Your Orientation

Your Orientation is a journey of discovery and everyone's journey is slightly different. There is an Orientation for you if you are commencing your course during the standard teaching semesters (Semesters 1 and 2) and also if you're commencing your studies in Trimesters or outside the standard teaching semesters. 

O-Week occurs in the week prior to the start of each standard teaching semester. Although O-Week is primarily aimed towards students commencing their studies in Semester 1 or 2, there are many fun and informative activities for everyone to attend, no matter when your course commences. 

You'll find a range of events, some that are specific to you and others that are relevant to everyone.

Attendance at Orientation is essential because you'll familiarise yourself with the campus and get to meet other students and University staff.

For those who can’t join us on campus, there are a range of online activities in your program to help get you started at UWA. You can filter your activities by online and on-campus by utilising the Advance Filters option within the Orientation Planner

All campus events are held in line with current COVID-safe practices.

In the next stage of UniStart, you can check the specific events you need to attend (according to your course) on the Orientation Planner. The schedule of activities will be available for you to see by mid-June 2023.

Key dates


Everything you need to enrol is available on the Prepare and Enrol stages of this website. However, if you need extra in-person support, you can attend our Getting Started at UWA Sessions:

These are other important dates that will help you plan your orientation.

  • Semester 2 Enrolment and timetable support sessions:
  • O-Week Perth campus (Semester 1)  – 17-21 July 2023
  • Orientation Albany campus – 19 July 2023, 9:30am-1:30pm
  • Last day to add a unit (Semester 2) – 29 July 2023

Please note that some courses, for example Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Dentistry, Master of Business Administration have earlier Orientation activities.

Check out other important dates throughout the year.

Don't miss these key orientation events

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Welcome ceremony

The Welcome Ceremony will be held for all commencing students. The ceremony provides a formal welcome to the University by a dignitary and the UWA Guild President. Students also receive a Noongar Welcome to Country.

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Discipline orientation

You must attend the orientation event that is specific to your degree-specific major (e.g. Geology, Architecture, Accounting, French) or Area of Interest (Arts, Commerce, Design, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, or Science).

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Information sessions

Enrolment Help Drop-in Sessions

These will take place for any students who have not yet enrolled. This includes domestic and full-degree international students and any Study Abroad and Student Exchange students. If you feel confident in completing your enrolment and class timetable online (remotely from a home computer), you are encouraged to do so. We have provided a number of help videos and resources on this site to help you through the process.

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Activities and campus tours

Join other new students and a UniMentor who is an experienced student from your faculty, for a tour of the campus and faculty precincts. You'll discover many exciting things that the university has to offer.

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Guild O-Week Events

Discover all the student clubs and societies you can join, extra-curricular activities on campus and enjoy a range of games, rides, food trucks, giveaways and more.

Link your SmartRider travel card

If you are enrolled full time at UWA, then you are eligible for a student concession Transperth SmartRider.

If you do not have a SmartRider already, you can purchase one from any authorised Smartrider outlet. You will need your UWA campus card with a full time enrolment sticker for the current year (visit the Guild Student Centre to get yours).

To activate your concession, register your SmartRider on studentConnect under "SmartRider" in the main menu as soon as you get it! Student’s enrolment status is reported to Transperth nightly so it's important to complete your registration.

New students, your concession may not activate until the first week of classes in your first semester. Continue on for further information about your orientation events.

Register my SmartRider

Where to go around UWA

Check out the great services on offer and places to eat and drink around campus.

Filter locations:

950 bus stop

The University of Western Australia

Transperth's 950 'Superbus' – Perth's highest frequency service – runs to UWA. Every one to four minutes during weekday peak hours, the 950 transports passengers between Morley Busport and QEII via UWA and Perth.

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Arts and Law Student Advising Office

The University of Western Australia

Your allocated student office is your one-stop shop for your course-related queries. The friendly team can assist with checking your enrolment, creating your study plan and advising on global and extra-curricular experiences to add value to your degree. The student experience team is committed to enabling your success throughout your studies. For office location and opening hours, see ask.UWA.edu.au.

