Preparing Deakin Residents for the Year Ahead

Choosing to study and live away from home for the first time can be a daunting prospect, but Deakin Res provides our residents with critical information and targeted support to help ensure a successful transition and a warm welcome to campus life. In addition to the range of orientation programs, services and activities designed to welcome students to on-campus accommodation, since 2018, Deakin Res has facilitated an award-winning compulsory online induction, accessible to students prior to their arrival on site.  

This induction has been designed to proactively enhance resident awareness of, and compliance with, the rules, values and community-living expectations of residential accommodation. More importantly though, the program offers a an essential forum through which residents can connect, communicate and share experiences prior to their arrival. Taking around twenty minutes to complete, and involving five interactive sections covering rules applying to behaviour, consent, drugs, alcohol, safety and security, and our RESPECT values, the program also introduces students to Deakin’s on-campus environment and key members of the residential team, concluding with a final seven-question test to ensure understanding.  

Feedback on the program since its inception has been incredibly positive. As one first year student commented, “…the course was a great way to understand the policies, rules, what to expect when living on res and how to treat other people. The videos and readings were engaging and easy to understand.”  

Many residents have also remarked on the benefits of the program, noting that the coverage of residential rules, community values, fire safety and consent in particular, have been of value in guiding their expectations of residential life, allaying nerves, and aiding their engagement and transition to the on-campus community and wider University. As one student commented, “…I really enjoyed this informative induction course. All the information provided was both essential and useful."

Deakin Res’ Induction program has received recognition within Deakin and beyond, at national and international level. Deakin Res staff have presented the findings of our induction program at conferences across Australia and in the United States. The program was also awarded a Deakin University Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Wellbeing in October 2018 and an Asia Pacific Student Accommodation Association (APSAA) Award for Innovation in 2019.  

All incoming students receive a personalised link to complete the induction following offer of a place on campus. If you’re interested in learning more, you can read more about DRS’ Resident Induction.  

The Deakin Res team looks forward to welcoming new and returning residents in 2022.