Students celebrate start of new semester

Students celebrate start of new semester

New and returning students have enjoyed two weeks of festivities, across all Melbourne campuses, to kick off Semester 2.

Celebrations started at Brunswick campus on 5 July, where VE students were treated to a free lunch, Clay Play and DJs.

They also had the chance to chat to current students at the How2RMIT zone and get tips on starting, or continuing at RMIT. 

Carlton campus students were lucky to enjoy some winter sunshine the following day, while enjoying treats from Mabu Mabu and chats at the RMIT Kirrip Long Table. 

RUSU were also on hand to explain some of the great offers they have for students, as well as the On Country experiences team letting students know about the range of Indigenous activities, engagements and resources available to them.

Mish Eastman, RMIT’s College of Vocational Education Deputy Vice-Chancellor, was at the event and spoke about why in-person activities like this are so important to students.

“It’s great to see our RMIT campuses come alive with the festivities and seeing our students connecting with their peers, as they settle into university life," she said.

"While students have enjoyed returning to campus life for a semester now, the importance these events play in providing everyone a chance to connect in-person remains a cause for energy, community development and celebration."

View the VE Orientation events Flickr album.

Smoking ceremony at VE Orientation (left) Mish Eastman Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Vocational Education) and Vice-President, watches the smoking ceremony at VE Orientation on Carlton campus

It was HE students' turn this week with undergraduate Design and Social Context students enjoying the cozy atmosphere at Kirrip Place on City campus. 

While out at Bundoora campus, STEM students also met indoors to escape the rain.

Wednesday saw undergraduate College of Business and Law students pack the A'Beckett courts, meeting with academics and connecting with RMIT services, while enjoying a range of creative activities and games.

Postgraduate College of Business and Law students met at The Oxford Scholar later that evening to network with teachers and fellow students whilst enjoying delicious canapes and drinks.

Finally, all STEM and Design and Social Context students had another chance to come together on Bowen Street on Thursday to close out the festivities and to enjoy more tunes, free food and activities. 

Vice-Chancellor and President Alec Cameron was there to enjoy the great atmosphere, and attend a campus tour run by RMIT Kirrip.

RMIT Kirrip Ambassador Sumanth who met the Vice-Chancellor spoke about his experience.

"It was the highlight of my day and he was really passionate about the happenings of the University," he said.

"Being a student, I strongly feel that face to face interactions are very important."

"After today's interaction, I understood that the Vice-Chancellor has visited my home city, and we had a small chat about it!"

Another highlight for Sumanth was the Welcome to Country. 

"I really enjoyed the welcome ceremony," he said.

"It got me thinking of how certain ceremonies are universal, and most cultures around the world follow them."     

Student standing next to smoking ceremony
I feel that this brings about a sense of unity amongst any participating audience.

Worried you've missed out?

There are still plenty of great activities you can attend, including Clubs Day and International Student Info sessions.

Head to the Orientation page to find out more.

Related links

Collage of 9 orientation week photos
15 July 2022

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