New to Aus? Our International Student Welcome and Friday Friends events have you covered
Moving to a new country for uni comes with plenty of firsts – new places, new faces and a whole new way of doing things. It’s a big change, and it’s okay if it takes a moment to find your groove. That’s why Deakin runs welcoming events designed to help you connect, build confidence and feel like you belong from the very start.
Begin with our International Student Welcome
Your Deakin experience starts with the International Student Welcome, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about life in Australia and at Deakin. You’ll meet friendly staff and fellow students, hear about the support services available to you, and pick up practical tips to help you settle into your new home — from navigating public transport to understanding Aussie culture and uni life.
Students leave the session feeling more confident about their move. As one put it, “I got answers to questions I didn’t even know I had — it made everything feel so much easier.”
Hearing from current international students gave me real insight into what life at uni will actually be like.
Ready to feel the same way? Register now and start your Deakin journey feeling confident and prepared!
Keep the connections going with Friday Friends
Once you’ve found your feet, the fun continues with Friday Friends on our Burwood, Waterfront and Waurn Ponds campuses – these relaxed weekly catch-ups designed to help new international students connect, explore and feel part of the Deakin community.
Hosted by Deakin Student Wellbeing Ambassadors, they’re the perfect chance to make new friends, get to know your campus and ask more questions about life at uni or in Australia. It’s free, easy and a great way to make your Deakin experience even better.
Here’s what’s happening this trimester and register for Friday Friends now!
- Prepare Week | Friday 20 February – Scavenger Hunt and Games
Kick off your Deakin journey with a fun scavenger hunt and games session to explore campus and meet new people, followed by a chilled afternoon tea to unwind and chat.
Burwood, Waterfront and Waurn Ponds campuses -
OWeek and Week 1 | Friday 27 February and Friday 6 March – Coffee Catch Up
Enjoy a relaxed coffee catch-up to catch up with friends you’ve already made,, and meet some new ones!
Burwood, Waterfront and Waurn Ponds campuses -
Week 2 | Friday 13 March – End of Program Celebration
Celebrate making it through your first few weeks at Deakin. Reflect on your journey so far, and enjoy the friendships you’ve made.
Burwood, Waterfront and Waurn Ponds campuses
Warrnambool International Student Welcome and Bus Tour
Our Warrnambool students have a combined International Student Welcome and Friday Friends day– featuring a campus welcome, course connection sessions, lunch, and a Warrnambool Bus Tour. Register now for the event.
That’s not all!
Friday Friends is part of our International Student Connect program, which gives you free opportunities and events both on and off campus.
If this is your first trimester as an international student at Deakin, jump in and try as many activities as you can — you’ll make friends, explore your campus, learn the ropes of Aussie life and feel part of the Deakin community in no time.
We can’t wait to see you on campus this Trimester 1 — welcome to your new home at Deakin!