Census date info, support services and what’s on this week
 

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23 March 2026

Week 5, Semester 1

 

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Events

Welcome to your Week 5 edition of Student News!

Last week, you told us your favourite places to eat on campus – from Courtyard and UniBros to Mogu Mogu, knowing where to grab a good, affordable bite (or a $4 gelato 🍨) can make all the difference between classes and study sessions.

In this week’s edition, we’re sharing the Biennale of Sydney at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, details on our free uni shuttle buses, and events happening on and around campus – including a special welcome for international students.

Scroll on to see what’s happening and stay across the week ahead 👇

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Events

Welcome to your Week 5 edition of Student News!

Last week, you told us your favourite places to eat on campus – from Courtyard and UniBros to Mogu Mogu, knowing where to grab a good, affordable bite (or a $4 gelato 🍨) can make all the difference between classes and study sessions.

In this week’s edition, we’re sharing the Biennale of Sydney at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, details on our free uni shuttle buses, and events happening on and around campus – including a special welcome for international students.

Scroll on to see what’s happening and stay across the week ahead 👇


We're here to support students impacted by the escalating conflict in Iran and the Middle East

We’d like to remind you that support is available if your studies have been impacted by the escalating conflict in Iran and across the Middle East. You can access free health and wellbeing support 24/7, and 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. 

As a reminder, you can: 

  • apply for special consideration and arrangements if your studies have been impacted
  • access dedicated support and request leave from your candidature if you’re an HDR student 
  • visit Smartraveller for updated advice for travelling to or through the Middle East 
  • access support through the International SOS Assistance App if you’re overseas on University study or business.

To-do this week

Make sure you're ready for census date – Tuesday 31 March 🗓️

For most students, census date for Semester 1 is next Tuesday 31 March. Census date is the last day you will be able to withdraw from any units of study, finalise your residency status, suspend your studies or discontinue your course without it affecting your grades. Each unit of study has a census date, based on the session in which it is taught, so it's important to check when your census date is.

 

Get your student ID card sorted 🪪

If you haven't done so yet, set up your digital student ID card to access buildings, tap into libraries, borrow equipment and more with just the tap of your phone or smart device.

You’ll still need a physical student ID card for exams, so make sure you collect yours at the Student Centre Cards Hub at Level 3, Jane Foss Russell building (G02). Don't leave it too late!

 

Familiarise yourself with special consideration, simple extensions, and the difference between the two ✍️

A simple extension is an informal arrangement where you can receive an extension of five calendar days for non-examination tasks, such as written assignments or oral presentations.

If you can't complete an exam or need an extension for a longer period of time due to exceptional circumstances or essential commitments, you may be eligible to apply for special consideration.

 

Boost your job readiness with the Careers Centre 💼

From resume help to real‑world industry experience, the Careers Centre has support available at every stage of your career. Book a 1:1 consultation with our careers experts or browse tips on applying for jobs, interviews and more on the Careers Centre homepage.


Top stories

Student at an open air bazaar

The world arrives on campus 🌏

The Sydney Abroad Fair is on this Thursday 26 March from 10 am to 2 pm on Eastern Avenue. It's your chance to find an ideal global program, how to apply for scholarships, and meet partner universities.

You’ll also have the opportunity to get tips from students who have undertaken a global experience, like Helen Liu, who went on exchange to the National University of Singapore:

“I thought going on exchange would be a great way to learn more about myself, venture outside of my comfort zone and gain a more well rounded perspective of the world... I can safely say I have gained all of the above."

– Helen Liu (Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine)

 
Rememory exhibition

Photo credit: David James / Chau Chak Wing Museum

Check out the Biennale of Sydney 2026 on campus 🎨

The 25th Biennale of Sydney, titled Rememory, is now at the Chau Chak Wing Museum as part of the city‑wide contemporary art festival. Running until 14 June, the free exhibition brings together Australian and international artists exploring memory, history and the stories that shape identity and belonging. Drop by the Museum to experience large‑scale artworks, installations and perspectives you won’t usually find in a lecture theatre.

 
university shuttle bus

Did you know we have free uni shuttle buses? 🚌

Wonder what those ochre buses whizzing around campus are? They're the University shuttle buses and they're completely free! Keep an eye out for them when you're on and around campus – the Camperdown/Darlington bus can get you to and from Redfern train station, even late in the evenings. Learn more about our shuttle buses and getting to campus.

