Students crowd UQ campuses for Orientation Week

Summer holidays are coming to an end and empty UQ campuses become a hive of activity next month as students return for the academic year.

Students new to university are encouraged to take part in the New to UQ Information Sessions. Hosted by UQ Student and Academic Administration, the sessions run from now until February 17.

Student Centre Manager Kate Heffernan said the sessions allowed new students the opportunity to come onto campus, get informed and take a tour.

“In previous years, most new students have needed to wait until Orientation Week to begin on-campus activities. With the New to UQ sessions, students will get a chance to meet with staff from the Student Centre, UQ Union and other students who are new to the University.”

From February 17, Orientation Week (OWeek) begins at all campuses and will run until February 24.

OWeek will be a mix of information sessions, campus tours, learning workshops, barbecues and festivities.

UQ’s Library will hold tours and workshops on how to use library services, locate information and learn research and computer skills.

The UQ Union will hold sessions on life skills, accommodation and Union services.

Faculties and schools will hold information and introductory sessions for various programs. All information on these sessions and library information can be found in the Orientation Guide.

The guide is available online at: www.uq.edu.au/orientation

A highlight of the week will be the Market Days, which will be held at the St Lucia and Gatton campuses on February 22 from 10am to 3pm, and the Ipswich campus on February 23 from 10am to 2pm.

Market Days are an opportunity for new and continuing students to get a feel for the social side of University life.

About 200 clubs and society stalls will be on display in the St Lucia campus’ Great Court with the opportunity for students to ask questions and join.

Market Days will also include live music, sausage sizzles, free student diaries, entertainment and games.

UQ Sport will hold a number of stalls with displays of various sporting clubs. They will also offer games and facility promotions.

Break dancing, Kung Fu, swing dancing and the Brazilian martial art Capoeira will be some of the sport demonstrations. There will also be a volleyball net and tennis fast serve test game, as well as a rowing machine challenge.

“Orientation is a great opportunity for students to sign up for a recreation course or adventure activity,” UQ Sport's Kelly Chapman said.

“They can also look at joining social competitions or get involved in a sporting club.”

The week will finish with the UQ Union’s Ignition Festival on Friday night at St Lucia including bands, acrobatics, DJs, food and entertainment. The festival kicks off at 4.30pm.

UQ Gatton will also hold the Hats, Boots and Boxers Ball on Wednesday night, February 22 from 8pm at the Campus Club, as well as a student trivia night and beach party on Thursday, February 23.

For more information on UQ Union services, workshops and events, contact the Union on 3377 2200 or check out their website at: www.uqu.uq.edu.au

For more information, contact Elizabeth Kerr at UQ Communications (07 3365 2339, e.kerr@uq.edu.au)