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We’re here to keep you safe, on and off campus 

We’re here to make sure you remain safe no matter where you’re located. Here’s a few tips to make sure your experience on and off campus is a safe and enjoyable one: 

Your safety and wellbeing is our highest priority. No matter where you are, free and confidential wellbeing support is always available to you. 

Get to know the SRC, SUPRA and USU 🧐

These student-led organisations advocate for your rights, provide free support and help shape and improve your campus experience. Learn more about who’s representing you and how to get involved:

Students' Representative Council (SRC) – the SRC represents undergraduate students, offering advocacy, legal and academic assistance, and running campaigns on student issues.

Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) – SUPRA provides support, advocacy and representation for postgraduate students.

University of Sydney Union (USU) – the USU runs clubs and societies, events, and campus programs, and manages popular student spaces like the Wentworth and Holme buildings.

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!

Check your travel route 🚍

No matter how you get to campus, plan your route and check for any potential disruptions via Transport NSW to ensure you make it to campus safely and on time. Visit our Getting to campus page for information on transport options and directions.

Access your units of study in Canvas 👨‍🏫

Make sure you can access the units you're enrolled in this semester on Canvas. It's also important to take time this week to read through your unit of study outlines (UoS) and any announcements or modules that have already been published. 

We recently asked what you'd like to know about the upcoming Australian Census. Here are the answers to some of the questions that came up most often. 

When do I need to do it?
📅 Census night is next Tuesday 11 August 2026. 

Do I need to complete it?
✅ Yes. Everyone in Australia on the night should be included in the Census. 

I'm an international student. Do I need to complete it?
✅ Yes. If you'll be in Australia on Census night, you're included in the count.

Resources and support
🌏 The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) offers translated resources, language support and accessibility assistance.

What about the University's census date?
📚 Different thing! This Census is the national Australian Census, not the University census date that affects your enrollment and fees.

Read the full guide
Find out what the Census is, why it matters and what you need to do before Census night.

This morning, 15 students from across the University departed Sydney International Airport for Bangkok, Thailand, to attend the annual University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS). Selected through a competitive grants program recognising their leadership and contributions to the student community, these students will spend four days alongside hundreds of like-minded peers from around the world, taking part in an exciting program of inspirational talks, interactive workshops and cultural showcases. When they return, they'll apply what they've learned through an interdisciplinary Project on Return, helping bring their experiences and ideas back to the Sydney community.

Tired of having to rummage through your bag to find your Opal card? If you're eligible for a Concession Opal card, you can now tap on and off public transport using a phone, smartwatch, or debit/credit card – with the same fares and benefits as your physical card. Learn more via our contactless concessions page.

Watch out for scam calls posing as government officials

We've received reports of scammers contacting students and pretending to be foreign government officials. Victims are then asked to join a Microsoft Teams meeting, where scammers attempt to collect personal information, passwords or multi-factor authentication (MFA) codes. 

If you receive an unexpected call asking you to join a Teams meeting, share sensitive information or act urgently, hang up and verify the request through official channels. Never share passwords, MFA codes or personal details.

👉 Think you've been targeted? Report it to ICT on (02) 9351 2000 and access support through Student Wellbeing.

Make sure you're familiar with smoking and vaping rules on campus 

You are not allowed to smoke or vape on University campuses unless it’s in a designated area. Find designated smoking areas on Campus Maps by selecting ‘smoking areas’ under 'amenities'.

Observed each year on 9 August, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples recognises the cultures, knowledge, contributions and achievements of Indigenous peoples around the world, while highlighting the importance of preserving Indigenous languages, cultures and traditions.

To mark the occasion, join the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Thursday 13 August for Ecomusicology in Indigenous Australia and beyond: Music, sound and the environment. This free event features a performance and panel discussion exploring the connections between music, Indigenous knowledge, the environment and climate change.

It's a great opportunity to engage with Indigenous perspectives and continue the conversation beyond the day itself.

USU’s Welcome Fest is taking over the Camperdown/Darlington campus today and tomorrow (3–4 August) with free food, clubs, prize packs and more. Whether you’re a new student or returning to your studies, there’s something for everyone.

But Welcome doesn't stop there! With plenty happening across the first few weeks of semester, check out the Welcome Planner for the full program, or start with a few of our picks:

⚽ Party at Manning: World Cup (5 August): No matter if you were team Spain or Argentina, we’re keeping the love for the beautiful game going at Party at Manning! Put on your best jersey and rep your team as we celebrate the start of Sem 2.

🛒 The Consent Check-In (3–4 August): An immersive experience set up like a convenience store, our Consent Check In invites you to reflect on boundaries and improving your understanding of healthy relationships and communication around consent (snacks included).

🍨 Snack & Submit (from 6 August): Need to complete your Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM)? Bring your device to Fisher Library and enjoy free dessert while you finish your module. Don't forget to register! 👀 Psst... be sure to stop by the Office of Educational Integrity (OEI) booth for some free merch at Welcome Fest too!

🥳 Party at Manning: Off Campus (12 August): For one night only, Manning is transforming into Briar University. It’s time to rally up the team and dance the night away.

👉 Explore the full Welcome Program 

To welcome you to semester, we're offering current students 50 percent off selected University of Sydney hoodies, crew necks and tees – while stocks last!

Check out the stall at Welcome, visit any USYD store on campus or use discount code WELCOME50 in the online store.

With classes starting this week, it's important to keep on top of your student email inbox. From important University-wide updates, like today's edition of Student News, to information about your classes from unit coordinators, lecturers and tutors – it's worth checking your email regularly to ensure you don't miss out on critical information.

Want to make a positive impact in your community? Sydney Citizen is a four-part workshop series exploring leadership, trust, disagreement and creating change in a complex world. You'll hear from leading academics, take part in interactive discussions and develop practical skills for navigating different perspectives.

Disagreeing doesn't have to mean disconnecting. Join the Brave Conversations Project student training on Wednesday 19 August, 3–5 pm and learn practical tools for navigating difficult conversations, listening across differences and engaging in meaningful dialogue. This workshop will help you build confidence discussing challenging topics with curiosity, respect and openness.

Photo credit: Jessica Maurer

What happens when contemporary art and quantum science collide? Join Verge Gallery for a Slow Looking Workshop on Thursday 6 August, where you'll explore the intersection of art, experimentation and discovery through a series of guided observation activities. Take a closer look at the materials, calculations and imperfections that emerge when artists engage with a quantum science laboratory.

Ever wondered what happens to food waste on campus? Join Feeding the loop: live from the USYD campus biodigester! and get a behind-the-scenes look at how food scraps are transformed into renewable energy and nutrient-rich products right here at Sydney. You'll hear from the people behind the project, explore the biodigester up close, and learn how small changes can help create a more sustainable campus.

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

Keep in touch

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