Hundreds of new university students will be climbing walls, riding broomsticks, dancing to live music and satisfying their thirst for knowledge at the 2016 ‘Orientation to USC’ events on campus at Sippy Downs from 23-25 February.

As the University of the Sunshine Coast celebrates its 20th anniversary year, this colourful three-day student welcome event will open on Tuesday 23 February with a 9am launch and Welcome to Country ceremony, followed by a 9.30am ‘Commencing Class of 2016’ Year Group photo on the Brasserie lawn.

Then the action takes off as Market Day offers a giant games zone (from Connect Four to Scrabble), rock climbing wall and gladiator duel; stalls from USC and community groups, clubs and societies; and entertainment including live music by Carl Wockner, hoo8hoo and Emily Dawn, a drama performance, and the chill zone.

With another Harry Potter publication due for global release this year, there will be extra enthusiasm for the showcase matches of USC’s Quidditch League. (Inspired by the books, Quidditch is a full-contact sport involving broomsticks. The USC league is one of the largest social networks on campus.)

A very fit contingent will gather at 12.30pm to contest the USC Spartan Court Race, run over 410m in between campus buildings. Medals will be awarded to the male and female race winners, whose names will go on the Spartan Court Race shield.

An academic skills expo throughout the day will hold workshops to help students better understand what to expect in Semester 1, starting Monday 29 February.

Media are welcome to attend Orientation events from 23-25 February. Tuesday is expected to be the biggest day.

On Wednesday 24 February, students can participate in highlights such as the Futsal world cup from 2.30pm at the USC Sports Stadium and the Dive-in Pool Party from 4.30pm to 8.30pm with a DJ and movie screening at the USC Pool.

Free welcome packs will be given to students on Wednesday as they attend specific information sessions and meet staff involved in the degrees they are studying. The Law Students’ Association will run a mini moot to demonstrate courtroom procedures.

On Thursday 25 February, the Student Guild Day will host a clubs and societies fair at the Uni Club from a 9am breakfast until the live music finishes at 2.30pm.

International students will be welcomed to all events after an Aussie barbecue and campus tour on Sunday 21 February and introduction at lunchtime on 22 February.

USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill encouraged as many new and continuing students as possible to enjoy the active and academic events on offer.

“Orientation is a great way for students to learn a bit more about university life, meet their classmates and teachers and familiarise themselves with the campus,” Professor Hill said.

— Julie Schomberg