Over a thousand students to get an early taste of university life as CDU Orientation Week begins

Students from across Australia and overseas are about to get their first taste of university life as Orientation Week activities begin at Charles Darwin University (CDU) campuses and online this week.

Over a thousand domestic and international students will attend in-person and online activities as part of CDU’s Orientation Week program which will run from February 27 to March 3.

At present enrolment numbers for new students starting at CDU in 2023 are strong, with just over 1950 newly enrolled domestic students and 360 newly enrolled international students for semester 1 2023.

It is expected that these numbers will increase to nearly 2150 new domestic students and 1000 new International students by the start of the semester.

Welcome events across CDU campuses will see students get their first glimpse into university life with welcome packs and information sessions on offer as well as the opportunity for students to meet their peers.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students and VET, Sam Jacob said Orientation Week events provided students with a sense of what university life will be like.

“Orientation Week is a great opportunity for students to come on campus or attend online events and find out more about their course and learn about the facilities and services available to them at CDU,” Mx Jacob said.

“We hope that students find the activities on offer during Orientation Week fun, engaging and informative and they help them to settle into their first semester of their studies.”

“We look forward to welcoming our students and wish them the best for their studies and academic future,” they said. 

Throughout the week students will have access to a range of online ‘how-to’ sessions and webinars which explain the fundamentals of the library, what scholarships are on offer, the different faculties and what university life may be like.

Students will also be able to access meet and greet sessions with course lecturers.

A specific information session for international students will help provide them with the ins and outs of studying and living in Australia and First Nations students will be supported with a range of information sessions from CDU’s First Nations Student Services team.  

CDU Orientation Week Co-ordinator Nina Iannello said the activities on offer will help students ease into their surroundings and feel welcome.

“Orientation Week is a great way for students to make a smooth transition into university life and connect with their peers and the University community,” Mrs Iannello said.

“There are plenty of activities happening across all of our campuses this week providing a chance for students to meet each other and get to know our services. If you can’t attend in person there are plenty of online activities as well.

“Orientation Week is designed to be a social and fun week and we hope our students enjoy it and take advantage of these activities and that it will hopefully help ease their minds about starting university."

The week will conclude with a Meet and Mingle event on Friday, March 3 where students will have the opportunity to interact with CDU student clubs and community stalls and take part in speed-friending activities and of course have some free food and drinks.

For more information on what is on during Orientation Week or to register, new students can go to: https://www.cdu.edu.au/orientation