USC Gympie will welcome more than 60 new students who have opted to start their studies at the halfway point of the academic year.

Tomorrow (Wednesday 17 July), the students will join in a Semester 2 Orientation program filled with social and academic activities to introduce them to university life.

Some of the new students have taken a six-month gap since finishing high school, while others are non-school leavers upgrading their skills or embarking mid-year on the path to a new career.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said Orientation would help lay the foundations for a successful start to their studies and university experience.

“USC’s Orientation program helps students get ready for university in a way that is both informative and fun,” Professor Hill said.

It includes live music, market stalls, games and a free lunch as well as essential information sessions on study programs and USC’s library, IT and course management systems.

“Orientation is also a time to make valuable connections, with the opportunity to meet lecturers, tutors and other new students, ” Professor Hill said.

“They can find out more about campus life from current students and connect with USC’s social, sporting and support groups,” he said.

As part of Orientation activities, USC will run a day of workshops on IT, research fundamentals and academic writing on Thursday 18 July to help students develop skills and strategies to enhance their learning.

Semester 2 starts next Monday 22 July.