Cleanliness

The house attendants will come through your units regularly to service kitchens and common areas but ultimately, it’s up to the residents to keep these areas tidy on a day-to-day basis. If the house attendants deem the area to be excessively dirty or untidy, they may be unable to clean the space until residents have tidied up themselves.

Throughout the year residents are responsible for keeping their room in a hygienic, reasonable clean condition. Vacuum cleaners are available in all units to vacuum your room regularly.

Mattresses

All mattresses must be covered by a mattress protector and fitted sheet at all times. A mattress protector is supplied in rooms upon arrival, and is yours to keep, so please wash it regularly.

Please note: failure to use the mattress protector and causing damage to the mattress may result in additional charges for the cost of a replacement mattress upon check out.

Damage and mess

Costs for replacement or repairs resulting from damage caused through wilful or careless activities will be charged to the account of the individual(s) responsible. If a guest has caused the damage, the charges will be added to the account of the resident responsible for the guest.

Treat res like your home. Don’t climb in and out of windows. If you leave your doors ajar or tamper with your locks, you may end up having expensive things damaged or stolen.

Be mindful of hanging hooks, stickers or other items which caused damage to the walls and paintwork. Use only 3M command removable hooks.

Due to health and safety issues, residents are not permitted to cook in their rooms. This applies to toasters, kettles, rice cookers, air fryers and all other cooking appliances. Fedliving provides an extensive range of appliances and utensils for the purpose of preparing and cooking meals within the unit kitchens so please use these.

If you’re in a studio apartment, your kitchenette facilities in your room are to be used for that purpose.

Drugs/illegal substances are not to be used anywhere on University premises. If anyone is caught using these or having these in their possession the matter will be referred to Victoria Police. In addition, disciplinary action will also be taken by Fedliving and this typically results in immediate eviction. If you suspect drug use on residence, please contact Fedliving or afterhours support immediately.

If you or a friend needs support with drug use, please reach out to Residential Wellbeing or the Campus Nurse for a chat and we will be able to provide assistance and information or make referrals to specialist drug and alcohol workers if needed.

Any electrical equipment supplied by Fedliving that is faulty or damaged must be reported to the office immediately. Faulty items will be replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

Personal electrical items brought into residence should be tagged and tested to meet the Victorian Electrical Standards as soon as possible after moving onto Res.

At the end of the year, or when vacating your room, please keep the following points in mind.

• Please ensure windows and doors are locked, all curtains are attached, and all lights turned off
• Any posters and blutac/tape are to be removed from walls and surfaces
• Food cupboards are to be completely cleaned out and left unlocked
• Fridges and freezers in common areas to be cleared of all food
• Your room must be vacuumed and left clean & tidy
• All belongings should be removed and/or disposed

Please ensure all Fedliving property remains in the room or replacement costs may be incurred.

Important: In the event rooms are left in an untidy state upon check-out, additional cleaning and disposal charges may apply.

There is a shared fridge in the kitchen of each unit. Please label your food where possible. Keep in mind this is a shared facility and ensure that you remove old food and clean up spills etc. Personal bar fridges are allowed in residents’ rooms but must ideally be less than 5 years old and must be placed on a carpet mat to avoid carpet staining. Please note that these should also be tagged and tested.

As you make the transition from home to Uni, and beyond, you will need to take responsibility for your belongings. Fedliving does not assume liability for loss or damage to personal property by fire, theft, water damage or any other means except to the extent of the law. Insurance of your personal items is strongly recommended. It is important to report any theft or damage that may have taken place in your room to Fedliving and report it to the police immediately.

One of the most annoying things to block out when you are trying to study, or sleep is noise! What is regarded as excessive or unreasonable will vary from one person to another.

If someone needs to ask you to keep the noise down, it’s too loud.

After 10.30pm, it is expected that noise will be reduced to a minimum to ensure that those students who wish to sleep or study can do so without disturbance. If people are being loud and you need quiet, ask people politely first, and they will normally help out. Suggest they go out, go outside or go to another area. The residential student common spaces are a great option to gather and socialise.

You can call security to come and assist with the situation if required. If this behaviour persists, speak to the Fedliving, your RA or Residential Wellbeing for advice and assistance.

We aim to promote a well-balanced living-learning environment in Residences. This includes the provision of a healthy social environment as well. We strongly advocate that alcohol is consumed in a responsible manner by all residents. The consumption of alcohol in all Residences must always comply with the Victorian State Liquor Licensing Laws, and with University Policies on Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Responsible drinking means more than just limiting yourself to a certain number of drinks. It also means not getting drunk and not letting alcohol control your life or your relationships.

It’s very important to understand that res is first and foremost a place of study and we have rules on res around alcohol, in order to protect the safety of all residents.

Over the course of the year, you will likely attend a few events where alcohol will be available. Please keep the following points in mind.

• Not everyone drinks or needs to have a drink to fit in, so don’t pressure others.
• Drinking games are not to be a part of res at any time.
• Never drink and drive. Have a designated driver if you are intending to drink, or uber/taxi. Check out the website yourbac.com.au, it’s a very helpful method of determining what your blood alcohol limit may be, particularly for the next day before you drive.
• Make sure you have a snack or meal before you drink, and while you are drinking. Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Stay hydrated and nourished.
• Alternate alcohol drinks with water.
• Get the facts about drinking and responsible alcohol use at drinkwise.org.au
• Know your limits
• Avoid mixing substances

IMPORTANT: alcohol on university grounds is not permitted by University policy. Taking alcohol to buses or other areas of the University outside residence is not permitted and can result in disciplinary action through your Licence Agreement as well as the University’s disciplinary process and statutes.

