Your Welcome Week

Welcome Week sessions

On Demand

Open Foundation Online Welcome Session

• Online • Online

Did you miss the Welcome Session for the Open Foundation program? Don't worry we've got you covered! A recording of the session is now available for you to watch at your convenience. This session covers all the essentials about university life, including key information about the Open Foundation program, where to find academic and student support, how to navigate university systems and resources. Make sure to watch the recording to get up to speed and start your journey with confidence. If you have any questions, support is always available to help you succeed!

Online Welcome Session Video

• Online • Online

If you are unable to join us on campus for the Welcome Sessions join in online as we welcome you to the University of Newcastle and give you a brief rundown of the basics of being a successful university student.

How to use your Program Planner

Essential • Online • Online

The University of Newcastle is introducing a new way to plan your program before you enrol in your courses. This video will guide you through how to use the Student Program Planner to track your progress and plan your program path.

Introduction to Canvas

Essential • Online • Online

Watch this short video for an introduction to your learning management system, Canvas.

Library Orientation

Essential • Online • Online

Get a head start understanding the University of Newcastle Library. Complete this guide in your own time, and be sure to catch a library tour on Campus during Welcome Week.

Monday 24 February - Friday 7 March

Library Tours (Bookable) - Auchmuty library

10:30am - 11:00am • Auchmuty library • Auchmuty Library, Newcastle Callaghan

Book in for a library tour with one of our friendly student peers and get the lowdown on the things you need to know about the library to help you succeed. Let us know about any additional access or study needs through the booking form so that the tour can be adapted to suit you

Library Tours (Bookable) - Ourimbah library

10:30am - 11:00am • Ourimbah library • Information Resource Centre, Central Coast Ourimbah

Library Tours (Bookable) - City library

10:30am - 11:00am • NuSpace library • NUspace, Newcastle City

Monday 24 February

Scavenger Hunt - Gosford

12:00pm - 2:00pm • Gosford Campus • Central Coast Clinical School, Central Coast Gosford

Gosford Scavenger Hunt - 24th Feb, 12pm-2pm Starts at Level 6, Foyer Area Get ready for an exciting adventure around Gosford Campus! Join UNSA's epic welcome to campus scavenger hunt, where you'll solve riddles, track down hidden locations, and snap photos to complete your quest. Why join? Fabulous prizes are up for grabs, including gift cards and UNSA merch! PLUS, uncover a mystery hidden treasure for a special surprise reward! How it works: Start your journey at Level 6, Foyer Area, 12pm. Solve all riddles and find the secret spots on campus. Capture proof with your phone and return to the foyer to claim your prize. Prizes Include: $50 Gift Card $20 Gift Card x2 $10 Gift Card Exclusive UNSA Merch Don't miss out on this fun-filled treasure hunt - gather your friends and let the adventure begin!

Tuesday 25 February

Scavenger Hunt - Ourimbah

12:00pm - 2:00pm • Ourimbah Campus • Ourimbah, Central Coast Ourimbah

Ourimbah Scavenger Hunt 25th Feb, 12pm - 2pm Starts in the Quad, UNSA Gazebo Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure across Ourimbah Campus! Join UNSA's Welcome to Campus Scavenger Hunt, where you'll crack riddles, uncover hidden gems, and discover unique locations that will become essential during your time here. Can you find the campus's hidden treasure for a special surprise reward? Why join? Exciting prizes up for grabs, including gift cards and exclusive UNSA merch! Test your skills, explore your new campus, and have a blast with friends. How it works: Start your journey from the Quad at the front of campus at the UNSA Gazebo from 12pm Solve all riddles and find the secret spots on campus. Capture proof with your phone and return to the Quad to claim your prize Prizes Include: $50 Gift Card $20 Gift Card x2 $10 Gift Card Exclusive UNSA Merch Don't miss this exciting start to your campus adventure - grab your friends, bring your A-game, and let the hunt begin

Welcome Lunch for Physics Students

1:00pm - 2:00pm • Physics (P) building • Physics Building, Newcastle Callaghan

All students enrolled in PHYS classes are invited to a free welcome lunch in Week 1 at the Physics building. Tours of the building and information on Physics courses and research will be available. Or just come for a chat!

Wednesday 26 February

Pizza Lunch for Bachelor of Math and Combined Programs

12:00pm - 1:00pm • Mathematics Building Courtyard • V Building, Newcastle Callaghan

An informal gathering of BMath (and combine BMath) students and Mathematics staff, including a pizza lunch, a welcome, and time for student-staff chats.

