Benefits of Clayton Halls & Normanby House

It is sometimes difficult to answer the question "Why should I (or my child) live on-campus?" MRS has prepared a promotional DVD "More than just a room" to answer some of those questions [see http://www.mrs.monash.edu.au/]. Whilst the DVD focuses on the pastoral, social and academic support offered by MRS, it does not provide adequate details on the operational and financial benefits of living on-campus.

Rental costs coupled with additional daily/weekly living costs are very important items to consider when weighing up housing options. It would be difficult to undertake an accurate comparison of the rents charged by MRS and those charged by the various off-campus housing providers without a better understanding of what the MRS rent includes. The following dot points have been prepared to assist you in your decision.

Before you make a decision as to where you might live, I encourage you to watch the MRS promotional DVD and consider the following dot points, as I believe they demonstrate the clear advantages associated with living on-campus.

Vladimir A Prpich
Director
Monash Residential Services

In the year 2009, our residents can look forward to the following benefits:

NO additional charges for electricity, water or gas.
ALL residents have direct access to computer connection points within their own private bedrooms. (There is an annual charge for the computer connection points).
24 hour access to the University computer network.*
24 hour access to the Halls own computer network.*
24 hour access to E-MAIL.*
24 hour access to the world academic computer networks through the 'Internet'.*
24 hour access to the World Wide Web.*
ALL residents have direct access to telephone connection points within their own private bedrooms. (There is an annual charge for telephone connection points).
Free 'internal' telephone calls within Clayton Residential.
Free 'internal' telephone calls to the Berwick, Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland, Parkville and Peninsula campuses, provided they are made via the 'internal' relevant campus extension.
Free use of laundry facilities which includes washing machines, dryers and irons.
Free use of vacuum cleaners.
Free use and access to television, Foxtel, video/dvd and stereo sound systems.
Free access to daily newspapers, various subscribed journals and magazines.
Free access to communal fruit trees and veggie gardens.
Free use and access to billiard tables and table tennis tables.
Free use and access to substantial and modern self-catering facilities.
Free access to a wide range of residential support programs.
Free access to and participation in a range of social events.
Free subsidised theme nights held each semester.
Free car parking at the Halls of Residence and Normanby House on acquiring a Resident Parking Permit.
Free use and access to a shuttle bus service that transports residents from the Halls of Residence and Normanby House to the local shopping centre during semester periods.
Free use and access to the university security bus service.
Free use and access to the university security escort service. The security escort service is available each night after the security bus service finishes. Residents who so wish, can be escorted by security personnel to their cars, the Halls of Residence, Normanby House or any other location on campus.
The Halls of Residence and Normanby House grounds are patrolled by security personnel seven days a week.
To prevent unauthorised entry buildings are locked at all times.
Free weekly linen exchange.
The Halls of Residence and Normanby House have a residential support team in place who are there to maintain a constant and stabilising presence within the residential area of their hall; providing care, support and enrichment for resident students in academic, personal, social and recreational matters.
All bedrooms are carpeted, heated and are furnished with a bed, desk, desk chair, clothes airer, bookshelf, wardrobe and rubbish bin.
Cleaning personnel are on site seven days per week and are responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of communal bathrooms, toilets, corridors, laundries, kitchens, passageways, common areas and the removal of rubbish on a daily basis.
Owing to the fact that residents have not prepaid for their meals as part of their weekly accommodation fee as is the case in some other institutions, residents are able to obtain their meals from a variety of outlets. This gives residents the freedom to choose where and when they eat.
The Halls Cafe' is Halal certified by the Monash University mosque.
The Halls Cafe' prices are kept as low as possible.
Residents have the ability to purchase meal cards which provide 10 (ten) meals at up to 15% savings on the cash price (excludes lunch).
Monash Wireless Network coverage in selected areas of the Halls of Residence, Normanby House and the Halls Cafe.
Monash Residential Services has arranged for TV streaming through the University computer network. In addition to the local channels (ABC 1, ABC 2, Nine, Seven, Ten, SBS), connection to a range of satellite TV channels is also available (e.g. BBC World and many Asian channels). This service is free as it runs on the internal network.

* This service is available provided residents' computers are set up to our specifications. 24 hour access to the various computer services listed is subject to the daily maintenance requirements of the University Computer Centre. Maintenance requirements and scheduling are not within the control of Clayton Residential. Monash University passes on internet use charges to all faculties and MRS. More information about internet access at Monash University is available at http://www.its.monash.edu.au/students/internet-use/

All conditions and benefits mentioned above are accurate as at 25.9.2008. Please note that the conditions and benefits listed above may change without prior notice