Welcome Week is your opportunity to find out more about your program and life as a University of Newcastle student. You’ll also have the chance to meet your academics, network with peers, and connect with support services.

Plan your Welcome Week

Select your degree from the drop-down menu to start planning your Welcome Week.



Please register for your Program Welcome Session (if applicable)

Use the filters below to build the rest of your planner with activities during Welcome Week and beyond.

Are you an international student? Please ensure you attend both the International Student Welcome Session and the University Welcome Session.

Activities for Welcome Week and Beyond

To get the most out of your experience, use the filters below to select a variety of fun, informative and social activities to join, including Welcome Week Expos, Campus Tours, and University of Newcastle Student Association (UNSA) Socials.

Location key: Newcastle Callaghan Newcastle City Central Coast Ourimbah Central Coast Gosford Online

Make sure you take note of which campus your selected sessions are on so that you plan how to get to campus.

Activity
Type
Location

Thursday 22 January

How to Library Webinar

1:00pm - 2:00pm Online • Online

Starting university? Your library is more than just books—it’s your gateway to success! Join our “How to Library” webinar to explore the spaces, resources, and expert staff ready to support your learning journey. In this session, you’ll learn: - Where to find study spaces that suit your style - How to access essential resources—both online and on campus - Who to turn to for help when you need it Whether you’re new to university or just want to make the most of what’s available, this webinar will give you the tools to thrive. Don’t miss out—your library is here for you!

Informative

Smart Study Session - Online

11:00am - 12:00pm Online • Online

Join our Smart Study session and we'll help you hit the ground running by equipping you with essential academic skills, study strategies, and time-management tips that will set you up for success. Whether it’s mastering note-taking, tackling assignments with confidence, or learning how to balance your studies and life, this session will give you the tools to thrive. Don't just survive—excel from day one! Join us and start your study journey on the right foot!

Informative

Program Information, Planning and Enrolment Session - Callaghan

1:00pm - 4:00pm CT304 • CT Building, Newcastle Callaghan

Need further assistance planning and enrolling in your courses or interpreting your Program Planner? Or are you an International Student and have questions about studying in Australia? Drop in to learn more about the support and enrolment advice we can offer throughout your studies. To help us, ensure you have activated your student account before the session. If you have a friend starting the same degree, feel free to bring them along!

Informative

Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) Student Webinar

2:00pm - 3:00pm Online • Online

The Commonwealth Prac Payment offers nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work students support while they're undertaking mandatory placements. At the webinar, the scheme will be explained, the eligibility criteria discussed and a demonstration of how to apply in the system will be provided. There will also be opportunities for questions. The webinar will be recorded for those who may not be able to attend

Informative

Friday 23 January

Welcome Lunch & Merch Pick Up - Callaghan

12:00pm - 1:00pm Auchmuty Courtyard • Auchmuty Library, Newcastle Callaghan

Take a break, grab a bite, and meet the people who'll be sharing your uni journey. Our Welcome Lunch is a relaxed chance for new students to sit down together, enjoy some good food, and start building connections across the cohort. And don't forget to grab your FREE Welcome Week Merch! Come along, say hi, and settle into campus life with a delicious lunch during Welcome Week!

Welcome Lunch & Merch Pick Up - Newcastle City

12:00pm - 1:00pm NUspace - Campus Green • NUspace, Newcastle City

Join us for Lunch, courtesey of our friendly Campus Security team! Take a break, grab a bite, and meet the people who'll be sharing your uni journey. Our Welcome Lunch is a relaxed chance for new students to sit down together, enjoy some good food, and start building connections across the cohort. And don't forget to grab your FREE Welcome Week Merch! Come along, say hi, and settle into campus life with a delicious lunch during Welcome Week!

Callaghan Campus Tour

12:00pm - 2:00pm Auchmuty Courtyard • Auchmuty Library, Newcastle Callaghan

Jump into a Guided Campus Tour and discover everything your campus has to offer. Departing every half hour from the Information Tent, these tours are a fun and informative way to explore key buildings, uncover hidden gems, and pick up insider tips from student guides. It’s the perfect way to get oriented and kick off your time on campus with confidence!

Informative

Newcastle City Campus Tour

12:00pm - 3:00pm NUspace - Campus Green • NUspace, Newcastle City

Jump into a Guided Campus Tour and discover everything your campus has to offer. Departing every half hour from the Information Tent, these tours are a fun and informative way to explore key buildings, uncover hidden gems, and pick up insider tips from student guides. It’s the perfect way to get oriented and kick off your time on campus with confidence!

