Check your WAM, plan your study breaks and take time to pause and connect 🤝
 

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26 May 2025

Week 13, Semester 1

 

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Exam Ready events

Welcome to your Week 13 edition of Student News!

You’re almost there – final assessments, exams and the end of semester are all in sight. Whether you’re powering through your last assignments or knee-deep in revision, we’ve got events and support to help you finish strong. Take breaks, look after yourself and check your WAM to see how you’re tracking. You’ve got this!

If you’re finishing your studies this semester – congratulations! Make sure you take a moment to celebrate everything you’ve achieved and start exploring what being a USYD alum has to offer – from ways to stay connected with your community to exclusive alumni benefits. 


This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Exam Ready events

Welcome to your Week 13 edition of Student News!

You’re almost there – final assessments, exams and the end of semester are all in sight. Whether you’re powering through your last assignments or knee-deep in revision, we’ve got events and support to help you finish strong. Take breaks, look after yourself and check your WAM to see how you’re tracking. You’ve got this!

If you’re finishing your studies this semester – congratulations! Make sure you take a moment to celebrate everything you’ve achieved and start exploring what being a USYD alum has to offer – from ways to stay connected with your community to exclusive alumni benefits. 


Support for students affected by the NSW floods

We're here to support students affected by the devastating rainfall and flooding in New South Wales (NSW), particularly in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions.

We'd like to remind you that free health and wellbeing support is available 24/7 from our Wellbeing team. If your studies or assessments are impacted, special consideration and arrangements may be available to you. If you wish to apply, please submit a student declaration (docx, 51.5KB) as your supporting document. Information about how to apply for special consideration can be found on the current student website. 

If your local area has a history of flooding, you should prepare a flood plan and visit the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) flood page for resources and advice around what to do before, during and after a flood. The NSW SES can also be contacted in an emergency: 132 500.

Visit our extreme weather advice page for more information and advice on how to prepare for extreme weather events.


To-do this week

Check your WAM 📈

As the semester wraps up, it’s a great time to reflect on how you’re progressing. Your WAM (weighted average mark) gives you a snapshot of your academic performance. Learn how to calculate your WAM to check your academic progress and make sure you’re on track with your course. If things didn’t go to plan this semester, support is available to help you bounce back stronger.

 

Check out your study dashboard on the Student Portal 📑

Stay organised ahead of your final assessments and exams with your study dashboard, where you can add and view your upcoming assessments, exams and your to-do list all in one place.

 

Check out affordable food on campus 🍕

Need a feed that won’t break the bank? From pizza vending machines to new outlets in Manning, there are plenty of student-friendly food deals on campus. Check out the on-campus food options.


Top stories

Edward with Queen Mary of Denmark

Photo credit: University of Copenhagen

How an exchange program landed one student the opportunity to meet Queen Mary of Denmark 🇩🇰

It's not every day you get to meet a queen, but Edward Ford, Bachelor of Laws student, did just that. Edward is one of only two Australian students to receive this year's Queen Mary Scholarship, a prestigious scholarship to support students studying in Copenhagen, and is presented by Her Majesty Queen Mary.

Meeting Queen Mary was "terrifying at first", but Edward soon felt at ease as he began speaking with her.

"Her Majesty also took a significant amount of time to chat with me and the other award recipient and showed a genuine interest in our exchange, our thoughts on Danish culture, and our goals for the future."

Edward has been on exchange at the University of Copenhagen this semester, and in that time has had the opportunity to grow his academic and personal experiences.

Edward with Queen Mary and another scholarship recipient

Photo credit: University of Copenhagen

"The program abroad has given me the opportunity to make great friends from all over the world, and the opportunity to see how different styles of learning play out in different educational contexts.

"For example, Danish classrooms are much more informal and conversational than Australian law classrooms, which was daunting at first, but ultimately a very welcoming and refreshing change."

Interested in a study abroad adventure of your own? Explore our global exchange programs.

 
A render of the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator coming in 2028.

Ever wondered what's happening next to the Susan Wakil Health Building? 🏗️

Last Wednesday 21 May marked the groundbreaking of the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, an exciting partnership between our University, the New South Wales government and the Sydney Local Health District.

Set to be complete in 2028, the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator will fast-track innovative research into better health, provide teaching and learning spaces for 8000 anatomy students, and physically link the Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) hospital with our campus for the first time in our 140-year partnership.

