Your go-to-guide for Res College Orientation Week

Getting ready to move onto a USQ Res College?Not sure what to expect during Orientation Week?

We spoke to Res College students to find out about their Orientation Week experiences and advice for new students.

Based on their responses, here are the 6 most common stages that most new residents go through during their first week on-college.

Along the way, you’ll also hear from members of the Resident Student Club (RSC). The RSC is made up of students from every college, elected each year by fellow residents, who are responsible for organising fantastic social events throughout the year.

Here’s what to expect during the

6 stages of Res College Orientation Week

1. Arrival anxiety

The time has arrived… Res College Orientation Week is here! You’ve packed your bags, filled the car and arrived at your new home away from home.Moving on-college can be a massive change for many, especially for those leaving home for the first time. You might find you have new levels of independence and freedom, but living away from family, friends, pets and the life you know takes a little getting used to.

This is completely normal!

‘Moving far from home may seem like an impossible journey, but remember: every journey begins with the first step. I made the decision to embark on one of

the most challenging journeys I could imagine; leaving my home of Alice Springs to travel to a university where I could pursue my dream career’.

– Shane Van Luenen, McGregor College.

2. Exploring your environment

You have probably thought about arriving at college hundreds of times, but the reality might be a little different than you expected. When you first arrive for Orientation Week, you will need to check-in (where you get a chance to meet college staff) and spend some time getting to know the college environment.

You have probably thought about arriving at college hundreds of times, but the reality might be a little different than you expected. When you first arrive for Orientation Week, you will need to check-in (where you get a chance to meet college staff) and spend some time getting to know the college environment.

You will also meet a diverse group of people, some who have already lived in the area, some who are coming from a regional town and some who have moved from overseas, all of whom are just as nervous and excited as you are for the week ahead.

‘Come in with an open mind. Originally I thought college would be a lot like boarding school, and I would therefore only stay for a year. Now I don’t want

college to end! College makes you so much more accepting. You make friends with such a variety of people’.

– Sophie Twidale, McGregor College.

By knowing what to expect, you can embrace the Res College

Orientation Week experience!

3. Facing your fears

No one will like me… I won’t make any friends…I’ll have a horrible roommate…I won’t be included because I’m under 18…I’ll get lost all the time……sound familiar? It is completely natural to have fears about such a big change in your life.

Believe it or not, all of the above fears were thoughts that went through the minds of RSC members.To help you work through your fears, we’ve put together the top Res College fears and ways to overcome them.

‘When I was approaching university life, I built up a wall of fears and disbelief. As soon as I walked through those Concannon doors, that wall instantly shattered’.

– Joe Hayes, Concannon College.

‘If it was fear that got you here, then you’re on the right track. Follow your fears and you’ll seldom look back’.

– Robert Maunsell, Concannon College.

‘Don’t worry about fitting in on-colleges; stick with your true self. Everyone is welcoming, and probably just as scared and anxious as you.

It’s such a diverse environment with people of different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, so you will find people who accept you. You only get out what you put in,

so enjoy it while you’re here!’.

– Kazlyn Steuer, Steele Rudd College.

4. Putting yourself out there

It may feel overwhelming meeting so many new people during Orientation Week , but everyone is in the same boat.The great thing about Orientation Week is that all the freshers (new students moving onto college) will arrive a day before the returners (students who already live on college). This means you’ll get a chance to meet all of the other new students just like you!

While getting to know your new housemates, you might hear a lot of new words and phrases. To help you understand what college students are saying, here is your complete Res College dictionary to help you learn the lingo.

‘Everyone is here for a good time. No matter their age or where they came from, they’re all experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.

My advice for Res College Orientation Week would be to get out of your comfort zone and make the most of it’.

– Mitchell Gormley, McGregor College.

5. Getting amongst it

During Orientation Week there are heaps of organised college and university-wide events to get involved in! Just some of the exciting events to look forward to throughout the week include:

• A toga party• Rudd’s Rodeo• Bush Dance• The Paint Olympics• Market Day.

While these events are not compulsory to attend, they’re a great way to get to know fellow students, make great memories and immerse yourself in the college community.

‘Get involved and make stories for a lifetime of reminiscing’.

– Alex Monk, Steele Rudd College.

‘Get out of your bedroom, and dive headfirst into all events. Who knows, your best friend for life could be right around the corner’.

– James Tennant, Steele Rudd College.

6. Relaxation

By the end of Orientation Week, you’ve moved out of home and into college, probably had a few emotional ups and downs, got involved in events, overcome some fears and met hundreds of other students!Now it’s time to relax a little, because as you can see, you’ve come a long way in a week!

‘Relax. College is far more fun when you talk to people’.

– Jared Mathews, Steele Rudd College.

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 26.9.9 02.2017 Graphics © Shutterstock Photos © USQ Online Marketing

social.usq.edu.au

There you have it, the 6 most common stages that a fresher goes through during Res College Orientation Week! Hopefully you’re feeling ready to embrace Orientation Week and are excited to move on-college.

If you still have some questions about what to expect, read about Ashleigh’s personal experience of the nerves and anticipation she felt before moving onto college..