February 17, 2023

Let’s Go Party (Responsibly) as UOW welcomes students back for a week of celebrations

UOW launches the new academic year with live music, entertainment, faculty information sessions on the agenda

Thousands of new students will experience their first taste of campus life next week when the University of Wollongong (UOW) officially kicks off the academic year.

UOW campuses will be abuzz, as the University’s re-imagined orientation, It’s Go Time, brings to life a range of much-anticipated events. The week will help students settle into study with faculty orientation days, alongside a jam-packed schedule of celebrations and activities to welcome new and continuing students to UOW’s campuses.

As part of It’s Go Time, UOW’s annual on-campus festival O-Fest will feature free entertainment, food, and games, providing students with opportunities to connect with UOW service providers and sign up for clubs, societies, and co-curricular experiences. O-Fest will be held from 1pm to 4pm, from Monday (20 February) to Thursday (23 February).

Let’s Go Party (Responsibly) will also feature the traditional Pool Party at Uni Active, Trivia and Drag Show, and Comedy Night. Gig Fest at Uni Bar on Thursday night (23 February) will be a must-attend event, featuring the good vibes and good tunes of local acts Pacific Avenue, and Big Twisty and the Funknasty, supported by Good Lekker.

The week will officially end with O-Party on Friday night at Uni Bar, a chance to celebrate and connect with new friends.

Elements of First Nations culture will be incorporated throughout the week’s celebrations, with students to take part in a smoking and ochre ceremony during their faculty sessions.

Let’s Go Party (Responsibly) coincides with the launch of a new Students’ Hub last week. Located on the ground floor of the Library, in the former Maker Space, the Students’ Hub will host a range of student support and engagement activities for all students, providing a space where they can chat with others and find out more about services available at UOW.

Staffed by students, for students, the Students’ Hub will be open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday during each session, with drops in welcomed and encouraged.

Professor Theo Farrell, UOW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Life), said it was wonderful to welcome new and continuing students back for the new academic year.

“Campus really comes alive during Let’s Go Party (Responsibly) as all our students settle back into the rhythms of the session. What better way to kick off the new academic year than with a week of celebrations and fun activities that will suit every interest and every student,” Professor Farrell said.

“I encourage all new and continuing students to experience the atmosphere of campus during this fun and exciting time.”

UOW reimagined its approach to Orientation this year with a curated, week-by-week guide to help students truly settle into life at university and choose what matters to them.

It’s Go Time, which kicked off last month, brings together everything a student needs to start the university year, including enrolment and administration, campus and student living, building new friendships, and the good vibes of orientation parties.

It’s Go Time is the umbrella for nine new initiatives, each with a specific focus, that will be rolled out week by week during the first semester: Let’s Go Get Started; Let’s Go Party (Responsibly); Let’s Go Live; Let’s Go Respect; Let’s Go Belong; Let’s Go Connect; Let’s Go Succeed; Let’s Go Forward; and Let’s Go Thrive.  

For more information about what’s on during Let’s Go Party (Responsibly), visit: https://uow.swoogo.com/itsgotime2023/party