Hundreds of new USC students from across Australia brought colour and excitement to the Sunshine Coast campus today for the first day of Orientation.

USC is this year taking a COVID-safe approach to Orientation as it welcomes about 5,500 new students across campuses from Moreton Bay to the Fraser Coast.

Students have on-campus and online opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities, including a Welcome to Country and market stalls to showcase student life, local student groups and USC services.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Students) Professor Denise Wood AM said USC had adapted how Orientation activities were previously delivered to ensure all required health and safety measures were in place.

“There will also be more than 200 program sessions, skills workshops, and other face-to-face opportunities across the week," she said.

“Online sessions will be offered for students who might need extra flexibility and we’ve had some wonderful engagement already with our new students participating in pre-semester skills sessions.”

Professor Wood said taking part in Orientation was absolutely fundamental for new students preparing for the start of Semester 1 on Monday 1 March.

“It’s also a fun week, with opportunities to socialise and get freebies, including their USC student diary,” she said.

The full USC Orientation program can be viewed online.