Plan your orientation - Southern Cross University

Your Orientation starts here!

Step 01

Complete the New to SCU Module

Step 02

Access your Orientation Program here

Step 03

Step 04

Join our New to SCU Facebook group to connect with other students

Four students standing on SCU Gold Coast Campus

We're excited to have you here.

We have a range of amazing workshops and activities to help you transition smoothly into university life.

Important dates

All Students

Join our information-packed online workshops starting from Friday 13th Feb, where you get all the answers to your questions and feel confident about your journey ahead.

Don't miss your essential on-campus Orientation Event*, which will give you the tools to prepare yourself for university life, meet your faculty and classmates, and enjoy the Campus Expo with free food, live music, info stalls, and activities. There will be lots of prizes to be won on the day, including the major prize of $500.

* If you study online and live close by, we encourage you to attend!

Domestic Students On-campus Days

Coffs Harbour - Monday 2 March from 8.30am NSW time

Lismore - Tuesday 3 March from 8.30am NSW time

Gold Coast - Wednesday 4 March from 8.30am QLD time

International Students On-campus Days

Coffs Harbour - Monday 2 March

Lismore - Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 March

Gold Coast - Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 March

Orientation Workshop Descriptions

Course Progression, Enrolment & Class Registration

Join us for an informative session designed to help students navigate course progressions, enrolment procedures, and class registration at Southern Cross University. Whether you're planning your academic journey, selecting subjects, or ensuring a smooth enrolment process, this workshop will provide essential guidance, practical tips, and expert support. Don't miss this opportunity to streamline your study plans and set yourself up for success!
Academic Skills: Busting common assessment myths

In this workshop we demystify assessments and help you to avoid some common pitfalls students face when completing assessments. We will also equip you to determine when and how to use GenAI in an assessment.
Structure smarts - Level up your writing

Struggling with how to structure your writing? Unsure about what headings to use or how to organise your ideas at the paragraph and sentence level? Or maybe you just want to learn how to structure your writing more effectively. If any of these sound like you, join our workshop! Here’s what you’ll learn:

How to set up the overall structure of your writing.

Techniques for writing well-supported and fully developed paragraphs.

Strategies for creating smooth transitions between your ideas.
Navigating the world of academic sources

Join us for an interactive workshop designed to introduce you to the world of academic sources. "Source-ology" covers everything from identifying credible academic sources and where to find them, to mastering the art of reading journal articles and properly referencing them. Whether you're writing your first paper or preparing for more advanced research, this workshop will equip you with the skills you need to confidently start navigating academic sources as you start your studies.
"Write it right" - Academic language made simple

Ever been told your writing needs to be "more academic" but not sure what that means? This workshop is for you!

Through real examples and hands-on practice, you'll learn simple techniques to transform your writing from casual to academic.

In 30 minutes, you'll learn:

How to swap everyday words for academic ones (without sounding pretentious!)

Ways to make your writing sound more objective

Tips for expressing ideas clearly and professionally

Simple tricks to structure your writing better

Perfect for if you’re just getting started on your uni journey, coming back to study after a long time away, or you’re a current student looking to improve your academic writing skills.
Career hints and tips for starting uni

Congratulations – your career has started! Find out what you can do alongside your degree to kick start your career, where to find career resources and connect with the Careers team.
First in family? What you need to know!

This workshop is designed to support and empower students who are first in their family to attend university.

The session unpacks how university works, explains common uni language, highlights available support, and explores the costs, expectations, and mindset needed for success.

With practical tips, honest conversations, and time for questions, this workshop reassures students that they belong at uni — and that they don’t have to figure it out alone.
From fear...to focus!

