USC is preparing to welcome about 150 new students enrolling mid-year at its Fraser Coast campus.

Tomorrow (18 July) the students will join in a Semester 2 Orientation program filled with social and academic activities to introduce them to university life.

Some of the students have taken a six-month gap since finishing high school, while others are non-school leavers upgrading their skills or embarking mid-year on the path to a new career.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said Orientation would help lay the foundations for a successful start to their studies and university experience.

“USC’s Orientation program helps students get ready for university in a way that is both informative and fun,” Professor Hill said.

It includes live music, market stalls, games and a free lunch as well as essential information sessions on study programs and USC’s library, IT and course management systems.

“Orientation is also a time to make valuable connections, with the opportunity to meet lecturers, tutors and other new students, ” Professor Hill said.

“They can find out more about campus life from current students and connect with USC’s social, sporting and support groups,” he said.

As part of Orientation activities, USC is running three days of workshops on IT, research fundamentals and academic writing to help students develop skills and strategies to enhance their learning.

The additional students will take the total number currently enrolled at USC’s campus in Hervey Bay to around 640.

The students have enrolled in a range of USC study programs, including degrees in Nursing Science, Education, Animal Ecology, Environmental Science, Psychology, Social Work and Accounting.

More information on Orientation can be found at www.usc.edu.au/orientation