Hamilton programme
Orientation helps new students settle in with essential on-campus sessions, key support info and plenty of fun activities to kickstart your first year.
Monday, 23 February
| Event | Time | Student Group | Location | Description |
| Enrolment Support Session: Study Abroad, Exchange, and Division of Health | 8.30am - 5pm |
Study Abroad and Exchange students Division of Health students |
Te Manawa - Student Centre | Are you a Study Abroad or Exchange student, or part of the Division of Health and still finalising your enrolment? Come to Te Manawa - Student Centre today where dedicated Divisional staff, along with our friendly Student Centre team, will be available to support you to complete your enrolment. |
| Accessibility Lounge | 9am - 12pm | Open to all | M.1.42 | Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in at the Accessibility Lounge during Orientation Week. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about our service - come and find out how we can support you! |
| New Student Pōwhiri | 9am | Open to all | The Pā | A pōwhiri is a welcome ceremony conducted in accordance with tikanga Māori (Māori protocols and customs).
A translation service (Māori to English) will be available during the pōwhiri, so please bring your phone headphones if you would like to access this service. |
| Post Pōwhiri Morning Tea | 10am | Open to all | The Pā | Following the formal pōwhiri ceremony, it is tikanga (customary) to lift the tapu (sacrality) through sharing of kai (food). Students living in catered accomodation are invited to return to the halls for this part of the ceremony while we invite all other students and any whānau to join us in Te Āhurutanga. |
| Māori ki Waikato Sessions | 11am | Tauira Māori | The Pā, Wharenui |
Nau mai, haere mai ki te Whare Wānanga o Waikato! Kickstart your haerenga here at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato by connecting with whānau that will enhance your student experience. Being part of the Māori community on campus is about making epic memories, lifelong friendships, developing yourself personally and professionally, and learning sets of skills that will equip you for your studies and beyond, all whilst having a fun time at Whare Wānanga. Wepua e hoa mā! 2026, tuku! |
| Campus Tour | 11am | Open to all | Meet on Ātea outside the Pā |
Join our Student Ambassadors on a tour around our beautiful Hamilton campus. |
| WSU Activities on the Village Green | 11am onwards | Open to all | Village Green | Meet the Waikato Students’ Union and Friends – including the clubs and experience team activating the Green throughout the year, and the advocates available to support and assist you. |
| Library Tour | 1pm | Open to all | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Library spaces can take you places! Join us for a guided tour of the spaces, collections, resources and services available at the Library to support your study journey. |
| Science and Engineering Sessions | 1pm | Science and Engineering students | L.G.01 | Get ready for your science or engineering studies with this essential orientation session. Learn how to use Moodle, check your enrolment and timetable, navigate campus, explore student clubs, and access academic and student support in STEM. The session includes mandatory lab health and safety information, plus optional first-year study tips and an Engineering Large-Scale Laboratory tour for engineering students. |
| Computing and Mathematical Science Orientation | 2pm | Computing and Mathematical Science students | L.G.01 | Start your computing or mathematical sciences studies with confidence in this essential orientation session. Learn how to use Moodle, check your enrolment and timetable, understand room numbers, and find your way around key campus spaces. You’ll be introduced to the Division of STEM student advisors and student services, find out where to go for academic support and what student clubs are available, and receive practical first-year study tips along with guidance on recommended papers for your chosen subject or pathway. |
|
Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences Sessions |
2pm | Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Science students | L.G.02 | Kickstart your Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences (ALPSS) studies with confidence at this essential orientation session.You’ll meet the ALPSS Student Advisors and the wider student support teams, discover where to go for academic and wellbeing support, and get practical first‑year study advice. We'll discuss common terminology and help you plan your time better. We’ll also walk you through recommended papers for your chosen major or pathway so you can begin your ALPSS journey feeling informed, supported, and ready to succeed. |
