Fun at O-Week
Report by Jasmin M.
One week before the actual semester started, ICMS organised a week filled with helpful information and leisure activities. It is mandatory for all new students, which is good though. The goal is it to get an overview of the campus and see how everything works and get to know each other. When I arrived at night time at ICMS, I received some general information concerning the house rules etc.; then someone took me up to my room checked if everything works and is alright.
Opening Ceremony
The next day way Orientation Week! All students had to come to the Great Hall, where staff members explained to us further procedures of the O-Week while they were available for any questions. Afterwards every student received a folder with his or her student number, access to the online portal, healthcare information, library information, Moodle instruction and a booklet with the program of the O-Week.
Lots of activities…
In this booklet we found all necessary information, like for example breakfast, lunch and dinner times, a schedule of all offered activities and mandatory events such as the opening ceremony at the church, which was quite impressive. There were a number of different activities listed and there was something for everybody and every taste. For example a surfing trial course, a trip into the city, a shopping guide through Manly, a hiking tour, a pub tour and a guided tour around the whole campus to get an overview where to find the head office, the library, the syndicate rooms, the laundry and so on. I highly recommend participating in this tour, because the campus can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning.
Exploring Manly
The hiking tour was great, it was guided by the pastor and he showed us a beautiful way along the coast; he showed us great surf spots and explained us a bit about the history, animals and nature of Sydney. One of the highlights was the delicious BBQ (also vegetarian) along with a live band who played nice music and there were many booths of local vendors such as the scuba club, the surf club or the football club. Furthermore you had the possibility to book weekend trips to the Blue Mountains and other interesting locations.
Cocktail Party
At the end of Orientation Week, ICMS hosted a very elegant cocktail party with music, wine and nibbles. The Orientation Week was a great opportunity to get to know each other, make new friends and made it very easy for us to immerse ourselves into the new environment and feel comfortable.