Informative

Choc and Chat (Under 18s Social Event)

1:00pm - 3:00pm The House • The House, Newcastle Callaghan

UNDER 18s ONLY Get ready for an afternoon of fun, creativity, and (of course) lots of chocolate! Whether you’re a budding artist or just a chocoholic, this hands-on workshop is your chance to meet other 16 or 17-year-old university students in a relaxed, social setting. What’s in store: Decorate your own chocolate with toppings, icings, and edible decorations Learn creative techniques from our expert decorators Chill out and connect with fellow chocolate lovers and uni students Take home your sweet creations (if you can resist eating them first!) Make sure to RSVP and let us know of any dietary requirements.

Smart Study Session - Callaghan

1:30pm - 2:30pm SRG09 • Social Science, Newcastle Callaghan

Join our Smart Study session and we'll help you hit the ground running by equipping you with essential academic skills, study strategies, and time-management tips that will set you up for success. Whether it’s mastering note-taking, tackling assignments with confidence, or learning how to balance your studies and life, this session will give you the tools to thrive. Don't just survive—excel from day one! Join us and start your study journey on the right foot!

Informative

Smart Study Session - Newcastle City

1:30pm - 2:30pm XG18 • NUspace, Newcastle City

Join our Smart Study session and we'll help you hit the ground running by equipping you with essential academic skills, study strategies, and time-management tips that will set you up for success. Whether it’s mastering note-taking, tackling assignments with confidence, or learning how to balance your studies and life, this session will give you the tools to thrive. Don't just survive—excel from day one! Join us and start your study journey on the right foot!

Informative

Gen AI MasterClass

2:30pm - 3:30pm SRG09 • Social Science, Newcastle Callaghan

Learn to use AI tools like Copilot, Gemini & ChatGPT responsibly to boost your uni work, build MVPs, and master prompts at UON. Join I2N (The University’s Innovation Hub) for a hands-on, interactive workshop designed to help students like you confidently and responsibly use Generative AI (GenAI) in your studies and projects. This session will equip you with the skills to create MVPs and prototypes, master prompt engineering, and enhance your research and productivity, all while staying within UON’s academic integrity policies.

Informative

Program Information, Planning and Enrolment Session - Newcastle City

1:00pm - 4:00pm UNH202 • University House, Newcastle City

Need further assistance planning and enrolling in your courses or interpreting your Program Planner? Or are you an International Student and have questions about studying in Australia? Drop in to learn more about the support and enrolment advice we can offer throughout your studies. To help us, ensure you have activated your student account before the session. If you have a friend starting the same degree, feel free to bring them along!

Informative

Program Information, Planning and Enrolment Session - Callaghan

1:00pm - 4:00pm CT304 • CT Building, Newcastle Callaghan

Need further assistance planning and enrolling in your courses or interpreting your Program Planner? Or are you an International Student and have questions about studying in Australia? Drop in to learn more about the support and enrolment advice we can offer throughout your studies. To help us, ensure you have activated your student account before the session. If you have a friend starting the same degree, feel free to bring them along!

Informative

Tuesday 27 January

Program Information, Planning and Enrolment Session - Ourimbah

10:00am - 12:00pm SO Building • Science Offices, Central Coast Ourimbah

Need further assistance planning and enrolling in your courses or interpreting your Program Planner? Or are you an International Student and have questions about studying in Australia? Drop in to learn more about the support and enrolment advice we can offer throughout your studies. To help us, ensure you have activated your student account before the session. If you have a friend starting the same degree, feel free to bring them along!

Informative

Wednesday 28 January

LGBTQIA+ in STEM Breakfast

7:30am - 9:00am DB Building Lawn • DB Building, Newcastle Callaghan

Come along and celebrate the achievements of LGBTQIA+ people in STEM at our Welcome Week event! You will hear local superstars tell their stories and have the opportunity to contribute your own story to our “Story Wall”. Where are you from? Where are you going? Celebrate everything the LGBTQIA+ community has and continues to contribute to the STEM world

Gosford Central Welcome Week Expo

10:00am - 2:30pm Gosford Central • Gosford Central, Central Coast Gosford

Join us at our Gosford Mann St Campus for our Welcome Week Expo to commemorate the beginning of 2026! Enjoy free food and live music, whilst exploring UNSA's wide range of Clubs and Societies for you to join. The Expo is a fun way to meet new friends, learn about the University's support services and discover resources to help you succeed during your studies. A shuttle will be running from the Gosford Hospital Campus to bring students to the expo! We look forward to welcoming you on campus and hope to see you there!

Ourimbah Welcome Week Expo

10:00am - 2:00pm Classrooms South/Sciences Courtyard • Classrooms South, Central Coast Ourimbah

Join us at our Ourimbah Campus for our Welcome Week Expo to commemorate the beginning of 2026! Enjoy free food and live music, whilst exploring UNSA's wide range of Clubs and Societies for you to join. The Expo is a fun way to meet new friends, learn about the University's support services and discover resources to help you succeed during your studies. We look forward to welcoming you on campus and hope to see you there!

