Central Queensland University hopes to provide a complete ‘survival guide’ to about 1900 new university students during Orientation activities across Queensland from February 24 to March 2.

Starting university is exciting, but can also be daunting. That’s why CQU has provided activities to help new students survive their first year of study.

Orientation is an important part of a student’s settling in period and according to First Year Experience Coordinator Olive Mallory students need to attend all relevant sessions to best prepare them for their studies at CQU.

“Orientation is a student’s survival guide to university,” Ms Mallory said.

Orientation activities are planned on-campus in Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay and Emerald, as well as in Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast and on the Sunshine Coast for distance education students in these areas.

During Orientation, students can access specific program and course information, get their timetable and text book list, find their way around university, and learn how to negotiate the university system.

Students studying by distance, who can not come to one of the on-campus activities, have the opportunity to connect with other students and access vital information through DE Forum, an interactive online site.

Students can also be linked with a student mentor – a second or third0-year student who acts as an advisor and role model throughout their first year.

The Student Mentor Program assists new students to quickly feel at home at CQU provides support during their first year of tertiary studies.

The aim of the program is to provide students with access to vital information in a more efficient and effective manner, smooth the transition to university life and foster a sense of belonging.

Ms Mallory said there is a lot to learn in the first few weeks of starting university and CQU has found that student mentors can really help new students adjust quickly.

More than 90% of all on-campus students at CQU’s regional campuses and over 600 distance education students were linked with a student mentor in 2006.

“All programs are very busy from day one, so it is important for students to have a clear understanding of what is expected of them during the term”.

CQU has been also holding Uni Skills sessions prior to Orientation activities in Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Noosa. These comprise a variety of workshops on academic writing skills, mathematics, science, study skills, library research skills and introductory computing.

The CQU Student Association will hold social events during the week of Orientation.

Details about all Orientation events are available via www.cqu.edu.au .

Photos: Kurt Gaskell and Louise Chellingsworth get some computer lab tips from Student Mentor Boban Avezina-Ilic.