The formal welcome in the Town Hall officially opened Orientation Week, which celebrates the arrival of new students and assists with the transition into university life.

Official guests from the university and the City of Greater Bendigo participated in a gown procession - each dignitary donning a robe that represented their qualification.

Chief executive of the City of Greater Bendigo Craig Niemann was master of ceremonies, which included performances by the Bendigo Chinese Association lion team and an indigenous piece by Uncle Brien Nelson and Kane Nelson.

After the formalities, bands and free paella, a spanish rice dish, were on offer for the first-years before they headed back to the Student Union Floor for the O-Doof Party.

Media Liaison at La Trobe Zerin Knight said that it was great to see the university and Bendigo celebrating the opening of another academic year together.

"The university and its students are a major part of the community and (the civic reception) is a joint venture between the City of Greater Bendigo and La Trobe," she said.

This year will also bring the new dentistry program to La Trobe - the first dental school developed in regional Victoria in 60 years.

"It is a landmark occasion for Bendigo and the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe," said Ms Knight.

After 17 years at The University of Melbourne, the new Professor of Dentistry Peter Wilson said that the 50 students enrolled can expect a very practical course.

But before they and the 950 other new students begin tertiary study, O Week activities will certainly give them plenty to think about.