Orientation 2025 has come to a close, and what a couple weeks it has been! To all of our new students, I hope the events, gigs and spaces we have set up were an unforgettable introduction to Waikato University. Whether that meant making new friends, making bad decisions, winning prizes or whatever, you have now had a taste of what makes this place special. As your Student Union, we’ve loved meeting all the fresh faces on campus and seeing our community grow. And to our returning students—welcome back! I trust your summer has been restful, or your internship successful, and that you made sure to enjoy good times in between and that you are ready to trade beach days and relative freedom for class time and Lectures, I certainly know I’m not.

For those who took part in any notorious Hogan Street parties or pushed through a few O-Week hangovers, I hope the memories (if you still have any) were good ones. And any truly dedicated individuals who made sure to go out all 6 nights this week, congratulations, you both made the most of the first week and at the same time remember the least.

This year, we managed to keep the chaos relatively contained—fewer hospital visits and a lot less “clean-up” on the buses, so let’s call that a win! And I think the award for best outfit on toga night will go out to yours truly the General manager of the WSU, the big man himself David West.

O-Week has been a resounding success, with standout events like our vibrant Night Market and the ever-popular Clubs Day, where students connected with the many incredible groups on campus. The variety of food on offer was especially appreciated by myself, thanks to our many student-led stalls, and I feel we have made true the sentiment that there is something for everyone here.

Whatever Orientation has looked like, and meant to you, know one thing is universal, you have made it past the first stage of the journey and are now initiated students at the University of Waikato.

For me, the highlight was all of the funny conversations, and interesting interactions with our new cohort and the energy you all bring. I must acknowledge our kaimahi, volunteers, and student organizations who made it all possible. Your hard work is what brings this week to life, and builds the memories that our students will carry forward. As summer winds down, I’m soaking up the last of the sun, enjoying the buzzing cicadas and laid-back vibes while they last.