College Orientation 2026: Start of a New Journey

Written by: Liu Lexi (25S6K)

Edited by: Lei Yanyang (25S61)

C1 Students touring the classrooms. Studio Ardent/Megan

Orientation is one of Hwa Chong’s flagship events, aimed at helping C1 students transition to school life at College and experience the vibrant school culture. 

O1 kicked off with the C1s in their respective Orientation Groups (OGs). On the first day, C1s were led on a school tour around iconic school locations, such as the Clock Tower and Kuo Chuan Museum. They learned about the school’s rich history that dates back to more than a century ago. They were also introduced to various locations in the college campus, including the lecture theatres, library, science labs and Education and Career Guidance (ECG) office. Afterwards, they played icebreaker games to get to know their fellow OG members. Finally, the day ended with a SODACHE session in their respective classrooms, where OGLs taught the C1s songs unique to Hwa Chong’s school culture.

Day two was even more exciting, featuring an Amazing Race and various OG Games. C1 students also participated in a mass SODACHE session in the hall, where they learned the Beechwood dance and several iconic school cheers. Although the day was much more intense than day one, there was also double the fun!

C1s participating in assorted games on day two. Studio Ardent/Cheryl

The third and final day of OG Orientation featured a mass dance session in the hall, where C1s were taught one of the school dances, ‘I Got My Mind Set On You’. The day ended off with a mass SODACHE Finale, where students sang, danced and cheered along to everything they learned over the past three days. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to bond with batchmates over nostalgic tunes. The fun atmosphere lasted on as many went for dinner with their fellow OG members afterwards. 

View from the stage during the SODACHE finale. Studio Ardent/Junhong

Overall, orientation marked a meaningful and memorable start to the Hwa Chong journey for many C1s. Not only did it familiarise them with the unique and vibrant school culture, but it also helped them forge lasting friendships and memories.