Orientation can be a daunting time for many students new to university life. The University of Queensland Orientation Week from February 23 to 27 hopes to make the experience easier by providing information sessions, tours, and social activities.
UQ Student Centre Acting Manager Sherrie Hoang said this year, for the first time, the orientation process would be split into Pre-Orientation, Orientation Week and Recovery Week.
“It’s designed to give students time to adapt to university life while they learn about the facilities and services on offer and get to know other students,” Ms Hoang said.
The UQ Union’s biggest event of the year, the St Lucia campus Market Day, will take place on Wednesday, February 25 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 26.
2002 UQ Master of Philosophy graduate Aimée Heuzenroeder, who was recently awarded a $150,000 General Sir John Monash Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, remembers her orientation experience well.
“Whether you’re new to Brisbane or just new to the University you have to be prepared to ask questions, even ones that seem silly,” she said.
“Let people know when you need a bit of help, be it with your course or finding work or accommodation. You’ll be surprised how willing people are to lend a hand and it’s invaluable to start developing a support network.”
An important part of Orientation will be the social activities that allow students to relax. The highlight of the social activities will be the UQ Union’s Big Gig concert at the St Lucia campus on Friday, February 27. Acts will include Pete Murray, Soma Rosa, Hilltop Hoods and Kid Kay Ferris.
UQ Ipswich will hold a Parents’, Partners’, Friends’ and Students BBQ on Thursday, February 26. This will be followed by a welcome from UQ’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development) Professor Trevor Grigg.
Students at the Gatton campus can sign up for on campus accommodation on Thursday, February 26. The same evening the UQ Gatton Student association will host the Boxers, Boots and Hats free dance at the Campus Club at 8pm.
A free UQ Orientation Guide has been produced with information about all activities, including academic advising sessions and Library/Cybrary services. Students attending Library/Cybrary tour sessions will receive a free coffee or ice cream.
“A library tour was an essential part of the orientation experience; I can’t recommend that highly enough. If you become familiar with the library services right from the beginning then you have a head start and you also know who to approach with tricky questions when they arise,” Ms Heuzenroeder said.
Information about Orientation activities can be found at 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 Acting Manager Sherrie Hoang (telephone 3365 6151, email s.hoang@admin.uq.edu.au) or Chris Saxby at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2479, email c.saxby@uq.edu.au).
.jpg)
