UOWD Welcomes New Students with an Unforgettable Orientation and Welcome Week

Friday, 10 October, 2025

The University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) started the Autumn 2025 trimester with an unforgettable Orientation and Welcome Week, filled with academic workshops, careers activations, student life experiences, and an incredible raffle draw. Designed to help new students settle into university life while building connections across the community, the week showcased the energy, diversity, and spirit of UOWD.

Learning, Connection, and Community

Throughout the week, students took part in a wide mix of academic, career, and student life activities designed to help them settle into university life and build lasting connections. Guest speakers included Dr Ali Mohssen Mohamad, CEO at House of Content, who shared the importance of managing a digital footprint; Hana Balbisi, Director of International Marketing at PowerSchool, who spoke about how confidence and connections can shape a career; Adam Eddine, Radio Presenter at Virgin Radio Dubai, who brought energy to the room with lessons on standing out; and Dr Anjli Narwani, Academic Success Centre Manager at UOWD, who guided students on building resilience for their university journey. Alongside these sessions, cultural experiences, speed friending, and creative workshops added a lively and inclusive atmosphere to the campus.

The Raffle Draw: A Week of Big Wins

The highlight of Orientation Week was the official raffle draw, which saw hundreds of students earn entries by participating in workshops, scavenger hunts, and Student Life activities. Prizes included the latest electronic gadgets, a one-year campus parking pass, and one year of free tuition.

The grand prize, a SOUEAST S06 SUV sponsored by Elite Group Holding, was awarded to undergraduate student Basco Vince, drawing cheers from the audience. Other winners included Kazi Sarah, who received the one-year tuition waiver, and Roy Adrian, who secured a full year of campus parking. Additional prizes went to Zabir Zaina, Ramesh Kiristine, and Asnani Vanshikha.

With MC Adam Eddine, presenter at Virgin Radio Dubai, hosting the event alongside live performances from UOWD’s Dance Club and Music Club, the raffle finale was a celebration that captured the excitement of the entire week.

Welcome Week and the Closing Celebration

The celebrations continued into Welcome Week, which extended opportunities for students to connect with their peers and deepen their engagement with campus life. The closing highlight was the UOWD Welcome Party at Bla Bla Dubai, where over students gathered to celebrate the start of their university journey with music, refreshments, and the unbeatable atmosphere of one of Dubai’s most iconic venues.

A Strong Start for the Autumn Trimester

By blending academic preparation with career insights, cultural experiences, community-building, and celebration, Orientation and Welcome Week 2025 gave new students a powerful introduction to life at UOWD.

As the Autumn trimester begins, the university looks forward to building on this momentum, supporting students as they move from their first weeks on campus into a journey of learning, discovery, and achievement.