Orientation 2018 two weeks long-essential or no?

[Notarobot]

Hello,
How essential is it to go to all of the Orientation? Melb Uni's Orientation is two weeks long (12-23 Feb) and I might be away and can't get there until 20 Feb.
I live in Melbourne and am pretty familiar with the Uni because one of my parents works there so maybe I won't need to do all of Orientation; on the other hand, I go to an under-represented school and might not know anyone in my course so I'd like to meet people.
Also, if I am away, will I still be able to enrol in subjects and tutorials? I'll have internet access. Or do I need to be there in person in February.
That's assuming I get an offer for Melbourne Uni (still two exams to go, no idea how I'm going) of course. The other unis seem to have only 1 week of Orientation...
Thanks
 

[Shadowxo]

Hello,
How essential is it to go to all of the Orientation? Melb Uni's Orientation is two weeks long (12-23 Feb) and I might be away and can't get there until 20 Feb.
I live in Melbourne and am pretty familiar with the Uni because one of my parents works there so maybe I won't need to do all of Orientation; on the other hand, I go to an under-represented school and might not know anyone in my course so I'd like to meet people.
Also, if I am away, will I still be able to enrol in subjects and tutorials? I'll have internet access. Or do I need to be there in person in February.
That's assuming I get an offer for Melbourne Uni (still two exams to go, no idea how I'm going) of course. The other unis seem to have only 1 week of Orientation...
Thanks
 

All the enrolling is done online, so you don't need to go in in order to enrol
Around you get your offer, you should also get some information on things that you should go to (like subject information sessions etc). If I remember correctly it's around late January. Again, it's not necessary but if you can go, it'll be useful.
Closer to orientation, look at what's on each of the days. Some things are good to go to (like the Clubs and Societies days, where you can sign up to clubs). You don't need to go to everything and it's not important, just fun
Also, you'll make most of your friends in classes, so don't worry if you don't make friends before Uni starts!

[Jalapeno]

If you come from an under-represented school, look into taking part in Destination Melbourne. It's a pre-orientation program that happens in late January (I think), so you can make a few friends there.

Also, the first week of that orientation program will most likely be a few optional lectures here and there on helping you transition into uni, such as how to use the library, how to study, etc.

[izzydes]

Hello,
How essential is it to go to all of the Orientation? Melb Uni's Orientation is two weeks long (12-23 Feb) and I might be away and can't get there until 20 Feb.
I live in Melbourne and am pretty familiar with the Uni because one of my parents works there so maybe I won't need to do all of Orientation; on the other hand, I go to an under-represented school and might not know anyone in my course so I'd like to meet people.
Also, if I am away, will I still be able to enrol in subjects and tutorials? I'll have internet access. Or do I need to be there in person in February.
That's assuming I get an offer for Melbourne Uni (still two exams to go, no idea how I'm going) of course. The other unis seem to have only 1 week of Orientation...
Thanks
 

Hi!! When I did orientation last year it didn't take up the whole 2 weeks. From what I understand in the first part of O-week there are info sessions run by faculties and stuff, but then in the second week - closer to when classes start - more of the social things happen. That part was more important to me to attend. For me my faculty organised a tour from a student in my course which was great because I got to ask a current student questions and got to meet some new people. In saying that though I don't remember anyone who I met in O-week!! I would suggest going for the 'clubs carnival' in that week which i think is spread over two days. Its just lots and lots of free food, pencils, water bottles and stuff! Its a really great opportunity to launch yourself into extra-curricular things, especially because it can be annoying to have to sign up for clubs later by having to wait for their next event.
I actually only ended up going into Uni for 2 days during O week (for faculty info and tours, and the carnival day) and felt that was enough for me!

[spectroscopy]

orientation isnt that important but go to one of the orientation camps if you can. that shit was soo good

[Kerjifire]

G'day, 3rd Year student here.

The first week is non-essential, it's a non teaching week and is designed to help you socialise and meet people which in itself is soooo essential. All the clubs run various events throughout the week like O-Week Party and pub crawls.

The second week is when classes officially start but most of the first lectures are introductory lectures eg. saying hi to the people around you etc.

I really strongly recommend you attend O-Week, it's literally where I met almost all of my friends to date. Oh, and I second spectroscopy's comment camps ^ they're the best.