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ATM

The University of Western Australia

Westpac ATM facility is available in Guild Village.

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Barry J Marshall Library

The University of Western Australia

The Barry J Marshall Library is the University's hub for science students and researchers. Named after UWA's Nobel Prize-winning professor, it has sound-proofed study rooms, multimedia suites and a café on site.

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Beasley Law Library

The University of Western Australia

A branch law library was set up in 1928, one year after the Law School was established. The library has changed over time to increase access to computers (including after-hours access) and additional collaborative working areas.

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Broadway Fair

88 Broadway, Nedlands

Broadway Fair is a three-level shopping centre within walking distance of the campus. It's a handy place to pick up your groceries, post items or mail or grab a bite to eat at one of the food vendors.

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Business Student Advising Office

The University of Western Australia

Your allocated student office is your one-stop shop for your course-related queries. The friendly team can assist with checking your enrolment, creating your study plan and advising on global and extra-curricular experiences to add value to your degree. The student experience team is committed to enabling your success throughout your studies. For office location and opening hours, see ask.UWA.edu.au.

Get Directions

Catalyst Cafe - Barry J Marshall Library

The University of Western Australia

Inside the Barry J Marshall Library, this café offers a variety of food and drinks, including specialty cold-brew coffee.

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College Row

The University of Western Australia

Collectively known as College Row, UWA’s five residential colleges are directly opposite the University and provide students with a world-class living and learning environment.

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Design and Education Student Advising Office

The University of Western Australia

Your allocated student office is your one-stop shop for your course-related queries. The friendly team can assist with checking your enrolment, creating your study plan and advising on global and extra-curricular experiences to add value to your degree. The student experience team is committed to enabling your success throughout your studies. For office location and opening hours, see ask.UWA.edu.au.

Get Directions

EDFAA Library

The University of Western Australia

The Education, Fine Arts and Arcihtecture (EDFAA) Library was re-opened in February 2012, designed by UWA graduate Honey Hiranandani. The facility includes group study rooms with multimedia equipment for student collaboration, a teaching room for flexible learning and technology for self-service loans.

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Engineering and Mathematics Student Advising Office

The University of Western Australia

Your allocated student office is your one-stop shop for your course-related queries. The friendly team can assist with checking your enrolment, creating your study plan and advising on global and extra-curricular experiences to add value to your degree. The student experience team is committed to enabling your success throughout your studies. For office location and opening hours, see ask.UWA.edu.au.

Get Directions

Guild Secondhand Bookshop

The University of Western Australia

This is a great place to find bargain books or make quick cash on textbooks you no longer need (or want). Stop by to peruse the ever-growing selection of text books.

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Guild Village

Guild Village

Guild Village is the heart and soul of campus life at UWA with the Guild Student Centre, cafés, food trucks, student services, shops and club activities in one lively area.

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Hackett Cafe

The University of Western Australia

Located near Winthrop Hall, Hackett offers affordable sandwiches and brunch options.

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Health and Medical Sciences Student Advising Office

The University of Western Australia

Your allocated student office is your one-stop shop for your course-related queries. The friendly team can assist with checking your enrolment, creating your study plan and advising on global and extra-curricular experiences to add value to your degree. The student experience team is committed to enabling your success throughout your studies. For office location and opening hours, see ask.UWA.edu.au.

Get Directions

IGA Xpress

The University of Western Australia

Getting to uni early or staying late to study? The IGA Xpress has you covered. It's a handy place to pick up your groceries, or grab a bite to eat and is conveniently located in the Guild Village.

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J Robin Warren Library

Monash Avenue

The J Robin Warren Library is located on Monash Avenue next to the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia and Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre. The space was recently refurbished, with an emphasis on collaborative study and expanded e-learning capabilities.

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James Oval

The University of Western Australia

James Oval is the largest oval on campus and home to sporting matches and uni events throughout the year. 

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Medical Centre

The University of Western Australia

The Medical Centre is a fully equipped and accredited health service providing safe, high-quality and confidential health care to UWA students and staff.