| Waikato Management School Undergraduate Sessions | 2pm | Waikato Management School Undergraduate Students | PWC | Kickstart your 2026 undergraduate studies at the Waikato Management School! Join us for a warm welcome, where you'll meet key staff, get essential tips, and discover how to navigate MyWaikato and Moodle - your go-to tools for accessing course materials, resources, and managing your enrolment. We’ll also introduce you to our Whitiki tauira and some of the fantastic student clubs available through WMS. Plus, after the session, you can take a tour of the Management School. |
| OPTIONAL Engineering LSL Tour | 2pm | Engineering Undergraduate students | LSL | Following the Science and Engineering Undergraduate Session, there will be an optional tour of the large-scale laboratory for all new Engineering students. This is a great chance to have a look through the practical learning spaces you will be utilising throughout your study. |
| OPTIONAL R-Block Biology Labs Tour | 2pm | Science Undergraduate students | R Block | Following the Science and Engineering Undergraduate Session, there will be an optional tour of R Block Biology laboratories for new Science students. This is a great chance to have a look through the practical learning spaces you will be utilising throughout your study. |
| Bus Stop at the Basement Party | 9pm onwards | Open to all | WSU basement | Join the WSU team and your fellow students for a party before heading into town. |
Tuesday, 24 February
| Event | Time | Student Group | Location | Description |
| Enrolment Support Session: Waikato Management School | 8.30am - 5pm | Waikato Management School students | Te Manawa - Student Centre | Are you a Waikato Management School student and still finalising your enrolment? Come to Te Manawa - Student Centre today where dedicated Divisional staff, along with our friendly Student Centre team, will be available to support you to complete your enrolment. |
| Accessibility Lounge | 9am - 12pm | Open to all | M.1.42 | Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in at the Accessibility Lounge during Orientation Week. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about our service - come and find out how we can support you! |
|
Pacific Students’ Orientation |
9am - 2pm |
Pacific students |
Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts |
Kia orāna, mālō e lelei, mālō ni, tālofa lava, fakaalofa lahi atu, ni sa bula vinaka, taloha ni, halo olgeta, kia orana, wa wa wa, ia orana, ko na mauri, tālofa, aloha and warm Pacific greetings. We invite you to join us for Pacific Orientation, a welcoming space designed to celebrate you and the diverse cultures you come from and represent. Your day will begin with a cultural ceremony, followed by opportunities to explore our campus, connect with key student services, and begin to feel as though this is your home away from home. Think of us as your extended family, greeting you with open arms and ready to walk alongside you as you begin your first year. You’ll meet Pacific staff, faculty, and fellow students, an aiga of aunties, uncles, and cousins, all committed to supporting your triumph in the tertiary space. |
| WSU Breakfast and activities | 9am | Open to all | Village Green | Come get your free breakfast and hang out on the Village Green! |
| Library Tour | 10am | Open to all | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Library spaces can take you places! Join us for a guided tour of the spaces, collections, resources and services available at the Library to support your study journey. |
| Academic Skills - thriving at Waikato | 10am | Open to all | L.G.01, L.G.02, L.G.03 | New to university study? Unsure what Moodle is? Want to know where to go for help with your assessments? This session is a brief introduction to the help you can get from Student Learning and the Library. |
| Support Services Session | 11am | Open to all | L.G.01, L.G.02, L.G.03 | Want to know how to get into the Uni gym and clubs, book a GP or counselling appointment, sort out your enrolment or swap courses, pay for parking, or track down something you’ve lost? Curious about how to get advocacy support if you have an issue with the University or your landlord, or what support is available for tests and exams if your performance is affected. Then come along to the Student Support Services session! It’s a fun, easy‑to‑follow presentation packed with useful tips that will make your life at Uni a whole lot easier |
| Campus Tour | 11am | Open to all | Meet on Ātea outside the Pā | Join our Student Ambassadors on a tour around our beautiful Hamilton campus. |
| WSU Activities on the Village Green | 11am onwards | Open to all | Village Green | Join the WSU and UniRec for a series of fun, high-energy challenges designed to get you moving and working together. |
| Library Tour | 1pm | Open to all | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Library spaces can take you places! Join us for a guided tour of the spaces, collections, resources and services available at the Library to support your study journey. |
