Living at International House is one of the best decisions I've ever made. From the very moment I walked into the Dinning Hall (now nearly 3 years ago) and saw so many vibrant flags of the world hanging from the ceiling, with each representing at least one student, I knew this was the place for me. The prospect of getting to know the students that represented each of these flags excited me.
I have always had a burning curiosity about the world. I was brought up in rural Victoria and was itching to come to Melbourne to expand myself, learn skills and things about people that no degree would teach me. I saw IH as the perfect place to foster this.
IH welcomes you to be a part of such a dynamic community, where the diverse tapestry of nationalities sets IH apart from any other college. It is here you learn to appreciate and celebrate difference, forge friendships that will last a lifetime and have so many Kodak moments you will never be able to capture them all.
Even though I am a RMIT student, the academic assistance has been great. Tutors have assisted me with essays and reports and given great feedback to improve my work. As well as this, there are many activities to get involved in, with National Nights, Café International, Music Night and virtually every sport imaginable. The program at IH is very balanced and allows you to develop intellectually, theatrically, artistically and sportingly.
For 270 students with such varied backgrounds to live in harmony is a real achievement, and can be seen as the perfect model for society in such disgruntled times- to embrace and accept diversity is vital in the current social climate. I feel like IH is one of the best kept secrets, and would wish everyone the experience I have had at my ‘home away from home.'
Sarah Tulloch
Public Relations, RMIT, completed 2006, Mildura
I first heard about International House when a current resident and former member of my school came to give a presentation at my school. After hearing her speech I was quite interested. I liked the idea of a relatively small community where everyone knew each other, the location sounded perfect if I was intending to study at The University of Melbourne and the mixture of Australian and International students sounded both interesting and beneficial for my language studies.
On the University open day I visited the college for the first time and I was impressed. I liked the fact that everyone did seem to know each other and everyone I met was friendly and easy-going.
The rooms seemed to be a good size, with lots of space and basic furniture supplied. The gardens and grounds were beautiful and the common room looked comfortable and warm. Overall I was happy with what I had seen and the people I met and I decided to apply for a position here.
After a semester and a few weeks at International House I have no regrets that I made this choice.
The people are still incredibly open and welcoming, the lifestyle is almost always busy but still lots of fun; there is always something to do, someone to talk to or somewhere to go for some peace and quiet.
We have parties and themed national nights, balls and formal dinners, there is a tv room, pool tables, foozball and most of the sports you can think of. We also have a library and 24 hour computer lab, and there are even people assigned to fix your computer if you break it.
For me, International House is the best college I could have chosen. The lifestyle, the people and the location - it's 15 minutes walk from the Uni - make it the perfect place to live, especially when you are new to Melbourne and new to tertiary study. Living in any college is beneficial when you are beginning University study, as the tutors can help with any work and there are usually other students to discuss unfamiliar concepts with, as well as activities unique to colleges like college O week and college parties.
Jo Bray
Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne, 2nd year, British