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Nedlands Cafe - EDFAA

The University of Western Australia

Studying architecture or education? The Nedlands Café will be your one-stop shop for food and drinks.

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Oak Lawn

The University of Western Australia

The Oak Lawn is a popular grassy area near Guild Village with heaps of space to relax with friends in the sun. Grab a picnic bench and enjoy the various food trucks available during semester.

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Octagon Theatre

The University of Western Australia

The Octagon Theatre is a contemporary yet intimate thrust stage venue that is home to diverse performances, such as opera, classical and popular music, dance, theatre, stand-up comedy and seminars.

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Prescott Court

The University of Western Australia

A lush, green space ideal for a picnic lunch or grabbing some sunshine between lectures.

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QEII

The University of Western Australia

The Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre is home to the Faculty of Heath and Medical Sciences, as well as the Oral Health Care Centre of WA and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital – a progressive, fully accredited teaching hospital.

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Quobba Gnarning - Reid Library

The University of Western Australia

With a name meaning 'good food', Quobba Gnarning focuses on providing fresh and healthy meals near Reid Library study areas.

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Reid Library

The University of Western Australia

Named after Sir Alexander Reid (UWA Chancellor 1956-1968), the newly renovated library is the largest academic library in WA, holding more than a million books. Recent works doubled the collaborative student spaces and upgraded the facilities, technology and services on offer. There's also a new café and study skills drop-in sessions with the Student Services team.

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Riley Oval

The University of Western Australia

Riley Oval is at the northern side of The University Club of Western Australia and hosts various sporting activities and social events year-round.

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Science Student Advising Office

The University of Western Australia

Your allocated student office is your one-stop shop for your course-related queries. The friendly team can assist with checking your enrolment, creating your study plan and advising on global and extra-curricular experiences to add value to your degree. The student experience team is committed to enabling your success throughout your studies. For office location and opening hours, see ask.UWA.edu.au.

Get Directions

Somerville Auditorium

The University of Western Australia

Named for William Somerville’s idea to create an open-air auditorium resembling a ‘cathedral of trees’, the picturesque venue is used to showcase the best world cinema at the annual Perth Festival.

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Student Central

The University of Western Australia

Need some help? Admissions, Future Students, Student Administration, the Global Learning Office and Transition Services are all located right here.

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Sunken Garden

The University of Western Australia

The Sunken Garden is a beloved feature of the stunning campus, featuring an amphitheatre with gardens, ponds and terraced lawns.

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The Refectory

The University of Western Australia

Found in the Guild Village, the Refectory has a range of food and drink choices close to the Oak Lawn.

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Tropical Grove

The University of Western Australia

The Tropical Grove is an intimate, shaded area surrounded by trees and shrubs. Take a book or enjoy a coffee in the tranquil space.

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UniPark

The University of Western Australia

Need help with parking on campus? Visit UniPark to discuss parking permits, daily tickets and for all payments and advice related to UWA parking.

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UWA Sport

The University of Western Australia

UWA Sport offers high-quality sport, fitness and recreation facilities, as well as services and programs to students, staff, graduates and the community. Join in with a social sporting competition or sign up to a group fitness class.

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UWA Student Guild

The University of Western Australia

The UWA Student Guild provides academic, financial and welfare support; offers volunteering and leadership opportunities; and organises diverse and exciting events on campus.

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Wigmore Music Library

The University of Western Australia

The Wigmore Music Library is an open space with discussion rooms and areas for informal study. The library collection includes scores, performing editions of musical works, sound recordings, DVDs, videos and music reference books.

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Winthrop Hall

The University of Western Australia

The Hall is one of the Hackett Memorial Buildings funded by a bequest from the first Chancellor of the University, Sir John Winthrop Hackett. It features a Clock Tower, a glazed terracotta gryphon’s frieze that circles the building just under the roof eaves, an undercroft and a reflection pool at the front.

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Further information

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Getting to UWA

Find out the easiest way to get to the main campus.

Getting to UWA
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askUWA

Find your answers online with askUWA.

ask.uwa.edu.au