New university students descended onto La Trobe University Bendigo's campus this week for their orientation week. The beginning of the academic year was marked with festivities ranging from a market day and lunch, to tours and a graffiti workshop. The Bendigo Student Association president Will Griffin said that a diverse offering of activities and associations for students to engage with is a crucial supplement to study. "Our big social program allows us to showcase not just Bendigo, but the region. "It is really important that students feel supported and connected," Mr Griffin said. Part of the week's festivities included trips to Bendigo Pottery, Kyabram Fauna Park and a launch party at the Bendigo Stadium. "O-Week is important in building a sense of community at the university, especially with so many subjects online. "The more connected and supported people are, the more they feel part of Bendigo," Mr Griffin said. A fifth-year law and commerce student, Mr Griffin is embarking on his final year of study and first year as president of the Bendigo Student Association after two years as vice president. "One of the challenges of this role is making sure that all students are involved in everything we do," Mr Griffin said. "Our sole goal is to make student life better." A graffiti workshop on Thursday, facilitated by Nacho Station, allowed students to express their creativity. Head collaborator Reece Hendy said the aerosol workshops are a way for people to have fun with a new medium. "Spray painting is a form of self expression and in the workshops, you're learning a new craft. Nacho Station partners with community organisations to bring their workshops to local groups, with a focus on mental health. They also give Mr Hendy the chance to reflect on the street art scene in central Victoria and beyond. "You get a good appreciation of street art and realise how tricky it is to create artwork of such scale. "To be able to start and practice skills in a workshop setting is invaluable," he said. While most faculties have their own student association or club, there are others that invite students from all study areas to come together and socialise. The Bendigo Ukelele Society, the Games Club and Rainbow Eagles are just some of those clubs. Head of Campus at La Trobe University Bendigo Robert Stephenson said this time of year was an exciting one for students embarking on tertiary studies in Bendigo. "Orientation provides a range of social activities for students to get to know each other, including band nights, barefoot bowls and workshops in graffiti and Indigenous art," he said.
O'Week begins at La Trobe Bendigo. Social work student Julia Sandeman and nursing and midwifery student Phoebe Bell. Picture: NONI HYETT
New university students descended onto La Trobe University Bendigo's campus this week for their orientation week.
The beginning of the academic year was marked with festivities ranging from a market day and lunch, to tours and a graffiti workshop.
The Bendigo Student Association president Will Griffin said that a diverse offering of activities and associations for students to engage with is a crucial supplement to study.
"Our big social program allows us to showcase not just Bendigo, but the region.
"It is really important that students feel supported and connected," Mr Griffin said.
Part of the week's festivities included trips to Bendigo Pottery, Kyabram Fauna Park and a launch party at the Bendigo Stadium.
"O-Week is important in building a sense of community at the university, especially with so many subjects online.
"The more connected and supported people are, the more they feel part of Bendigo," Mr Griffin said.
A fifth-year law and commerce student, Mr Griffin is embarking on his final year of study and first year as president of the Bendigo Student Association after two years as vice president.
"One of the challenges of this role is making sure that all students are involved in everything we do," Mr Griffin said.
"Our sole goal is to make student life better."
A graffiti workshop on Thursday, facilitated by Nacho Station, allowed students to express their creativity.
Head collaborator Reece Hendy said the aerosol workshops are a way for people to have fun with a new medium.
"Spray painting is a form of self expression and in the workshops, you're learning a new craft.
Nacho Station partners with community organisations to bring their workshops to local groups, with a focus on mental health.
They also give Mr Hendy the chance to reflect on the street art scene in central Victoria and beyond.
"You get a good appreciation of street art and realise how tricky it is to create artwork of such scale.
"To be able to start and practice skills in a workshop setting is invaluable," he said.
While most faculties have their own student association or club, there are others that invite students from all study areas to come together and socialise.
The Bendigo Ukelele Society, the Games Club and Rainbow Eagles are just some of those clubs.
Head of Campus at La Trobe University Bendigo Robert Stephenson said this time of year was an exciting one for students embarking on tertiary studies in Bendigo.
"Orientation provides a range of social activities for students to get to know each other, including band nights, barefoot bowls and workshops in graffiti and Indigenous art," he said.
