Thousands of new students will experience university life for the first time on Monday 17 February when Orientation Week begins at USC Sunshine Coast.

The University’s main campus at Sippy Downs will be abuzz as first-year students enjoy market stalls, live music, campus tours and social activities while learning what to expect from their studies through various workshops and presentations.

A Welcome to Country by the Gubbi Gubbi Dance Troupe will be held at midday and USC’s High Performance Student Athlete program for 2020 will be launched at 2pm, featuring the presentation of scholarships to some new student athletes.

The USC Student Guild has organised the market day from 10am to 1pm, a trivia night from 5-9pm, and bus trips later in the week to Australia Zoo and the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Throughout the week, USC will stage Orientation days at its other campuses from Fraser Coast to Brisbane, including at its new USC Moreton Bay campus at Petrie from Wednesday to Friday (19-21 February).

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Students) Professor Denise Wood AM said Orientation was absolutely fundamental for students gearing up to begin Semester 1 on 24 February.

“It’s one of the most vital weeks for students in terms of them being prepared for starting university,” she said. “They will get to know their teaching staff, meet new friends, learn more about their study programs and be connected with the support services available at USC.

“Our study skills sessions will help students find out what to expect of university study. Topics such as time management, IT skills, critical thinking for assignments, academic literacy and referencing will be covered.

“It’s also a fun week, with opportunities to socialise and get freebies, including their USC welcome bag and student diary.”

The full USC Orientation program can be viewed online.

— Terry Walsh