By EMILIE BAXTER

Monash University students say they are fed up with sharing the Monash University libraries and shuttle bus services with “disruptive” and “inconsiderate” high school students.

Business and arts student Victoria Karalis said she was shocked high school students seemed to be allowed to take the shuttle bus, as Monash students often had to wait in line for limited places. 

“That bus is packed as it is, the last thing we need is kids with massive high school bags taking up space,” she said.

Ms Karalis said high school students who used the library were often loud, annoying and disruptive to study.

“High school students have so many resources available to them,” Ms Karalis said.

“We’re not allowed at high school libraries so I don’t know why they’re allowed at mine.”

Director of Education at Monash University Libraries Lisa Smith said the university’s facilities were open to all visitors.

“Our libraries are welcoming, engaging and stimulating places for current, prospective and past students, staff and members of the broader community,” Ms Smith said.

Ms Smith said that Monash students had complained about disruptive high school students in the past.

“We work directly with students and their schools to educate this user group about how to engage with a university library, and what is appropriate and expected behaviour.

“Many of these high school students are prospective Monash students and we welcome their engagement with our University campuses.”

First year psychology student Matthew Lu said he didn’t mind high school students using the libraries as long as they were not disruptive.

“As long as it’s not taking away from other Monash students then it’s fine,” Mr Lu said.

But as the exam period approached, Mr Lu said that it was important university students did not have to share their resources.

“People who study at Monash should be able to use everything they can to get the grades that they need,” Mr Lu said.

“If your grades were affected because you couldn’t use a computer or study properly because there was too much racket going on from high schoolers then that’s not okay.”

Mount Waverley College student Katherine said she preferred to study at Monash rather than her own school.

“Monash has nicer libraries and I get free Wi-Fi here,” Katherine said.

She said high school students should be able to share the facilities as long as they were respectful of the space.

“As long as you keep the volume down and you don’t make a lot of noise then it should be fine,” she said.

The Monash University Library Terms of Use states users must respect the rights of others including to study and pursue research without disturbance or distraction.

If a high school student is being disruptive in the library, Monash students are encouraged to report the conduct to library staff.

The shuttle buses are intended for staff and students of Monash University, who may be asked to show their ID.

A Monash University representative said high school students from the John Monash Science School were also permitted to take the shuttle bus, as the school was based on campus.

Students who see high school students from other schools are asked to report this to the bus driver.