 

Have you used the free uni shuttle buses?

Yes! 👍
Not yet but I've seen them 👀
No 😢
I didn't know they existed until now 🤯

Notices

Be aware of scams targeting Mandarin speakers

Have you received a call and been told you're under surveillance by Chinese police, the embassy or other officials? You could be experiencing a threat scam. Mandarin speakers are currently being targeted in what is known as 'Chinese authority scams', where scammers impersonate authorities and threaten people and their families unless they pay money to the scammer. 

If someone has contacted you claiming to be an authority or official, have asked you to pay them to "clear your name" or "prove you're innocent", you should:

  • stop all communication with them immediately
  • report the scammer to ScamWatch 
  • access support from the University.

Enjoy gelato for just $4!

Celebrate World Gelato Day tomorrow from 11 am with $4 cups of gourmet gelato at the Forum, Michael Spence Building (F23) on Camperdown/Darlington campus.

World Gelato Day is all about celebrating the craft behind one of Italy’s best exports. Compared to ice cream, gelato is churned more slowly and made with less fat, giving it that extra‑smooth texture and bold flavour that many have come to love.


What's happening at Sydney

 
Open book with text

What music manuscripts and early editions tell us: the Dalley‑Scarlett Collection 🎼

Discover what the Dalley‑Scarlett Collection, including 5,000+ items of manuscripts, arrangements and early editions, can still teach us in the digital age at What music manuscripts and early editions tell us: the Dalley‑Scarlett Collection this Thursday 26 March 2026, from 5:30–7 pm at Fisher Library. 

 
Students on an in country experience

Learn a new language overseas as part of your degree  ✈️

Does the Sydney Abroad Fair have you thinking of taking your studies overseas? You're in luck! The School of Languages and Cultures is offering OLE In-Country Experience units this June and July for undergraduate students. Learn German in Berlin, Modern Greek in Crete, Spanish in Spain and more to gain 6 credit points, new language skills and first-hand cultural experiences.

 

Have the chance to win an iPad mini and gift vouchers worth up to $250 by completing a survey on your digital learning experience at University

Complete the Digital Experience Insights Survey to enter a weekly prize draw! Weekly prizes include: iPad mini, two $250 vouchers and two $150 vouchers. The survey only takes 6 minutes to complete and will help shape improvements to your digital learning experience. 


Palm Sunday ✝️

Palm Sunday is an important day in the Christian calendar, marking the beginning of Holy Week and commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed with palm branches as a symbol of hope and peace. It is observed by Christians around the world in the lead‑up to Easter.

We acknowledge Palm Sunday and wish all students observing this day a meaningful time of reflection.


Events

 
Students at International Welcome

Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students 🌏

New to Sydney? You’re invited to the Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students, a free official welcome hosted by the City of Sydney on Wednesday 1 April, 5–8 pm, at Sydney Town Hall. Meet other international students, experience Aboriginal culture, and receive a warm welcome from Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO. Food and activities are included. Don't forget to register!

 
Verge Projects artist talk

Image courtesy of Hancheng Wu

VERGE Projects artist talks 🎤

Join VERGE Gallery for the next VERGE Projects Artist Talk on Wednesday 25 March, 11 am–12 pm, at Verge Gallery. Hear University of Sydney students Courtney Gatt, Yuang Li and others currently exhibiting with Verge Projects talk about their exhibitions and creative practices as emerging artists. The talk is free and open to all, and will be followed by a free lunch.

 

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Student resources

Student website | Canvas | Student Portal | Sydney Student | Key dates | Student life, wellbeing and support | Scams support

Student resources

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