By Eva Rendina (RMIT journalism student)
The Melton Suburban University Study Hub is officially open for students to use, after its recent September launch.
Located in the Melton Library and Learning Hub, it is one of the fifteen hubs nationally funded under the Australian Government’s $66.9 million University Study Hubs Program.
The hub offers a quiet study space, with fast-working Wi-Fi, onsite support to connect students with their home university, and onsite academic support.
It will also offer workshops, events and opportunities to build peer support networks.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, only 22% of Melton’s locals hold a degree compared to 33% across Melbourne, in 2021.
Shiv Shandil, the Study Hub Manager, hopes that the hub will become a long-term support for more students living in Melbourne’s west to succeed academically, socially, and personally.
“Our vision is for the Study Hub to become a vibrant centre for learning, collaboration, and innovation in Melbourne’s west,” says Shandil.
“We expect it to improve participation, wellbeing and completion rates by giving students the environment and support they need to succeed.”
Shandil also says that the hub will provide wellbeing support, and career and employability guidance.
“It connects [students] with others on the same journey, which can make a real difference for students who might otherwise feel isolated studying online or commuting long distances.”
In a media release, Federal Member for Hawke, the Hon Sam Rae says, “This new Study Hub is a game changer for Melton, bringing university education closer to home and making it more accessible for people in Hawke.”
“This is about delivering for Melton and providing the next generation with the support they need to achieve their education goals right here in our community,” he says.
Students living in or around the Melton area that are enrolled in higher education are permitted to use the hub for free.
