Orientation week: 500 Hosts, one carnival and many new students

Orientation began with the host program, where new students were grouped according to
their course and given a campus tour by a later-year student 'host'.

Kathryn Boin, from Student and Orientation programs, said the Orientation Week program
provided students with insight to the academic and social sides of university life.

Project Officer Simone Thorpe said preparing for the week was a University-wide effort.
"Orientation is a huge collaboration between departments, services, faculties and graduate
schools, who work together to create a positive and energetic welcome to new students
coming into the University community," she said. 

Ms Thorpe said spreading orientation across four days meant students could attend as many
different events as possible, have many opportunities to meet new students, get connected to
University services and prepare for the year ahead.

"There is so much to fit in and so much information for the students to absorb," she said.

New to the program this year was the mini-carnival at the Southbank campus. Students
enjoyed a free lunch, carnival games, henna tattooing and live entertainment while finding
out what services and resources were available to them through their student services and
student union representatives.

The largest crowds were drawn to Parkville's Orientation Carnival, where new students met
Student Services and Student Union representatives in a festive atmosphere.

The carnival offered giveaways, interactive games and prizes to encourage to students
become involved while giving staff a chance to engage with the new students.

Another popular attraction this year was the Future Spark Bike, which students pedalled to
power a smoothie blender, highlighting the University's commitment to a sustainable
campus.