| Welcome to your Week 11 edition of Student News! |
We’re well into the second half of semester! With final assessments and exams getting closer, now’s a good time to check in with yourself (and your to-do list). In last week's poll, you told us what content you'd like to see more of in Student News. Events and opportunities took the top spot, so this week's edition includes plenty of ways to get involved on campus, from yoga and art tours to a speaker event featuring an Olympian. We also read all the comments you leave us, so for those who reached out to us last week: |
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| Welcome to your Week 11 edition of Student News! |
We’re well into the second half of semester! With final assessments and exams getting closer, now’s a good time to check in with yourself (and your to-do list). In last week's poll, you told us what content you'd like to see more of in Student News. Events and opportunities took the top spot, so today's edition includes plenty of ways to get involved on campus, from yoga and art tours to a speaker event featuring an Olympian. We also read all the comments you leave us, so for those who reached out to us last week: |
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Support for students impacted by the conflict in the Middle East |
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is distressing on many fronts. We’d like to remind you that is available 24/7 to all students. Our Student Wellbeing team can provide advice or put you in touch with relevant areas of the University who can assist you in relation to your course progression, finances, and other matters relating to your studies.
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apply for if your studies have been impacted,
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access and if you’re an HDR student, and
- access support through the if you’re overseas on University study or business.
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The conflict continues to disrupt travel globally, so if you’re travelling overseas soon visit .
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Set up Okta FastPass to log in to University systems faster 🏃➡️ If you have a Mac or Windows laptop or desktop, you can install Okta FastPass to log in to University systems without needing to enter a password or receive verification codes on your phone. |
Check your WAM 📈
Want to see how your studies are progressing? Your WAM (weighted average mark) gives you a snapshot of your academic performance. Learn how to calculate your WAM to check your academic progress and make sure you’re on track with your course. |
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Make time for your wellbeing this Mental Health Month 💚 |
October is Mental Health Month – it's a great reminder to check in with yourself and make time for the things that help you feel your best. Whether it's taking a break from studying, trying something new or connecting with others, small moments of self-care can make a difference.
This month, there are plenty of opportunities to prioritise self-care, with activities and events designed to help you unwind, recharge and connect with your University community. From intro to machine sewing at the Library (21 October) to movie night on Wednesdays (21 and 28 October), there's plenty to fill your cup this October.
Check out our events calendar on the Student Portal and USU's event listings to explore events happening on and around campus. |
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| Stretch out your Wednesday with free yoga at MacLaurin Hall 🧘 |
Take a break from your studies and enjoy a free yoga class in MacLaurin Hall on Wednesday 28 October, from 12:10–12:55 pm. All levels are welcome, so whether you’re a regular yogi or just looking for a relaxing way to spend your lunch break, come along and join in. |
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| Discover art on campus with a free guided tour 🎨 |
See a different side of campus on a guided walking tour of art and galleries on Tuesday 27 October, from 12–12:50 pm. Starting at Verge Gallery, you’ll explore public art across campus before finishing at SCA Gallery, with the chance to hear from gallery teams about their latest exhibitions along the way. Places are limited, so make sure you register!
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| Access wellbeing support from your phone |
Looking for support you can access anytime, wherever you are? All University students can access , a 24/7 online peer support network where you can connect anonymously with students around the world. If you’re an international student, you can also access for 24/7 wellbeing and safety support. Explore these and other services via the .
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How are you prioritising your mental health this month? |
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| Early start or late finish? Grab a $5 meal |
Whether you’re heading in for an early class or settling in for an evening study session, you can grab a $5 meal at your Canteen. $5 meals and a range of affordable snacks and drinks are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Electrical Engineering Building – just show your student ID.
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Planned industrial action this Thursday 22 October
On Thursday 22 October, some University of Sydney National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) members will take protected industrial action as part of their campaign relating to a new Enterprise Agreement. Almost all scheduled classes will move online and some, such as labs which cannot run online or be rescheduled, may be cancelled.
Our campuses remain open and accessible, but you will need your student ID card to access buildings and may encounter picket lines near entrances to campus. Find out more about .
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Remember to vote! Voting for student positions on Senate, Academic Board, faculty boards, University school boards, faculties and University schools opened on Monday 12 October 2026. Students eligible to vote in these elections will receive an automatically generated email from BigPulse (third party preferential voting software) to their student email account. Learn more via the student elections webpage. |
Help shape the future of our Camperdown/Darlington campus
How should our campus look, feel and function in 2050? Have your say through the Campus Futures Framework survey, a long-term plan for our Camperdown/Darlington campus that will help shape spaces for learning, connection and a thriving campus life.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and you'll have the option to go into the draw to win an iPad or 1 of 3 $100 USU vouchers.
Visit the Campus Futures Framework page for more information about our long-term plan and other ways to have your say, including in-person drop-in sessions. |
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Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It marks the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, and Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. This year, Vijayadashami will be observed tomorrow, Tuesday 20 October, concluding the nine-day Navaratri festival.
Across the world, communities celebrate with prayers, cultural performances, and the symbolic burning of Ravana effigies. Wishing a joyful and meaningful Vijayadashami to all who celebrate! ✨ |
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What's happening at Sydney |
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| Could your phone help improve your mental health? 📱 |
Your phone already collects data about your day-to-day life – but could that information help you better understand your mental health? In the latest episode of The Solutionists, Dr Frank Iorfino explores how the data we generate every day could help people understand and manage their mental health, and shape the future of mental health care.
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| Hear from Olympian Ellia Green at Pride Culture Club 🏉 |
Join Pride Culture Club for a keynote talk by Ellia Green, retired professional rugby player, Olympic gold medallist and the first Olympian in the world to come out as a transgender man. Hear from Ellia this Wednesday 21 October from 4 pm in the Seminar Room (218), Fisher Library. |
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| See Tigran Hamasyan live 🎹 |
Experience internationally acclaimed Armenian pianist and composer Tigran Hamasyan live at the Seymour Centre this Saturday 24 October. Blending jazz improvisation, progressive rock, electronics and Armenian folk traditions, Hamasyan brings his distinctive sound to the stage with his newest work, Manifeste. As a USYD student, you can access $49 tickets. Book your student ticket through the Seymour Centre before they're gone.
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How would you rate this week's newsletter? |
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How would you rate this week's newsletter? |
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