I'm not sure if RMIT's allocate system is similar to Monash's. However, given I've seen Deakin (whose allocate system operates the same as Monash's), I assume RMIT would be similar.
In basic terms: the allocate system is the timetable allocation system. It's the system that allows you to pick when you'd like to have which classes when and spits out your official uni timetable for that semester (or whatever you call the teaching period).
Generally, how it runs is as follows:
1. Pick your units - You pick your units, which is what you've already done.
2. Allocation system opens - The allocate system opens and you will be provided access to a range of class options for each class each unit has e.g. you might be able to pick between a Monday 8am session, a Tuesday 9am session or a Tuesday 10am session for 1 out of 2 lectures for OENG1166.
3. Choose your preferences - You pick your preferences for each session e.g. Preference #1 might be the Tuesday 9am session for the above example, Preference #2 might be the Tuesday 10am session, Preference #3 might be the Monday 8am session because you know you're a night owl and can't study at 8am. The number of preferences will be stated somewhere, but not all options may make it on to your preferences e.g. you might be forced to list 6 preferences, while there are 10 options in total. In this case, list 6 (or however many they want you to put on your preferences). Please note that you need to pick your top preferences accordingly to make up part of your ideal timetable, so keep any other commitments e.g. work times, and limitations e.g. commute times in mind when picking a preference. When you put your Preference #1s for all of your classes together, it should make up your ideal timetable. (This might be a bit confusing, so let me know if you don't understand.)
4. Allocation system closes temporarily - Preferences later close temporarily. All preferences will be considered and RMIT will try to allocate as many people the best possible timetable they can.
5. Allocation system opens again and your official timetable is allocated - The allocation system opens up again. This time they will have given you a timetable. There's a period in which you can try to switch out of times you've been allocated that you're not happy with, have (avoidable) clashes with other classes, or simply can't do e.g. because you can't make it due to work. If a time slot is full, then you'll either (a) watch if someone else moves out of the one you want and you pick that class as soon as it's available or (b) ask someone who is in that time slot you want to switch with you. (Note: If it's a lab or attendance-based class, you might need to see a staff member e.g. the unit coordinator to ensure that the change is made on the attendance records.)
6. Allocation system closes for that teaching period - After the 'switching out' period ends, you will only be able to withdraw from units and no more timetable changes can be made for units that teaching period e.g. Semester 1 2020. This is usually close to the census date or final withdrawal date.
Some side notes:
- You'll have to repeat this entire process each teaching period e.g. each semester, if there are options for you to pick from. For now, you'll only have to pick preferences for your first semester of 2020.
- If a subject only has one slot or doesn't have any designated contact hours, you don't have to put any preferences down. If there's just one slot, it's usually automatically allocated.
- If you forget to pick preferences within the given time frame or get a late course offer and accepted it, you'll be automatically allocated classes.
- There's usually a few weeks between most steps in the process.
- If you switch units, you'll have to pick or switch preferences for that new unit (where applicable).