Before Orientation – get started
If you haven't yet, make sure that you've accepted your offer and enrolled in your course: Get Started at Melbourne.
After that, explore different subject areas that may interest you and understand all the other great programs that make up your undergraduate experience in the Bachelor of Science Course Guide.
Extended Orientation
Dates: Weeks 1–5
Following orientation week, you will continue to be supported in your transition to university and the BSc. The Extended Orientation program will cover different topics under specific themes in your first 5 weeks of study. Extended Orientation will also include a First Year Hub, a drop-in peer support service.
Check below for information, resources, and events for each weekly theme of Extended Orientation.
Program
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Week 1
Essentials to Get Started
First Year Hub: If you are feeling lost or have a question about student and university life, come down and talk to one of our friendly ambassadors at one of the below events.
Welcome BBQ
Wed 28 Feb, 12-2pm
Wed 29 Feb, 12-2pm
The Welcome BBQ will be run by the Science Students' Society. You will have the opportunity to meet other students, ask questions about started your degree, and have lots of fun!
Find out more about the Science Students' Society below.
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Week 2
Build Connections
Making new friends and connections is important an can help you adjust to uni life and succeed in your studies.
Science Clubs Expo
Come and meet the various science clubs at our clubs expo!
Tues 5 Mar, 11-1pm
Concrete Lawn, Parkville Campus
Clubs are an integral part of many students’ university experience. Clubs are one of the easiest ways to get involved, meet new people and basically have an awesome time.
You can find out more about clubs and societies below.
International Student Expo
Are you a new International Student? Meet cultural clubs and connect with organisations such as Metro Trains, Study Melbourne, The Couch, Victoria Police, Stint community and more! There will be cultural performances, giveaways, activities, and free food!
Wed 6 Mar, 11-1pm
South Lawn, Parkville Campus
The university has plenty of further resources for international students to help you settle into Melbourne and the university. Check out the resources below.
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Week 3
Leadership & Employment
This week is Employability Week.
It is never too early to start planning for your career and future. University is the perfect time to not only learn about the career paths available to you, but to also start building your skillset through work experience, volunteering and more.
A number of free Faculty events will also be run during the week to help you plan your career.
How to find a STEM Internship
This workshop covers strategies on how to contact organisations and how to build your network to find unadvertised opportunities.
Tue 12 Mar, 12.30-1.30 pm.
How to Pitch Your STEM Degree
This opportunity will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips for working on your career path.
Tue 12 Mar, 2.30-3.30pm.
Networking 101
During this session, we will explore effective approaches to connect with professionals in your field, learn more about diverse career paths, and establish meaningful connections with prospective employers.
Thur Mar 14, 2-3pm.
Check out the webpage below to explore more opportunities to develop yourself, network and translate your study skills into employability skills.
Melbourne Plus Volunteering
As you settle into semester, start thinking about what you can do outside of your subjects. You can get involved in a huge range of programs university wide and receive digital credentials to share with your networks. Check out the Melbourne Plus Catalogue to see what programs might suit you.
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Week 4
Up your grade
Now that you have a better understanding of your assessments and study requirements, it's time to focus on improving your study and writing skills.
The University is running a number of student workshops to assist you with academic reading, writing and referencing.
Some of our top picks are:
Critical Thinking
In this workshop, you will explore how to apply critical thinking skills to your studies, especially when reading and writing.
Essay Writing 101
Learn about essay structure, paragraphing, features of essays with sample texts for analysis to help you better understand this task type.
Understanding Referencing
Learn how to take information from different sources and incorporate it into your work and how to best use Library resources.
You can also personalised advice, tips and feedback to help you develop your academic skills by booking an individual appointment or contacting the Writing advice service.
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Week 5
Take Care
While it is hugely rewarding and exciting, University can at times be overwhelming and stressful. While you are studying hard and involving yourself in University life, it is imperative that you also take care of your mental health and general wellbeing.
The University offers many fun events, wellbeing workshops and self help resources to help you rest and recharge across the semester.
There are also services to support your physical safety at University. The SafeZone app allows you to contact University Security (including security escorts), request first aid or seek urgent assistance in an emergency.
Keen to support both your physical and mental health?
The Faculty of Science is teaming up with MU Sports for Faculty Sports Day! Join us and participate in a fun and social game of basketball, soccer, and dodgeball against other Faculties.
Lunch provided for participating students, and prizes will be awarded to the winning team!
Mon 25 Mar, 11-2pm
Tin Alley, Parkville Campus
Bachelor of Science Orientation
Bachelor of Science Orientation Day was held at the Parkville Campus on 19 Feb 2024. Students learnt how to prepare for the first few weeks of class, met their peer mentors and some of their lecturers, enjoyed free food and participated in lots of fun activities!
You can view a recording of the session below.
Science Learn and Launch Day
Science Learn and Launch Day was held on Parkville campus on 20 Feb 2024. Students received all the information they needed to get started in their classes in week 1 during the 20-minute learn sessions, and had a chance to meet their first-year subject coordinators at the launch expo.
You can view recordings of the sessions below.
Science Learn and Launch Sessions
These sessions were run by first-year subject coordinators and outline all the information you need to be prepared for your first classes
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Mathematics & Statistics
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Chemistry
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BioSciences
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Physics
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Engineering & IT
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Earth Sciences
Science: Day 1
This year, Science: Day 1 was held on the Parkville campus on 1 Feb, 2024. It was an exciting pre-orientation event that allowed commencing BSc students to explore all that the course has to offer.
Students gained beginners’ tips on course planning in a Course Planning 101 session. They also took part in some fun social activities, heard from the Science Students’ Society, explored the campus on a tour, and finished the day with plenty of food, music and freebies at a fun science expo.
Access the Science Day 1 Presentation Slides and Course Planning 101 recording below!
Frequently asked questions
We have received many questions during previous Orientation Weeks, and have collected some answers and related resources below.
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How is Science: Day 1 different from Orientation?
Science: Day 1 is an important pre-Orientation event that acts as your introduction to science at Melbourne. You will learn important information about the various subjects we offer, interact with some of our cool facilities, gain beginner's tips on course planning and make some friends who you can later meet up with at Orientation. At Orientation, you will delve deeper into your course, the subjects you have chosen and the services the University provides.
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Do I need to attend both Science: Day 1 and Orientation?
We strongly recommend you attend BOTH Science: Day 1 and Orientation, as each event offers unique information that will ultimately better prepare you for your BSc.
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How do I register for Science: Day 1?
If you have received an offer to study Science at UniMelb, you will have received an email with a registration link to sign-up for Science: Day 1.
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Can I bring along a friend or guardian to Science: Day 1?
As this a registration-only event specifically for students who have received an offer to study a BSc at the University, we will not be able to accommodate additional guests.
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What if I can’t make it to Science: Day 1?
If you cannot make it to Science: Day 1, we will be uploading Course Planning: 101 sessions which you can view live and on demand.
Other orientation activities
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Melbourne Commencement Ceremonies
Each faculty holds a Melbourne Commencement Ceremony to officially welcome new students to their course. This is also where you can meet the Dean, academics and fellow students while enjoying food, drinks and entertainment.
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Melbourne Orientation
Celebrate starting your degree and enjoy campus with five packed days of faculty welcomes, carnival celebrations and campus activities.