A week before classes begin, ANU hosts the biggest event of the year, O-Week! But with so many events and so little time, what’s a first-year to do? Here are my top 10 things to do at O-Week – how many can you tick off?

1. The 2019 Commencement Address: Monday 18 February, University Avenue

There’s no better way to kick off your year than for Vice Chancellor Brian Schmidt himself to formally welcome you to ANU! Join your fellow first years, esteemed ANU alumni, and academics to hear about the fantastic year ahead.

2. College and Program Inductions: Various times

To get a head start on memorising the important faces and places, turn up to the Engineering and Computer Science College and Program Induction Sessions! Hear from academics and representatives as they guide you through what you can expect from Engineering and Computer Science now and in the future.

3. Market Day: Wednesday 20 February, University Avenue

Want to try your hand at a new sport, hobby, or language? Market Day is where every ANU Club advertises to entice new members - with awesome freebies! From apiculture to quidditch, it’s a great day to meet like-minded students.

4. Kambri food fiesta

If there’s one reason I’m excited for Kambri, it’s the delectable range of new food venues. Gather your friends and craft a smorgasbord of Australian, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Turkish, Japanese, or American food to share on the lawn.

5. Explore the ANU campus and surrounds

The ANU Campus is bigger than you’d imagine – I’ve barely seen half of it! Explore the engineering and computing precinct and check out Canberra’s icons in daily walking and bus tours. Plus, you can find a favourite study spot in the libraries before they’re snatched up during exams – Hancock Library level 3 or try the Hanna Neumann Building 145.

6. Engineering and Computing Student Services – Your new best friends

I’d need some extra hands to count the number of times Student Services has helped me with my degree! Whether you need help enrolling in courses or just academic advice, they will be there for any support or questions you have.

7. Groove the night away

One of my O-Week highlights is de-stressing before classes start at the parties! Get your Greek on at Burgmann toga, befriend your entire dorm at accommodation parties, or belt out your favourite tune watching the fabulous headliners at the Friday Night Party. It’s the best way to meet new people from across the Colleges, so why not give one a go?

8. Brush up on study skills

When I first started, I was a bit worried about my writing skills. Sure they were okay, but would they be up to scratch at a university? Thankfully, the workshops and tours run by the Academic Skills and Learning Centre (ASLC) and ANU libraries gave me all the information I needed on academic integrity, referencing, and using the libraries.

9. Get to know a Barista at a nearby Café

If there’s one thing that I owe my most productive study sessions to, it’s the delicious coffee campus has to offer! Cafes are sprinkled across the campus, including the Little Pickle near Hancock Library, Coffee Grounds near the ANU Gym, and Café Milligram in the heart of Kambri. Regardless of where you stand in the flat white vs. long black debate, spend a morning picking out your favourite place – your future self will thank you!

10. Befriend the College at the CECS Welcome Party Tuesday 26 February, Hanna Neumann Building 145

After O-Week done and dusted, head down to the grassy area behind the Hanna Neumann Building 145 on Thursday of Week One for entertainment and a free BBQ lunch. You’ll even be able to catch up with all of the College societies, so make sure to RSVP and swing by!

For more information to help you plan your O-week, head here for ANU-wide events, here for Engineering & Computing (CECS) events, and here for ANUSA events. See you there!

Matilda
Bachelor of Engineering (R&D) (Honours) / Bachelor of Science Student