Students from Victoria, around Australia and across the world returned to University of Melbourne campuses today for Melbourne Orientation Week.
University of Melbourne Provost Professor Nicola Phillips said the University was delighted to welcome students back to make the most of all that campus life has to offer.
Melbourne Orientation Week student activities include Melbourne Commencement Ceremonies for commencing undergraduate students, music performances, a sporting carnival and picnics and campus tours, all marking the start of the 2023 academic year.
“We’re expecting 50,000 students to join us for Orientation festivities this week, including international students who make up 40% of our total student population, representing more than 150 nationalities from around the world,” Professor Phillips said.
“Our students will be able to participate in more than 230 events this week, and our Discover UniMelb program will keep the festival atmosphere alive and help students feel at home on campus throughout the semester.
“More students than ever are looking to come to Melbourne to study, including a record number of undergraduate domestic students eligible for at least one of nine special entry categories through Access Melbourne, our Special Entry Access Scheme.
“Knowing that these students turned their dreams into a reality and are here with us now to start their studies, is a fantastic way to start the 2023 academic year” Professor Phillips said.
“We’re also celebrating the completion of the University’s $229 million investment in co-located student facilities and infrastructure upgrades on our Parkville campus, including two new buildings and five fully refurbished buildings. New outdoor landscaped areas, including an amphitheatre which opens directly onto Swanston Street, are ready for our students, staff and the wider community to come and enjoy.
“This development is one of the biggest investments the University has made in the Parkville campus student experience, and we’re thrilled it’s ready for the start of Semester One.’’
Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp says the return of international students marks a huge turning point for the city as it sets a new pace in 2023.
“We are overjoyed to welcome back international students and celebrate their O Week in the City of Melbourne,” says the Lord Mayor.
“International students are an essential part of the fabric in Melbourne, not just as students, but as workers, residents and community members.”
“We’ve already seen the popular student suburb of Carlton hiving with pedestrian activity over the last few weeks. In early February, foot traffic there has gone over 23% of benchmark levels.”
The Lord Mayor also noted the immense flow on effects the return of international students will have for local traders.
“Before the pandemic, international students boosted Victoria’s economy by $13 billion every year.”
“Our hospitality and retail traders have been waiting for this day for more than two years, and we know they can’t wait to serve and employ the thousands of international students that will soon be coming through their doors.”
Semester One begins on Monday 27 February 2023, with all undergraduate programs and the majority of graduate programs delivered on campus. The University continues to provide support and advice to our students who are currently overseas to assist with their travel to Melbourne by Semester 1, 2023 and more information is available on our International Student Support page.
