Transition to University
Starting university study brings both opportunities and challenges. A successful transition is important in developing a sense of belonging and better academic adjustment and success. The University of Sydney seeks to facilitate students’ successful transition through a wide range of programs and activities:
Faculty activities
Faculty-based welcomes and orientation activities are scheduled each year to provide transition support for commencing students. See faculty websites for information.
Indigenous Australian students
The Koori Centre has a Welcome Day for Indigenous Australian students and encourages all Indigenous students to make contact with the Koori Centre.
International students
The International Student Support Unit (ISSU) offers orientation activities particularly focused on meeting the needs of newly arrived international students. The ISSU activities take place prior to each semester's SWOT and O-Week events so that international students can also participate fully in the general University orientation.
Postgraduate students
Postgraduate students are supported by their faculties in transitioning to postgraduate study at the University.
Summer School students
The Sydney Summer School runs an orientation program for Summer School students in early January each year.
Undergraduate students
Semester One
The Sydney Welcome Orientation and Transition (SWOT) program offers all commencing undergraduate students an opportunity to learn more about the University. During the week preceding Semester One, they can get to know the University, develop key skills for success, discover other key resources for getting the most out of university life, and develop a sense of belonging. Many SWOT events are conducted at the same time as O-Week, organised by the University of Sydney Union and other student organisations. First-year activities are scheduled throughout the semester by the faculties and student support services.
Semester Two
At the beginning of Semester Two, the SWOT (Re)Orientation website provides an opportunity to find out more about student support services for commencing students and students who may have missed out on SWOT activities earlier in the year. The first-year activities scheduled by the faculties and student support services continue in Semester Two. For more information, please refer to ‘Support all year round’.
University of Sydney Union O-Week
Semester One
O-Week is a three-day orientation event in the week preceding Semester One organised by the University of Sydney Union (USU) and other student organisations. O-Week provides an opportunity to find out about student clubs and societies available at the University and the services and activities of the student organisations.
Semester Two
The USU schedules ReO activities in Semester Two, which provide another opportunity to find out about student clubs and societies.
Support all year round
Transition support continues throughout the academic year with activities for first-year students within faculties. All University student support services are available to assist students to become active independent learners and to successfully manage any crisis or challenges that may arise. Seminars and workshops focused on the needs of first-year students are provided by the Learning Centre and Counselling Service.
More information
- The Current students website provides online information and access to services for enrolled students throughout the year.
- The SWOT website goes live before each semester begins. During this period, the website can be accessed via the Orientation link on the Current students website.
- For more information click on the Orientation link on the Current students web page.
A copy of the 2009 student services information booklet is available as a downloadable PDF.