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By the time you read this, we will be well into the biggest ten days that the University of Canterbury has ever seen. I’m pretty excited about the paddling pool, bottles of paint and other various paraphernalia floating around the offices currently. Orientation Events are one of your best chances to find other like-minded people that will become lifelong friends… or, you may just get a chance to get that cute girl’s number… Either way, neither will happen if you don’t pre-purchase your blue powerade, head out the door, get involved and meet some new people.

This year, for the first time, Orientation is entirely brought to you by the UCSA. We have awesome people whose jobs are to help the twelve elected Executive members ensure that you have the best possible student experience possible. No matter what your questions, concerns or ideas are, we can help out. And, even if your dilemma sits outside of our expertise, we’ll be able to point you in the right direction. So whether your wisdom teeth have come through with the force of a thousand suns and you can’t afford to do anything about it, you are having difficulties with one of your lecturers or you want to start up the best club on campus that UC does not yet have, we are here to help you out.

Alternatively, you might just want to have a chat – so keep an eye out for the good lookin’ members of the Exec – you’ll be seeing their faces on posters around campus. They are all hilarious and witty people who like long walks on the beach and just so happen to be working as your student representatives.

Okay, that’s the explanatory spiel from me. Just know that the UCSA is your association and is here to work for you.

Best of luck for your first week of lectures. For those of you that have undertaken that “this year, I will attend all of my lectures…” Good luck. For those of you just starting out, know that getting lost isn’t the end of the world and you’re better to walk in three minutes late than miss the lecture entirely. And, despite the popular myth that exists, chatting to your neighbours as you awkwardly try and manoeuvre your bag / laptop / coffee, is a good thing.

That’s all from me for now. Know that I’m contactable at president@ucsa.canterbury.ac.nz (or, you can follow me on Twitter and Facebook) and I am always happy to answer any questions.

Be safe, look out for your mates and enjoy the remainder of Orientation!

Erin xx