Welcome to Waikato Hamilton schedule of events
17–21 February 2025
Get ready for university study with our specialised Welcome to Waikato Week.
Discover your campus, connect with support teams, and get familiar with our systems and spaces through essential presentations, information sessions, and fun social activities.
We’ll help you feel confident and ready for an amazing university experience.
Check the schedule often as it may change. You'll be able to see if the event is required, or recommended:
- Required: all students should attend
- Recommended: attendance optional, but we recommend it!
Looking for the Tauranga campus schedule?
Hamilton schedule
Monday 17 February
| Time | Event | Location | Details |
| 10–11.30am | Pōwhiri: New student welcome | The Pā | All students required to attend. A pōwhiri is a welcome ceremony conducted in accordance with tikanga Māori (Māori protocols and customs). The pōwhiri contains multiple interlocking riturals for both men and women. |
| 11.30am–12pm | Kai: whakanoa | Te Āhurutanga, The Pā | Recommended for all students. Following the formal pōwhiri ceremony, it is tikanga (customary) to lift the tapu (sacrality) through sharing of kai (food). Students living in catered accommodation 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. |
| 12.30–1.30pm | Māori ki Waikato | Ko Te Tangata |
Required for students who whakapapa Māori. Nau mai, haere mai, whakatau mai ki te Whare Wānanga o Waikato! Kickstart your akoranga, your studies, 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. |
| 12.30–5pm | Accessibility Lounge | Te Manawa, M.1.42 | Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in and hang out in the Accessibility Lounge during the week of Welcome to Waikato activities. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about the service including meeting some of the team, taking a look at the software available to support your learning and more. |
| 12.30–1.30pm | Campus Tours* | The Village Green | Recommended for all students to attend once. Join our Student Ambassadors on a tour around our beautiful Hamilton campus. Tours depart from the Village Green. |
| 1.30–2.30pm | Accessibility Service drop-in: Meet our team | Te Manawa, M.1.42 | Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. Meet the Accessibility Services team in the Accessibility Lounge. |
| 2–2.30pm | Library tours – te reo Māori anake, full te reo tour* | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Recommended for all students; only attend one Library tour. This is a full immersion Te Reo tour of the library. It will showcase our collections, services and spaces to help students access resources. |
| 2–3.30pm | Library Tours* | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Recommended for all students; only attend one Library tour. Te Iho o Te Manawataki, Library, welcome you to tour our building and learn about what we offer to students while you study at the University. These tours are run at multiple times during this period and cover our collections, services and spaces. Head on in, we can't wait to meet you. |
| 3–4pm | UniRec Gym Tours* | UniRec | Recommended for all students; only attend one gym tour. Head to UniRec to see what's on offer at this facility and hear about the latest membership options. Tour directions will be available in the UniRec reception area. |
| 3–4pm | Software: Read&Write | Te Manawa, M.1.42 | Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. Learn about the Read&Write software available to support students with additional learning requirements. Come to the Accessibility Lounge to hear how this can help you. |
| 7–8pm | Study Toolbox: Tech, Library and Learning (online) | Online | Required for online learners. This session is specifically run online for students who aren't able to attend on-campus activties. Uni study is easiest when you know the tools. Come to a Study Toolbox session to get essential info about about learning, tech and the library. This is the general academic orientation session for all new students. |
*Multiple times available for this event, you only need to go to one.
