The University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus was lively today as more than 3,000 students convened for the first day of orientation. Rona Lee, the Interim Group Manager for Campus Life, highlighted that the university has organized a comprehensive seven-week orientation program designed to help new students acclimate to the campus environment, meet their lecturers, and understand the available support services.
This year, the orientation program is uniquely led by cultural group leaders, a decision that has contributed significantly to the high turnout. Lee expressed satisfaction with the engagement levels shown during the orientation activities.
First-year student Isaia Goneca, who hails from Ra, shared his enthusiasm despite the challenges he faced in traveling to the capital city. “Even though I faced a lot of challenges, given that my village is in the interior of Ra, I’m glad I chose to study here, so that I can educate myself and be of good service to my community,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to leveraging education for the benefit of his home.
Another first-year student, Sunia Vatunilagi from Taveuni, noted the significant transition from island life to Suva. “This is the first time for me to come to USP. This orientation has introduced me to a lot of things that I didn’t know about. Especially the place where I will be having my course,” she shared, indicating the importance of the orientation in helping her navigate the new academic landscape.
The seven-week orientation program promises to provide new students with ample opportunities to access academic advice and support services, facilitated by over 400 student buddies eager to assist and guide their peers. This welcoming initiative not only enhances educational experiences but also fosters a strong sense of community among new students. With such dedicated support, students can look forward to a promising academic journey at USP.