This year orientation week is a little different, but that doesn’t mean it still can’t be resourceful and memorable.

Virtual o-weeks are all the hype right now for the mid-year intakes, and universities are embracing it and bringing o-week in all its glory to students at home. Here are a few things you should definitely cover to prepare you for what lies ahead.

1. Take a virtual campus tour

Universities have some beautiful campuses and great amenities, and a virtual tour can help you get familiar with it for when you do go back to face to face classes. Most virtual tours also show you the inside of the buildings and libraries so you'll have plenty to explore.

2. Attend the marketplace/Club expo

University is all about taking on new experiences and pushing yourself outside that comfort zone so attending the club expo will give you the opportunity to meet and interact with people outside your faculty. It’s a great way to meet new people and find a group of students that share the same interests and passion. Plus there are some unique and awesome clubs apart from sports and conventional activities so visit their stalls will also be a fun experience, and might even just interest you to join.

3. Attend the virtual welcome events

O-week is the best time to make new friends, to find people going through the same daunting experience of starting a new chapter in their life, so definitely attend the viewing parties, trivia and game nights. Social experiences during university are as important as acing your classes. If the options of events are overwhelming, it’s a good practice to make a list of all the events that interest you and make a schedule.

4. Join your faculty society/student association

Almost all faculties have their own specific clubs and societies, so it’s a good idea to look that up. When you sign-up to your faculty club or society, you will be able to develop a support network and help you stay in the loop with other students who may have the same subject as you. Maybe you will also find a study buddy, and get useful advice from the seniors in the association.

5. Attend the resources and training online seminars

Virtual classes are a new experience, so it’s smart to attend these seminars to understand how your university is approaching it, and how the virtual nature of your studies will affect the way you are graded. These seminars help you understand where and how to access the resources you will need to study and will also allow you to touch base with the faculty.

Don’t forget to have fun, O-week is designed to welcome new students and celebrate a new beginning, so make the most of it.