Tuesday 18 February
| Time | Event | Location | Details |
| 9am–5pm | Accessibility Lounge | Te Manawa, M.1.42 | Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in and hang out in the Accessibility Lounge during the week of Welcome to Waikato activities. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about the service including meeting some of the team, taking a look at the software available to support your learning and more. |
| 9–10am | Waikato Students' Union Breakfast on the Green | The Village Green | Available for all students. Join Waikato Students' Union (WSU) for some free food before you start your day! |
| 9–12pm | Health undergraduate students | TG Gymnasium (Gate 4) | Required for Health undergraduate students. Start your university journey on the right foot! Health students (Bachelor of Sport & Human Performance and Bachelor of Health) are invited to attend this exciting orientation session led by our academic team and current students. It’s the perfect chance to meet your new classmates, explore your main teaching spaces, and discover essential resources and tools to set you up for success as a new student. |
| 9.30–10am | Computer Science, Design, Mathematics, and Data Analysis undergraduate students. | L.G.01 | Required for Computer Science, Design, Mathematics and Data Analysis undergraduate students. Get a head start on your studies. Learn how to navigate MyWaikato and Moodle, your essential tools for accessing course materials, resources and managing your enrolment. Learn more about your Study Advisors and how they can support you throughout your first year. |
| 10–10.30am | Engineering undergraduate students | L.G.01 |
Required for Engineering undergraduate students. Get a head start on your studies. Learn how to navigate MyWaikato and Moodle, your essential tools for accessing course materials, resources and managing your enrolment. Learn more about your Study Advisors and how they can support you throughout your first year. |
| 10.30–11am | Large Scale Lab tour for Engineering students | Large Scale Lab | Recommended for Engineering undergraduate students. Join an optional 30-minute tour of the first-year lab spaces in the Engineering Large Scale Laboratory. |
| 10–11am | Waikato Management School (WMS) undergraduate students | PWC | Required for WMS undergraduate students. Kickstart your 2025 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. |
| 11–11.30am | Tour of Waikato Management School | Leaving from PWC | Recommended for WMS undergraduate students. Optional tour of the Management School. |
| 10–11am | Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences undergraduate students | L.G.02 | Required for Arts, law, Psychology, and Social Science undergraduate students. Come along to get a head start on your 2025 undergraduate studies within Arts, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences! We will show you where to find our brilliant ALPSS Study Advisors who are your first point of contact, as well as introduce you to our Pacific and Māori Advisors. We will help you better understand who to contact regarding your qualification, papers and enrolment, and where to find our Study Advisors and study areas. We will also touch on Moodle and MyWaikato. |
| 10–11am | Education and Teaching undergraduate students | L.G.03 | Required for Education and Teaching undergraduate students. Kickstart your studies with essential skills to succeed! Join us to learn how to navigate MyWaikato and Moodle—your go-to tools for accessing course materials, resources, and managing your enrolment. You’ll also have the chance to meet our Study Advisors, who will be there to support you throughout your first year. Plus, our Pro Vice-Chancellor will be there to welcome you and greet you in person! |
| 10.30–11am | Science undergraduate students | L.G.01 | Required for Science undergraduate students. Get a head start on your studies. Learn how to navigate MyWaikato and Moodle, your essential tools for accessing course materials, resources and managing your enrolment. Learn more about your Study Advisors and how they can support you throughout your first year. We will also be covering useful first-year Science fundamental paper combinations for different pathways. |
| 11am-12pm | Science and Engineering Health and Safety Laboratory Session | L.G.01 | Recommended for Science and Engineering undergraduate students. Science and Engineering are practical, hands-on subjects where you will be learning by doing. Labs and field trips are important parts of your degree, and in most cases are compulsory. Come along to this information session to find out what you need for your first laboratory, health and safety precautions in laboratories and field trips. |
| 11–11.30am | Library Tours* | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Recommended for all students; only attend one Library tour. Te Iho o Te Manawataki, Library, welcome you to tour our building and learn about what we offer to students while you study at the University. these tours cover our collections, services, and spaces.. |
| 12pm–1pm | WSU Lunch | The Village Green | Available for all students. Head to The Village Green for some free food thanks to the Waikato Students' Union (WSU). |
| 12.30–1.30pm | Campus Tours* | The Village Green | Recommended for all students; only attend one Campus tour. Join our Student Ambassadors on a tour around our beautiful Hamilton campus. Tours depart from the Village Green. |
| 12.30–1.30pm | Study Toolbox: Tech, Library and Learning* | TBC | Required for all students; only attend one session per topic. Uni study is easiest when you know the tools. Come to a Study Toolbox session to get essential info about learning, tech and the Library. This is the general academic orientation session for all new students. |
| 1.30–2.30pm | Wellbeing Orientation Kōrero* | PWC | Required for all students; only attend one kōrēro session. Join us for an interactive kōrero around wellbeing support services and opportunities available to you as showcased through the Māori model of holistic health, Te Whare Tapa Whā. Representatives from UniRec, Wellbeing Hub, and Student Health Services will be there to answer any questions as you engage in your wellbeing journey. |
| 2–3pm | Library Tours* | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Recommended for all students; only attend one Library tour. Te Iho o Te Manawataki, Library, welcome you to tour our building and learn about what we offer to students while you study at the University. These tours are run at multiple times during this period and cover our collections, services and spaces. Head on in, we can't wait to meet you. |
| 3–4pm | Former Refugee and Migrants Welcome | Te Kōpūroa | Recommended for former refugee and migrant students. |
| 3–4pm | Classroom to Career: Success starts now* | TBC | Recommended for all students. Are you ready to kickstart your career journey? Join us for an exciting session with the Careers & Employability team, where you’ll discover all the amazing services and support we offer just for you. Get ready for an interactive experience with a quiz, fun prizes, and a great opportunity to chat about your career aspirations. Don't miss out on this chance to set a strong foundation for your future—come and be part of the conversation! We can’t wait to meet you! |
| 3–4pm | UniRec Gym Tours* | UniRec | Recommended for all students; only attend one gym tour. Head to UniRec to see what's on offer at this facility and hear about the latest membership options. Tour directions will be available in the UniRec reception area. |
| 3.30–5.30pm | Postgraduate Panel | TBC | Recommended for postgraduate students. |
*Multiple times available for this event, you only need to go to one.
