O Week kicks off at CDU

About 700 students are expected to attend Charles Darwin University’s Casuarina campus during O Week, which begins today.

Students kicked off the week with a traditional smoking ceremony and official welcome, before being immersed in workshops, campus tours and academic sessions during the annual event, held in the lead-up to Semester One.

Bachelor of Science student Amy Bottolfsen, whose family moved to Darwin from London 13 years ago, said she discovered she wanted to pursue an optometry career, while visiting the UK.

“I worked in admin at an optometry clinic during my gap year, and learnt that my boss had opportunities to work overseas, including in developing countries,” Amy said.

“A career with the potential to do humanitarian work really appeals to me.

“Having a gap year after high school gave me time to think clearly about what I wanted to study.”

The Bachelor of Science will provide the foundation for Amy’s long-term goal to work in optometry.

O Week coordinator Karen Glazbrook said students would have access to workshops on how to avoid plagiarism, discover how to maximise their employability while studying, explore overseas study opportunities and attend an Indigenous knowledges showcase. 

“Orientation introduces students to campus life, their course requirements, the services available, and the opportunity to meet other students,” Ms Glazbrook said.

The social calendar includes speed-friending – like dating, but to match up new mates – early morning yoga, and a pancake breakfast, and the week will end with the CDU Amazing Race.

Orientation events also will be held at campuses in Alice Springs, Melbourne and Sydney. For more information, visit W: oweek.cdu.edu.au