To ensure all residents’ safety be mindful to keep windows and doors closed when you are out.

Please don’t tamper with locks or keep unit and/or room doors open. This compromises all residents’ personal safety and unit security. To ensure a safe and supportive environment for all, we encourage residents to be proactive with security and safety. Please report any faulty alarms, doors or locks immediately.

Entrance and Emergency Exit doors

All building entrance and emergency exit doors must be securely closed at all times. The practice of propping doors open with rocks or any other objects is strictly prohibited, as it compromises the safety and security of all residents within the building.

Security Escort Service: If you are studying late or feel uncomfortable walking across campus alone, use the security escort service. A campus security officer can accompany you to your residence or another campus location to ensure you arrive safely.

See something, say something: If you notice anything unusual or suspicious – such as someone loitering, tampering with property, or behaving aggressively – report to campus security immediately. Your report can help to maintain a safe community for everyone.

Save Key Numbers: Keep contact information for campus security, and local emergency services handy.

Caring for your belongings

While on Res, you are responsible for your belongings, including your room. To prevent people ‘borrowing’ your food, label it and lock it! When not in your room, keep it locked and close the windows.

Smoking and vaping is only permitted in designated outside smoking areas. No smoking or vaping is permitted within any University buildings or facilities.

Mt Helen

• Bella Guerin, Quad BBQ Area
• Bella Guerin, Jardin Drive, across from unit 8
• Peter Lalor South, Quad BBQ Area
• Peter Lalor North, Across from unit 15
• Peter Lalor North, Behind unit 25

Gippsland

• West Residences, end of footpath past unit 8
• West Residences, end of footpath past unit 1
• West Residences, along footpath towards shopping centre
• West Residences, Northways Road, end of footpath past unit 23
• North Residences, McDonald Way, at entrance to,Mary Brant Bruce Drive

Berwick

• Building 955, corner of building, car park side

Please only smoke/vape in the areas provided. Smoking or vaping within residential buildings, units and rooms is not permitted at any time. You are liable for any costs incurred or damage caused by your smoking or vaping.

• Be direct but kind: If you have concerns or need to discuss something with a housemate, be open and honest while remaining respectful. Clear communication can help prevent misunderstandings.
• Be Empathetic: Try to see things from their perspective. This will help you better understand their actions and feelings.
• Listen actively: Give others a chance to share their thoughts and perspectives. Listening attentively shows respect and can help you understand different viewpoints.
• Use “I” statements: When expressing your feelings, try framing your concerns in terms of how they impact you. For example, “I find it hard to sleep when there’s noise late at night” or “I feel frustrated when the kitchen is not clean”, rather than placing blame, which can help reduce defensiveness.

• Establish shared expectations: Early on, have a conversation with your housemates about boundaries, such as quiet hours, cleaning schedules, and guest policies. Setting these expectations together can help avoid future conflicts.
• Respect privacy and personal space: Everyone needs time alone. Respect your housemates’ personal space and privacy.
• Be mindful of shared items: If you are sharing items like kitchen supplies make sure you clean them as soon as possible after using them. If in doubt that it is a shared item, ask others within the unit to make sure you are not using other people’s belongings.

• Address issues early: If something is bothering you, try to address it calmly before it escalates. Small annoyances can often be resolved through a polite conversation.
• Seek compromise: In shared living situations, it is important to find common ground. Be willing to compromise and find solutions that work for everyone.
• Get help if needed: If conflicts become difficult to manage do not hesitate to reach out to a Residential Advisor (RA) or the Residential Wellbeing team for guidance.

• Be inclusive: Respect diversity and be mindful of different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Inclusivity helps everyone feel welcomed and valued.
• Offer help and encouragement: University life can be challenging, so check in with your housemates and offer support when needed. Even small gestures, like inviting someone to join you for a meal or study session, can make a big difference.
• Be considerate of shared spaces: Keeping shared areas clean and tidy, such as kitchens and bathrooms, shows respect for everyone and makes the residence a better place for all.

University life is exciting, but balancing studies, social life and personal commitments can be challenging. Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential for a successful and enjoyable university experience. Federation University offers various resources to support your wellbeing, and here are some tips and services available to help you stay healthy and happy on campus:

• Counselling services: Federation University provides free and confidential counselling to support students through challenges, whether academic, personal, or emotional. Do not hesitate to reach out; speaking with a counsellor can be a helpful way to manage stress, anxiety, or homesickness.
• Immediate Response Mental Health Support: Students can access urgent mental health support via the Federation University Crisis Line. Phone: 1300 758 109 or text 0480 089 177 with your name and phone number to request a call back.
• Mindfulness and relaxation: Consider practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, getting outside in nature or book a session for the VR relaxation with the Campus Nurse. These can reduce stress and improve focus.
• Self-care practices: Set aside time each day for self-care activities, whether that’s reading, journalling, exercising, or simply taking a break to relax. Creating a balanced routine can help you manage stress more effectively. Other ways to reduce stress and engage in self-care activities may include:
  • Walking
  • Playing a game with a friend
  • Running
  • Riding
  • Reading a book
  • Listening to music
  • Drawing/sketching
  • Organising your time each week – time management.
  • Join a group, club or society.
  • Start an interest group (Speak with Residential Wellbeing Staff).