The University of Western Australia has introduced 'Getting Started at UWA', a program to provide an additional helping hand for students on their orientation journey whether they’re coming straight from school or from the work force.
As part of the program, special pre-enrolment information sessions will be held for students at UWA’s Reid Library and assorted lecture theatres between 12pm-4pm on Friday 9 December, Friday 13 January and Friday 10 February.
UWA Manager of Transition Services, Narelle Palmer said the idea was to ensure students were fully prepared and able to hit the ground running when first semester begins in 2023.
“Starting university is a big step, and new students are probably going to be feeling excited, nervous and maybe even a little bit scared, all feelings which are very typical,” Ms Palmer said.
“Our idea is to capture them a little bit earlier to help with things like understanding their course structure, working through timetabling issues and even collecting their pre-ordered campus card.
“We’ll have teams on the ground to answer all questions, no matter how big or small, including choosing a major, the types of units to enrol in and how to create a first-year study plan.”
Ms Palmer said sessions will include a services expo with all the supports and services available at UWA, including UWA Sport, StudySmarter, Health and Wellbeing and International Student Services.
“It will also include services like the Careers and Employability team, the McCusker Centre for Citizenship, the Student Guild, UWA Colleges and Student Administration – all areas where it can help to chat to someone ahead of time to find out what they offer,” Ms Palmer said.
“So, if someone’s really keen on sport, for example, then they can find out ahead of time what is available and sign up to a team or the gym.”
Future students are being encouraged to complete their enrolment and timetable early so they can relax and enjoy the University’s main orientation activities in February.
Students can register to attend a session on one of three available dates via the UniStart website, which also contains detailed information on Getting Started at UWA.
Information sessions will be recorded and hosted online via the Learning Management System and students who are unable to attend will be provided with support during O-Week.