Orientation Week
Report by Ipek T.
Orientation Week – First day
After our first night in Australia we were very excited about what would happen on our first day at Orientation Week at ICMS. First, we went downstairs at 07:15 to have breakfast. There were many really healthy options for breakfast – cheese, sausage, tomatoes, many cereals, yogurt and much more.
Finally at 08.30 all students were divided into three different groups: Australian (Domestic) students, Study abroad students and the International Students, which made the Official Enrolment process a lot easier. We started with the registration, where we were sent to different classrooms to check if, for example, we have complied with all the financial aspects, whether we need a parking card or where we took the photo for our student ID. After all that, we were warmly greeted by Carly Tarrant & Paul Collins at Cardinal Ceretti Chapel, to begin the Official enrollment.
Orientation Week – Ceremony, Sessions and the Cocktail Party
The day went on with the formal enrollment ceremony and ended with a movie night under the stars on the front lawn of Moran House. After breakfast on Tuesday we assembled in the Cardinal Ceretti Chapel for the second welcome and introduction part for all new students from 9 am – 9.30 am. After that we had a study abroad information session in the Great Hall. The ICMS team provided us with all important information and they informed us to stay social with the fellow students and take part in the lectures. Furthermore, Sophia Pasternack from ISOgermany was also attending the O-week to let us know that if we have any problems we can contact her during the O-week. This was great!
Later that evening, we had a delicious BBQ at the Market Place. After that, the Opening Ceremony including a flag procession from all international students concluded the official part of the day. The Cocktail Party was a highlight for all new students. There was live music and, of course, something special to eat and drink. We were also given the chance to talk to our future lectures, staff members and meet other students. For many students this night will be unforgettable.
Orientation Week – Surf Safety
Wednesday was the greatest day of the week, I guess, because we attended a Surf Safety demonstration and learned all about surf safety skills. It was awesome. At first we met at Grand Dining Room and a staff member from the Manly Beach Safety Club joined us. They talked about the dangerous sea animals and how to tell the lifeguards if there is a rip. The most important thing is not to swim between the flags. Furthermore, we walked to Manly Beach with our towel and swimwear. During this time we watched Mark, the Surfing Competition winner, teach us how to surf before we got the chance to get on a surfboard and – with assistance of professionals – plunged into pleasure. It was one of the most beautiful times during the O-week. The whole thing unfortunately only lasted half an hour and was continued with lunch and music at the Market Place.
Orientation Week – Scavenger Hunt
The agenda for Thursday was a Scavenger Hunt (Costal Headland Walk) and the dinner with the Noodle Markets and karaoke stage. We had so much fun and it was another chance to meet other students and have fun with them during the Headland Walk. In the evening, we walked downtown to the city to celebrate, and I would advise you to go on the weekend to the clubs, simply because during the week are not too many people who want to go clubbing and that makes it a little bit boring. Finally, Friday arrived and after breakfast we had a lot of time to chill in our rooms or go out for a run. At 12pm the Campus Day started with music, entertainment and sport activities. The most incredible thing was the colour run. And the mojo surf trip was leaving ICMS, but you had to check in early because the spots is limited, which means first-come, first-serve on the bus. I hadn’t signed up for the mojo surf trip, but so many students who were there said it was a wonderful journey.
