Find out what your university is doing for O-Week this year

The start of the university year is fast approaching and will kick off with O-Week celebrations soon. Here’s what your university is doing.

For the students who completed year 12 last year, this summer has been one to relax and celebrate the end of all those stressful exams.

But for many of those students, it’s time to get ready for the study and exams once again when university kicks off.

But before all that begins, there’s ‘O-Week’.

Leader has put together a guide of what each Victorian university is doing for Orientation Week, so students can get a taste of what is to come next month when the festivities begin.

Monash University

Monash University students are in for a treat this O-Week, with a huge program comprising more than 500 in-person and online events on offer. The university’s campuses will host festivals, topped off with a huge block party that previously featured Flight Facilities in 2022. The mystery 2023 headliner will be announced in the lead up to O-Week. The orientation program will also include high-profile guest speakers, events that highlight Indigenous voices, while World Pride Week will be celebrated with an inaugural, on-campus Pride March. Find out more here.

Swinburne University

Swinburne University will stage the start of year celebrations over two weeks, with Orientation Week from February 13 focusing on course inductions, joining clubs, campus tours and free food for students. During the first week of classes, known as Welcome Back Week, Swinburne University will hold a celebratory carnival. According to the university, the decision to spread out the activities was based on research finding that students often were overwhelmed during O-Week. More details are here.

Victoria University

Victoria University will run its O-Fest from February 7 to 16, across all six campuses. This includes academic orientation sessions across the week, plus a full social orientation program with events across Melbourne. The university will also host a family welcome day on February 11, with campus tours. The week will finish with a big Block Party on February 16 with carnival rides, live entertainment, musical performances from students and free food. Check out the details here.

Victoria University students will celebrate O-Week with a Block Party on campus. (Picture: Victoria University)

La Trobe University

The La Trobe University 2023 Orientation is set to be bigger than ever, with stalls, giveaways, roving performers, live music, performances and other activities. Highlights will include a moonlight cinema, pool party, after hours party, 48-hour filmmaking challenge and trivia. The university’s hybrid orientation program will be delivered to more than 30,000 students across six campuses, accessible for students 24 hours a day. The week will provide new students with the opportunity to meet with academics, connect with student clubs and find out about the programs, facilities and support services. See all the details here.

University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne Orientation week will feature commencement ceremonies for all students from February 20. The Discover UniMelb program will keep the festival atmosphere going with events year round to help students feel at home on campus throughout the semester. Highlights of the orientation program will include the Wominjeka Indigenous Welcome to Country in Week 1, followed by a series of activities and events which will bring the campus to life. Find out more here.

RMIT University

RMIT University’s O-Week will kick off on February 20, featuring campus tours, DJ parties, live entertainment and more across its three Melbourne campuses. The program will also provide students with the opportunity to learn about their programs, meet teaching staff, explore their campus and enjoy social events and activities. There will also be a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by a Wurundjeri Elder and free lunch for students. Check out all the information here.

Federation University

Federation University will celebrate O-Week with FedFest, featuring free food trucks, live music, merchandise, prize giveaways and market stalls. The celebrations will also include giant inflatable games, limbo and dunk challenges, badge making, mural fest, creative spaces, mini golf, reptile shows and an all-day gaming lounge. There will be emphasis on the Peer Mentor Program and student volunteers to assist students. Heads of Campus will conduct official welcomes as part of ‘Welcome Breakfast’ events and Welcome to Country ceremonies will be held in collaboration with local Indigenous Co-op’s. See the details here.

Deakin University

Deakin University will run it’s OFest over O-Week and the first week of classes, with 70 activities and events across all campuses and online. The university will offer campus tours, social events and activities to welcome students, helping to connect them with their peers and support services. Events include market days with opportunities to join more than 100 clubs, Beats and Eats with food, music and fun, Welcome to Country, Come Try Sport events, free breakfasts and much more. The highlight of the festivities is set to be the Welcome Days, which will include live music and combine with Market Day. The Market Days are include live music, free food, giveaways and more. Find out details about your orientation at Deakin University here.