Macquarie university.

-Katrina

Exam Period

Final Exams!

When your final exam period arrives it can be a very stressful time for many students, particularly first year students as they have never done final exams at University level before.

The best way to approach your final exams is to be writing weekly notes on all your subjects from the very beginning, yes from week 1. This can seem to be a lot of work but this will ensure that you have a better understanding of the course while you are doing it and will mean less study required at the end as you already have your exam notes. By already having your exam notes prepared you will be less stressed as you will have already summarised the course and learn't most of it. All that will be needed is a final revision.

Don't be a crammer and learn the whole subject a week out from the exam this can be very stressful!!!

DRAFT EXAM TIMETABLE RELEASE
Every session at Macquarie University there is a draft exam timetable release. For this current semester, session 2 2014 the release date was on the 24th September 2014, yes it's already out. So a tip is to check your draft exam timetable prior to exams so you can be ready. However this is only a draft and is subject to change.

FINAL EXAM TIMETABLE RELEASE
The final exam timetable release is the finalised exam timetable. For this current semester, session 2 2014 the release date is on the 22nd October 2014. It is important to look at it the day it is released so you can organise your study times/study timetable.


Student Support
Student support is a service offered by Macquarie Uni for students. They know international students can find uni challenging, especially when you're so far from home. These support services are designed to make sure you can talk to someone at any time about your work, health or career. These services are obviously available to local students aswell. It's good to talk to someone. :)

THEODORE 

Student Amenities and Shops

Another great thing about Macquarie is that there are heaps of convenient shops and amenities available to students on campus! Firstly, there is a Co-Op Bookshop on campus, this is where you can purchase all of your books, readers and stationary (there is a more detailed post on Co-Op so take a look at that after if you would like to know more!). Co-Op is located on Level One of The Hub, right near the Macshop!

The Macshop is one of the greatest places in the whole of campus! Here you will find tonnes of food, snacks, drinks and everything! You can pick up a pretty cheap lunch here or just a packet of chips or lollies for a snack, they sell everything! They also have a heap of stationary, so if you forget your pen and highlighter for class (which I have done many times!) you will be spoiled for choice when picking up a new one! The Macshop also sells all of the offical Macquarie University merchandise (the hoodies you see people wearing in winter that says "Macquarie University"), they have heaps of stuff there so check it out! There are also postal services here, travel tickets, locker hire, cheap movie tickets and magazines, so if you spend basically all your time at uni or live on campus, the Macshop has got you sorted!

Low on cash? Don't worry, you won't need to walk all the way over to Macquarie Centre to use the ATM! There are ATMs at uni! There are Commonwealth Bank, Westpac and NAB ATMs all conveniently located in The Hub!


Thinking about jetting off to Europe? Or maybe a quick getaway to Thailand? Well Student Flights and STA Travel have got you sorted! They specialise in cheap deals for students, so you can go on that holidayyou've been dreaming about! STA offers value for money options with the flexibility and features travellers want, they have great advice so head on in! Student Flights are a dedicated travel service for Macquarie students and staff, they can assist you will payment options and heaps of other things! Both are located on Level One of The Hub.

In need of a bit of pampering after a stressful exam or essay? Macquarie has got your back! There is a hairdresser, beautician and masseuse on campus! Hair Talks is located on Level One of The Hub and has got heaps of deals on all things hair related! They can give you a quick trim, sort out your roots or you can even pick up your favourite shampoo and conditioner from their! Beauty Walks is located conveniently right next door, here you can get great deals on all sorts of things like waxing, manicures, pedicures and more! U Massage is located on Level 0 of The Hub, so right underneath the campus food court. Here you can get a variety of different massages from trained professionals, great for relieving that extra tension from all of those exams!

Alyssa

Macquarie Centre

Macquarie Uni students are very lucky as the brand new Macquarie Centre complex is right across the road! Literally a five minute stroll from class, the Centre offers a range of eateries, shops, and plenty of fun activities!

We all know uni can be draining at times.. with multiple assessments due in a week, followed by a progression of exams – there are definitely times when you need a break! If it’s break time for you, then look no further than to activities such as Strike Bowling, the Ice Skating Rink, and Event Cinemas. These are also a great way to involve all the new friends you have met at uni and strengthen those friendships!

The Centre is also a great opportunity to find some part time work. With its recent renovations, there are plenty of new job opportunities available – perfect to fit in between scheduled lectures and tutorials. We advise that you hand around your resume as soon as you can, as there may be other students competing for the job! Just be up front with how often you will be available, demonstrate a good work ethic, and you’ll have a job and be earning plenty of money in no time!

