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Take a moment to strengthen your security 🔐

Weak or reused passwords are still one of the easiest ways scammers get in. A few small changes can make a big difference, like using long, unique passphrases and turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA). Check out our top tips to boost your online security.

Discover how to use AI to support your learning 🤖

Using AI for your studies? It can be a helpful tool for breaking down complex ideas or organising your thoughts, but how you use it matters. Learn how to use AI to support your learning and always follow guidance from your unit of study coordinators on appropriate use.

Get your calculator approved 🔢

Non-programmable calculators need to be approved before you use them in your exams. Find out which calculators are pre-approved and how to get approval on the Calculator dictionary page.

Stay organised with your study dashboard on the Student Portal 📑

If you're trying to reset your study habits ahead of exams, we hear you. Stay organised and on top of your workload via your study dashboard in the Student Portal, where you can add and view your upcoming assessments, exams and your to-do list all in one place.

Loving $5 meals on campus? Good news: they're here to stay! From Semester 2, our new canteen at Electrical Engineering Building (J03) will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for just $5.

With the launch of the new canteen, $5 meals on Level 3 of Wentworth Building will have its final day of service on Friday 29 May and will not re-open in Semester 2. We're excited to build on the success of the $5 meals initiative and encourage you to continue to share your feedback about cheap eats on campus through our $5 meals for students survey.

In a fast‑changing job market, your personal brand is becoming just as important as your grades or experience. As career coach Tess Everingham explains, being intentional about how others see you can help you stand out and stay adaptable as roles and industries evolve.

Heading to the Sydney Writers’ Festival? Don’t miss Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, in conversation this Thursday 21 May, 6–7 pm at Sydney Town Hall. He’ll explore how trust shapes information in today’s world and how we navigate misinformation. Better yet, there's 100 FREE tickets available with the code USYD. First in, best dressed!

Shavuot is a significant festival in the Jewish calendar, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and marking an important point in the agricultural harvest season. It is typically observed in late May or early June, following the period of seven weeks after Passover.

This year, Shavuot begins at sundown on Thursday 21 May and continues through Saturday 23 May, with the main day commonly observed on Friday 22 May in Australia. Traditions vary, but may include study, reflection, attending synagogue, and sharing festive meals, often featuring dairy foods.

Chag Sameach to all who observe Shavuot! 

Pentecost is an important day in the Christian calendar, observed 50 days after Easter and commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus.

This year, Pentecost falls on Sunday 24 May. Many Christian communities mark the day through church services, prayer and reflection, often focusing on themes of renewal, unity and shared purpose.

We wish all those who observe Pentecost a meaningful and reflective Sunday ahead.

Canvas cyber incident update: stay alert to scams 

Instructure has advised that it has reached an agreement with the third party responsible for the recent cyber incident involving Canvas. As part of the agreement, the stolen data has been returned and destroyed. There is no evidence of ongoing unauthorised access or loss of University data. 

While the risk to our community is considered contained, we encourage you to remain cautious of phishing emails and scam messages. Report any suspicious activity, and review guidance on identifying and avoiding scams. 

New legislation lists neo-Nazi group as a prohibited hate group

The Australian Government has listed the neo-Nazi group, National Socialist Network, also known as White Australia, as a prohibited hate group under new hate‑group legislation introduced after the Bondi attack. The organisation has gone through different names, including the European Australian Movement, and White Australia. As a result, from the date the listing took effect on midnight Friday 15 May 2026, it is a criminal offence to be a member of this group, to recruit for it, to provide training or funding, or to otherwise provide material support to it. It is also an offence to display in public any symbol used by the group or any member thereof, to identify themselves or any part of it.

Ride smart, ride safe

Shared e‑bikes and e-scooters make getting to and from campus easier and cheaper – but how we ride and park them matters. Slowing down, giving pedestrians space and parking considerately (out of the way) helps keep our campus safe and accessible for everyone. Make sure you’re across the road rules for e-bikes and e-scooters and being mindful of others around you.

Voting has opened for the USU Board Elections! 

All eligible USU Members will receive a unique voting link via email. Simply follow the link and complete your vote before 5 pm, this Friday 22 May. To find out more about the election, head to the USU website.

We’re teaming up with USU to create the 2027 merchandise range, and we want to know what you think. Take this quick survey to tell us what you’d like to see, from what matters to you most when it comes to merch, to your dream items and styles.

It only takes a few minutes, and your input will help bring better merch to campus. You’ll also go into the draw to win 1 of 5 $100 USU vouchers.

Celebrate International Museum Day today (Monday 18 May) by exploring art and collections right here on campus!

To mark the occasion the Chau Chak Wing Museum is hosting a free talk from 1-2 pm today: Museums uniting a dividing world. The event will explore how museums can bring people together and spark dialogue. 

You can also join a guided walking tour of campus galleries tomorrow, Tuesday 19 May, from 12–1 pm, with stops at Verge, Tin Sheds, SCA Gallery and more.

Join us from 6 pm on Thursday 21 May in RD Watt Seminar Room 203 for Voices of Restoration: First Nations Leadership from Around the World to hear from leaders and explore collaborative approaches to restoration grounded in culture and community leadership.

Bursary supporter Suan Yeo

Unexpected financial pressure can make it hard to do more than just get by. Funded through donations from alumni and the wider University community, bursaries are helping reduce financial pressure, making it easier for students to focus on study, stay connected on campus and make the most of their time at uni.

Something else? Let us know in the comments! 💬

Looking for paid, flexible work that fits around your studies? The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is recruiting for a range of roles for the 2026 Census, with opportunities available across Sydney, regional NSW and beyond.

Applications are open for Census field officer roles, with more than 16,000 positions available nationwide. No prior experience is required.

These temporary roles offer flexible hours and involve supporting your local community by delivering Census materials, answering questions and following up with households.

👉 Find current roles and register your interest at census.abs.gov.au/jobs

Keep in touch

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