It’s one of the most exciting and important dates on the university calendar, with UniSC staging a week of Orientation events to welcome more than 4,800 new students across its five campuses from Moreton Bay to Fraser Coast.

From 20-24 February, students will be officially introduced to UniSC with a mix of on-campus and online sessions and activities designed to set them up for the best possible start to their studies.

From school leavers to those venturing in new career directions, it’s a chance to experience both the academic and social side of university life, with study skills workshops, program sessions, markets, live music, games and campus tours.

“We have great ambitions for our students and do all we can to support them to succeed in their studies and make an impact in their future careers,” UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said.

“Orientation is an important first step as students embrace this next exciting stage of their lives. And it’s the perfect opportunity to meet other students and university staff who will join them on their tertiary education journey," Professor Bartlett said.

Events will be held at the Sunshine Coast campus on Monday and Tuesday, Caboolture campus on Monday, Fraser Coast on Tuesday, followed by events at Gympie on Wednesday and Moreton Bay on Thursday. Students can also join an online Orientation from Monday to Friday. More details here.

Nursing, Psychology, Creative Industries, Design and Engineering are among the most popular programs at UniSC this year. There is also keen interest in UniSC’s new Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics, the first and only program in Queensland that allows students to specialise in this area.

Eighteen-year-old Victoria Maher (pictured) from Maryborough is among a select group of students who now have the opportunity to gain specialised skills and knowledge to help those who have amputations, musculoskeletal weaknesses, or neurological conditions.

“It’s a mix of excitement and nerves for me but I am looking forward to Orientation and starting a degree that will lead to a career that can make a difference to so many lives,” she said.

“A degree in orthotics and prosthetics appealed as it is a unique specialty that combines both clinical and mechanical aspects,” said Victoria, a house captain at Aldridge State High who received the school’s Ampol – All Rounder of Year Award for outstanding academic achievement.

“It is thrilling to think of what we'll be able to achieve in future in this field with advances in technology.”

Classes begin on Monday 27 February but there is still time to apply to study at UniSC in Semester 1.