New Students’ Orientation
At the start of Trimesters 1 and 2, we welcome new students to the University through our New Students’ Orientation programme.
Tuesday 7–Friday 10 July, Trimester 2 2020
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington's 2020 New Students' Orientation is the week before official classes commence—sessions and activities will run throughout the week.
Keep an eye on your inbox, email, and our social media channels for more information.
Orientation timetable
Use the New Students' Orientation timetable to figure out what events and workshops are going on throughout the week—there's something for everyone.
Sort your student administration
Use the online student portals to check your timetable, access tools for your courses and get more information about on-campus printing and WiFi.
Take a tour
Explore the University's campuses—during orientation take a tour of our campuses or the central library so you can get your bearings before you start classes.
Prepare for study
Attend online workshop sessions for study, essay writing, and academic tips.
International Orientation
If you are an international student, you can find more specific information to help you settle in at the University on Blackboard, the student study platform.
Things you can do at orientation
- Understand and confirm your lecture timetable.
- Locate your lecture theatre(s).
- Visit your Faculty office.
- Buy your course books and texts at Vic Books, at Kelburn or Pipitea campus—a full list of course textbooks will be posted in the store and on the Vic Books website.
- If you have housing questions visit University Accommodation Wellington.
- Our Info Ihonui desk is on level 2 outside the Library. Talk to one of our friendly staff here about any aspect of student life.
- Check out some of our other student services:
- Careers and Employment, Level 1, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade.
- Disability Services, Level 1 (ground floor), Robert Stout Building, Kelburn Parade.
- Financial Support and Advice, Level 1, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade.
- Mauri Ora (Student Health and Counselling), Level 1, Student Union Building.
- Student Learning, Level 0, Kirk Building, Hunter Courtyard, Kelburn Parade.
- Āwhina—Māori Student Support, Te Herenga Waka Marae, Kelburn Parade.
- Pasifika Student Support, Pasifika Haos, Mount Street, Kelburn.
If you have any questions, email the Student Recruitment and Orientation team: course-advice@vuw.ac.nz
Get involved
Explore the many different ways you can meet other students and get involved with university life:
- The UNI 101 programme is designed to help you get connected with your university, by helping you to find your way around, connect with other students from your faculty and help you with the transition into university life and study.
- WGTN Hall is ‘a hall without walls’—a programme to help you get involved and make the most out of your first year at university.
- Join a club, and see what's happening at the Recreation Centre.
- The University's population includes people from a diverse range of communities. Find out more about the support networks available for each of them.
Māori community
Nau mau, haere mai ki Te Herenga Waka!
Come along to the pōhiri for new Māori students at 10.30 am (meet outside the waharoa) on Thursday 9 July—register here. We will be holding a Māori student drop-in centre at Ahumairangi (48 Kelburn Parade) on Thursday 9 July and Friday 10 July from 10 am–1 pm. For those of you who are unable to make the orientation in person, we will also be holding a Whānau 2 Whānau session on Friday 10 July, 10.30 am–11.30 am—register here. We are looking forward to meeting you all!
Pasifika community
Find out what's happening in the Pasifika community—events, seminars, workshops, and information sessions being held around campus for staff and students.
Postgraduates
Join the Postgraduate Students’ Association (PGSA) to meet other postgraduate students and find out about the support services available.
PhD New Students' Orientation
The PhD New Students' Orientation is organised through the Wellington Faculty of Graduate Research. This is held over two days and offered four times a year.
View the dates for the PhD orientation schedule.
Victoria University of Wellington Students' Association (VUWSA)
VUWSA exists to make sure students get the best out of university—take a look at their website for more information.