Orientation Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re a higher-education student, Orientation is held on our Hawthorn campus the week before classes officially begin. It’s packed with opportunities to set you up for success, kick off your classes and help you get more out of your time here as a student.

Yes, you’re expected to attend Orientation because it includes course-specific sessions and activities, including your course induction. Orientation will help you understand your course, units and support services. It’s also one of the best ways to meet other students and start building your support network.

Yes, students attending Orientation need to accept their offer before the event.

We encourage all students to complete their enrolment for Semester 2 so they get the most out of our Orientation before semester starts.

You need to RSVP to your course induction. If you are already enrolled at Swinburne, you will receive an email invite with a link to register for the sessions you will attend, including your course induction. 

If you’re studying a double degree, you may see course induction sessions for both of your courses. You only need to attend one, so you can choose the course induction you prefer to attend. Some sessions may be scheduled at the same time, so check the session details before selecting your induction to avoid double booking.

Wear comfortable shoes so you can join a student-led campus tour. Tours depart every 15 minutes. It is also a good idea to bring a pen and paper so that you can take notes on the day. Please also bring your student ID number or your Orientation registration confirmation, as you may need these when you arrive.
If you need help on the day, ask one of our friendly staff. Most importantly, bring an open mind and be ready to meet new people.

For most students, classes start in Week 1, the week after Orientation. Attending Orientation will help you prepare before classes begin. The First Day will give you important information about your units, school, support services and life at Swinburne. Consider this an essential part of setting yourself up for success. 

Note: Orientation for VET students takes place in the same week your classes begin. If you’re a Swinburne College student, your Orientation will take place the week before your classes start. Check your student email for more information. 

Additional welcome sessions (Wednesday)

These sessions are an important way to connect with others, ask questions and feel prepared for your Swinburne journey:

• International Students starting a full degree should register for the International Student Essentials Session, run by the International Student Advisory & Support (ISA&S). This session is an important way to connect with other international students and learn about your dedicated support team.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will receive an invitation to attend Indigenous Student Orientation directly from the Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC). Look out for your invite from MTC which is sent to both your student and personal email addresses.
• Overseas Exchange and Study Abroad Students studying at Swinburne for one semester will receive an invitation from Swinburne Abroad to attend their Study Abroad and Exchange Orientation session and welcome lunch.
   

Discovery Day (Thursday) 

Connect with Swinburne’s vibrant community and culture to celebrate the week, join the Orientation Challenge and ask any last questions before classes start. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere, tasty food, great music and hands-on workshops. 

Register using the Orientation registration form, then download the Orientation app to view your personalised schedule and the full Orientation program.

Orientation and your course induction are great opportunities to meet other students and start making connections. We also run workshops and events before and during Orientation that make excellent icebreakers.

Orientation includes events and activities designed to help you meet other students, build connections and feel more confident before classes start. Along with attending your course induction, you can meet people with shared interests by exploring Swinburne’s huge range of student clubs.

Make sure to look out for activities and events on day three and the events run by the Swinburne Student Association.

There are two types of student ID cards: virtual and physical. Your Virtual ID card can be used to confirm your Swinburne student status and borrow books from the library. You will need a physical student ID card to access some campus buildings or labs. To make the most of Orientation, including free lunch, organise your student ID card before you arrive on campus. 

You cannot attend Orientation online. If you can’t make it to campus, you will need to catch up on the key information you missed, including how to set up your Swinburne login and organise your student ID card.

You are welcome to bring someone along with you to campus. However, course inductions and welcome sessions take place in our lecture theatres and have capacity limitations, so please note that this person may not be able to attend these sessions with you.

If you are unsure about any part of Orientation or what is expected of you as a Swinburne student, contact StudentHQ. If you are an international student and have questions about studying or living in Australia, our International Student Advisory team is here to help.