One of the things many Freshers look forward to before university starts is Orientation Week, a long-standing tradition passed down from one generation to another. In Thailand, university initiation activities are famously talked about, ranging from light-hearted and fun to extremely intense traditions. For students planning to study abroad, many may wonder whether universities overseas also organise activities similar to Thai university initiation traditions. In many countries, the week before classes officially begin is called “Orientation Week”. In this article, the One Education team will explain what students usually do before classes start overseas and how it differs from university culture in Thailand.

What is Orientation Week?

“Orientation Week”, often shortened to “O-Week”, is a welcome and orientation week for new students before classes officially begin. Generally, it takes place around one week before the start of term. Orientation Week overseas is designed as a preparation period filled with activities before classes begin. Some universities organise a full 5-day programme, while others may only run activities for 2–3 days.

Examples of activities during Orientation Week

• Introduction to the university’s academic system
• Guidance on course registration
• Student ID registration
• Information about registering with local public healthcare services
• Campus tours
• Introduction to student clubs and societies
• Introduction to university facilities
• Safety and security guidance, including areas considered “red flags” that police may advise students to avoid
• Guidance on international student regulations, including visa rules and living abroad
• And many other activities depending on the university and faculty

Each day usually focuses on different topics to help students become more familiar with the university environment. Students will also meet senior students from the same faculty, making it easier to ask questions and get advice before registering for classes. Students will also become familiar with different university departments, learning where to go if they face specific problems, which helps resolve issues much more quickly. Overall, Orientation Week is designed to help students adjust to a completely new environment before classes begin, allowing them to become comfortable with both new places and new people.

Is Orientation Week overseas different from Thailand?

Orientation Week at overseas universities is quite different from university initiation activities in Thailand, especially in terms of the activities themselves. Thai universities are well known for putting huge effort into student activities, with some faculties organising energetic events involving dancing, performances, workshops, and ice-breaking sessions that help students quickly get to know one another very closely. At universities overseas, students are generally not expected to participate in group dances or learn faculty songs and routines. Instead, activities are usually more relaxed, such as small performances by senior students currently studying in the programme. These activities often serve as a showcase of student work and subtly communicate ideas like, “Next year, it will be your turn,” or “This is the kind of work you can create in this programme.” The atmosphere is generally much calmer compared to Thailand, without loud music or late-night activities. Another thing that is uncommon overseas is the “student code family” system often found in Thailand, where students with matching numbers in their student IDs become part of the same “family line”. This kind of tradition is something rarely seen abroad.

Why shouldn’t students miss Orientation Week?

Universities do not require students to attend Orientation Week, and there are no academic credits involved. However, most universities highly recommend attending because it is an important opportunity for students to learn about university life before classes begin. Students will have the chance to adjust to a new environment, make new friends, and become familiar with new places. As mentioned earlier, if students encounter problems later, they will already know which department to contact for help. Imagine arriving on the very first day of classes without knowing anything about the campus. Students would need to allow a huge amount of extra time just to find lecture buildings or complete registrations before classes even begin. This is why the One Education team strongly recommends not missing Orientation Week, as it makes the transition into university life significantly easier.

How will students know when Orientation Week takes place?

Generally, the Orientation Day date is included in students’ offer letters. Some universities may send reminder emails after students have accepted their offer and paid their deposit, while others publish Orientation Week schedules and activity details on their websites. However, there is no need to worry because the One Education team will also help students check these details.

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