Starting university is both exciting and nerve-racking. Your PALS Mentors know how this feels firsthand and have some amazing insights on how to harness those strong emotional waves, so you don’t get dumped, but instead learn to ride the waves gracefully into the shore.
Getting involved at SCU

We take student life very seriously at Southern Cross University. Your studies are important but we believe in balance which is why UniLife puts on a whole range of Sports, Surfing, and Skiing activities for you to get involved in! Whether that's battling it out in your favourite sport against other universities or in a local community competition, or learning how to Ski and Surf on our popular Recreational Tours, we have so many fun and exciting things waiting for you. ☀️🏄🏼‍♂️⛷️⛹🏼🏀⚽

Also learn about our SCU Vollies program - the best way to meet new people and be a part of something special!
Indigenous Students Yarn Up

Join us for a session to help you connect with support, resources, and the Indigenous student community. Learn about available services and how to make the most of your time at university while staying connected to your culture and peers.
Introduction to Post Graduate study

Join us for the Introduction to Post Graduate study Workshop, designed to help you start your postgraduate journey with confidence. This session will cover key university resources, study tips, and support services while giving you the chance to connect with fellow postgrad students. Whether you're returning to study or starting fresh, this workshop will set you up for success!
International Students: Finances and Support

This session will help you understand your financial responsibilities as an international student. Learn about tuition fees, payment options, and financial support services available to assist you during your studies.
Health & Safety in Australia

Join us for this session to learn about staying safe, healthy, and secure while studying in Australia. We’ll cover important tips on personal safety, health insurance, emergency contacts, and how to navigate local laws and regulations to ensure a smooth and secure experience.
International Students: IT essentials

This session will guide international students through tech essentials at SCU. Find out how to access your SCU email, download required software, and setup to begin your studies.
International Students: MySCU overview and Q&A

The MySCU workshop is designed to help new students get familiar with the university's online learning platform. In this workshop students will learn how to navigate MySCU/Blackboard, access course materials, participate in online discussions, submit assignments, and communicate with their peers and lecturers.

There will be time for a Question & Answer session at the end of the workshop.
International Students: Study Abroad Session

This workshop will help Study Abroad students get organised before classes start, so you feel confident, settled, and ready to make the most of your time at SCU. You'll also receive a checklist with essential tasks and helpful tips for a smooth start.
International Students: Visa Information Session

The International Student Visa session explains the key requirements students must meet while studying at Southern Cross University on a student visa. It outlines their rights and responsibilities, and highlights the potential pitfalls of not following visa rules and regulations.

We keep the session informal and engaging, but the information is extremely important. Under the ESOS Act, students must not breach their visa conditions. Failing to meet these conditions can lead to serious consequences — including losing their visa or being unable to complete their course on time, which may cause further complications.
International Education Students

This session is designed for international students who are enrolled in a Education course. It will guide the student through the essential steps to become successful in the course.
Meet up sessions for first year online students

Come and have fun connecting with other first-year students in your faculty! Explore uni communication platforms, and break down the isolation of remote learning. You’ll leave with practical tips for making friends, finding support, and feeling part of the university community—no matter where you are!
MySCU: Understanding your learning sites

This MySCU workshop is designed to help new students get familiar with the university's online learning platform. In this workshop students will learn how to navigate MySCU/Blackboard, access course materials, participate in online discussions, submit assignments, and communicate with their peers and lecturers.
The Neurodivergent Advantage – Let’s Go!

Starting university is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. This workshop is designed specifically for neurodivergent students to help you navigate the first weeks at SCU with confidence.

What to expect:

Practical tips for managing study, time, and campus life

Strategies to support your wellbeing and learning style

Information about SCU support services, including Learning Advisers, Client Services, and Counselling

A safe, inclusive space to ask questions and connect with staff and peers

By the end of the session, you’ll have practical tools, clear next steps, and a plan to start University in a way that works for you.

We welcome all neurodivergent students and aim to make this session accessible, supportive, and empowering for your future success at SCU.
SCU Model: Tips from students who have nailed it!

Learn from two of your fellow students who are a little further down the track, as they share all their clues, crashes and conquests about how to master the Southern Cross University’s 6-week term.
Student Support: We are here to help!

