The Orientation Week at various Australian universities is the eagerly anticipated “treasure week” for every new student! During this week, you will experience a series of exciting events that will help you quickly integrate into this brand new environment.
What is Orientation Week or O-Week?
O-Week is the abbreviation for Orientation Week. Before the official commencement of classes, the school organises an introduction event for new students, known as Orientation. Typically, O-Week takes place in the week leading up to the start of the school term. Its primary purpose is to assist new students in quickly integrating into and understanding campus life. It also serves as a great opportunity for making new friends!
Orientation (O-Week) Guide
Campus Exploration Tour
During O-Week, most Australian universities arrange volunteers, often older students, to guide everyone around the campus. These volunteers, usually seniors, will help new students get acquainted with the locations and functions of the main buildings on campus. It’s crucial for everyone to memorise the locations of their class buildings based on the information provided in the timetable. Additionally, pay close attention to the geography and facilities of the library as it will likely become one of the most frequented places on campus for you!
Social Activities and Club Recruitment
In each school’s orientation week activities, there will be hundreds of clubs and organisations recruiting new members. Apart from the common interest clubs such as dance, music, games, and sports, you might also come across fresh and interesting clubs like pet, environmental protection, language, bubble tea, and more! While exploring these various clubs, there are plenty of goodies to grab. Almost every booth will use small gifts to attract the attention of students, so you can easily end up with a bag full of snacks and drinks after casually strolling around for half a day!
Entertainment Activities
Many Australian universities organise entertaining activities or performances during O-Week, such as music performances! Some schools even offer free ‘meal vouchers,’ allowing you to feast at the campus food truck area, like UTS! After completing morning registration and receiving your exclusive ‘meal voucher,’ you can leisurely enjoy a day of fun with friends around the campus!
Q&A and Support Services
During the Orientation Week, the university will also provide various support services to help you address potential challenges in your student life. These services may include visa consultation, accommodation arrangements, mental health support, and more. You can seek assistance from the university at any time to ensure a smooth and enjoyable life in Australia.
Academic Resources Introduction
Academic resources are essential for every international student. During the Orientation Week, the university will provide you with an introduction to various academic resources and training. These may include academic writing skills, course selection guidance, mentorship programs, and more. Through these activities, you can better understand academic requirements and enhance your learning efficiency.
In summary, the Orientation Week at Australian universities is a week full of surprises and rewards! Don’t miss out on this opportunity!