How to make the most of O Week
The idea of university life can seem daunting, especially if you’re moving to a different country for higher education. In Australia, Orientation Week (often known as O Week) is a program of social events and activities that introduce new students to life and study at their chosen university. It’s helpful for new students who are looking for a chance to adapt to a new environment.
We’ve compiled some tips for making the most of O Week.
Start making friends
You might be nervous to attend O Week alone, but it’s the perfect place to start making new friends. You’ll find different international students who are in a similar situation as you. Encourage yourself to step out of your comfort zone and meet new people. Everyone at O Week is on the same mission: to settle in and make new friends!
Explore your campus
Lost On Campus is a great app for the first few weeks at uni. With this app, you can search for the room you need to get to and it will show photos of the door and offer tips on how to get there on time. However, the only way you can truly feel like you belong on campus is to explore it. If you’re not sure where to start, join a campus tour.
Get organised
O Week is the perfect time to get organised and work out what you need to start class. Here are some important things to get done before your first class begins:
- Ensure you have your student card ready and printed early so you have access to all on-campus equipment.
- Get your student login details sorted to view your timetable and course announcements.
- Prepare for course induction sessions to find out specific information and study requirements about your courses.
- Have you thought about your commute? Whether you’re driving or taking public transport, it’s important to plan to avoid being late. If you’re taking public transport, be sure to look into getting a concession card for cheaper fares.
Join clubs and societies
Expect a lot of yelling and shouting during O Week! Club representatives will urge you to sign up — it can be overwhelming. Clubs and societies cover everything from sport to math and drama, and are a great way to get involved in uni. The best thing about joining clubs and societies are the discounts and freebies! You can enjoy the perks of being a society or club member when it comes to food, drinks and society parties, which gives you more incentive to sign up.
Useful links:
- 5 things to consider before opening an Australian bank account
- Tools to help improve your academic English
- Tips for planning your uni timetable
