But it’s not all about parties and making new friends. The university’s new O-Week+4 program aims to combat the high number of students who drop-out during the first four weeks of university life. 

The first of the weekly themed days was held at the university’s Warrnambool campus yesterday, with live music, a free lunch, carnival games and advice from local organisations. 

A joint program of the university and the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), other weeks will focus on survival, getting involved and health and well-being. 

A DUSA spokeswoman said the weeks were designed to help students settle into their new life on campus. “O-Week can be overwhelming, so this is a way that we can support new and returning students as they start and continue their university lives,” the spokeswoman said. 

“During the first four weeks of the semester we will offer events across all campuses that aim to teach students survival techniques that will inform them of the support and services that are out there.”