Cuddling dogs and donut walls: Orientation is bigger than ever this year

Words: Content and media
Published: 22 February 2023

Southern Cross University is gearing up for its annual Orientation Week for new students from February 27 to March 3. The week-long event is the biggest one yet since the pandemic, and promises to be a treasured experience for new students to help make new friends and get acquainted with their new life at Southern Cross University.

Tuesday, the 28th of February, will be the main social event across all three main campuses, with activities ranging from henna tattoos, having a cuddle session with story dogs, enjoying a typography workshop, taking snaps in the photo booth, and eating your way through the donut walls and food trucks.

“This is our first large-scale Orientation program since the pandemic, and the Orientation team is so excited to welcome our new cohort of students to the university community,” said Student Orientation Coordinator, Ellen Fleeton.

“Orientation is such an essential step in the student journey, where a sense of belonging to their campus is fostered and students can really connect with other like-minded students on a similar journey. We have a jam-packed program of activities and events to ensure our new students are set up for academic success.”

In addition to social activities, the Orientation team have organised a huge range of essential workshops focusing on university resources, student support services, and study tips. Plan your orientation here.

Full list of social activities

Lismore campus

Tuesday 28th of February

Enjoy grab-and-go breakfast options from 9:30 am outside the LEXSA Office.
Drop by the LEXSA Office to pick up a wall calendar, information on our services and support, what’s on, member benefits, and student clubs.
Chill out in our Chill-out zone, meet new friends, and play some lawn games.
Listen to live music on the Goodman Plaza stage between 12 pm and 2 pm.
Enjoy an ice-cream from Space Bars Gelato from 12 pm outside the LEXSA Office.
Get a Henna Tattoo from 12 pm, located in Goodman Plaza.
Have a cuddle with one of the Story Dogs.
$5 Lunch Vouchers for Southern Cross University Students valid for use at the cafes on campus: The Quick Brown Fox, Zest of Life, and Aardvark. Students can pick a voucher up from the LEXSA Office.
Relax in the Quiet Space and take a moment to meditate from 12 pm.

Wednesday 1st March

Live music from 12 pm – 2 pm on Goodman Plaza stage.
Students can drop by the LEXSA Office to pick up a wall calendar, snacks, and cold drinks from the Food Pantry.
Enjoy a donut from OMG Donuts outside the LEXSA Office.
Get creative with a Typography Workshop held outside the LEXSA Office from 12 pm.
Chill out in our Chill-out zone, meet new friends, and play some lawn games.
$5 Lunch Vouchers for Southern Cross University Students valid for use at the cafes on campus: The Quick Brown Fox, Zest of Life, and The Deck and Lounge.

Gold Coast Campus

Tuesday 28th of February:

9:30am – 10:15am: Breakfast bar Come and see us for a 'Good Morning' breakfast pack, tea or coffee and some delicious donuts from our donut wall
12pm - 2pm: CoastRs stall – memberships and goodie bag
Live music
Food trucks – food vouchers
Free Gelato
Lawn Games
Lazy Days set up
SCU jacket stall
Clubs and Societies stalls
Photo Booth

Wednesday 1st March

Lazy Dayz set up
Music
Lawn Games

Coffs Harbour Campus

Tuesday 28th February

9.30am - 10.15am: Grab your Coffee & mini muffin voucher for a bite to eat at the CHEC Café.
12pm - 2pm: sign up for a membership with the Student Association for $5 & receive a goodie pack loaded with HEAPS of useful stationary & environmentally friendly items like a stainless-steel lunch box, a funky timber keyring & much more.
Spin to win!
Moreish Pizza
Clubs & Society stalls
SCU Jacket Stall
Music

Thursday 2nd March