°¿³Ü°ù 2026 Semester 1 Welcome Program has officially kicked off! We're excited to welcome you to a new semester and can't wait for you to take part in our expansive program, which runs from Monday 9 February through to the end of Week 4. 
You might be thinking, but I’ve attended Welcome in previous years – why should I attend this year? Well, the Welcome Program is filled with awesome events and opportunities for all students, whether you're new or returning for another semester.
Take your pick from parties and social events to meet and reconnect with your classmates, learning workshops to set you up for academic success, and of course, USU's legendary Welcome Fest where you can join clubs and societies and score free merch and goodies. There’s something for everyone!
To help you plan your Welcome Program schedule, we've pulled together the top reasons to attend.
Meet new people
With Faculty and School Welcome events, club and society stalls, Ìý²¹²Ô»å t³ó±ðÌý, there are plenty of opportunities during Welcome for you to meet new people. 
Fancy a bit of sightseeing as well? We recommend signing up for one of  – these are open to new and existing students and are a great way to make new friends.
Who knows, the people you meet through our social events could end up being in your class or tutorial! 
Feel part of the University community
Join new and returning students at the  on Wednesday 18 February, where you will be officially welcomed to campus by the Vice-Chancellor, your student representatives and local Indigenous elders.Â
This is a great way to feel connected to the university community and is one of the key events you won’t want to miss during Welcome!
During the ceremony, you’ll get to experience a wealth of Indigenous Australian cultural activities, including a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony and dance performances.Â
Not only that, but we’ll also have a free breakfast, musical performances, and a special address from Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), Professor Reuben Bolt.
Join clubs and societies
 is one of the best ways to get to know your fellow students and make friends, and the best time to do it is during Welcome.
With over 200 clubs and societies to choose from, spanning academic, culture and language, sports and political interests, we recommend you sign up for one, or many, during .
Grab free food and merchandise
There's no better time to stock up on limited-edition University merchandise or free products, food and drinks than during Welcome.Â
While you can find freebies at most Welcome events,  is where you'll hit the jackpot. There'll be plenty of free products, from sponsor keychains and vouchers to free food and drinks, thanks to USU, along with limited-edition merchandise from the University.Â
Celebrate Lunar New Year on campus
As part of Welcome, you’ll also have the chance to celebrate and usher in the Year of the Horse with a vibrant cultural event on Tuesday 17 February from 4 pm.
The Year of the Horse represents energy, confidence and momentum – the perfect themes to carry into a fresh academic year. So come along to enjoy delicious food and drink, paper lantern making, calligraphy, dragon dance and more!