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Take it easy! 😌

If your mid-semester break plans involve sleeping in, you’re not alone – many of you told us last semester you like to spend this time resting and recharging. Maximise the quality of your rest by following science-backed tips for better sleep.

Fill out the Student Experience Survey 📧

If you've received an invitation to the Student Experience Survey (SES) now's the time to have your say. The survey is your chance to share what it's really like to be a student at Sydney, and your feedback helps shape and improve the student experience. The survey takes 10–15 minutes to complete, and you'll automatically go into the draw to win 1 of 50 $50 gift cards.

Update your personal details in Sydney Student ✍️

Moved address? Changed your phone number? It's important we always have the correct contact information for you, so we can reach out to you in an emergency. You can add and update your personal details at any time in Sydney Student (go to ‘My details’, then ‘Address and residency’).

Looking for something to do between sleep-ins and study sessions? From scenic walks and beach days to free exhibitions, events and markets, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite budget-friendly ways to make the most of your mid-semester break.

Whether you want to explore somewhere new, change up your study spot or just get out of the house without spending much, there’s plenty to keep you busy during the break.

The students (in the lighter striped jerseys) in action back in 1926.

As the NRL Grand Final approaches this Sunday 4 October, here’s a slice of campus sporting history you can tell your friends: USYD once lined up in rugby league’s top competition (which is now the NRL), and in 1926 even made the grand final! Read how a group of students took on the pros and carved out a unique chapter in Australian rugby league history.

If you have an idea for an event, activity or project that will welcome students and strengthen our campus community, you could be eligible for a Student Life Welcome Grants. You can apply now for funding and development support to bring your idea to life.

Daylight Savings begins this Sunday 4 October, which means the clocks will be turned forward by one hour at 2 am Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). 

Curious about the impact this change has on our body clocks? Why not listen to Dr. Jacob Crouse's Raising the Bar talk, where he explores the connections between circadian rhythms and our mental and physical health. 

Our new Careers Centre in Carslaw, the ribbon-cutting ceremony last Monday 21 September, and your friendly Careers Centre team. Image: Stefanie Zingsheim.

Looking for career advice or help with your resume, interview preparation or job applications? The University's new Careers Centre is now open on Level 2, Carslaw Building, making it easier to access personalised career support right in the heart of campus.

Whether you're exploring career options, preparing for internships or looking for your first graduate role, the Careers Centre offers one-on-one appointments, workshops, employer events and practical resources to help you build your future career.

From 25 September to 4 October, members of the Jewish community around the world are celebrating Sukkot (25 September–2 October), followed by Shemini Atzeret (2–3 October) and Simchat Torah (3–4 October). Together, these observances are a time for gratitude, reflection, community and celebration. We wish everyone celebrating a joyful and meaningful festive season.

University commissions independent reviews into matters arising from SRC actions

The University has commissioned independent reviews into matters arising from the actions of the Students' Representative Council (SRC). Read the statement Chancellor David Thodey AO, and Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott AO. 

Modern Slavery Unit becomes Responsible Business and Human Rights team

The University's Modern Slavery Unit has been renamed the Responsible Business and Human Rights (RBHR) team to better reflect its work supporting responsible governance, human rights due diligence and student safety initiatives across the University.

University Senate decision on request to hold a meeting of Convocation

At its meeting on Friday 25 September, the University of Sydney Senate considered a request to convene a meeting of Convocation. Senate decided not to do so and instead committed to hold a University-wide community engagement forum in the first quarter of 2027 to discuss issues of significance to the University community, including freedom of expression and freedom of association. Find out more via our news page.

Join the Sydney Student Voice Network 📢

We are building a network of students to participate in paid opportunities to contribute to strategic improvements to the student experience, including the Digital Sydney program, which aims to improve students’ digital experience. We need student perspectives and experiences to shape the future student experience. Make your voice heard by joining the Sydney Student Voice Network today.

Card payment surcharges removed from Thursday 1 October 2026

From Thursday 1 October 2026, the University will cease applying a surcharge to card payments made using Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) designated card networks (eftpos, Mastercard and Visa). The University will also cease applying a surcharge on payments made using American Express, PayPal and UnionPay.

Find out more about the removal of card payment surcharges on the RBA website.

Did you know you have free access to Canva Campus? Create presentations, resumes, club promotions and social content using premium templates, stock photos, videos, audio, unlimited folders and cloud storage.

Just sign in to Canva using the University's single sign-on (SSO) with your Unikey credentials to access premium features. If you get stuck, follow our Canva login instructions. Already have a Canva account? Find out how to easily transfer your existing projects.

Loving Canva and want to share your experience? Email us at university.communications@sydney.edu.au

Eat your way through the best of Sydney's food scene at USU's Manning Night Market from 5 pm 14–15 October. With all your favourite cuisines in one place, with everything from Vietnamese to Hawaiian, your dinner and dessert cravings are sorted. Come for the food and stay for the vibes with live music and DJ sets that will keep the energy going all night long. USU Members also get extra perks with free meal vouchers up for grabs each night! All you have to do is pre-register and be one of the first 500 USU Members to attend the event.

Installation view from ‘Migrating Modernism. The architecture of Harry Seidler’, with The Hong Kong Club 1980-84 Plans: Harry Seidler & Associates; Photographs: John Gollings, 1985 © Penelope Seidler; Perspective rendering drawing: Helmut Jacoby, 1981 © Penelope Seidler; Helen Frankenthaler ‘Hillside’, 1971 (cropped), Chau Chak Wing Museum, 2026. Photo: David James. 

Take a study break and explore what's on at the Chau Chak Wing Museum. From architecture and contemporary research to art, culture and science, there's plenty to discover right on campus.

Check out the new exhibition Migrating Modernism: The Architecture of Harry Seidler, which explores the life and work of one of Australia's most influential architects. You can also join Research Encounters on Thursday 8 October, a guided museum tour that reveals University research through the Museum's collections, with tickets just $5 and light refreshments included.

Whether you're after a quiet afternoon between classes or something different to do during the break, the Museum is definitely worth a visit!

Rent stress, affordability and finding a place to live are challenges many students face. Join SUPRA's Priced Out: Student Housing Symposium from 9:30 am–3 pm at the Susan Wakil Health Building (or via Zoom!) this Wednesday 30 September to hear from experts and join the conversation about the future of student housing. Plus, this free event is catered!

Looking for an easy weekend outing during the break? Head down to the Carriageworks Farmers Market in Eveleigh for fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, coffee and plenty of breakfast and brunch options from NSW growers and producers.

📅 Saturday 3 October, 8 am–1 pm
🎟️ Free to visit

If thrifting is more your thing, the Surry Hills Vintage Market returns to Shannon Reserve this Saturday. Browse vintage and pre-loved clothes, handmade goods and plenty of one-off finds from local stallholders.

📅 Saturday 3 October, 8 am–4 pm
🎟️ Free

We're heading to Parramatta Lanes 2026, bringing Sydney Ideas Pop-Up Talks and performances from student musicians to one of Western Sydney's biggest cultural festivals.

📅 21–24 October
🎟️ Free

Keep in touch

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