Georgia Dobsa

Hello new students and welcome to O-Week! Today marks the start of two weeks of market stalls, food trucks, performances, and so many opportunities to learn more about university life. Even if you aren’t a new student, welcome to O-Week as well; I didn’t attend an O-Week or Market Festival until my second year, and still found it just as fun and informative.

O-Week, or Orientation Week, is a chance for commencing and returning students alike to check out the various clubs that Griffith University has to offer, as well as to learn about the many resources the university offers, and generally helps students ease into (or back into) the whirlwind that is university. The first week of trimester continues the festivities, allowing students a bit more time to check out all of the amazing stalls and events occurring during these two weeks.

To maximise your experience at uni, join some of the many clubs and societies at Griffith. These clubs range from social clubs that allow students with similar interests to meet and engage in their hobbies, to more educational clubs that relate to your degree. To learn more about what clubs Griffith offers, click this link to visit the Clubs and Societies Page on the Griffith Website, or come on down to O-Week and Market Festival where the clubs will have stalls so you can talk to the leaders and learn more about what events and activities they run.

Here is your beginner friendly guide to O-Week and Market Festival:

For commencing students, don’t get too worried about finding your way around campus. Even third years, like myself, still need some assistance. The Griffith App provides you with many resources, such as an easy access to your university portal, myGriffith, and your student email, as well as a map of the campus. Click here to learn more about the app and where to download it.

O-Week will be held in the Campus Heart on the Nathan Campus, which is located outside of the library (N53), in the middle of the campus. There will be construction in the area, but the detours will be clearly marked and if you have any troubles, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help. Campus Heart is marked on this map here:

If you’re looking to make some friends at the start of university, then check out the events page run by the Student Representative Council. To start off the trimester, they’re offering a trip to Australia Zoo on Friday 1^st March for only $30 with free transport and lunch (click here to buy a ticket), and they’re also hosting events on campus such as the O-Week Beach Party at the UniBar on Saturday 2^nd March (tickets here) and a Trivia Night on Wednesday 6^th March (tickets here).

To discover more about what events are being held, and to keep up to date with what’s happening during O-Week and the Market Festival, follow “What’s On at Griffith” on both Facebook and Instagram!