2018-09-11, Simran Joshi (NV)
For the hundreds of thousands of international students in Melbourne, September is going to be busy time with deadline after deadline of assignments to be met. But take the time out to reflect upon your food habits, mental health and tax return as there are events that could help you make life easier.
An investigative report into the eating behavior of international students at an Australian university published under the Journal for Higher Education Policy and Management, found increasing number of concerns among the staffs working closely with international students over their diet and nutritional intake. Students in routine interviews reported not eating properly for days due to lack of sufficient funds, depression, stress and illness and of the direct impact on staying motivated, healthy and productive. Studies on the co-relation between diet and stress have found that higher levels of stress to be directly proportional to less healthy diet, characterized by the increased consumption of fatty food, decreased consumption of fruits and vegetables and frequent skipping of breakfast, and majority of the international students surveyed felt that they had not received adequate information about healthy eating and have recommended informing students about the easily available and affordable healthy food in the host country.
Hence, the multicultural hub in Melbourne has organised a Shop and cook workshop with a twist for international students to promote healthier eating and lifestyle.
Event date: 15 SEPTEMBER AND 29 SEPTEMBER
Come along to a free workshop for international students to learn how to prepare delicious, cheap and healthy meals. The chef will take you on a shopping tour at Queen Victoria Market to see which fruit and veggies are available in Melbourne. Then learn how to create a quick, yummy and healthy meal. Meet new people or bring a friend to share your creation. Register to secure your place.
Also, while you’re at it, Get free tax help @Multicultural hub!
UNTIL 28 OCTOBER
October is right around the corner which means there’s only a few weeks till Tax-return time ends. International students engaged in part-time and casual employment with simple tax affairs can get assistance to complete their tax return online with myTax, assisted by the Australian Taxation Office’s Tax Help service. Volunteers at the hub provide a confidential service for people on around $60,000 or less. Booking is essential. Contact Reshma on 9092 1507 for the bookings.
Last but not the least, R U OK?
On THURSDAY 13 SEPTEMBER, make origami, do some mindful colouring in, get or give a hug, and write a journal at the R U OK? launch party at Boyd Library. Try laughter yoga, storytelling and much more with LiftMeUp, a new non-profit group that provides companionship and peer-to-peer support for people with mental health issues. Seats are limited, so hurry reserve a ticket today on Eventbrite!
Have a Happy, Healthy and Happening September!
