A guide to O-Week 2017

7 February 2017

Date: 07 February 2017

As we kick off the new academic year, thousands of international students are now arriving in Sydney and New South Wales (NSW) from all over the world to begin their studies!

Students are greeted through a range of orientation and other welcome events across the state. Our NSW universities and some other education institutions hold an Orientation Week or "O-Week", which takes place before classes start.

O-Week events and activities are designed to help new students settle in and celebrate the beginning of the academic year before all the hard work begins. O-Week gives students a chance to get familiar with their campus, meet new friends, find out about student services and prepare for the year ahead.

Here are some examples of activities planned at universities around NSW:

The University of Sydney is holding a series of international student drop-in sessions from 20 February – 9 March. Come along and ask any questions you may have about living in Sydney and settling in to University.

Come along and join one of The University of Newcastle’s 100 clubs or societies at their Orientation Expo from 21 – 23 February. Joining a club is one of the best ways to meet people and learn about the Australian culture.

Slide down a giant inflatable slide, play bubble soccer or human foosball at UNSW Sydney from 20 – 24 February.

Join an English Conversation Group at the University of Wollongong. Practice your English speaking skills and meet new people. The classes started on 17 January and run twice a week.

Learn how to master LinkedIn and get tips on how to find part-time work while studying at the UTS Craft your Career sessions held between 20 Feb - 10 March 2017.

Visit your education institution's website for details about any orientation events you can take part in and have a great O-Week!

If your education institution doesn’t have an O-Week program there are still lots of ways to celebrate the beginning of your study adventure in NSW and get involved. Check out our suggestions below:

Join a club or society

Joining a sports group, club or society is a great way to make new friends, take up a hobby and learn new skills, so make sure to explore opportunities to join up during O-Week.

Jump on a campus tour

Most education institutions will have campus tours to help orientate students to inform them about key resources such as libraries, student support offices and sport facilities and where they are located.

Visit our NSW International Student Airport Welcome Desk

The NSW International Student Airport Welcome Desk is now open. Our dedicated student volunteers are ready and waiting to help orientate students arriving at Sydney International Airport. Get a map and more information about the desk here.