Welcome

Welcome

Welcome Week is a great opportunity to find out what you need to know about university life and being a University of Newcastle student!

It will take place one week before Semester 2 2024 begins. See below the following dates and locations for your upcoming Welcome Week:

Newcastle City - Tuesday 9 July 2024

Ourimbah - Wednesday 10 July 2024

Callaghan - Thursday 11 2024

Program Information Sessions will be available online and on campus during Welcome Week, providing you with the opportunity to meet your Program Convenor and hear specific information about your degree across all subject areas.

There are also a number of recommended sessions available to assist you in integrating into life as a student at the University of Newcastle, covering important topics such as Academic Learning Support, Online Systems and the Library.

Welcome Week sessions

To get the most out of your Welcome Week experience, we recommend you also select a variety of fun, informative and social activities to join, including Student Life Expo, Campus Tours, and University of Newcastle Student Association (UNSA) Socials.

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

Please ensure you have selected 1 Welcome Session.
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
Day

On Demand

Online Welcome 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 run down 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

Introduction to Online Systems and Support

Essential Online • Online

This webinar recording will introduce you to the University systems that you will need to access as a student. You will also see where to ask questions online and where to find support. To view this recording please use passcode: %p2a=jb@

Informative

Academic English Screening Test

Essential Online • Online

The Academic English Screening Test (AEST) tests English language skills related to academic success. This short test is available to all commencing undergraduate students and has been designed to measure the academic English skills of a wide range of students, including native speakers of English. The test is taken online and takes 30 minutes in total. You can take the test at any time from 9am Monday 19 February until midnight Friday 1 March. All students will receive a report detailing whether they would benefit from Academic Excellence workshops delivered by Academic Learning Support.

Academic

Friday 1 March

Surf Fun Safe Beach Session (International Students)

10:00am - 2:00pm Nobbys Beach Clubhouse • Newcastle

Join us for an enjoyable International Student Beach Safety Excursion at Nobbys Beach! Hosted by Hunter Surf Lifesaving, this guided session offers a day filled with beach safety education, games, water activities, and free time to explore. You will have the opportunity to meet new friends, experience the beauty of your local community, and learn valuable beach safety skills. Event registration is for commencing international students only.

Informative

Backyard Party

7:00pm - late Bar on the Hill • Bar on the Hill, Newcastle Callaghan

Gather your mates, bring your bucket hat, silly shirt, mullet and most importantly - your crocs - and get ready for a night filled with exactly what you'd expect from a typical Australian backyard party. Free BBQ, totem tennis, sick tunes and SO much more. With a ripper lineup of DJs and live musicians dropping soon, you won't want to miss UNSA's first party of the year at Bar on the Hill! $10 entry for students. You must be 18+ to attend this event.

Saturday 2 March

Treetops Adventure Climb (International Students)

9:00am - 3:00pm Maths Bus Stop • Newcastle Callaghan

Join us for an exciting adventure at Treetops Adventure Newcastle! Get ready to climb to new heights and experience the thrill of being up in the treetops. Located at Treetops Road, Minmi NSW, Australia, this in-person event promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a unique outdoor activity in the beautiful Australian bush, this is the event for you! So grab your friends, put on your adventure gear, and get ready to conquer the trees like never before. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to have a blast in nature! Event registration is for commencing international students only.

Monday 4 March

World Engineering Day BBQ

12:00pm - 1:00pm Engineering Precinct • Newcastle Callaghan

Join us on Callaghan campus to celebrate World Engineering Day! There'll be a free BBQ, student clubs, guest speakers and exciting announcements.

Wednesday 6 March

Late Arrival International Student Session

9:30am - 12:00pm Lambert Room • Shortland Union, Newcastle Callaghan

Arrived late? Don't stress, we have you covered with our Late Arrival International Student Session. Our friendly staff will be there to guide you through the essentials, answer your questions, and ensure you feel at home and are set up for success in your degree.

Informative

Wednesday 27 March

City of Newcastle - International Student Welcome

2:00pm - 4:30pm Newcastle City Hall • 290 King St, Newcastle NSW

Mark your calendar for the afternoon of Wednesday, March 27th for the International Student Welcome Event! You'll be greeted by our Lord Mayor and very own Vice-Chancellor, offering a chance to connect with local leaders and other like-minded international students as you begin your studies in Newcastle. Our city thrives on diversity, celebrates cultural exchange, and cherishes collaboration and we're excited to extend our warmest welcome to you at this very special event. Register today!

Monday 11 - Friday 22 March

Academic Excellence workshops

Various Locations

Academic Excellence workshops in Weeks 3 and 4 of the semester are intended to develop the skills evaluated through the Academic English Screening Test. In Week 2, workshops will cover Efficient Reading and Notetaking while the Week 3 workshops will focus on Effective Writing. Workshops will be held Monday to Friday on campus and online. One student at each campus (including online) will go in the draw to win a $50 GiftPay card each week.

Academic

Welcome Week and Semester 1 (Weeks 1 - 12)

Library Tours On Demand (Ourimbah)

Ourimbah - Library • Ourimbah, Central Coast Ourimbah

Book a library tour with one of our friendly student staff members and get the lowdown on the things you need to know about the library to help you succeed. We have a range of times available throughout the semester, let us know about any additional access or study needs so that the tour can be adapted to suit you.

Informative

Library Tours On Demand (Callaghan)

Auchmuty Library • Auchmuty Library, Newcastle Callaghan

Book a library tour with one of our friendly student staff members and get the lowdown on the things you need to know about the library to help you succeed. We have a range of times available throughout the semester, let us know about any additional access or study needs so that the tour can be adapted to suit you.

Informative

Download my planner

View the full schedule in the Welcome Week handbook.

Download (PDF, 6MB)

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