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The first week of college is a mix of excitement and nerves. For healthcare students, it marks the beginning of a journey that is both challenging and rewarding. At the Imperial College of Medical and Health Sciences (ICMHS), Orientation Week is designed to make this transition smooth. It’s not just about finding classrooms and collecting timetables — it’s about meeting people, discovering opportunities, and preparing mentally for life as a healthcare student in Nairobi.

This guide takes you inside Orientation Week at ICMHS, showing new students what to expect, what to prepare for, and how to make the most of this important start.

The Purpose of Orientation Week

Orientation is more than a formality. It is the moment where strangers become classmates, and a campus becomes a second home.

For ICMHS, the goal of Orientation Week is clear:

• Familiarize students with the campus environment, facilities, and systems.

• Introduce academic expectations for healthcare programs.

• Help students build community through peer groups, clubs, and student services.

• Offer guidance on safety, well-being, and city life in Nairobi.

Day 1: The Welcome

The week usually begins with a formal welcome ceremony led by faculty and student representatives. New students receive their registration packets, IDs, and timetables. This day sets the tone — it reassures students and parents alike that they’ve chosen the right institution.

Highlights of Day 1:

• Meeting program coordinators.

• Welcome address from the Dean.

• Campus tours covering libraries, labs, and hostels.

Academic Introductions

Healthcare programs are rigorous, and Orientation Week prepares students for the journey ahead.

During academic sessions, students are introduced to:

• Course outlines and assessment methods.

• Rules for clinical practice and lab usage.

• Academic integrity policies, including plagiarism awareness.

Lecturers and mentors often use these sessions to share tips on how to balance theory with practical training, giving new students a realistic picture of the road ahead.

Getting to Know the Facilities

Orientation includes guided tours of the ICMHS modern labs, digital libraries, and study spaces. Students get hands-on demonstrations of how to access resources like the e-library, research databases, and learning portals.

This early exposure ensures that students don’t waste time later — they know exactly where to go and what tools to use.

Building Friendships and Community

Orientation Week is also about social connection. Students take part in ice-breaker activities, cultural showcases, and group discussions. Clubs and associations (from sports to debate to healthcare societies) recruit new members, helping students find their place on campus.

These moments are critical — many lifelong friendships and study partnerships begin in this very first week.

Student Services and Support

Healthcare training can be demanding, so Orientation Week highlights the support structures available:

• Counseling services for mental health.

• Career services for internships and placements.

• Financial aid and scholarship offices.

• Student mentors assigned to each program.

By introducing these services early, ICMHS ensures students know where to seek help when challenges arise.

Safety and City Orientation

Since ICMHS is located in Nairobi, Orientation Week also covers city living tips. Sessions include:

• Navigating safe transport (matatus, ride-hailing apps).

• Staying alert in public spaces.

• Accessing local healthcare facilities.

This ensures students, especially those new to Nairobi, can settle with confidence.

Tips to Make the Most of Orientation Week

1. Be Open-Minded: Say hello, introduce yourself, and join activities.

2. Ask Questions: About programs, labs, or even city life — Orientation is the place to get answers.

3. Take Notes: Important academic details are shared during sessions.

4. Plan Ahead: Use this week to draft a personal study and lifestyle plan.

5. Explore: Walk around the campus and nearby areas to feel at home.

Why Orientation Week at ICMHS Stands Out?

Unlike many institutions where orientation is just an administrative task, ICMHS treats this week as the foundation of the student experience.

• Faculty and staff are actively involved in mentoring.

• Practical tours ensure students know how to use labs and libraries.

• Student societies welcome new members warmly.

• Parents are often included in the first-day ceremony, easing their concerns.

This holistic approach reflects ICMHS’s philosophy: education begins with belonging.

Conclusion

Orientation Week at ICMHS is not simply a schedule of events — it’s the start of a journey. By combining academic introductions, community building, and practical guidance, the program ensures students feel prepared, supported, and inspired.

For every new student stepping onto campus, Orientation Week transforms uncertainty into excitement, and nervousness into confidence.

👉 If you’re joining ICMHS this year, Orientation Week is your opportunity to discover the campus, meet your peers, and take the first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare.

FAQs

1. When does Orientation Week take place at ICMHS?
It is held at the start of every intake, usually in January and September.

2. Is attendance for Orientation Week mandatory?
Yes. It prepares students for academics, facilities, and campus life.

3. Are parents allowed during Orientation Week?
Parents are welcome on the first day for the official ceremony but sessions afterward are student-focused.

4. What activities happen during Orientation Week?
Campus tours, academic sessions, social events, safety briefings, and student club sign-ups.

5. Do international students get special orientation?
Yes. Additional sessions cover cultural adaptation, visas, and international student support.