Thousands of students found their feet at all three RMIT University campuses at vibrant and lively Big "O" Days.

New and continuing students came together at each campus to celebrate the start of their 2010 studies at RMIT.

The Big “O” Days, part of RMIT’s Orientation this year, celebrate and showcase what’s on offer at RMIT - from study resources and websites to social and sporting clubs and opportunities to contribute to RMIT and the community.

Students were welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Students), Professor Joyce Kirk.

Some of Melbourne’s best emerging bands rocked the Big “O” Days including Dotcoms, The Scores, Illy, NG Boys, The Melodics, Low Budget, Bonjah, Red Ink and Polo Club - with music ranging from indie pop brilliance to Brazzaville Congolese French rap.

DJ Incrementalist and DJ Ming the Merciless kept the beats happening before and in between the bands with upbeat and ultra cool grooves.

RMIT clubs and societies were out in full force on all campuses, promoting their activities and services.

Students were invited to take the plunge and get involved in a new sport, add their voices to student politics or join one of the many clubs on offer.

The RMIT Press Club, SYN Radio, the Students Christian Union and sporting clubs - ranging from fencing and karate to surfing and table tennis - were among the student-run organisations chatting to crowd members and sharing their University experiences.

Students could also find out about opportunities to contribute to RMIT and the community through the LEAD program, SEEDS and the Business Plan Competition.

Delicious food such as pizzas, a BBQ and free fruit were on offer, as well as a diverse range of stalls and other entertainment, including stilt walkers, karate demonstrations, a hoola hoop expert, a bucking bronco ride and much more.

Students joined a treasure hunt run by University Communications by mobile phone using twitter.

Photos: Margund Sallowsky and Deborah Sippitts

Source: RMIT University http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=hosa2erfq3g2;STATUS=A