Chief executive Phil Ker encouraged students to get involved with the wide range of activities on offer as part of life on campus.
Orientation events at the polytechnic are organised by the Otago Polytechnic Students' Association (OPSA), and students are also able to attend the University of Otago Orientation gigs at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
OPSA spokesman Mark Baxter said the main focus for the student association had been organising student ID cards for the returning arrivals.
The OPSA offices are based upstairs in the polytechnic's Manaaki building in Harbour Tce.
Students could pick up their ID cards from there this week, he said.
A powhiri for the polytechnic's Maori students will be held this morning, with a visit to Puketeraki marae at Karitane.
A series of novelty events would be staged at the polytechnic quad from today as part of the "Amazing Poly Ori Race" competition and continued through the week, Mr Baxter said.
Polytechnic Orientation
TODAY
9am: Bus leaves for visit to Huirapa ki Puketeraki marae, Karitane.
11am: Amazing Poly Ori Race, teams of six first-year students compete against each other in a novelty and activities-based race around campus.
TOMORROW
Noon: School Challenge, novelty team races being held in polytechnic quad.
5pm: Barbecue for teaching staff, City College.
Thursday, noon: "Speed greeting" competitions for new and returning students. Quad/Ozone, if wet.
3pm-5pm: Barbecue for nursing students and school.