|
Bus tour of Hamilton followed by Water World |
2pm | Open to all | Departing Gate 1 carpark | Get to know Hamilton by joining our guided bus tour of the city! Your guide will highlight key facilities and notable sites along the way. The tour will finish at Waterworld, Hamilton’s premier aquatic centre, where you’ll have the chance to swim and/or enjoy the hydroslides with others. The bus will return to campus by 4:30 pm |
| Bus Stop at the Basement Party | 9pm onwards | Open to all | WSU Basement |
Join the WSU team and your fellow students for a party before heading into town. |
Wednesday, 25 February
| Event | Time | Student Group | Location | Description |
| Enrolment Support Session: Division of ALPSS, Division of Education | 8.30am - 5pm |
Division of ALPSS students Division of Education students |
Te Manawa - Student Centre | Are you a student in the Division of ALPSS or the Division of Education and still finalising your enrolment? Come to Te Manawa - Student Centre today where dedicated Divisional staff, along with our friendly Student Centre team, will be available to support you to complete your enrolment. |
|
Enrolment Support/Programme Advice/Kōrerorero Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao |
8.30am – 5pm |
Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao tauira |
L1 The Pā |
Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Pua Wānanga ki te Ao! The Faculty of Māori and Indigenous Studies invites you to a drop-in support session. This is your chance to confirm your courses and subjects, check your papers, and get some answers to your questions. Whether you’re passionate about te reo Māori, indigenous knowledge, just starting your University journey or returning to study, we’re here to support your journey. Nau mai, haere mai! |
| Accessibility Lounge | 9am - 12pm | Open to all | M.1.42 | Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in at the Accessibility Lounge during Orientation Week. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about our service - come and find out how we can support you! |
| International Student Orientation | 9.30am | International Students | The Pā, Hub | This session is mandatory for all new international students. It is an opportunity to meet fellow international students, connect with support staff, and receive important information specific to international students. |
| Library Tour | 10am | Open to all | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Library spaces can take you places! Join us for a guided tour of the spaces, collections, resources and services available at the Library to support your study journey. |
| Campus Tour | 11am | Open to all | Meet on Ātea outside the Pā | Join our Student Ambassadors on a tour around our beautiful Hamilton campus. |
| WSU Activities on the Village Green | 11am onwards | Open to all | Village Green | Join the WSU and Student Health team on the Village Green for tips on maintaining health and hauora during your studies. |
| Māori ki Waikato Expo | 1pm | Tauira Māori | Te Kōpūroa - The Pā |
Join us for the Māori Ki Waikato Orientation Part Two! This session is all about connecting with our Te Puna Tautoko team in an expo-style event, where you can meet the network of services dedicated to supporting tauira Māori. Come along, learn about the resources available to support you, and take the next step in your journey! Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati, ki te kāpuia e kore e whati! |
| Library Tour | 1pm | Open to all | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Library spaces can take you places! Join us for a guided tour of the spaces, collections, resources and services available at the Library to support your study journey. |
| Waikato Scavenger Hunt | 2pm | International Students and students in the Waikato Locals programme | Village Green | Want to get familiar with the campus and its services, meet new people, have some fun, and maybe even win a prize? Join our Waikato Scavenger Hunt! You’ll be teamed up with others to complete a series of challenges across campus. The hunt will take one hour, with prize-giving at 3:15 pm. For students with accessibility requirements or for anyone who would prefer an alternative option - the Accessibility Service will also be running a virtual scavenger hunt at the same time with prizes. |
| Bus Stop at the Basement Party | 9pm onwards | Open to all | WSU Basement | Join the WSU team and your fellow students for a party before heading into town. |
Thursday, 26 February
| Event | Time | Student Group | Location | |
| Enrolment Support Session: Division of STEM | 8.30am - 5pm | Division of STEM students | Te Manawa - Student Centre | Are you a student in the Division of STEM and still finalising your enrolment? Come to Te Manawa - Student Centre today where dedicated Divisional staff, along with our friendly Student Centre team, will be available to support you to complete your enrolment. |
