Ozford College and Ozford English Language Centre are located in the heart of the City of Melbourne, a city well known as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Being centrally located, students have many educational facilities, sporting facilities and entertainment venues at their doorstep.
What are the facilities like at Ozford?
Ozford has been fitted with comfortable, modern furnishings and fittings. The library has a wide range of essential texts and students have class sets of text books and other resources to use or borrow. Ozford also has student common areas, where students can get to know one another and study together.
How many other students will there be in my class?
Most of Ozford classes are small where teachers can provide attention to the academic needs of each student. The Ozford High School has an average class size of 15-20 students and the English Language Centre around 15 students per class.
Will I have access to computers?
At Ozford we have plenty of computers with free WiFi if you bring your own devices for high speed Internet connections. We have a set of mobile laptops for classroom use and a number of computer labs. Students are able to access computers outside their classes and are able to type and communicate in a number of languages. Each student is issued with their own Ozford login and password to enable them to access their individual webmail account from anywhere in the world.
What will my teachers be like?
All of our teachers are highly qualified and experienced in their field. At Ozford you will find your teachers caring, interesting, interested in you and very friendly. Ozford teachers are dedicated to helping students succeed in their academic and personal aspirations. At Ozford your teachers will help you achieve your goals and make your learning enjoyable.
Can I borrow a library book or other resource?
Please visit the Ozford Library for opening hours, and ask the Librarian for the books/other resources. We hold newspapers, fiction and dvds for recreational reading, and to help students with language skills. Any book or resource that is lost or damaged must be replaced by the borrower.
What if I have problems with the study?
Ozford offers a wide range of support to help students reach their full academic potential. This includes providing additional assistance for each subject, individual academic support when required, study skills support and additional English Language Lounge support classes outside the scheduled timetable.
Ozford is very centrally located in the city so Ozford students can get to school using public transport – trains, trams and buses. These services drop students close to the College.
I don’t know anyone in Melbourne how can I make friends?
It can be difficult to make friends in a new place so Ozford organises a range of activities throughout the year to help students make more friends and get to know classmates and students from the other Ozford schools a lot better. There are sporting activities, a High School camp, parties and excursions to many places in and around Melbourne.
I don’t know what to take next for further education?
Ozford conducts regular university information seminars on campus where different universities come to discuss study options and courses with students. Ozford also offers individual advice to each student about selecting subjects, university courses and career paths that they are most suited to.
Student Services can give you a city map and also help to google destinations and download maps of Melbourne and the surrounding areas.
What do I do if I change my address?
Change of Address forms are available from the Student Service Centre. You must inform the College about address change if you are a student visa holder.
Have your username and password ready to log on. If you have any trouble with this, ask the Receptionist for help.
I am under the age of 18 can I still come and study at Ozford?
Students under 18 must live in accommodation that is approved by the school and complies with Government regulations. This means that students under 18 must live in a homestay approved by Ozford or with relatives or someone aged at least 21 nominated by your parents. If a student requires guardianship Ozford will arrange this at no additional cost.
Do I need a Visa to study at Ozford?
Students can travel to Australia on a Student Visa or Working Holiday Visa. Students on a Student Visa have strict rules and must comply with the following. Must have an attendance level of 80% Must notify the college of change of address Must meet the course requirements set Are not permitted to work unless you have applied for permission to do so.
How safe is Melbourne, Australia?
Australia is very safe, with a low crime rate, political stability and a harmonious society. The incidence of robbery and assault is relatively low and Australia has strict anti-gun and drug laws. A peaceful country, Australia has never had a civil war. The government is democratically elected, and is not ruled by the military nor based on religion. Melbourne, capital city of Victoria is the arts centre of Australia, and people are drawn to historical grand old buildings, fantastic dining and an abundance of arts events. Melbourne has an exciting multicultural society with a history of both European and Asian immigrants.
What is the weather like in Melbourne?
The Melbourne weather can be unpredictable at times but isn’t as humid as many other cities of Australia. The temperature ranges from 18-35°C between November to April and 7-18°C May to October.
What will it cost to live in Melbourne?
Melbourne is the second most inexpensive major city in Australia, after Adelaide. It costs about $80- $100 per week for public transport and lunches. If you are planning to live independently, you can find shared accommodation from $80- $250 per week; or rent a one bedroom flat for $160-$350 per week. Homestay usually costs $300 to $350 per week including accommodation, meals and utility bills except for phone bills. Please allow a minimum of AUD $24,505 per annum for living costs.
To calculate the cost of living in Melbourne refer to: Study Australia | Living and education costs
Our student welfare officer will ensure students are placed in suitable accommodation to meet their individual requirements. If a student wishes to stay with homestay accommodation we have a high standard selection process of homestay families and match families to the individual student, to ensure students are both safe and happy with their homestay.
What will my first day be like?
On your first day you will have an orientation to the school and get to meet your teachers. This orientation also includes familiarising yourself with living and studying in Melbourne. Students are made aware of the social and cultural issues associated with living in Melbourne and shown how to do things that are often strange and different a new country like banking and sending mail.
I am away from home, What can I do if I have a problem?
Ozford understands that it is not easy to study and live in another country so we offer a wide range of support to all our students. We pride ourselves on our small and tight community with bilingual staff and close relationships between students and staff where students feel comfortable approaching staff about any problems they have. High School and English language students are allocated into small student Home Groups with a teacher they meet with regularly who understands each individual student and can provide counselling when needed. There is also a full time Student Welfare Coordinator to take of any problems students might have and to also provide student counselling. In addition to this Ozford also has a strong relationship with external welfare support agencies and offers a 24 hour emergency help line to all students if required.
