Stay on track with mid-sem study tips and budget-friendly Sydney adventures
 

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22 April 2025

Mid-semester break, Semester 1

 

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Events

Welcome to your mid-semester break edition of Student News!

You’ve made it halfway through the semester – time to take a breath. Last week, we asked about your break plans and the top answers were catching up on studies and resting. Many of you also shared your holiday plans – we loved reading all about them!

In this edition, you’ll find resources to support your study goals, ideas for a budget-friendly break around Sydney, and opportunities to study abroad or flex your creative flair.

And don’t forget – it’s a short week, with the ANZAC Day public holiday this Friday.

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Events

Welcome to your mid-semester break edition of Student News!

You’ve made it halfway through the semester – time to take a breath. Last week, we asked about your break plans and the top answers were catching up on studies and resting. Many of you also shared your holiday plans – we loved reading all about them!

In this edition, you’ll find resources to support your study goals, ideas for a budget-friendly break around Sydney, and opportunities to study abroad or flex your creative flair.

And don’t forget – it’s a short week, with the ANZAC Day public holiday this Friday.


To-do this week

Let us know if you have religious commitments or essential beliefs ahead of exams

You can now tell us if your religious commitments or essential beliefs might impact your Semester 1 exams. If you let us know by Sunday 27 April we can adjust your exam timetable to meet your needs. Find out how to notify us of your religious commitments or essential beliefs. 

 

Check out the Support for Students Policy in our new, user-friendly style

View the Support for Students Policy, one of the first documents to feature our new style and template. This style will be applied to all our policies over the next 18 months. It is part of the Policy Transformation Project – an initiative making our policies easier to understand, supporting you to successfully navigate your student journey.

 

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 in your Semester 1 formal exams through Inclusion and Disability Services (IDS). To be approved for adjustments, you must apply to register, book a consultation appointment, and be registered with Inclusion and Disability Services by Wednesday 30 April. 

If you're enrolled in an intensive unit which has a final exam, please ensure you're registered with IDS three weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant exam week for that unit. 

 

Brush up on your study techniques

Whether you’re catching up or getting ahead, now’s a great time to sharpen your study game. Check out our top study tips, techniques and support services to help you stay on track.

Bonus tip: The Student Centre, Library and study spaces are open as normal during the mid-semester break – except for Friday, which is a public holiday. So you’ve got plenty of quiet places to knuckle down.

 

Take it easy!

If your mid-semester break plans involve sleeping in, you’re not alone – many of you told us you’re using this time to rest and recharge. Make the most of it with science-backed tips for better sleep.


Top stories

ocean baths at Bondi

Budget-friendly ways to spend this mid-semester break ☀️

Make the most of your time away from class without breaking the bank – from scenic walks to free galleries and hidden beaches, there’s plenty to do around Sydney on a budget. Check out our budget friendly ways to spend this mid-semester break.

 
A digital illustration of students in front of an American flag

Study at UCLA in your winter break 🇺🇸 – Applications close 23 April (tomorrow!)

Want to spend your winter break in sunny California studying at one of the world’s top universities? The USSC-UCLA Undergraduate Study Abroad Program is your chance to earn credit points towards your degree while experiencing life on an iconic American campus! ☀️Applications for this undergraduate study abroad program are closing on the 23 April. Don’t miss out!

 
Students at the 2023 USLS delegation in Bankok

Travel to Kuala Lumpur for the University Scholars Leadership Symposium 🇲🇾

The University Scholars Leadership Symposium (USLS) Grant gives you the opportunity to hone your leadership skills, work on global challenges and connect with likeminded peers from around world. Applications close 9 am next Tuesday 29 April. 

 

What's happening at Sydney

 
USU Creative Awards 2024 category winners, image by Michael Cole.

USU Creative Awards 2024 category winners, image by Michael Cole. 

USU Creative Awards 🧑‍🎨

Interested in showcasing your artwork, written or musical piece, or short film to your University community? You could win up to $1250 by submitting your creative work to the USU Creative Awards, USYD's largest creative arts prize, highlighting the very best of visual arts, writing, short film and music, from our student members. Entries close Monday 16 June 2025, so start preparing your submission! 

 
The Egyptian collection at the Chau Chak Wing Museum

'Sham el-Naseem' Egyptian Festival 𓀛

Sham el-Naseem, or “smelling the breeze”, is an ancient Egyptian festival that marks the start of Spring. Join us Sunday 27 April from 10 am at the Chau Chak Wing Museum for an Egyptian day of picnicking, authentic Egyptian food, music, shadow puppet shows, and bilingual English-Arabic floor talks. No registration required, and remember to bring your own picnic rug!

 
People participating in wheelchair AFL

Accessible Sports Gala Day 🏉

Join us for the Accessible Sports Gala Day on 12 May at the Sydney University Sport & Aquatic Centre, where students can engage in hands-on experiences with wheelchair AFL and wheelchair basketball, while networking and learning from industry experts in accessible sports. Everyone that registers and attends will receive a free Sydney Uni shirt!

 

Events

 
A power box displaying ''always will be'' and Aboriginal flag artwork

Climate justice in the midst of climate turbulence 🗣️

Join leading voices for a special climate panel on Monday 28 April as they discuss Australia’s urgent climate, housing and energy challenges, exploring solutions through inclusive decision-making, First Nations leadership, and innovative design to drive sustainable, equitable change for all.

 
Colourful chairs

SUPRA's 2025 AGM

SUPRA invites all postgraduate students to the 2025 Annual General meeting (AGM) taking place at 6:30 pm, Monday 12 May. This is your chance to stay informed, get involved, and have your voice heard. Attendance available in person or via Zoom. Registration is essential and closes 6:30 pm, Thursday 8 May.

 

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