FUNSA Friends (Gosford)

2:30pm - 4:00pm Gosford Hotel • Gosford

Start your year by meeting people who actually share your vibe. FUNSA Friends is UNSA’s fast-paced friendship matchmaking event where you’re grouped with other students based on your interests, hobbies, strengths, and the kind of social experience you enjoy. When you arrive, your group will already be matched and ready to go — all you have to do is jump in. You’ll rotate through a series of quick, energetic icebreaker games and conversation challenges designed to turn strangers into instant mates. It’s relaxed, fun, and tailored for people who want to meet friends without awkwardness. ️ Important: You MUST pre-register via the link below. Walk-ins cannot be included, as groups are finalised before the event.

Thursday 29 January

Callaghan Welcome Week Expo

10:00am - 4:00pm The Great Hall • The Great Hall, Newcastle Callaghan

Join us at our Callaghan Campus for our Welcome Week Expo to commemorate the beginning of 2026! Enjoy free food and live music, whilst exploring UNSA's wide range of Clubs and Societies for you to join. The Expo is a fun way to meet new friends, learn about the University's support services and discover resources to help you succeed during your studies. For anyone who requires a low-sensory experience, we are supporting students with a Quiet Session during the Expo offering reduced noise levels and a relaxed atmosphere between 3:00pm - 4:00pm. We look forward to welcoming you on campus and hope to see you there!

FUNSA Friends (Callaghan - Session 2)

4:00pm - 5:30pm Local Connections • Shortland Building, Newcastle Callaghan

Start your year by meeting people who actually share your vibe. FUNSA Friends is UNSA’s fast-paced friendship matchmaking event where you’re grouped with other students based on your interests, hobbies, strengths, and the kind of social experience you enjoy. When you arrive, your group will already be matched and ready to go — all you have to do is jump in. You’ll rotate through a series of quick, energetic icebreaker games and conversation challenges designed to turn strangers into instant mates. It’s relaxed, fun, and tailored for people who want to meet friends without awkwardness. ️ Important: You MUST pre-register via the link below. Walk-ins cannot be included, as groups are finalised before the event.

Friday 30 January

Newcastle City Welcome Week Expo

10:00am - 3:00pm Civic Park

Join us at our Newcastle City Campus for our Welcome Week Expo to commemorate the beginning of 2026! Enjoy free food and live music, whilst exploring UNSA's wide range of Clubs and Societies for you to join. The Expo is a fun way to meet new friends, learn about the University's support services and discover resources to help you succeed during your studies. For anyone who requires a low-sensory experience, we are supporting students with a Quiet Session during the Expo offering reduced noise levels and a relaxed atmosphere between 2:15pm - 3:00pm. We look forward to welcoming you on campus and hope to see you there!

FUNSA Friends (Newcastle City)

2:00pm - 4:00pm Charlie's Rooftop

Start your year by meeting people who actually share your vibe. FUNSA Friends is UNSA’s fast-paced friendship matchmaking event where you’re grouped with other students based on your interests, hobbies, strengths, and the kind of social experience you enjoy. When you arrive, your group will already be matched and ready to go — all you have to do is jump in. You’ll rotate through a series of quick, energetic icebreaker games and conversation challenges designed to turn strangers into instant mates. It’s relaxed, fun, and tailored for people who want to meet friends without awkwardness. ️ Important: You MUST pre-register via the link below. Walk-ins cannot be included, as groups are finalised before the event.

LIVE! on the Hill

6:00pm - 11:00pm Bar on the Hill • Bar on the Hill, Newcastle Callaghan

Welcome to LIVE! on the Hill - Newcastle’s largest student party of the calendar year. This campus-sized music festival brings outdoor stages, live music, and thousands of students together to launch the year in explosive fashion. Taking over the main stage is Hockey Dad, delivering a high-energy headline set. Across the festival grounds, expect live bands, DJ sets, and a Silent Disco for those who want to dance deep into the night. Enjoy free food, festival zones, and an atmosphere you won’t forget!

Wednesday 4 February - Wednesday 4 of March

Virtual Reality Stress Management Training Program

1:00pm - 2:00pm L326 • Auchmuty Library, Newcastle Callaghan

Boost your focus, calm, and confidence with Performance Edge - a five-week Virtual Reality program designed to help you manage stress. Each session teaches practical, evidence-based skills you can use with study, on placements or in life. Run by the Counselling Service, this immersive experience is free for all students. Find out more or register using the link below!

Informative

On Demand

Online Welcome Video

Essential 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.

Informative

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.

Informative

Introduction to Canvas

Essential Online • Online

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

Informative

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.

Informative

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