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Starting uni is a pretty big deal. You’ve made it past ATAR stress, got that sweet offer letter, and now it’s time for your official welcome into university life: Orientation Week, or as it’s affectionately called, O Week.
Typically held in February 2026, O Week is packed with events and activities designed to help new students feel at home in their new campus environment.
It’s the week you get your bearings, make new friends, get to know your student services, and start building your own uni community.
From campus tours and faculty info sessions to free food, quirky games, and more tote bags than you can carry, this is your launchpad into the world of higher education!
Don’t know what to expect? That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate O Week like a pro.
During Orientation Week, universities across Sydney put on a massive effort to help new students settle in.
It’s not just about getting your student card or knowing where your building number is — it’s about being welcomed into a vibrant university community where you can find your crew, get answers to your questions, and learn how to make the most of the next few years.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
First time on campus? You’re not alone! That’s why every O Week starts with guided campus tours, maps, and building walk-throughs; all run by friendly staff or current students.
You’ll get familiar with:
This is also when you’ll attend key course sessions and meet your faculty. You’ll walk away knowing more than just where the toilets are (though that’s important too!).
Here’s where O Week really shines: social events and student club fairs that help you meet your people!
Whether it’s speed friending, cultural mixers, gaming tourneys, or just chilling with free popcorn in the quad, this is your chance to get involved.
And trust us — joining even one club is a game-changer.
You’ll meet classmates, find like-minded students, and become part of a bigger community. Plus, there’s usually enough free food to keep you sorted through the whole week.
Feeling nervous about meeting people? Don’t miss this article: 7 Networking Tips for Students Who Feel Lost at Every Event
Yes, there’s some grown-up stuff involved, but it’s way easier than it sounds. During O Week, you’ll get help with:
There’ll be teams on-site for answering questions, sorting forms, and making sure no one falls through the cracks.
Living close or at the heart of Sydney?
Here’s a snapshot of Orientation Week (O Week / Welcome Week) dates and vibes for 2026 at local universities!
While each university runs its own set of orientation and social events, they all share one goal: to help new students settle in, connect with peers, and feel confident stepping into university life in February 2026.
Source: The University of Sydney Official Welcome Program
The University of Sydney runs a jam-packed two-week Welcome Program filled with orientation activities and info sessions to help you settle into university life.
With one of Australia’s most iconic campuses, it’s designed to connect engaged students with their academic path and wider uni community.
What happens during O Week:
Whether you’re exploring the Quad or lining up for freebies, USYD’s O Week makes a big campus feel surprisingly welcoming.
Source: UNSW Facebook Page
UNSW’s O Week feels more like a festival — buzzing with music, colour, and connection — kicking off uni with confidence by offering the right mix of admin help, orientation events, and fun.
And if you’re looking for your next student home, come say hi to Y Suites at UNSW’s O‑Week!
We’ll be there from 9 to 11 February right in front of the Webster Building / Merilyn Sleigh Lawn. Look out for the Y Suites name across the booths on the day.
Drop by our booth to learn more about our premium student apartments, score exclusive freebies, and get insider tips on Sydney student living — we can’t wait to meet you!
What happens during O Week:
Source: UTS Facebook Page
UTS spreads its orientation activities across two weeks, combining on-campus and online sessions to suit different student schedules.
It’s ideal for students who want flexibility while still feeling connected.
What happens during O Week:
Withs, modern, and well-organised, UTS O Week helps students ease into campus life at their own pace.
Source: Western Sydney University Facebook Page
Western Sydney University’s Orientation Week runs right before semester starts, giving students practical, no‑stress preparation across its campuses.
What happens during O Week:
Western Sydney’s O Week is all about preparation, connection, and starting semester feeling confident.
Source: University of Wollongong Facebook Page
While slightly outside Sydney, UOW is still an easy train ride away and offers a scenic and supportive O Week experience, balancing academic prep with relaxed, community-driven social events.
What happens during O Week:
With its coastal campus and friendly vibe, UOW makes settling into uni feel refreshingly easy.
Source: Australian Catholic University (ACU) orientation portal
ACU’s Orientation Week runs across its Sydney-accessible campuses and focuses on community, connection, and academic support.
It’s particularly supportive for international students and those transitioning from school to university.
What happens during O Week:
ACU’s O Week keeps things personal, supportive, and easy to navigate — ideal for students who prefer a community-based environment.
Source: Torrens University Australia Facebook Page
Located centrally in Sydney and easily accessible by train or light rail, Torrens University runs smaller, tailored orientation programs that are perfect for students juggling part-time study, work, or online learning — all while still connecting with the uni community.
What happens during O Week:
Torrens’ O Week is streamlined and practical, perfect for students who want clarity from day one.
Notre Dame’s Sydney campus offers a close-knit experience, especially suited for students who value structure and strong peer connections.
Its O Week is known for combining pastoral care with academic prep, helping students feel grounded and supported from the get-go.
What happens during O Week:
Smaller groups and personalised sessions make Notre Dame’s O Week feel supportive and welcoming.
Let’s be honest: it can be a lot. New people, new systems, and about 47 tote bags. But O Week is also a great opportunity to start strong and make your transition smoother!
Here’s how to own it:
Remember, you’re not supposed to know it all right away.
That’s why O Week exists — to help you ease into student life with support, laughs, and a few sausage rolls along the way.
You’ve got your O Week schedule packed, maybe a new club tee or two, and you’re starting to feel like this whole uni thing is actually doable.
Now what? Time to lock in the kind of student accommodation that sets you up for a chilled, stress-free semester.
Y Suites offers fully-furnished student accommodation that’s walking distance from Sydney’s top universities like USYD, UNSW and UTS.
You’ll find modern rooms, quiet study pods, community lounges, and events that support strong student engagement, providing the perfect balance of comfort, security, and convenience especially after a jam-packed O Week..
✅ Premium, fully furnished student rooms and shared apartments, inclusive of Wi-Fi and utilities
✅ Full access to various common areas for socialising, studying, exercising, playing, and resting
✅ The opportunity to connect with other like-minded students from different prestigious universities through our community events
✅ Excellent security measures that ensure your personal safety
✅ Hassle-free customer service managed by our attentive and well-trained staff
So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience how student life should be.
Book an on-site tour with us!
reservations@ysuites.co
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