Orientation
International Orientation Week Schedule
Orientation (known as “O Week”) is your first week at UON before classes start. It includes information sessions that will give you practical information about living and studying at the university, as well as a range of social activities and off campus outings to help you get to know the area and make new friends with other international and domestic students.
Orientation is a great opportunity find out what you need to know about university life and being a UON student!
International Student Welcome - Semester 1 2020
The International Student Welcome is your introduction to life in Australia and studying at UON. It includes an information session, activities and orientation events that will kick-start your university adventure and prepare you for your degree.
There will be free food, giveaways, a campus tour and activities where you’ll meet all of the other international students commencing at UON, so it’s a fantastic way to make new friends from all over the world.
See below for a detailed schedule of the day:
OURIMBAH CAMPUS
Monday 17 February 8.30 am to 3.00 pm
| TIME | VENUE | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|---|
| Various times depending on Faculty | LT1 Ourimbah campus | REGISTRATION: Faculty of Education and Arts - 8.30 am Faculty of Business and Law - 8.30 am Faculty of Science - 9.30 am Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment - 9.30 am Faculty of Health and Medicine - 10.30 am |
| 2.00 - 3.00 pm | CN2102 Ourimbah campus | International Student Orientation This is a compulsory session which includes information on student success and visa compliance, international engagement on campus, specific guidelines about learning and language support for international students. Register HERE! |
CALLAGHAN CAMPUS
Monday 17 February 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
| TIME | VENUE | ACTIVITY |
|---|---|---|
| 10.00 am | HD01 Griffith Duncan Theatre | Registration Register HERE! |
| 10.30 - 11.40 am | HD01 Griffith Duncan Theatre | International Student Welcome Session |
| 12.00 - 1.00 pm | Park on the Hill | Free BBQ Lunch with Stalls from International Student Clubs and iLEAD; activities and games All dietary requirements are catered for. |
| 1.00 - 1.45 pm | The Forum | NuSport - tour of the sports facilities and join in some friendly games (bring sports shoes) |
| 2.00 - 3.00 pm | The Glasshouse | Social activity (with Student Central) |
| 3.00 - 4.00 pm | HB15 | Faculty of Health and Medicine International Students’ Welcome Session (compulsory for students studying health programs) - please email your attendance to |
| 3.00 - 4.00 pm | CT210 | Study Abroad Enrolment Session and Articulation Enrolment Session |
Get Involved!
Student life is so much more than just studying and participating in on-campus activities, it's about experiencing a new lifestyle, exploring the city, travelling and making friends, and getting to try new things you may not be able to back in your home country.
Below is a range of fun excursions and activities designed to facilitate cross-cultural interaction between all students, introducing you to Australian culture, and allow you to experience the best of Newcastle and the Hunter.
OURIMBAH AND SYDNEY CAMPUS
Aussie Beach Session - Umina Beach Friday 21 February 2020 at 9.45 am
Discover how to negotiate surf conditions and what to do if you get into difficulty, stay sun smart, body surf and practice surf board paddling techniques. There will also be time for some fun beach volleyball!
Join us HERE!
Journey to the Centre of Sydney Saturday 29 February 2020 at 2.00 pm
Get to know the city that will be your home during the next few months, explore Sydney’s beginnings and development from its early days as a convict colony right up to the major developments that have made Sydney the world city that it is today
Book your ticket HERE
Welcome Dinner at Ourimbah Friday 6 March
Meet Ourimbah’s international students and locals over a potluck dinner.
CALLAGHAN CAMPUS
Cheap Chewsday
Cheap Chewsday is a monthly dinner held at the Jesmond Park Uniting Church (JPUC), who are our gracious hosts on the first Tuesday of every month. JPUC and the UON Global Office participate in this as a way of extending a warm welcome to International students, as well as providing opportunities for friendships between students and the wider community. Both International and domestic students are welcome as are all faiths and nationalities.
Welcome to the Cheap Chewsday Taster Event for February! Come and join us in our first dinner for 2020!
Tuesday 11 February 2020 at 6.00 pm
Register HERE
NuMates: Newcastle Scavenger Hunt
Join us for the Scavenger Hunt and explore Newcastle! Your team will work together to wander throughout Newcastle, racking up points and laughs along the way. Spend an enjoyable morning in Newcastle with memorable landmarks such as : Newcastle Museum, Customs House and Nobby's Beach. The winner gets a special PRIZE!
Saturday 22 February 2020 at 10.00 am
Register HERE!
Check out their Facebook page HERE
Lunch & Learn Series
The Lunch and Learn program will be addressed to recently - arrived international students and will allow for a fun and interactive information session in a lunchtime setting. These sessions are free to attend and will include topics that will help students settle in at University and Newcastle.
Check the UON International Student Community Facebook page for updates and scheduled sessions for 2020.
GOALSS Basketball Starts on Wednesday 26 February 2020
GOALSS Football Starts on Thursday 30 January 2020
GOALSS (Games for Overseas & Local Students & Staff) is a social sports program based at Callaghan campus featuring a range of sports. It's open to all international and domestic students, as well as university staff, and is a terrific way to make new friends from all walks of life – and all while helping you stay fit and healthy.
The environment is relaxed and social, so don't worry if you're not a champion player - this is all about having FUN!
Check out their Facebook page HERE
Aussie Beach Session - Beach Safety Friday 28 February 2020
Discover how to negotiate surf conditions and what to do if you get into difficulty, stay sun smart, body surf and practice surf board paddling technique. There will also be time for some fun beach volleyball!
Join us HERE!
Surf's Up Sessions - Learn to Surf
Discover how to negotiate surf conditions, identify rips, practice surf board paddling techniques, stand up and hopefully catch the perfect wave!
Thursday 5 March 2020 Get your tickets HERE!
Friday 13 March 2020 Get your tickets HERE!
Blackbutt Reserve Wildlife Encounter
Come with us for your first introduction to the beautiful local Australian Wildlife at Blackbutt Reserve!
Spread over 182 hectares of natural bushland you have the opportunity to enjoy nature trails and wildlife exhibits, getting up close to the emus, cockatoos, kangaroos, possums, koalas, wombats and pythons.
Our trip to Blackbutt Reserve will include an animal encounter by the expert park staff, bus transfers to and from the venue and a delicious morning tea.
Get yout tickets HERE!
UON INTERNATIONAL / Sun, Sand & Surf from UON International on Vimeo.