Plan your Orientation week
Orientation week is your welcome to the University, an introduction to how key systems and services work, and an opportunity to make friends and have fun.
Nau mai, haere mai, welcome! Join us from 16 to 20 February (the week before classes start) for heaps of activities, events, workshops, and tours to help you get settled in and have a smooth transition to university life and study.
What to do
During Orientation week, get started with campus tours, find out how to use our online learning platform Nuku, and get some advice on managing your finances. To set yourself up for a great year of study, head along to the UNI101 events, and the degree information sessions on Tuesday. Brush up on your academic and study skills at sessions run by our Te Taiako—Student Learning team.
Orientation week is also a great opportunity to get involved in your student community, meet new people, and have some fun. Throughout the week, our friendly student ambassadors will be on hand to show you around, share handy tips and tricks, and answer any questions you may have.
New Students’ Orientation is for all new students, and everybody is invited to attend the sessions in the all students' programme. There are also additional sessions for international students, Māori students, Pasifika students, and postgraduate students.
Where to go
Most Orientation sessions for first-year students take place on our Kelburn campus, and the Hub is a good place to start. On the Hub mezzanine level (Level 2), you'll find a Get Sorted hub and an info table staffed by student ambassadors. It's also the meeting point for campus tours led by student ambassadors.
Visit the find your way page for a map of Kelburn campus and a list of key locations, including chill out zones.
International students' orientation
International Orientation is mandatory for all new international students in their first trimester of study. Sessions tagged 'international' are specially designed for you, and you're also welcome to attend all the sessions in the 'All students' programme. The official pōhiri—a traditional Māori welcome to mark the beginning of your journey—for international students will take place on 26 February.
About International Orientation International students' programme
Māori students’ orientation
Māori Students’ Orientation is an opportunity for you and your whānau to connect with the korowai of support at the University. This week-long programme will help you transition into tertiary studies, navigate our campuses, and meet students and key staff. We will be based at Te Herenga Waka marae on Kelburn Parade, so come along and enjoy the week with us!
Māori at Te Herenga Waka Maōri students' programme
Pasifika students' orientation
Pasifika Orientation is the beginning of finding your place, your ʻaiga, and your community. Designed for Pasifika students, this programme is about connection, belonging, and setting you up for success both academically and personally. Every day in AM102–AM104 you’ll meet others who are cheering you on. With our team standing alongside you throughout the year, Orientation is the perfect opportunity to begin university surrounded by encouragement, guidance, and the warmth of your Pasifika family.
Pasifika at the University Pasifika students' programme
Postgraduate students' orientation
The University is hosting a range of events to welcome postgraduate students, including a half-day programme at Pipitea campus on Thursday designed to help you start building your networks of support.
Postgraduate students' programme
VUWSA presents O-Week
The Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association—Te Aka Tauira (VUWSA) is your friendly students’ association, run by students, for students. We’re in charge of the iconic toga party, comedy night, and gigs during New Students’ Orientation.
Tickets for these events sell out quickly, so make sure you don’t miss out. Buy your tickets online and be sure to follow us for updates.
Buy O-Week tickets on Ticket Fairy VUWSA O-Week info
UNI101 programme
The UNI101 programme is for all first-year undergraduate students. After your degree session on Tuesday, head to the Hub to join a UNI101 peer group led by a student ambassador. You’ll meet other new students from your class, get to know the campus, and take part in social hangouts and exclusive UNI101 sessions that build your confidence, study skills, and connections throughout Orientation and the first three weeks of Trimester 1. It’s the perfect way to start your university journey.
WGTN Locals
If you’re living at home or flatting while studying, WGTN Locals is your chance to connect, get involved, and feel part of university life. Run by student ambassadors who’ve been through it themselves, the programme offers fun social events, insider tips, and a welcoming community of fellow students. Come and check out our lunchtime events in the Hub.
Welcome to Wellington Expo
Get to know the city you’ll soon call home! The Welcome to Wellington Expo brings together local businesses, student-friendly services, and community groups to help you find your rhythm in the capital. Discover hidden gems, grab some giveaways, and start building your Wellington network. Find us in the Hub on Wednesday from 11 am to 2 pm.
Get Sorted hub
Not sure where to start? Come along to our Get Sorted hub at Kelburn campus—located at on the mezzanine (Level 2) of the Hub, just outside the Library entrance.
You'll find student services, maps, and student ambassadors ready to help you get sorted during Orientation week. The services will include Digital Solutions (for IT support), Justices of the Peace (for document verification), members of our Careers and Employment team, and advisers from Student Learning, Student Finance, and StudyLink. They'll be able to help you get settled in and answer your questions.
Student ambassadors
Student ambassadors are current students who are on hand to help you transition into university life. You'll find them at Get Sorted hubs during Orientation week, and stationed around campus. They can help you decide which sessions to attend, supply you with a campus map, and answer your questions.