Wednesday 19 February
| Time | Event | Location | Details |
| 9am–5pm | Accessibility Lounge | Te Manawa, M.1.42 | Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in and hang out in the Accessibility Lounge during the week of Welcome to Waikato activities. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about the service including meeting some of the team, taking a look at the software available to support your learning and more. |
| 9–10am | Waikato Students' Union Breakfast on the Green | The Village Green | Available for all students. Join Waikato Students' Union (WSU) for some free food before you start your day! |
| 10am–12pm | International students' orientation | TBC | Required for all international students. International Student Orientation is a welcoming session designed to help new international students transition smoothly into their academic and social life. It provides essential information about campus resources, cultural adjustment, academic expectations, and immigration requirements. Discover all the amazing support services available to you and get a chance to win exciting spot prizes along the way! |
| 9.30–11am | Study Toolbox: Tech, Library and Learning* | TBC | Required for all students; only attend one session per topic. Uni study is easiest when you know the tools. Come to a Study Toolbox session to get essential info about learning, tech and the Library. This is the general academic orientation session for all new students. |
| 11am–12pm | Wellbeing Orientation Kōrero* | S.1.04 | Required for all students; only attend one Kōrero session. Join us for an interactive kōrero around wellbeing support services and opportunities available to you as showcased through the Māori model of holistic health, Te Whare Tapa Whā. Representatives from UniRec, Wellbeing Hub, and Student Health Services will be there to answer any questions as you engage in your wellbeing journey. |
| 10.30am–12pm | Library Tours* | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Recommended for all students; only attend one Library tour. Te Iho o Te Manawataki, Library, welcome you to tour our building and learn about what we offer to students while you study at the University. These tours are run at multiple times during this period and cover our collections, services and spaces. Head on in, we can't wait to meet you. |
| 12–1pm | WSU Lunch | The Village Green | Available for all students. Head to The Village Green for some free food thanks to the Waikato Students' Union (WSU). |
| 12.30–1.30pm | Campus Tours* | The Village Green | Recommended for all students to attend campus tour once. Join our Student Ambassadors on a tour around our beautiful Hamilton campus. Tours depart from the Village Green. |
| 1–1.30pm | AI | L.G.01 | |
| 2–2.30pm | Meet the Accessibility Student representatives. | Te Manawa, M.1.42 (Accessibility Lounge) | Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. |
| 2–4.30pm | Scavenger Hunt | The Village Green | Recommended for all students. Join the Student Scavenger Hunt and explore the university campus in a fun and interactive way! Discover key student services, complete exciting challenges, and connect with new friends—all while competing for awesome prizes. It’s the perfect way to learn about campus resources while having a great time! |
| 3–4pm | UniRec Gym Tours* | UniRec | Recommended for all students; only attend one gym tour. Head to UniRec to see what's on offer at this facility and hear about the latest membership options. Tour directions will be available in the UniRec reception area. |
*Multiple times available for this event, you only need to go to one.
Thursday 20 February
| Time | Event | Location | Details |
| 9am–5pm | Accessibility Lounge | Te Manawa, M.1.42 | Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in and hang out in the Accessibility Lounge during the week of Welcome to Waikato activities. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about the service including meeting some of the team, taking a look at the software available to support your learning and more. |
| 9am–12pm | Pacific at Waikato orientation | Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts | Required for all Pacific students. |
| 9–10am | Waikato Students' Union Breakfast on The Green | The Village Green | Available for all students. Join Waikato Students' Union (WSU) for some free food before you start your day! |
| 10–11am | Accessibility Service: Drop in and meet the team | Te Manawa, M.1.42 (Accessibility Lounge) | Recommended for anyone who self-identifies as needing accessibility support; Meet the Accessibility Services team in the Accessibility Lounge. |
| 10–11am | Study Toolbox: Tech, Library and Learning* | TBC | Required for all students; only attend each topic once. Uni study is easiest when you know the tools. Come to a Study Toolbox session to get essential info about learning, tech and the Library. This is the general academic orientation session for all new students. |
| 11am–12pm | Wellbeing Welcome Kōrero* | S.1.04 | Required for all students; only attend one kōrēro session. Join us for an interactive kōrero around wellbeing support services and opportunities available to you as showcased through the Māori model of holistic health, Te Whare Tapa Whā. Representatives from UniRec, Wellbeing Hub and Student Health will be there to answer any questions as you engage in your wellbeing journey. |
| 11am–12pm | Study skills for University* | TBC | Required for all students; only attend each topic once. |
| 11–11.30am | Library Tour* | Te Iho o te Manawataki, L2 Te Manawa | Recommended for all students; only attend one Library tour. This is a tour of the Library which will introduce people to what we can offer. It covers collections, services and spaces to give a basic outline of what we can offer students. |
| 12–1pm | WSU Lunch | The Village Green | Available for all students. Head to The Village Green for some free food thanks to the Waikato Students' Union (WSU). |
| 12–2pm | Māori ki Waikato | Te Kōpūroa | Required for students who whakapapa Māori.
