O-Week

What is O-Week?

First and foremost, Orientation Week (or O-Week as it's more commonly known) is about meeting and getting to know new people. Likewise, it’s a time to explore and discover your new “home away from home” in Melbourne. Orientation leaders organise a calendar of activities that you are encouraged to get involved in. There are also some compulsory sessions to attend to induct you into the College. O-Week kicks off with Welcome Saturday, which usually takes place on the third Saturday in February (the date will be confirmed in your contract). All new students move in on this date.

O-Week events

Throughout the week, there’s a jam-packed schedule of activities to get you settled into college and pumped for the year ahead. There’s everything from picnics down by the Yarra River, to races around the city, to formal dinners, Corridor Cuppas, and of course, some epic nights where you’ll get to boogie away with all of your new friends.

These student activities are meticulously designed for you guys by a team of around 50 O-Week Leaders. In doing so, it’s our number one priority to ensure the events are both accessible and inclusive, that they are founded with the goal of promoting friendship building and comfort in your new home, and of course, for you to have the most amazing time possible. We must stress it can be a very busy week, and for some students, the semester may have already begun. So while it's great to get involved as much as possible, it's okay to take a step back - you don't have to attend everything!

Meeting new friends

You might also be thinking, “surely it will be difficult to meet and get to know new people with so many first years?” Never fear! Throughout the week you’ll be grouped into small teams of about 10-15 people with a trio of O-Week Leaders helping you out along the way. Similarly, your O-Week Leaders become your make-shift college parents, who you know you can rely on, go to for advice and get tips about transitioning to college and university life.

Beyond your immediate team groups, there are also plenty of amazing dinners, picnics and opportunities throughout the week where you’ll get to meet new people from other teams, bond with your corridor and get to know the other O-Week Leaders, the Resident Tutors, and staff!

Homesickness

Homesickness is certainly a common feeling when moving out of home and into college.

So, first of all remember you’re not alone, and in many cases, your friends (who might even be feeling the same way) will always be around to help out, comfort you with late night snacks, and take your mind off things. Similarly, University College has an incredible structure of wellbeing support from O-Week Leaders, to our Resident Tutors , to our Wellbeing Coordinator Katie and Youth Workers, there is support all around which is accessible nearly 24/7.

People are always here for you at UC, and you shouldn’t fear chatting to someone about it all (people are a lot more mature here than in high school). When it comes to University, the best thing to keep in mind is that all the first-years at University College are in the exact same boat as you, and your tutors/lecturers know and understand this. No one expects you to already know what you’re doing! If you have any specific concerns just flag them to your O-Week Leader, our Dean of Studies, Andre, or anyone you trust.

Everyone here is more than happy to help out.

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