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Content warning: this edition discusses sexual harm and gender‑based violence. Support is available.

We're deeply concerned to see conflict escalate in Iran and across the Middle East. We know this is a deeply worrying time for many and are here to support all affected students, including HDRs, and staff. Free health and wellbeing support is available 24/7 from our Wellbeing team, including support for students whose travel plans are impacted, and special consideration and arrangements may be available to you if these events have impacted your ability to study. If you wish to apply, please submit a student declaration (docx, 51.5KB) as your supporting document. If you’re an HDR student, you can access dedicated support and request leave if needed. 

Please also be aware of the updated advice for travelling to or through the Middle East on Smartraveller. If you're overseas on University study or business and need support, contact International SOS on (+61) 2 9372 2468 (reverse charge) or via the International SOS Assistance App. 

Collect your physical ID at the Student Centre 🪪

While your digital ID is great for getting access to buildings, accessing our libraries and much more, you'll need a physical ID for your exams. All student card services are available from the Student Centre Cards Hub at Level 3, Jane Foss Russell building (G02).

(Re-)familiarise yourself with our campus and buildings ⛪️

Make time this week to walk around your primary campus and make note of where key amenities are, including your faculty and school buildings, libraries, learning and support hubs, and spaces to relax and hang out. 

If you find yourself lost on campus, flag down one of our friendly Student Life Ambassadors (they're in the orange t-shirts!) or check out Campus Maps online, in the Student Portal or in the Sydney Uni app. 

Check out the Learning Hub's workshops 🧠

Now's the perfect time to refresh your academic skills. From how to effectively use artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Microsoft Copilot to preparing for oral presentations, the Learning Hub's Academic Language and Learning workshops are a free and easy way to gain the knowledge and skills you need to succeed at university.

Register with Inclusion and Disability Services for support in formal exams 📝

If you have a disability, medical condition, or carer responsibilities (temporary or ongoing) which may disadvantage you in your formal examinations, you may be eligible for reasonable adjustments through Inclusion and Disability Services. To be approved for adjustments in your Semester 1 formal exams, you will need to apply to register, book a consultation appointment, and be registered with Inclusion and Disability Services by Wednesday 29 April (Week 9). 

If you are 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. See the Inclusion and Disability Services webpage for further information about the registration process.

Whether you're in your first year or your fourth, navigating the first few weeks of university can feel overwhelming. To help you settle into semester, we've pulled together seven steps you should take in your first three weeks of uni to ensure you stay ahead of your studies and have fun along the way.

So, you joined a club and/or society at Welcome Fest ... now what? We know that it can be daunting to take part in a new social group, but with our guide to joining a uni club or society, you’ll be ready to make new friends and get involved in student life on campus.

The Tin Sheds Gallery is a contemporary exhibition space on campus, showcasing work that explores architecture, art, design and urbanism. Founded as a student‑led art workshop in 1969, Tin Sheds continues to be a space for experimentation and public debate. Open to everyone, the gallery is open to everyone and is a great way to experience something different between classes.

A University free from sexual harm and gender-based violence

We're committed to ensuring our community is safe, respectful and supported. From 1 January 2026, all universities are required to meet new national standards to prevent and respond to gender‑based violence and sexual harm.

Gender‑based violence refers to harmful behaviour linked to a person’s gender, gender identity or gender expression, while sexual harm includes any sexual activity without consent. These behaviours can happen on or off campus, online, or in social settings — and they are never OK.

As a student, you play a role in creating a safe and inclusive community. This includes treating others with respect, completing Respect@Sydney 2026 mandatory training, and being an ethical bystander.

If you experience or witness sexual harm or gender‑based violence, confidential support is available through the Safer Communities Office, whether or not you choose to make a formal complaint.

Read more about the National Higher Education Code, your responsibilities, and how to access support.

ANZAC Day Additional Public Holiday – Monday 27 April

Monday 27 April 2026 is an additional public holiday in New South Wales following ANZAC Day. As a result, no classes will be held on this day.

Your unit coordinators are currently making necessary adjustments to teaching and assessments affected by the public holiday and will be in touch directly if something in your unit needs to be rescheduled or delivered differently. Keep an eye on your unit communications and Canvas for updates from your coordinators over the coming weeks.

New Protective Security Guarding and Concierge Service Provider 

The University has engaged a new Protective Security Guarding and Concierge Service Provider, Glad Group Services (Glad Group). Glad Group commenced operations across the University earlier last month, and are here to make sure your campus experience is safe and incident-free. 

Read about the key matters discussed at the Senate meeting that took place on 17 February

The Senate is the governing authority of the University and oversees all major decisions concerning the conduct of the University, from appointing the Vice-Chancellor to ensuring students are set up for academic and personal success. Take a behind the scenes look at how Senate operates by reading an overview of key matters discussed at Senate's 17 February meeting.

As a USYD student you have free access to a range of different news and data services, including The Sydney Morning Herald, Good Food and The Age through Campus Access, and The Australian and The Daily Telegraph through News Corp Australia.

For more information on important study dates, check out our key dates page.

Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter and is usually observed in the Catholic, Christian, and Orthodox traditions. Lent is a time of fasting and reflection and echoes the 40 days Jesus Christ spent fasting before beginning his public ministry. Lent began last Wednesday 18 February, Ash Wednesday, and will conclude on Thursday 2 April, which is known as Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday.

OBL program participants get to handle and observe all sorts of fascinating objects at the Chau Chak Wing Museum.

Two University of Sydney teaching teams have been recognised in the 2025 Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) for creating engaging learning experiences. 

Over at the Chau Chak Wing Museum, Jane Thogersen, Dr Eve Guerry and Charlotte Seales were granted the Award for Programs that Enhance Learning, one of three awarded nationally, for their Object-Based Learning (OBL) program. This program gives students the opportunity to engage with museum objects, normally kept behind glass or completely hidden from view of museum goers, and is available across all eight faculties and schools. 

At the Business School, Dr Alison Wong and Dr Stephen Tierney were jointly awarded a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning. They were recognised for making complex Business Analytics content easier to understand through interactive, step‑by‑step learning approaches.

Photo credit: New Photography Studios

We joined this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade for the 11th year in a row last Saturday 28 February, celebrating and supporting our diverse LGBTQIA+ community. Learn more about how students and staff came together to bring this year's float theme, The University of Sydney: Where Community Blooms, to life.

Want to make new friends and connections within the LGBTQIA+ community? Come along to our Welcome Social on Thursday 5 March, 12:30–2 pm at Chau Chak Wing Museum. Meet other first-year students, learn about student support and social opportunities, and enjoy some free lunch as you start your university journey with support from the LGBTQIA+ community!

New to Australia? Newly arrived LGBTQ+ international students are invited to Welcome to Sydney, a free social night with drag performances, food and drinks, and a chance to make friends! Join SPARK and ACON on Wednesday 11 March 2026, 5–10 pm at Kinselas Hotel, Darlinghurst. This is an 18+ event (valid ID required) and spaces are limited, so registration is essential.

Holi marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the victory of good over evil. People celebrate the festival with friends and family by eating sweets, playing with colourful powder called gulal, and dancing to traditional music.

Wishing all our students, staff, alumni and community around the world who celebrate, a Happy Holi ✨

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