Queensland`s student population is about to explode with the annual influx of school leavers ready to start University.
Around 6500 first-year students from all over the world will converge on The University of Queensland for Orientation Week 2005 from Monday, February 21 to Friday, February 25.
The event is one of the highlights of UQ`s student calendar and will include the Ignition rock concert on the 25th featuring Spiderbait, as well as sporting activities and free BBQ`s throughout the week.
But it won`t be all fun and games for these young people as many leave home for the first time to juggle the demands of academia with finding part-time work and somewhere to live.
The University`s Student Centre Manager Kate Heffernan said Orientation was designed to help new students make the transition to University life easier through information sessions, tours and social activities.
Ms Heffernan said the key was to be involved and informed.
“Orientation is not just about learning where your classrooms are and filling in forms, it`s about introducing new students to the vibrant University community,” she said.
“Group meetings will be held throughout the week covering every aspect of University life including accommodation, transferring programs, academic preparation and information technology.
“There will also be special sessions for international students and those who are new to Brisbane.”
A new state-of-the-art Student Centre will provide a one-stop-shop for student services while the invaluable Library/Cybrary tours will be an important part of the orientation program, with those students who attend receiving a free coffee or ice cream.
The UQ Union`s biggest event of the year, the St Lucia campus Market Day, will take place on Wednesday, February 23 where students can grab a free showbag and diary and sign up with any of the 140 clubs or societies. The Ipswich and Gatton campuses will each hold a Market Day on Thursday, February 24.
Fourth year Arts/Law student Anna Caldwell can still remember her first week at the St Lucia campus.
“Market Day is perhaps the quintessential first year experience, not only does the information available on the day stand you in good stead to start UQ life, but the day itself is great entertainment value,” she said.
“The opportunities to be involved in things at UQ are infinite and Market Day is an ideal way to investigate groups, societies and sports clubs you are keen to join.”
Ms Caldwell said Orientation was part of the initiation into university life.
“It is an ideal opportunity to discover ways to minimise inevitable academic challenges,” she said.
“It may sound mundane, but getting organised and taking good notes really is the key to survival and success.”
A free UQ Orientation Guide has been produced with information about all activities, including academic advising sessions and Library/Cybrary services. Students can find out about Orientation activities by logging on to www.uq.edu.au/orientation.
For photos, contact Photo Library Coordinator Diana Lilley (telephone 07 3365 2753, email d.lilley@uq.edu.au).
Media: For more information, contact Student Centre Manager Kate Heffernan (telephone 07 3365 6151, email kate.heffernan@uq.edu.au) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479, email c.saxby@uq.edu.au).
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