And when all the gets a bit too much too, the best place to unwind would be TGI Fridays Bar! The bar is open 11.30am ‘til late every day with happy hour between 4-7pm. Although at MQ Tips we always encourage responsible drinking, TGI Fridays is a great venue to relax and let your hair down at the end of a busy working week! Or if you prefer to take comfort in a bit of pampering – there are many great nail salons which do discount rates for students!

Liliana

MQ Security

Yes Macquarie University does have its own security!

These security guards make the campus even safer than what it already is. How much safer can the campus possibly get?

The security guards provide a highly visable presence in and around the campus vicinity, whether it be on foot, in AWD buggies or in a security campus response vehicle. However they are not there to scare the students of macquarie university. Security services officers strive for outstanding customer service. They are a regular site all around campus. They aim to assist you in your enquiries.

Do you have a question while on campus? Are you lost? Ask a officer for help :)

Help Points

Several Help points are located all over the campus on pedestrian walk ways as the campus is a pedestrian friendly zone. These Help points provide for a direct audio link to the Security Control Centre at any time of the day or night. When activated (by pushing the button), a blue LED light turns on, and local CCTV cameras focus on the Help Point location, with the vision being viewed by Security Staff. 

MQ campus is a safe and protected place with security guards who also act as security service officers to assist with your enquiries!

THEODORE

Parking at Macquarie University

Getting to uni can be a very different experience for every student as it may vary depending on your location or means of travel.If you choose to drive to uni and park on the campus there are certain fees which apply, such as; 


 Student Rates

• Annual Permit: $290

• Half Year Permit: $170

  Staff Rates

•  Annual Permit: $340

• Half Year Permit: $190

 


   Pay & Display Casual Parking

• Valid up to 1 hour: $6.00
•  

Valid up to 3 hours: $10.00


  

 

So you’re probably wondering, “where can I park?”

By clinking on the link below, you will open up a campus map on the Macquarie University website which shows you an interactive map, where you can select a ‘parking’ option that will present flags on the map in the position of the allocated parking bays in reference to your permit.

http://www.mq.edu.au/on_campus/maps/campus_map/

 

Some of the more popular parking areas for staff and students include;

E1, C2, C3, X4, X8

  

Keep in mind that rules do apply when parking, so be sure to take note in order to avoid a nasty fine.The parking restrictions on Campus apply during 6am- 8pm, 7 days per week.Any violation of the university traffic & parking rules such as parking in any areas not appropriate for your permit, may result in a penalty notice in excess of $100... And its important to note that there’s no student discount on fines!!!
   
Tips include buying the right parking permit, knowing where your allowed to park and keeping an eye out for any signs or coloured lines and staying clear of any area your unsure about. 

Deandra

Ubar!

One of the best parts of uni is that there is a bar on campus! Something which sounds crazy having just left school and never been to uni before. Ubar is Macquarie University's student bar and is located on Level 2 of The Hub (C10A). Ubar is open from Monday to Friday from 12pm-10pm and until 2:00am on Thursdays!

There are plenty of things to do at Ubar! There are pool tables, arcade games, loads of seating and various food vendors! Ubar is a multi-function bar with a large outdoor terrace so it is ideal for drinks after class and perfect for these warmer months coming.

Theme Nights at Ubar on a Thursday are by far the most popular social ecent at Macquarie. Around every 2 weeks, there is a themed party at Ubar, these are super popular so make sure you arrive early! Theme Nights are so much fun and everyone goes full out for the theme, here is a list for the rest of the themes for the semester:

Now if you can't make it on Thursdays then don't worry! There's always something going on at Ubar! Make sure you head down one afternoon, relax and enjoy what Ubar has to offer! You will meet heaps of new people and have a great time!

Alyssa

Study or relax at the MUSE!

The MUSE has a great environment for individual study, group study and even meeting up with friends in your breaks! So if you need to study by yourself, you can find a quiet section and do some study or even relax on the beanbags in your break. If you need to meet up with your group and finish group projects or meeting up with your student clubs, there are many rooms available for these activities. If there is any fear of not being able to get a room for these meetings, you can even book a room so you can be reassured you will get things done!

