How does Orientation prepare students for university life?

Starting university can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for new students. What if they don’t know anyone? What will classes be like? Where do they need to go on the first day? Check out our information for new students and read on to learn how Orientation can help your teen feel ready for university, and why it’s so important they attend.

What is Orientation?

At AUT, there are two parts to Orientation for new students: Orientation and O-Week.

Orientation

Taking place in the week before semester starts, Orientation is run by AUT and helps new students get to know the university environment, understand what to expect and perhaps even make friends before classes start.

There are Orientation sessions at each AUT campus, and most new students only need to attend one day, unless they’re enrolled in a conjoint programme or have classes at more than one campus. Throughout the day they meet other new students and attend sessions that cover what to expect in their chosen programme, along with plenty of tips to help them succeed at university.

AUT Orientation

O-Week

O-Week is usually a week later, in the first week of semester. It’s the social side of Orientation, featuring a line-up of events and activities run by the Auckland University of Technology Student Association (AUTSA). O-Week is designed to create a warm and inviting environment to start the semester off and gives students the chance to find out more about the many clubs, events and other opportunities available on campus. Throughout the week, students meet a lot of people they will go through university with, make new memories and learn how AUTSA represent students’ interests within the university

O-Week (AUTSA Facebook page)

_{Orientation is full of opportunities to get to know the campus and other new students}

What should students expect at Orientation and O-Week?

Throughout Orientation there are lots of events and activities, including:

• Programme sessions – a chance to meet lecturers and classmates, and find out what to expect in your programme
• AUT101 & 102 – an interactive session full of university tips every AUT student should know
• Study Success session – a lecture style workshop that covers the secrets to university success, including academic writing and how to reference correctly
• My Orientation tour – covers the most important area of the university campus, including study spaces, computer labs, student services, and places to eat and relax
• Auckland City Tour – a tour of Auckland City for those new to Auckland
• IT Sorted session – covers IT essentials for new students, including where to find your timetable and where lecturers post notes and resources
• Sessions specifically for international students, Māori students and rainbow students
• Clubs Days – an introduction to student clubs on campus; from paintball to anime, and astronomy to drama clubs, as well as clubs for students from different cultural or religious backgrounds
• Chill spaces where students can reflect and relax
• A fun zone where students can play pop-up sports, carnival games, giant games and receive free food at Campus Kai
• A wide range of events like quiz nights, bingo and a block party at the AUT City Campus

Top reasons to attend Orientation

With so many new things to take in when university starts, Orientation is a day not to be missed and we encourage all new students to take part in Orientation to make sure they feel ready when classes start.

Below are some reasons to encourage your teen to go to Orientation.

Students who attend Orientation:

• Feel more prepared when university starts
• Get better grades
• Are more connected with other students and with the university
• Meet their lecturers and classmates before classes start
• Understand what academic skills will be expected of them
• Know their campus and where their classes are
• Discover what student services are available and where to get support if they need it

Before Orientation even begins, we email all new students more information about the day and encourage them to download the AUT App, which helps them schedule the activities they want to attend and make the most of Orientation and their time at AUT.

Student ambassadors – a friendly face to calm the nerves

_{Each student ambassador is a senior student who looks after 10 to 15 new students at Orientation and throughout the year}

There’s nothing better than hearing from others who have been on the same journey. That’s why student ambassadors are a key part of Orientation; giving new students a chance to talk to senior students and ask them anything, from study tips and great places to eat, to where to go if they need support.

Because student ambassadors are AUT students themselves, they still remember how they felt in their very first days at university. They have been there; the first-day nerves, the fear of not knowing anyone, and the joy when things were starting to make sense and feel familiar.

At Orientation, each student ambassador is assigned a group of 10 to 15 first-year students and will guide them throughout the day. New students receive information about the different student ambassadors before Orientation and can choose a student ambassador who is studying the same programme or has a similar background or interests.

Our student ambassadors’ own experiences of Orientation

“Taking the first step on a new path in your life can be hard, and it’s hard to know where to begin when everything seems so overwhelming. Orientation is a great place to start as it introduces students to what is to come when starting tertiary study. There’s a range of programmes – from campus tours that help students become familiar with their campus to a lecture-based introduction of the programme they’ve applied for. They all aim to help students get the best start to their time here at AUT. I really recommend AUT101. This quiz-based programme gives students the basic ins-and-outs of AUT and allows them to meet other new students who are also beginning their journey at AUT.”

David Dryland
Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business alumnus / former Student Ambassador

“The feeling of excitement, nervousness and overwhelmingness is what I remember from my own Orientation. I want all new students to know that those feelings are normal. If I was lost or needed anything during the day, there were lots of people around me who could help. The atmosphere, environment and vibe of the campus made me feel welcome and relaxed. Going on campus tours and attending workshops also made me glad that I attended Orientation, as once classes started, I knew exactly what to do and what to expect. My number one tip for new students starting at AUT is not to be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. There’s so much to do around AUT and participating in clubs or events will help to meet new people.”

Jesmina Patel
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Construction Engineering student / Student Ambassador

“At my own orientation I found myself nervous and shy, but what stood out for me about the day was how kind and friendly the student ambassadors were. They made me feel at home at each workshop I attended and helped me calm my nerves with tips about university, especially at the informational and hilarious AUT101 session. A top tip for new students is to always ask for help if you’re ever lost or confused. There are great student services at AUT to help with tutoring and everyday issues.”

Ashley Groves
Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences graduand/ former Student Ambassador

“The student ambassadors are what stood out most about my own Orientation. They helped me smoothly transition into AUT life. They were so friendly and willing to help you out during Orientation, and when I started my studies one of the student ambassadors was in my class and we became good friends. She introduced me to other student ambassadors at AUT, and from there I had no problem making new friends and settling into my new journey.”

Daniel Carbungco
Diploma in Culinary Arts alumnus / former Student Ambassador

Student ambassadors also continue to support new students beyond Orientation, and during the semester first-year students can contact their student ambassador to ask any questions they might have.