| Accessibility Lounge | 9am - 12pm | Open to all | M.1.42 | Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in at the Accessibility Lounge during Orientation Week. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about our service - come and find out how we can support you! |
|
Division of Health Sessions |
9am - 12pm |
Division of Health Students |
TT.1.11 |
Welcome to the Division of Health! Join us for an orientation session designed to help you settle into your studies with confidence. This is a great opportunity to meet your peers, connect with key Divisional staff, and get familiar with essential tools and resources that will support you throughout your programme. We’ll help you orient yourself around Moodle, introduce key locations relevant to your study, and share practical tips for getting started. We’ll finish the session with some kai, so come along, get connected, and start your journey feeling informed and supported. |
|
Waikato Management School Postgraduate Session |
10am |
Waikato Management School Postgraduate students |
PWC |
Kickstart your 2026 postgraduate studies at the Waikato Management School! Join us for a warm welcome, where you'll meet key staff, get essential tips, and discover how to navigate MyWaikato and Moodle - your go-to tools for accessing course materials, resources, and managing your enrolment. We’ll also introduce you to some of the fantastic student clubs available through WMS. Plus, after the session, you can take a tour of the Management School. |
|
Library Tour |
10am |
Open to all |
Te Manawa, Level 2 |
Library spaces can take you places! Join us for a guided tour of the spaces, collections, resources and services available at the Library to support your study journey. |
|
Campus Tour |
11am |
Open to all |
Meet on Ātea outside the Pā |
Join our Student Ambassadors on a tour around our beautiful Hamilton campus. |
|
WSU Activities on the Village Green |
11am onwards |
Open to all |
Village Green |
Join the WSU on the Village Green as they showcase charities and community organisations. |
|
UniRec Open Day |
12pm - 6pm |
Open to all |
UniRec |
No membership? No worries! UniRec’s annual Open Day is open to all students for you to come explore the gym, have a workout, play sport or try out a group class. Bring a mate and see for yourself why UniRec is one of the hot spots on campus. |
|
Library Tour |
1pm |
Open to all |
Te Manawa, Level 2 |
Library spaces can take you places! Join us for a guided tour of the spaces, collections, resources and services available at the Library to support your study journey. |
|
Postgraduate STEM |
2-2.30pm |
Postgraduate Engineering, Science and Computing and Mathematical Science Students |
L.G.01 |
This session is designed to help you get started with confidence in your postgraduate studies. You’ll be introduced to key academic and support contacts, learn where to go for advice on your programme, and gain practical guidance on viewing your enrolment and understanding your timetable. We’ll also walk through using Moodle, our online learning platform, and outline the range of student services and support available to you. |
|
Bus Stop at the Basement Party |
9pm onwards |
Open to all |
WSU Basement |
Join the WSU team and your fellow students for a party before heading into town. |
Friday, 27 February
| Event | Time | Student Group | Location | Description |
| Accessibility Lounge | 9am - 12pm | Open to all | M.1.42 | Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in at the Accessibility Lounge during Orientation Week. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about our service - come and find out how we can support you! |
|
Day in the Bay: Bus Trip to Mount Maunganui |
9am - 4pm |
Open to all |
Departing Gate 1 carpark to Tauranga |
Travel by bus (approximately 1.5 hours each way) to Mount Maunganui on the east coast of New Zealand. While you’re there, you’ll have time to enjoy the coastline, swim in the harbour, explore the area on foot, and check out the local shops. The bus departs at 9.00 am and returns by 4.00 pm. |
|
Library Tour |
10am |
Open to all |
Te Manawa, Level 2 |
Library spaces can take you places! Join us for a guided tour of the spaces, collections, resources and services available at the Library to support your study journey. |
|
Campus Tour |
11am |
Open to all |
Meet on Ātea outside the Pā |
Join our Student Ambassadors on a tour around our beautiful Hamilton campus. |
|
Library Tour |
1pm |
Open to all |
Te Manawa, Level 2 |
Library spaces can take you places! Join us for a guided tour of the spaces, collections, resources and services available at the Library to support your study journey. |
|
Bus Stop at the Basement Party |
9pm onwards |
Open to all |
WSU Basement |
Join the WSU team and your fellow students for a party before heading into town. |