UQ a hive of activity for Orientation Week

The University of Queensland opens its doors to more than 12,000 new students this week, with a host of Orientation Week activities across campuses at St Lucia, Gatton and Herston.

The new students will include 2600 international students from 96 countries.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter Høj welcomes new students to UQ

UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Joanne Wright said Orientation Week, or O-Week, was an opportunity for new students to familiarise themselves with UQ’s campuses, clubs and societies, and with the sporting and cultural programs on offer.

“O-Week caters for students from all backgrounds, offering events for international students, orientation activities within various schools, and library tours to assist their studies,” Professor Wright said.

“It’s a great chance for students to get a head start on their learning program and to take part in social and academic activities to introduce them to life and study at UQ.

“We have wonderful staff here to support students academically, but also more generally with settling in, finding accommodation and accessing important welfare services if they need them.

“We are looking forward to welcoming students to UQ, and introducing them to the rich and proud history of the University.”

The biggest activity during O-Week is Market Day (Wednesday at St Lucia and Thursday at Gatton) where students can join clubs and societies and enjoy entertainment and give-aways.

UQ Union (UQU) President Kathryn Cramp said University Drive, Campbell Place and the Great Court at UQ’s St Lucia campus would be transformed into a street market with more than 55 stalls.

“Students can sign up to the UQ Union newsletter, as well as to academic, social justice, community and hobby clubs that suit their interests and help them connect with other students,” Ms Cramp said.

“This year, we will also have a dive tank – where students can learn to scuba dive and have a chance at winning great prizes, like trips to Fraser and Magnetic islands.”

There will be live music from 10am-2pm on Tuesday and Thursday at the UQU Complex, a neon party to welcome first-year students on Friday, give-aways at the UQU Complex all week and markets at Campbell Place on Friday.

More information available at: http://orientation.uq.edu.au/oweek and at UQ's Facebook page.

Media: UQ Communications, Caroline Bird, 07 3365 1130, c.bird1@uq.edu.au.