This workshop provides an overview of the various support services available to students at Southern Cross University. In this session, students will learn about the university's academic and personal support services, such as counselling, disability services, financial assistance, and career development. The goal is to ensure that students have access to the resources they need to succeed in their studies and personal lives while at Southern Cross Uni.
Thriving as a Mature age student

Returning to university as a mature age student comes with unique challenges—but also incredible strengths! This interactive workshop equips you with practical strategies to manage your time, adapt to new technology, refresh academic skills, and build resilience. Connect with like-minded peers, discover campus resources, and gain confidence in your student journey. Whether you're balancing work, family, or other commitments, this session will help you thrive in your studies.
Uni on a budget: Real solutions

University can be exciting...and financially stressful. This workshop focuses on what to do when you’re short on cash, where to get support fast, and how to access scholarships, loans, and other practical help. Designed for students who want clear, real‑world solutions, not budgeting lectures.
Wellbeing Warriors: Counselling & Safety

As a Wellbeing Warrior in training, you will walk out feeling informed of the safety initiatives and supports we have at SCU and how to seek help and support during your new chapter with us. Find out how to increase your own and others' safety and wellbeing on and off campus, access free and confidential Counselling Services and report concerns or incidents on your own terms. See you there!
Your Library

Discover how to navigate the library to find help and resources for your study journey.

Events

All events

Orientation workshop - Uni on a budget: Real solutions for financial stress

17 February 2026

Nicholas Hofman is an international student enrolled in Bachelor of Accounting. Sara Boekle and Alex Reichmann are Study Abroad students

Orientation workshop - Busting Common Assessment Myths & GenAI

17 February 2026

Celebrate Lunar New Year - Lismore

17 February 2026

red and white paper Chinese decorations and lanterns

Orientation workshop - Academic Skills: "Source-ology: Navigating the world of academic sources"

18 February 2026

Lunar New Year Conversation Club - Gold Coast

18 February 2026

Orientation workshop - Client Services Course Navigation: Course Progression, Enrolment & Class Registration

18 February 2026

Orientation workshop - Student Support - We are here to help!

19 February 2026

Students at Coffs Harbour campus library

Orientation workshop - Getting involved at SCU

19 February 2026

A group of SCU students at the 2025 UniSport Nationals on the Gold Coast

FAQs

The New to SCU Module is your first stop for all things Orientation at SCU. It's a comprehensive online, self-paced module that steps you through everything you need to know for your studies. Whether it’s your essential admin tasks, attending your course information session, or learning about the technology you’ll be using and support services available to you, New to SCU covers it all. You can log in to the New to SCU Module via your Blackboard learning site.

While the Orientation program tries to schedule workshops in and out of work hours, we know that not every time will suit everyone! If you're unable to make it to a live workshop, a recording will often be made available in the coming days. You can access these on the New to SCU Module.

If you're unable to make it to an on-campus Orientation, we offer an evening Online Orientation which will cover the essential information from the day.

Please note that if you are an International student, you may have attendance requirements that mean you need to attend on-campus Orientation.

Registration confirmation will come through to the email you used when you registered, sent from Southern Cross University. Sometimes this may be delayed, or might go to your junk email.

The most common reason students don't receive a confirmation is due to having the incorrect email address in the form. For example, using a comma (,) instead of a full stop (.), mistyping a word, or not following the SCU student email address format correctly.

Please note that if you are using your SCU student email address, it will typically follow the below format:

firstinitial.lastname.number@student.scu.edu.au for example j.smith.10@student.scu.edu.au .

If you have left out any of this email address, including full stops, the number, or "student", your email confirmation will not come through.

Southern Cross Uni is based across two time zones during daylight saving time. All on campus sessions are in local time (i.e. Lismore and Coffs Harbour operate on NSW time, and Gold Coast operates on QLD time).

