Celebrations are in full swing across The University of Queensland’s (UQ) campuses this week (18-22 February) with first year students taking part in Orientation Week (O-Week) festivities.
UQ, as the largest Queensland university, has enrolled about 9060 new undergraduates across its four Queensland campuses for 2013.
Vice-Chancellor welcomes students from The University of Queensland on Vimeo.
The University's commencing cohort of international undergraduate and postgraduate students number about 2400.
UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj said O-Week was an important way for new students to be introduced to UQ’s vibrant campus life as it provided a mix of educational, social, sporting and cultural opportunities.
“The students will be joining a University with a proud history and strong track record for research and learning success,” Professor Høj said.
“O-Week caters for students from all backgrounds, offering tailored events for international students, orientation activities within various schools and library tours to assist their studies. It’s a great chance for students to get a head start on their learning program."
Professor Høj said UQ had more than 170 clubs and societies, some dating back more than a century.
The UQ Rugby Club was formed in 1911, while the UQ Debating Society, ranked 6th in the world, was formed in 1960.
“I encourage students to enjoy their university days, stay safe during their studies and make the most of the exceptional opportunities available to them at UQ,” Professor Høj said.
University Drive, Campbell Place and the Great Court at UQ’s St Lucia Campus will be transformed into a street market with countless stalls, barbecues, entertainment, giveaways and demonstrations on Market Day, Wednesday, 20 February.
About UQ
The University of Queensland, Australia, is one of the world’s premier teaching and research institutions. It is consistently ranked in the top 100 in four independent global rankings. With more than 45,000 students and 6500 staff, UQ is a research-led university, spanning six faculties and eight research institutes.
Event Details What: The University of Queensland’s Orientation Week (O-Week) When: February 18-22 Where: St Lucia, Ipswich, Gatton and Herston
Market Day
The biggest activity during O-Week is Market Day where students can join clubs and societies, get free stuff and enjoy some entertainment.
• Ipswich Campus: Tuesday 19 February
• St Lucia Campus: Wednesday 20 February
• Gatton Campus: Thursday 21 February
More information available at: http://orientation.uq.edu.au/oweek and at UQ's Facebook page.
Visual Opportunities:
• A gallery of social shots of young groups of friends checking out Market Day.
• Students taking part in stall activities like archaeology digs, receiving freebies, taking part in sporting activities.
• Entertainment.
List of suburbs for first year students attending O-Week who are available for media interviews:
Suburb/Country
Benowa (Gold Coast)
St Lucia - an international student from Czechoslovakia
Kallangur (Redcliffe area)
Northlakes
Indooroopilly
Sunshine Coast
Spring Hill
Belmont
St Lucia - an international student from Mongolia
Robina
Kangaroo Point
International students on AusAid Scholarships participating in O-Week:
Female, 24, from Ecuador – studying Masters of Integrated Water Management
Male, 33, from Malawi – studying Masters of Development Practice
Female, 34, from Pakistan – studying Masters of Governance and Public Policy
To secure an interview or/and organise a photographer on the day please refer to the media contact details below:
Media: Belinda Berry, communications officer, +61 7 3365 3439 or b.berry2@uq.edu.au or communications@uq.edu.au