Booking a room is simple! Go online and search up 'MUSE room bookings' or click on the link provided :http://students.mq.edu.au/services_and_facilities/services_facilities_a-z/muse/room_bookings/ . Scroll down and click on 'I agree and wish to make a booking now', then you will need to log in using your MQ OneID password, click on the schedule tab to check availability of the rooms and guidelines for use, then select a suitable time slot available and make a booking. It is as simple as that!

The MUSE is located at building C7A, and opens from 8:00am til 10:00pm from Monday-Friday. It's truly located in the heart of Macquarie university and it's easy to find. Along with the convenience, the great opening hours will allow you to study and get things done in your own pace.

Definitely go and discover the spacious and refreshing environment for yourself!


-Katrina

Macquarie Library

The brand new Macquarie Library was opened in 2011 and caters for all your studying needs! The library itself is 5 levels, so can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know where to go – however there are always friendly staff at reception who will always be happy to help you out!

The first step in getting acquainted with the library is getting your campus card. You should get this on Orientation Day (if you miss O-Day, visit Student Connect in the MUSE building and you can get one there!). The campus card acts as your student ID – which you will need to sit exams and get those concession rates for public transport! – but is also needed for borrowing books and printing in the library. You will be able to top up your card at the portals in the library, which will then give you access to the printers and photocopiers.

There are plenty of private study desks on the different levels of the library. They are perfect for getting in some quiet study, especially after hours (as the library is open ‘til late!) Just be mindful of your fellow peers when entering these spaces – don’t be too noisy or bring in hot food that might smell out the area!

The group spaces downstairs are perfect for getting together for a group assignment…there are even presentation practice pods, which you include a whiteboard and computer screen! If you will be making a bit of noise with your group, this downstairs area will be perfect – no angry librarians telling you the SHH!!

So, when trying to research an assignment or cram for an exam, the MQ Library is the best place to visit! With a range of spaces designed to fit your different ‘study needs’, there will be no need to return to your local library filled with noisy HSC students! And don’t forget the café downstairs, which boasts some of the best sandwiches downstairs for a study-break snack!

For more information on Macquarie Library please visit here: https://www.mq.edu.au/on_campus/library/facilities/  

Liliana

Get Active at Uni!

Summer Time is Fast Approaching!

This means it's beach time/outdoor activity time. So while you are at uni during the week and have a break in your timetable why not go to the Macquarie Universty Sport and Aquatic Centre?
The Sport and Aquatic Centre is the "one-stop sport and fitness hub that can fulfill your every active need regardless of age or fitness levels".

• There is a swimming pool which you can just go to refresh yourself or train that body of yours while doing laps. 
• There is also a GYM which every Macquarie student gets discounted membership! Let me tell you, its more than your average gym. The equipment in there is crazy! The GYM has great value for money memberships with no lock in contracts.

The GYM has so many different training programs offered, whether you would like a personal trainer or to be doing classes everything is there for you. Party Pump Fridays is only one example!!!

Just to add another little point who doesn't love free wifi? At the Sport and Aquatic Centre there is                                                            free warrior wifi available.

Making extra gains for that summer body while at uni why not? Killing two birds with one stone.... YES PLEASE!!!

-THEODORE

Macquarie University Etiquette

Traditionally dictionary.com defines etiquette as a customary code of polite behaviour in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

In saying that… Macquarie can be particular in things that most annoy people on campus.

First and foremost, there are a variety of quirky yet bizarre statues appearing in most corners of the campus. Although you may find them fascinating to look at, it is within Macquarie Etiquette that you do NOT attempt to climb them – no matter how tempting it may be.

Two examples of these statues include;

“Together Through Time” located towards C4A

“Bridge” which is located outside on the hillside, far side of lake. 

Secondly, the thumping sound of someone stamping through the hallways is made even more annoying by the idea that they are possibly wearing heels to uni.. I mean, lets be honest, it’s a huge grassy campus, not a fashion runway; surely you know your holding people up by strutting in the slowest possible fashion… no pun intended.

In addition to that, further etiquette involves guys refraining from wearing muscle singlet which cover very little aspects of their physique...needles to say, cool at the gym – but not on campus.

Lastly, the 1^st tutorial is considered a must for etiquette.

Being absent for your first tutorial may mean that you miss the details of the unit guide and are unaware of when assessments are due or exams are held. This often leads to many extremely annoying questions asked, which can be easily answered with a quick read of the unit guide.

Not to mention, you’ll be stuck with the leftovers for the unit group assignments.

These tips mentioned above are only a few of the etiquette tips used at Macquarie University, so jump in amongst it and experience the do’s and don’ts for yourself.

Deandra