2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup

Every 4 years, soccer fans around the world rejoice and join in the action. The World cup showcases the elite teams playing each other for the ultimate prize, winner of the world cup. This time the world cup is played in South Africa and to celebrate the event UniLodge @ Melbourne decorated the common areas and threw a world cup opening ceremony party.


Residents gathered in the common Tv room for pizzaa, snacks & drinks to watch the spectacular world cup opening ceremony and then the first match of the tournament South Africa vs Mexico, the match resulted in a one all draw.

Some residents even dressed up in their favourite gear to celebrate and showcase their nation. A raffle was drawn during the night and some great socceroos gear was given out to the lucky winners.
Parties for the Socceroos matches will be held throughout the tournament and a FINAL match party will be held.

UniLodge Ski Trip '10

It's that time of the year again, the snow is plentiful and there was no better time than to go to the snow. Following up on the success of previous years UniLodge took close to 100 residents to the snow. For some this was the first time they have seen snow.

It was an early morning with residents departing UniLodge at 5am in the morning. On the way to Mt Buller to keep everyone awake and to get them ready for the cold we watched the movie ICE AGE. Just before we hit the ski fields we needed to get some snow gear and equipment. This meant a stop over at the mansfield hire store.

With all the equipment sorted and everyone rugged up ready for the cold and snow we made our way to Mt Buller. Everyone had a blast with, Skiing, snowboarding, Tobogganing & snowman making. After over 5 hours at the snow we made the return journey back to the city.

Those that went described it as a once in a lifetime opportunity. New friends were made and memories will last forever.

The entire photo album for the ski trip is online at http://www.communityspirit.com.au/.

Thai Dinner

This months dinner was held at Tasty Thai in QV where residents enjoyed a the tasty Thai

experience.

Around 20 residents went to the dinner, where they enjoyed a drink and meal as part of the Community Spirit Program. Most people chose the Pad Thai and sat, relaxed and chatted away. It was a very successful evening. We aim to hold a dinner function most months, so get on board and sign up for the next function at reception. Don't forget to visit http://www.communityspirit.com.au/ to see what's happening.

Fame - The Musical

On the 30th May 2010, Evana and I brought 18 Unilodge CSP members to watch Fame the Musical in Regent Theatre. All of us gathered at UniLodge D2 before setting off.

But first of all, we had to get everyone fed! None of the members knew, it is a mystery for everyone. NANDOS, yeah, the portugasm chicken!!! We did not book the place for lunch and the two staff in Nandos were overwhelmed by a 20 strong people group coming for lunch. We kept the workers in Nandos occupied for 30 minutes and we managed to finish our meal on time.

After lunch, we had to rush to the Her Majesty Theatre for the show. Fame The Musical is based on a movie called Fame is the 80s. It is about a class of students trying to excel in one of the best Americas performing arts school. As the name suggests, Fame the Musical, being a musical there were lots of fabulous dance moves and singing. The actors portray their character very well and with their vibrant costumes proved the show to be entertaining to watch. I have yet to watch the movie Fame but will catch it one day if I have the chance. The feedback from the residents is that they LOVED the show!

Although, this musical event for CSP members has finished, there are a lot more events coming up. So CSP members, QUICK, make your membership fee worth every dollar and participate in the up-coming events.

Evana & Haozhen

Pancake Parlour - Study Break

Although only a small group of people residents of UniLodge @ Melbourne ventured down to the Pancake parlour in the Burke St Mall for a study break.

Residents thought they were getting pancake and coffee to help them study, however we ended up having lunch with those famous delicious pancakes for dessert.

Residents that attended loved it, saying that it was a well deserved break and that after tasting those famous pancakes will be back to enjoy more.

You can enjoy pancake parlour pancakes with some great discounts available form the minicards stand at UniLodge @ Melbourne reception.

Luna Park

On the 22nd of May a large group of UniLodge students made their way to Luna Park with an all you can ride pass. Rachad one of the UniLodge @ Melbourne residents shares his experience;

"We have spent a day full of fun at Luna Park! Although I am really scared of heights, I decided to try most of the rides.I really enjoyed the scenic roller coaster because I was able to see Saint Kilda beach from really high. I remember that each time the roller coaster went down really fast, I held on soo tight!

There was another ride that turns you upside down! So I waited in line with my friends for our turn and then I saw two of the staff holding a girl who was fainting and I got so scared! But my friends were encouraging me to try it! When we got inside the vehicle, then I imagined myself being upside down so I told them that I want to go out cause I will not be able to do it!

Other than that, it was an awesome fun day!! " - Rachad Atat

Ada, the UniLodge receptionist also braved the rides for the first time going on a roller coaster. Apparently after the first ride, none of the residents wanted to sit next to her because she made so much noise! Here you can see her, sun glasses on yelling all the way down the slope of the scenic rail way!
Mind you, there are quite a few excited residents on this train!

So, don't forget to check our online calendar for upcoming events as June is going to be big!

Rock Climbing 2010

On Saturday 8 May 2010, UniLodge @Melbourne arranged a rock-climbing activity as a part of the Community Spirit program. Sam and I were two Residential Advisors that participated in the activity with about 20 other UniLodge residents.

It was a fantastic experience. To most of us, it was our first experience doing rock climbing. Arriving at the location, we had a briefing session explaining the equipments worn and how to use them. The instruction sounded lengthy at first, but once the harnesses were worn and set properly, we only needed to remember how to climb and pull the safety rope with our partners. Pretty simple.

The activity was so much fun. (though as you can see, I did need to concentrate when holding my partners rope!)

We got to know each other better and made new friends with neighbours from different floors, especially with the person you're partnering with. It was a good exercise for arms and legs, and also your courage. The pictures and videos taken would definitely be Facebook worthy and are currently in our online photo album at http://www.communityspirit.com/ . Hehehe...

This is certainly a must-try activity, and I strongly encourage you all to participate next time. Don't worry if you're afraid of heights. We first trained by climbing a short wall, and once you get used to it, you'll want to climb higher. You may even overcome your fear of height after all the fun.

I look forward to joining the next Community Spirit event with you all.

Cheers,


Budiaman