University of Newcastle: Thousands to Experience University Life with Robot Soccer, Virtual Reality Learning, Mock Court, and Race Cars at Newcastle Open Day

In one of the biggest events in the University’s calendar, Open Day gives prospective students the opportunity to explore the University’s Callaghan and City campuses, get helpful advice about their study options, meet their future lecturers, and get to know other students.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO was excited to welcome students and their families onto campus and explained Open Day was an opportunity for anyone thinking about their study options to learn more about the University.

“Whether you are finishing school or are already in the workforce and looking to expand your skills, there’s a place for you at our University,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“On top of the information sessions and campus tours, we want to ensure students get a real feel for university life. We’ve planned a great line up of hands-on experiences like our immersive SimCave used for Bachelor of Education students and our Midwifery virtual reality learning technology that students can try out for themselves.

“Open Day is a great first step to come and learn more about what studying will be like and a wonderful day to welcome all our community onto our campuses. I encourage everyone to join us.”

Prospective students and the community can enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with food trucks, live music, interactive displays and entertainment, together with helpful course advice, opportunities to talk with current students and lecturers, and tours of state-of-the-art teaching and accommodation facilities.

Highlights for visitors attending include the student-led NUbots Autonomous Robotic Soccer team; free entry to try out the gym at NUsport Callaghan; Crime Scene Investigation Newcastle at NUspace, a Mock Court trial in our dedicated Law teaching spaces; as well as the NUracing Drag Race team revving their way down the campus straight.

Local student, Sa Nanai from Lambton High School will be amongst the crowds making their way through the Expo in the University’s Great Hall to find out more about the courses on offer to help finalise her application.

“I’m really looking forward to exploring the campus and finding out more about the Bachelor of Education programs. I’d really like to know more about how placement works and the opportunities available.

“At the moment I’m still trying to decide between teaching or the Bachelor of Social Work, so attending Open Day will help me to decide my preferences and submit my application,” says Sa.

Each year Open Day also attracts prospective students who travel from outside the Hunter region to get their first experience at the University of Newcastle.

After applying through the University’s new Early Entry Program, Trinity Currie from Hastings Secondary College in Port Macquarie, is making the 240km journey from Port Macquarie for Open Day to find out more about what the Bachelor of Nursing has to offer.

“I’ve wanted to become a nurse since I was a kid and first saw nurses as heroes in my eyes. Studying the Bachelor of Nursing will enable me to make a positive impact in the lives of as many people as I can through a purposeful and fulfilling career.

“I’ve already submitted my application for Nursing through the university’s Early Entry program, which was a really easy process and has taken a lot of pressure off the exams,” explained Trinity.

Newcastle Open Day is on from 9am to 3pm on Saturday 26 August. Parking is free at Callaghan Campus, with a free shuttle bus running to NUspace and Q Building.