Friday 28 February

Finding Accommodation Drop-In Service

9:00am - 12:00pm • Auchmuty Library • Auchmuty Library, Newcastle Callaghan

Drop in for practical assistance and guidance from our Accommodation Support Officer to help you find suitable housing.

Sights of Newcastle Walking Tour

10:00am - 2:00pm • Foyer • NUspace, Newcastle City

*International Student Social Event* Explore Newcastle's hidden gems with a scenic tramline tour, coastal walk, and beach visit perfect for capturing stunning photos and enjoying a stop at the iconic East End Ice Creamery.

Quiet Afternoon In at the Library

2:30pm - 4:30pm • Makerspace • Auchmuty Library, Newcastle Callaghan

Relax and make Auchmuty your home away from home with a cozy night in. Enjoy a movie with friends, play some board games, dive into creative projects in the makerspace, or just hang out and meet new people. We'll have snacks to keep you refreshed. Our team will be here to welcome you, introduce you to all the library's great spaces, and help you make the most of everything we have to offer.

UNSA's Disco Rodeo Party

6:00pm - 11:30pm • Park on the Hill • Newcastle Callaghan

This ain't your first rodeo. Saddle up for the most electrifying party of the year! The Disco Rodeo Party is riding into Bar on the Hill, and it's bringing a roaring good time with a pop-country twist. Get ready to kick up your boots and boogie down as we blend neon lights with the wild west. Featuring free food, and live music that will keep you dancing 'til the cows come home. But hold your horses, buckaroos that's just the beginning! Test your grit on the mechanical bull (only the brave survive), snap pics at the photo booth, and play some wild games for the chance to win bragging rights. So dust off that fringe, slap on some sequins, and get ready to lasso the fun. This ain't just a party; it's a Disco Rodeo adventure you won't wanna miss!

Tuesday 4 March

World Engineering Day BBQ

12:00pm - 1:00pm • Engineering Precinct • ased

Celebrate World Engineering Day with a FREE BBQ for Engineering students and staff, brought to you by Engineers Australia and the School of Engineering! Come hang out with Engineers Australia, their Student Ambassadors, UON's Engineering clubs, and your lecturers. Get the scoop on the different engineering disciplines we offer and what it's like to be part of the School of Engineering community.

CIT/DSS Welcome Pizza Lunch

12:30pm - 2:00pm • Mathematics Building Courtyard • V Building, Newcastle Callaghan

Welcome Pizza Lunch for all Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information Technology, and Software Engineering students.

How to Library Webinar

4:00pm - 5:00pm • Online • Online

Join us for a "How to Library" webinar and get a head start understanding the University of Newcastle Library.

Wednesday 5 March

Online International Student Late Arrival Session

2:00pm - 3:00pm • Online • Online

Catch up on missed orientation at our online International Student Welcome Session meet staff, connect with peers, and learn key tips for starting your journey at the University of Newcastle *International Student Information Event*

Friday 7 March

Welcome Pizza Lunch for BSc and Bsc Advanced Students

12:00pm - 1:00pm • Derkenne Courtyard • Shortland Building, Newcastle Callaghan

All students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Science (Advanced) are invited to a free welcome lunch in Week 1.

Wednesday 12 March

PALS Welcome BBQ

12:00pm • GP courtyard • GP Building, Newcastle Callaghan

Inviting all Pathway students to the first PALS student event of the year - our BBQ lunch! Come and meet your fellow students and staff over a casual campus free lunch.

College of Engineering, Science and Environment x Batyr | Achieving Academic Success and Supporting your Wellbeing

12:00pm - 1:00pm • Online • Online

Join us for an insightful event tailored specifically for the College of Engineering, Science and Environment! Hear from a young person with a lived-experience, explore strategies that will help you develop self/awareness and strategies to cope with stress and uncertainty, and find out what services you can access on and off campus.

Thursday 27 March

City of Newcastle International Student Welcome 2025

9:00am - 12:00pm • The Con • The Conservatorium, Newcastle City

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle warmly welcomes international students, celebrating their contribution to the city's vibrant culture, diversity, and lively community. Join this free event to hear how other internatioanl students have made Newcastle their home, witness indigenous cultural performances, and share in connection over food and creative workshops.