 
FutureReady students

FutureReady: Celebrating student employability and innovation 💼

Celebrate and be recognised for your student-founded startup, project or research that’s creating positive impact. Whether you’re looking to build professional skills, connect with industry or explore job pathways, showcase your initiative by applying for a Student Innovation and Employability Award through FutureReady.

 

How was your semester? Let us know!

😎 I nailed it
😅 Hanging in there
😴 Need a nap… for a week
🧠 Learned heaps (surprised myself)
Something else? Let us know!

What's happening at Sydney

Play 
Play 

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) is a time to reflect, learn, and take meaningful steps towards justice and healing. This year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” reminds us that reconciliation is an ongoing journey that requires action and commitment.

We're marking the week with a series of events that give you the opportunity to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and futures.

National Reconciliation Week Community Lunch

📅 Tuesday 27 May 12:30–2 pm

📍 The Gadigal Centre (John Woolley Building)

Share a meal, connect with community, and reflect on the importance of reconciliation in a welcoming space.

Language Workshop with Drew Longbottom

📅 Wednesday 28 May 10 am–12 pm

📍 New Law Building Annex (F10A), Law Foyer

Learn about Aboriginal languages and their cultural significance in this interactive session.

Mabo Day Commemoration

📅 Tuesday 3 June 10:30 am–12 pm

📍 B2010 Auditorium, The Business School (H70)

Commemorate the legacy of Eddie Mabo and native title recognition in Australia.

A Cultural Conversation with Alick Tipoti

📅 Tuesday 3 June 2–3:30 pm

📍 Study Room 3, Level 2, Chau Chak Wing Museum

Engage in a cultural conversation with renowned artist Alick Tipoti, exploring the significance of Mabo Day.

 
A man sitting on a chair against a blue backdrop

Catch the comedy before it goes viral – Eureka Day previews $15 🎟️

When a mumps outbreak hits an ultra-progressive school, chaos and comedy ensue. A hit on Broadway and the West End, Eureka Day is a sharply funny satire about vaccine politics, inclusion, and parental drama. Don’t miss $15 preview tickets at the Seymour Centre on Thursday 29 Friday 30 and Saturday 31 May.

 
Students talking in a group

Help shape the future of food 🌎

Join students from universities overseas to explore food security in Western Sydney and design real solutions for sustainable, healthy food systems. Running from 30 June to 18 July 2025, this for-credit program (worth 6 credit points) includes insights from industry experts and a chance to collaborate across cultures and disciplines. Find out more about ICPUs and apply.

 
Gillian Newall

Photo credit: Fiona Wolf

Your pathway to public school teaching 👩‍🏫

We’ve partnered with the NSW Department of Education to help students explore careers in public schools. Gillian Newall, University Partnership Lead and experienced teaching advisor, is on campus twice a week offering personalised advice and support. Read about the partnership and how to book consultation with Gillian.

 

Pitch your research – and win up to $2500 💵

Calling all HDR students! Join the first session in a new workshop series, hosted by Professor Alice Motion and Dr Naomi Koh Belic. You’ll get hands-on practice, expert feedback and a chance to refine your skills alongside peers. The workshop runs Monday 2 June 11 am – 12:30 pm at RD Watt Building, Room 203. Participants will be eligible to compete for up to $2500 in prizes. EOIs close Tuesday 27 May – don’t miss out! 

Questions? Contact sssharc.research@sydney.edu.au


Exam Ready events

Weaving workshop

Image: Weaving workshop

 Everything you need to survive (and thrive) this exam season 🤩

To support you through the final stretch, the Library has teamed up with the USU, Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness, Student Counselling Services and others to bring you Exam Ready – a series of free events to help you study smarter, stay well, and feel connected. Events run from 26 May to 21 June across multiple campus locations.

We’ve highlighted a few of our favourites below, but there’s plenty more happening — check out the full Exam Ready schedule to find what works for you.

 
The Great Hall organ

Study in the Great Hall 📚

Have you ever dreamt of studying in the University Great Hall? The doors will be open on Tuesday 3 June from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, pop in and out as you like. Enjoy the comfort of bean bags and chairs for a quiet and unique study experience, accompanied by gentle music on the pipe organ.

 
Students eating in the Library

Munch and Mingle 🍏

Need a study break that actually helps you study better? Drop by Munch and Mingle, a chill morning or afternoon tea hosted by Peer Learning Advisors (PLAs). You’ll get the chance to meet other students, learn how PLAs can support your study goals, and enjoy free coffee, tea and fresh croissants.

 

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