Despite name, not online
2012 has seen the launch of what may be the future of student accommodation—’Virtual Halls’. Inspired by similar initiatives overseas, the new pilot programme has been adopted throughout New Zealand Universities, including Victoria.
The programme is available to first-year students who are not living in Halls of Residence. The aim is to create a community amongst students, which will offer sporting and academic activities in a similar way to Halls of Residence.
The idea originated from student feedback, which in past years suggested that students who were not in halls had not had as good a first year experience as those in them, as it was harder for them to meet people and make friends.
“Student engagement and student success is very important to the University,” Manager of Student Recruitment Susan Harper said.
“We felt offering opportunities for non-halls first-year students to become actively engaged would contribute to their enjoyment of the Victoria experience, as well as increase the chance of success in their studies.”
The official launch took place last Thursday in the Hunter Lounge, which involved both karaoke and movie-oke. About 250 students have signed up so far. More information on the programme can be found at facebook.com/vicvirtualhall.