Western Sydney University students will have an exciting opportunity to connect with each other as part of orientation days at Campbelltown and other campuses on July 18 and 19.
Students will be warmly welcomed to engage with their peers in relaxed and informal sessions allowing them to form social connections and participate in school-specific academic workshops.
Orientation activities will continue into the following week, with hourly campus tours and information points on each campus helping students navigate and adjust to university life.
Students who are starting university for the first time as part of the mid-year entry intake, and continuing students alike, will have access to the WSU wide range of support resources including Western Success – the university’s sector-leading personalised support program.
In addition, they can learn more about why the University was recently named number one in the world for its social, ecological and economic impact by the prestigious Times Higher Education Impact rankings for the second year in a row.
Current student, Ursinia Tinokura, commenced university at the Campbelltown campus in the mid-year intake after deciding to follow her passion and change careers from corporate law to heath science.
She thought tertiary study was out of reach, given her mature age and having not completed Year 12, but after hearing of inspiring stories from students at Western Sydney University she decided to take the leap.
“In my early twenties, I travelled home to the Pacific Island nation of Cook Islands, with plans to take an extended break, delve back into my roots and give serious thought to my career goals,” Ms Tinokura said.
“I met my husband there and we started a family. Transitioning into the next phase of my life, my purpose changed, and the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle became my newfound passion.
“Having completed several fitness certifications, paired with an insatiable craving for knowledge, I left the corporate world and considered what my next step would look like.”
Reflecting on her own Orientation Day, Ms Tinokura recommends new and continuing students take the opportunity to engage with their peers and make new connections.
“Orientation Day is the perfect opportunity to commence your tertiary journey on the right foot. For me knowing the support, networks, and tools available, helped me to feel equipped for study at Western,’’ she says.
“There’s nothing like entering the next phase of your life feeling prepared and ready to go.”
Now studying a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science), Ms Tinokura hopes to continue building on her knowledge that will allow her to help others.
“It has been nothing but challenging in the best way possible, personally and academically.
“I regret not starting sooner, but I’m thankful that the mid-year intake allowed me to get started as soon as I had made the decision to study.
“No time like the present, as the saying goes.”
Ms Tinokura now has her sights set on opening a small local community Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu gym with her husband, for those who would not otherwise have the means or access to it.
“We particularly want to support youth from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Our vision is for the space to be an equitable avenue for support, health, and longevity,” says Ms Tinokura.