Nau mai, haere mai, whakatau mai ki te Whare Wānanga o Waikato! Kickstart your akoranga, your studies, 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. Wepua e hoa mā! 2025 We got this! |
| 1–2pm | Study skills for University* | L.G.01 | Recommended for all students. The Library skills session cover all the essential skills you need to make you assignment research more effective and less stressful. It help you to get the most out of library search, find core resources specific to your subject area, and teach you the basic principles behind academic referencing. |
| 12–6pm | UniRec Open Day | UniRec | Recommended for all students. All UniRec facilities and services including the sports hall, cardio and weights areas and group classes will be available to students whether they are a UniRec member or not. |
| 12.30–1.30pm | Campus Tours* | The Village Green | Recommended for all students. Join our Student Ambassadors on a tour around our beautiful Hamilton campus. Tours depart from the Village Green. |
| 2–2.30pm | Library tour, reo rua – bilingual | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Recommended for all students. This is a tour of the Library which will introduce people to what we can offer. It covers our collections, services and spaces to give a basic outline what we can offer students. |
| 1–3pm | Academic Panel: Help us help you | Te Manawa, M.1.42 | Recommended for anyone who self-identifies as needing accessibility support. This is a chance for students with learning needs and accessibility requirements to have in-depth discussions with some of the academic staff on campus about how we can support you succeed in the University environment. Come along to ask questions and hear about real situations that we've been able to work together to find solutions to students needs. |
| 2–3pm | Library skills workshop | TBC | Recommended for all students; only attend one session per topic. |
| 2.30–3pm | Library Tours* | Te Manawa, Level 2 | Recommended for all students; only attend one Library tour. Te Iho o Te Manawataki, Library, welcome you to tour our building and learn about what we offer to students while you study at the University. These tours are run at multiple times during this period and cover our collections, services and spaces. Head on in, we can't wait to meet you. |
| 2.30–3.30pm | Waikato Management School | PWC | Recommended for WMS postgraduate students. Kickstart your 2025 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. |
| 2.30–3.30pm | STEM | L.G.01 | Recommended for STEM postgraduate students. Get a head start on your studies. Learn how to navigate MyWaikato and Moodle, your essential tools for accessing course materials, resources and managing your enrolment. Learn more about the Division, where and who to go to for help. |
| 2.30–3.30pm | Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences | L.G.02 | Recommended for Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences postgraduate students. Come along to get a head start on your 2025 postgraduate studies within Arts, Law, Psychology, and Social Sciences! We will help you better understand who to contact regarding your enrolment, and who your postgraduate convenor is. We will also tell you where to find our Student Advisors and study areas within the Division. |
*Multiple times available for this event, you only need to go to one.
Friday 21 February
| Time | Event | Location | Details |
| 9am–5pm | Accessibility Lounge | Te Manawa, M.1.42 |
Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. Our Accessibility Services team welcome you to drop in and hang out in the Accessibility Lounge during the week of Welcome to Waikato activities. Each day we'll be hosting sessions about the service including meeting some of the team, taking a look at the software available to support your learning and more. |
| 9–10am | Waikato Students' Union Breakfast on The Green | The Village Green |
Available for all students. Join Waikato Students' Union (WSU) for some free food before you start your day! |
| 10–11am | Reconnect to study | TBC |
Recommended for students returning to university study after a break; only attend one session per topic. |
| 11am–12pm | Accessibility Service drop-in: Meet our team | Te Manawa, M.1.42 (Accessibility Lounge) |
Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. Meet the Accessibility Services Team in the Accessibility Lounge. |
| 12–1pm | WSU Lunch | The Village Green |
Available for all students. Head to The Village Green for some free food thanks to the Waikato Students' Union (WSU). |
| 2–3pm | Software: Read&Write* | Te Manawa, M.1.42 (Accessibility Lounge) |
Recommended for students who self-identify as needing accessibility support. Learn about the Read&Write software available to support students with additional learning requirements. Come to the Accessibility Lounge to hear how this can help you. |
| 4–7pm | UniRec Free Pick-up Sport Sessions | UniRec Sports Hall |
Recommended for all students. Free social sport sessions open to all students. Students show up, make teams with others and play in casual games. |