The Iglu Guide | Blog
The Ultimate Guide To O-Week
With the academic calendar just about to kick off for the year ahead, it’s time to find out exactly what your university has to offer – and how you can make the most of it. That’s where O-Week comes in. Often thought of as the very best part of starting university, and no longer simply the domain of new students, O-Week is the perfect way to get the lowdown on your new university. And best of all, you get to make a whole bunch of friends along the way. So, before you start to worry about what’s what and who’s where, O-Week is there to do all the hard work for you.
So, what’s O-Week all about?
Orientation Week, or O-Week as it is more commonly referred to, is the chance for all students to get to know their university beyond the academic headlines. Heading off to uni can be a daunting prospect for many students, especially if it’s the first time living away from home without the comfort of familiar faces around you. The transition from school student to uni student can be tricky, and some students find it more difficult to settle into student life than others. That’s where O-Week plays an important role, because life looks a lot brighter when you’re having fun with other like-minded students along the way.
What’s on for O-Week?
This week-long extravaganza hosts a mix of stalls, events and information sessions aimed at giving students a genuine of flavour of what’s on offer at their university. From campus tours and summer picnics through to orientation activities and introduction to student services, O-Week is the ideal way to connect with other students, find out what goes on in your faculty and meet the new cohort. You can explore everything that’s available to you on campus and make the most of a fun start to your university years! Specifically designed to help ease students into a new way of life, O-Week has become so popular that it attracts students from across all year groups, and often spills over into a second week.
What’s in it for you?
Every event and activity offer something different. It’s always a good idea to take a look at the schedule in advance and pick off the events that most appeal to you. Otherwise, it can all feel a little overwhelming and it’s hard to know where to begin. Once you’ve ticked off your must-do list, you can browse around and have some fun. A jousting club might feel a bit left field the morning after, but it could well leave you with sharp decision-making skills, happy memories, and a new best friend. There’s always something to gain.
- Freebies – Every club or society is giving out those student freebies in an attempt to lure you into their orbit. Take all the freebies, but stay strong!
- New mates – No matter what activities you try, there are new connections to be made. And if you end up participating in something entirely unexpected but come out with a friend, it will all be worthwhile.
- Get to know your Uni – O-Week is a great way to get to know what your Uni offers outside of learning – from services and support, through to locating the right lecture hall!
- Jump on a tour – This is a great way to avoid getting lost on campus in those early weeks, and an ideal opportunity to strike up conversation with others.
- Meet your professors/course personnel – Faculty staff are often hanging around at O-Week events and are happy to answer your questions.
- Get organised – O-Week is the place to get any IT issues ironed out, pick up your student ID and any concession cards that will make student life easier.
Top tips
As much as O-Week is a whole bunch of fun, there is definitely a lot going on. Make sure you approach the events with a game plan in mind. Identify the parts that interest you, whether that’s lectures and tours or clubs and societies, and stick to your list. That way, you stay in control of your experience and avoid getting burnt out before the real student work begins.
- Keep your schedule realistic and keep your days balanced. Anything else you achieve or experience on top can be considered a bonus.
- Don’t feel pressure to participate – pick and choose how you want to engage.
- Dig deep and have some courage to get out of your comfort zone – discover what your Uni can offer you beyond the books.
- Chat to current students and start up conversation – you all have something in common. Even past students can remember what it was like to be new to the experience.
- Most of all – have fun! O-Week is set up with you in mind, so enjoy the experience and make the most of every opportunity.
