Excitement builds as Deakin campuses welcome students again

In 2022, campus life is again at the heart of the Deakin University experience.  For the first time in two years, Deakin’s campuses are buzzing with students who are celebrating studying in person in our world-class facilities. This has been an exciting time for those coming from overseas for their first onshore Australian experience.

Getting to know the campus

Deakin’s Orientation Week (OWeek) – which took place last week across Deakin’s four campuses – is an introduction to Deakin and university life in general. Campus tours provided an opportunity for students to learn about their classrooms, labs and studios so they do not get lost on the first day. It was also an opportunity to learn about the Deakin Library. OWeek ‘Market Day’ was where students could learn about the clubs to join and the support services available to them.

‘The architecture, art and flora! I can never put it into words how bewitched and amazed and speechless I was when I first explored my campus.’

For students who have been studying online during pandemic, the move to an Australian campus has been an incredible experience. Moulishri started studying a double degree in arts and law online in November 2021 at home in India. Now, she is living in residence at Deakin’s Melbourne Burwood Campus. It has been a ‘profound experience’ she says, ‘being spellbound, walking through the campus you’ve dreamed of and watching a dream unfold in front of you. The architecture, art and flora! I can never put it into words how bewitched and amazed and speechless I was when I first explored my campus.’

For business student Shubhangee, also from India, it feels like ‘finally living my dream. I’ll never forget the happiness of seeing the Deakin Business School in person instead of on a computer screen.’  The months prior to moving had involved ‘lots of joy, tears, anxiety about borders, last minute flight cancellations, 7-8 Covid tests. What an unbelievable journey it has been so far and it is just starting!’

Getting to know new friends

Orientation isn’t just about preparing students for getting to class on time. It is also about making connections.  As a mechanical engineering student at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Yemurayi, has been excited to discover the ‘beautiful modern buildings and facilities that will be of great use.’ The Zimbabwean student said the highlight of her first week in Australia was ‘getting to meet other students from all over the world and exploring what the city of Geelong has to offer.’

‘It was such a great opportunity to network and get to know Deakin’s diverse community.’

Shubhangee ‘absolutely loved OWeek. What an excellent start to the year!’ While becoming familiar with the campus and the university has been important, the social part was just as important. ‘It was such a great opportunity to network and get to know Deakin’s diverse community.’

Moulishri agrees. ‘I have been a part of almost all orientation activities such as campus tours, orientations for my faculty, museum tours, social moonlight cinema, bbq events at res, and many more.’ But her favourite part of OWeek has been ‘the escapade of living in residential accommodations and the opportunities to explore and socialise with different people. I missed home but I also knew that I found a new home here at Deakin.’

With OWeek now over and students in learning mode, it doesn’t mean that the thrill of being on campus again is over. As Moulishri says of her time here to far, ‘Every day is exciting and filled with new opportunities and adventures.’  And everyone at Deakin wants that to continue.

Quick links

Learn more about OWeek
Find out more about becoming an international student at Deakin