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Ready to kick off your uni life with a bang? The Pre-Orientation Camp (11–13 February 2025) is your golden ticket to meeting your new squad, eating free food (priorities), and pretending you know where all the campus buildings are. Here’s the lowdown on how to make the most of this epic three-day extravaganza.

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Camp Highlights: What You’re In For

• Private Room Living: Forget bunk beds – you’ll get your own room at a fancy on-campus college. They’re just like Hogwarts but with fewer ghosts and no secret passageways (that we know of)!
• Goal-Setting Greatness: Before it’s all over, you’ll take part in workshops designed to help you map out your uni life and smash your goals. Whether that’s acing your first semester or just figuring out where the best coffee on campus is (nobody can agree on this), you’ll leave feeling prepared and inspired!
• Workshops for Every Vibe: Whether you’re into creative crafts, academic tips, or chill sessions, there’s a workshop for you. You might even discover a new hobby or two.
• The Four F’s:
  • Friends: Even the most introverted of people can make friends at this camp (I speak from experience)! It’s so helpful being able to bond with people before university officially starts - I went to my first lecture with people I met at my pre-orientation camp :-)
  • Food Galore: Breakfast? Sorted. Lunch? Delicious. Dinner? Absolutely. Dessert? Sign me up! Bring stretchy pants.
  • Fun Stuff: Carnival games, live music, an Amazing Race, workshops, and even a DJ’d summer party. Will you make it to all the events? Challenge accepted.
  • Freebies: Hats, water bottles, pens you’ll probably lose immediately, and various other goodies will be yours for the taking!

The Breakdown

Day 1: Settling In & Campus Carnival

Arrive, awkwardly lug your suitcase through the college halls, and immediately make friends over lunch. After that, it’s time for:

• A Student Support Expo where you grab some goodie bags and pretend to listen to all the info (JK - the info they give you is actually very helpful so you should definitely listen)!
• Campus exploration + carnival vibes. Think snacks, games, and probably someone trying to dunk their friend in a water tank.
• End the day with a live concert featuring Squid the Kid! Because nothing says uni life like bopping with strangers.

Day 2: Find Your People + Amazing Race Adventures

Start your morning with a workout at MU Sport (optional, because sleep is important too). Then:

• Get hands-on with interest-based workshops - anything from artsy crafts to sports.
• Compete in an Amazing Race around campus and beyond. Channel your inner Benoit Blanc and beat the other teams!
• Wrap up the day with a summer party featuring a DJ and festival vibes. Not into loud parties? Chill activities are available too. PJs welcome.

Day 3: Wind Down & Goal-Setting

After breakfast (and a coffee or two), it’s time to:

• Play some relaxing morning games to ease into the day.
• Join goal-setting workshops to get hyped about the semester ahead.
• Enjoy a tasty closing lunch before heading home or joining a faculty-based activity to meet coursemates.

Pro Tips for Maximum Fun

1. Don’t Skip the Pre-Camp Info Session (3 Feb): This is your chance to ask all the questions you’re too embarrassed to ask later (like, “Can I bring my teddy bear?”).
2. Make Friends Early: Talk to the person awkwardly standing alone at lunch. They’re just as nervous as you are! I know it’s hard to make that initial move, but I promise you it’ll be so worth it.
3. Use the Freebies: That water bottle? Hydration is key during a summer party. The hat? Sunburn isn’t cool.
4. Bring Snacks for Your Room: Midnight cravings don’t care that you just ate three rounds of dessert at dinner.

What to Pack (Yes, You Will Forget Something)

Essentials:

• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, sunscreen (trust me on this). Shampoo & conditioner if you desperately need them, but don’t bring the big bottles! Also, deodorant.
• Clothes: Pack for casual daytime activities - think comfy t-shirts, shorts, or jeans (maybe even bring a tropical shirt for the summer party). Melbourne weather = unpredictable. If you have room, bring a light jumper just in case! Make sure you pack pyjamas that you’re okay being seen in (lol).
• Comfortable Shoes: Your shoes need to be comfortable. I cannot stress this enough. If you’re not able to walk for hours in them pain-free, don’t bring them! ALSO: Make sure to bring thongs for the shower!
• Charger: For your phone, because how else will you scroll TikTok before bed? Pro tip: if you have one, bring a portable charger too. Nobody’s more popular than the person who helps save dying phones!
• Medications: Whatever you need to survive the three days.

Optional, but Smart:

• Notebook & Pen: For jotting down genius ideas or pretending to look busy.
• Snacks: The kitchen doesn’t cater for 3 a.m. cravings 😉
• Shoulder Bag: So you can bring your waterbottle with you during the Amazing Race!
• Your Vibe: Whether it’s a pack of cards or the ability to naturally start conversations with “So, what course are you doing?”

Final Tips:

Pack light, but don’t skimp on essentials. Bring whatever makes you feel the most comfortable :-)