Online sessions are scheduled at NSW time, even for people based outside of NSW. This applies to any workshops you need to complete as part of your units too.

When you first start at university, there can be some terms which may be unfamiliar, or may have a different meaning to what they normally would outside of university. Some universities will use the same words but they will have different meanings.

The glossary of terms is a great place to start.

If you're attending an on campus Orientation day, please ensure you register your attendance beforehand for organisational purposes.

On the day, wear comfortable clothes, including shoes you can comfortably walk in. Some campus tours may include labs which require enclosed shoes.

You may also find it helpful to bring a bag (such as a tote bag), a notebook and a pen, as well as a water bottle. Don't forget to bring a smile; remember, there are lots of other new students who are also excited and nervous about their first day too.

Students and staff must display a parking permit with a valid expiry date when attending the Lismore or Gold Coast Campuses, you can get your permit during Orientation using the instructions below. Coffs Harbour students do not require a permit but are required to use the designated parking areas.

To be issued a parking permit, please visit the Parking Permit Program for more information.

You can apply online through MyEnrolment by clicking on the Forms tile, then selecting the Student ID - Request Form. Alternatively, you can select the My Details tile, select the Forms tab, then select the Student ID Card - Request Form.

For more information, visit the Student ID Cards page.

You can watch your session recordings in the New to SCU Module.

Course Information Sessions can be found under the 'Faculty Information' page.

Orientation workshops can be found under the 'Orientation workshops' page.

Instructions are provided on the Accept your offer and enrol pages. If you require assistance, you can contact Student Services and they will be happy to answer any questions and help you through the process.

All rooms are listed like this M.G.13, if we break that down it reads like this: M=Block/Building G=Building Level (lower ground, ground, 1, 2 etc) and the last number refers to the door number. For more information, visit the campuses page or the Timetables page.

Check out Orientation Social Activities for connection opportunities like the New to SCU Facebook group and Student Association events and activities. You can also find out about upcoming events on What's On and check out UniLife for sport, health and wellbeing activities. Each unit on your MySCU (Blackboard) will also have a discussion board where you can interact with your fellow classmates.

SCU has a wide range of support services to support you on your study journey. Check out the "Support services" tab in the New to SCU Module to see the full range of support, or visit the Services and Support page. You can also enjoy student membership rates at the Coffs Harbour and Lismore campus Fitness Centres and join health and wellbeing activities by UniLife and the Student Associations.

If you are under the age of 18 years, an international student advisor will contact you before you commence and arrange your orientation to ensure you have the information you need about your academic progress, support services available to you, and ways to keep yourself safe and manage an emergency.

If you are not accompanied by a parent or guardian, this student advisor will meet with you every fortnight until your 18th birthday to assist you to manage your studies and welfare.

Missed your Orientation or feeling lost? Contact the International Student Support team:
Email: ioadviser-gc@scu.edu.au or Phone +61 26620 3876 / Afterhours: 1300 782 676 or text 0477 751 363

See more at your International student support website.

Orientation enquiries

orientation@scu.edu.au 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357. International student enquiries

Orientation

Your Orientation starts here!

Step 01

Step 02

Step 03

Step 04

We're excited to have you here.

Important dates

All Students

Domestic Students On-campus Days

International Students On-campus Days

Orientation Workshop Descriptions

Events

FAQs

What's the New to SCU Module?

What if I can't attend an Orientation session?

I've registered for Orientation; why haven't I received a confirmation email?

What time are my online sessions?

Where can I find out what a word or terminology means?

What do I need to bring to on campus Orientation?

Do I need a parking permit?

Where can I get my Student ID Card?

Where can I watch my Orientation session recording?

How do I get help with enrolling?

How do I read my timetable and find my classroom?

How do I connect with other students?

What support is available for health and wellbeing?

I am an International student under the age of 18. What do I do?

I am an International student - who do I contact?

Orientation enquiries