About 11,000 new and returning students are ready to kick off one of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest student events of the year.

USC Welcome Week will run from Monday 23 February to Friday 27 February, offering a full program of information sessions, tours, social activities and entertainment as students get oriented for a new year at the Sippy Downs campus.

A highlight of this year’s event will be Tuesday’s New Semester Fiesta, complete with Mexican Cantina, music by DJs, free barbecue, obstacle course, giant and inflatable games.

Tuesday 24 February is expected to be the most colourful day, with activities ranging from Quidditch (played on broomsticks), giant Twister and barefoot bowls to cooking demonstrations, market stalls and photography and creative writing displays.

Almost 4,000 new students will join about 7,000 current students when Semester 1 starts on Monday 2 March.

USC Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Birgit Lohmann said Orientation provided plenty of opportunities for new students to get to know their campus, its facilities and services, before classes started.

“I encourage all USC students to attend Welcome Week to prepare for their studies in 2015 while having some fun and making new friends,” she said.

The week’s program includes practical sessions on degree programs, IT and library use, and student support services.

Academics and administrative staff, student ambassadors and mentors will be answering individual questions, while a Parent Lounge will be set up in the Library.

Thursday 26 February will feature the USC Student Guild’s ‘Last Chance at Childhood’ celebrations at the Uni Club, including a Clubs and Societies Fair, slack-lining competition with USC Activate, music, food and games into the evening.

For a timetable and further information, go to the Welcome Week web page.

— Julie Schomberg