By Jamie Salter
A festival of music, food and fun activities has taken over the Federation University Berwick campus to celebrate the return of students to campus.
‘Fed Fest’ events are connecting students with clubs, services and supports, as face-to-face lectures and practical learning re-commence.
As part of orientation week, students get a taste of what their programs have to offer, with course overviews and campus tours, along with lunches and get-togethers for students to meet their classmates.
Bachelor of Sport, Physical and Outdoor Education student Zane Booth has moved from Mildura and is now living in student accommodation at the Berwick campus.
He said being on campus was a blessing following lockdowns during Year 12 exams.
“Federation has been welcoming and easy to traverse,” he said.
“Living on residence full-time, we’re a very close-knit group and we’re invested in participating in O’Week activities to make new friends.
“Berwick gives you all the assets of the city but it’s a little bit quieter, which coming from the country town, the city can be very full on.”
Virtual events will also run alongside on-campus festivities, with online resources remaining available to students throughout the year.
Federation University Berwick head of campus Kathy Racunica said it was indescribable to see new and returning students on campus, as well as staff.
“We realise connection is the most important aspect of starting at a university, if you don’t have connection, you don’t feel comfortable and it just makes hings so much harder,” she said.
“Berwick campus is particularly special because students blend across industries and that’s the reality of their work after they study.”
Federation University was rated the number one university in Victoria for undergraduate student support according to the Good Universities Guide 2022.
The university gives new students access to student mentors who can help support them with the transition to university well beyond orientation and into the semester.
Students will get to put forward their ideas for great student experiences in 2022 as part of Federation’s ‘Suggest It, Impact It’ campaign to help shape the future of student and campus life.
Federation University president Duncan Bentley said he wanted to give students the best possible learning experience.
“It is exciting to welcome students back onto our spacious Victorian campuses where they can connect with their peers and discover the support available to them,” professor Duncan said.
“Here, they can maintain ties to their local communities and connect with local industry while they study.”
So far, more than 3300 new students will begin their studies across the universities Victorian campuses including online students, while almost 5500 students are continuing their programs.
