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It's getting warmer! Explore green spaces on campus 🌳

Feeling stuck staring at the same four walls? Mix it up by trying a new study spot on campus. Whether you want somewhere quiet, social or close to snacks, there’s a space for every vibe – including leafy outdoor spots perfect for soaking up the sun while you study. Check out the full list of study spaces on campus and find your next go-to.

Make sure you've got a USI 🪪

A unique student identifier (USI) is your individual education identifier issued by the Australian Government. You need one to study in Australia, access your results and graduate. You can apply for one on the Australian Government website, then add it to your Sydney Student. Find out more about USIs and what you need to do. 

Familiarise yourself with special consideration and 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.

Last chance to register with Inclusion and Disability Services for support in formal exams 📝

If you have a disability, medical condition, or carer responsibilities (temporary or ongoing) that may disadvantage you in your formal examinations, you might be eligible for reasonable adjustments through Inclusion and Disability Services (IDS). To be approved for adjustments in your Semester 2 formal exams, you'll need to: apply to register, book a consultation appointment, and be registered with Inclusion and Disability Services by this Wednesday 7 October (tomorrow!).

If you're enrolled in an intensive unit which has a final exam, please ensure you are registered with IDS prior to the relevant cut-off date for that unit.

Connect with Student Wellbeing for a range of confidential and free health, wellbeing and personal support, or our Safer Communities Office for support relating to sexualmisconduct, domestic and family violence, bullying and harassment, and concerns relating to modern slavery.

It might look like it’s been there forever, but did you know our Quadrangle was only completed 60 years ago?

Work on the Great Hall began in the 1850s, but the final cloisters and Western Tower weren’t finished until 1966 – more than a century later. Since then, the Quad has been the backdrop to everything from exams and graduations to study breaks, catch-ups and countless campus photos.

Take a look back at 60 years of the Quadrangle and discover how one of Sydney’s most recognisable landmarks came together.

We've risen to 51st in the world in the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, placing second in Australia and first in NSW. The rankings assess 2,297 universities across more than 118 countries and regions, with this year’s result reflecting strong performance in areas including teaching and research environment. 

Photo credit: Hynesight Photography

Congratulations to undergraduate student Noah Davis, who is one of eight First Nations students selected for a 10-week placement at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the United States of America. Noah is taking part through Monash University’s National Indigenous Space Academy, which aims to increase Indigenous participation in Australia’s space sector. 

Haven’t completed the Student Experience Survey (SES) yet? This is your last chance to have your say and help shape the USYD student experience.

The survey takes around 10–15 minutes and closes Sunday 11 October. Complete it and you’ll automatically go in the draw to win one of 50 $50 gift vouchers or a $1000 prepaid e-gift card.

25 September 2026 Senate Meeting

The University of Sydney Senate met on 25 September. Read an overview of key matters discussed at the meeting, including the requisition to summon a meeting of Convocation.

Video Surveillance policy

In response to TEQSA guidance encouraging universities to strengthen how they manage risks to student and staff safety and wellbeing, including potential risks associated with people from outside our university community accessing our campuses, we are consulting with our staff and students on a new draft Video Surveillance Policy. The draft policy would replace our current CCTV procedures and proposes the introduction of body-worn cameras. You can find more information about the draft policy and the use of these cameras, including frequently asked questions, on the University’s Policy register page. Consultation closes midnight Friday 16 October 2026.

The 2026 National Student Safety Survey has now closed

Thank you to every student who considered or took part in the 2026 National Student Safety Survey. Your experiences and perspectives on sexual violence and harm were valuable and will be used to inform prevention efforts, strengthen support services and drive continued action across Australian universities.

The report on the national results will be published on the Universities Australia website in Semester 1 2027. Following the release of the report, we’ll share our University-specific results with students and staff.

We recognise that participating may have required time and reflection, and we’d like to remind you that University and community support remains available.

Looking for your next career opportunity? Meet more than 40 employers and organisations from across Australia and the Asia-Pacific at the International Student Career Expo 2026 on Thursday 8 October, 11 am–4 pm at Sydney Town Hall. Explore graduate programs, internships and part-time and full-time roles, and connect with recruiters and industry representatives face to face.

Daylight saving is here, which means more time to enjoy those sunny evenings on campus. Student Life’s sunset cinema continues every Wednesday on Cadigal Green, with support from the USU.

This week’s movie is Puss in Boots on Wednesday 7 October from 5 pm to 8 pm – grab some friends, pull up a bean bag and settle in for a free movie under the stars. Blankets are provided, with food available to purchase.

Keep an eye on the @sydney_studentsupport Instagram page for weekly movie announcements and event updates!

Step away from the study desk, head into the Central Business District (CBD) and catch a free Lunchbreak Concert at the Conservatorium on Wednesday 7 October. This week, the Guitar Division takes over Verbrugghen Hall for a 45-minute performance featuring solo and ensemble works. Plus, you're right near the Royal Botanic Gardens – perfect for a spring stroll!

Got some time between classes? USU’s Live & Social is running across Manning Bar, Hermann’s Bar and Courtyard, with live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays, plus lunchtime bingo and trivia throughout semester. It’s free and there’s no need to register – just turn up.

Keep in touch

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