Planning your break? We've got ideas that won't break the bank
 

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16 June 2025

Exams, Semester 1

 

This edition

To-do this week

How to spend your break

Notices

What's happening at Sydney

It’s our final edition of Student News for the semester 🎉

Before you log off for a well-earned break, we wanted to say thanks for sharing with us throughout semester – from your favourite genre to read to how you’re using generative AI tools like Cogniti, your comments and poll responses have helped us learn more about our student community and what matters to you, shaping what we feature in Student News each week.

This final edition is packed with practical info to help you wrap up the semester, stay safe over the break and plan what’s next – whether that’s travel, a winter intensive, or a nap. Thanks for being part of our community this semester!

This edition

To-do this week

How to spend your break

Notices

What's happening at Sydney

It’s our final edition of Student News for the semester 🎉

Before you log off for a well-earned break, we wanted to say thanks for sharing with us throughout semester – from your favourite genre to read to how you’re using generative AI tools like Cogniti, your comments and poll responses have helped us learn more about our student community and what matters to you, shaping what we feature in Student News each week.

This final edition is packed with practical info to help you wrap up the semester, stay safe over the break and plan what’s next – whether that’s travel, a winter intensive, or a nap. Thanks for being part of our community this semester!


Support for those affected by escalating conflict between Iran and Israel

We're shocked and dismayed to see the conflict between Iran and Israel escalate and are here to support all affected students.

Free health and wellbeing support is available 24/7 from our Wellbeing team. If these events have impacted your ability to complete your exams, 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. When approved for a replacement exam, please check the outcome notification for information on your replacement exam period.


A message from Professor Joanne Wright

Professor Joanne Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)

Professor Joanne Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)  

Dear students,  

As we near the end of exams, I wanted to thank you for your hard work and commitment to your studies this semester. 

For those completing their studies this semester, congratulations. Whether you're coming to the end of your student journey or looking to pursue further study, I wish you the very best in your next endeavours and hope you stay connected with our vibrant community as a University of Sydney alum.  

For those returning for Semester 2, I hope you're able to take some time to unwind and reset. I look forward to seeing you on campus ahead of our Semester 2 Welcome Program, open to all students, from 21 July. 

Best,  

Joanne  

Professor Joanne Wright  
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education)  


To-do this week

Pat yourself on the back 👏

This is the last week of exams – you're almost there! Whether you’re wrapping up your degree or just Semester 1, take a moment to recognise how far you’ve come. If you are finishing up your studies, we look forward to helping you celebrate your graduation.

 

Access your Semester 1 results 👀

Your Semester 1 results will be emailed to you on Wednesday 9 July. After 24 hours, your results will be available in Sydney Student. 

Find out more about what your results mean with our guide to grades. 

 

Re-enrol for Semester 2 📝

If you're continuing your studies, you can enrol now for Semester 2 (S2C). Log in to Sydney Student, go to 'My studies' then 'Enrolment'. 

For guidance on how to enrol, visit our how to enrol webpage. 


How to spend your break

Sydney

Looking for something to do over the break without breaking the bank? 🐳

From whale watching and vintage markets to campus galleries and NAIDOC Week celebrations, here are the best free (or close to it) things to do in Sydney this winter.

 
Paul Mac

Celebrate queer creativity with Paul Mac and friends đŸŽ¶

Come along to this month's Pride Culture Club, a queer musical extravaganza featuring award-winning electropop legend Paul Mac alongside emerging LGBTQIA+ artists Damia O’Loughlin, Ellis Wong, Cara Sullivan, Yizhen Wang, and Samuel Dunnicliff. Running from 4–6:30 pm Thursday 26 June 2025 at Recital Hall West in The Con.

 
Volunteers at the International Student Welcome Desk

Welcome newly-arrived international students 👋

Want to make new friends and develop your confidence and communication skills? Volunteer at the International Student Airport Welcome Desk at Sydney or Newcastle International Airport to welcome international students to Australia. 

 

How do you plan to spend your break?

Time with friends and family 😄
Travel overseas ✈
Complete an intensive winter course 📚
Catch up on sleep 😮
Something else? Let us know! đŸ—Łïž

Planning a Euro summer or beyond? Sip safe while you travel đŸč

Before you jet off, remember: a safe trip is the best trip. Whether it’s a cheeky spritz in Italy or a piña colada on the beaches of Bali, it’s important to know your limits and the risks.

Not sure where to start? Smartraveller has pulled together a handy guide on how to party safely while travelling, including information around drink spiking and methanol poisoning.

From watching your drink being poured to saying no to drinks from strangers, it’s worth checking out Smartraveller’s advice before checking in for your flight.


Stay safe this break, at home and on the go đŸƒâ€â™‚ïž

Whether you’re travelling, house sitting, or staying local this semester break, a few smart habits can go a long way when it comes to your safety.

🔐 At home: Lock doors and windows, don’t leave keys outside, and ask a friend to check in if you’re away.

đŸ“± Online: Be cautious with what you share, especially about your location. Think twice before accepting requests from people you don’t know.

đŸš¶ Out and about: Stick to well-lit areas at night, and let someone know your plans if you're heading out or travelling.

đŸ« On campus: University Protective Services is available 24/7, including over the semester break, to help keep you safe. You can contact them any time for advice by calling +61 2 9351 3333 or 1800 SYD HLP (1800 793 457). You can also use a Help Point on campus to speak with Campus Security.

🚹 In an emergency: Call triple zero (000) for emergency services (fire/ambulance/police). Calling the police is the quickest way to get help in an emergency.

✅ For more safety tips and what to do in an emergency, visit our safety on campus page.


Notices

Students lead the conversation on modern slavery 

The University’s 2024 Modern Slavery Statement reaffirms our commitment to tackling modern slavery through education, transparency, and action. This year, we showcase students playing a central role in raising awareness, with peer-led stalls at the Welcome Festival sparking important conversations among students and helping build a more informed and socially responsible university community.

Find out more on the University's Modern slavery webpage.

 

Refreshed complaints and feedback website 

We’ve heard your feedback that it needs to be easier to speak up when something’s not right—whether that’s bullying, harassment, racism, sexual misconduct, administrative concerns, or any other issues that affect aspects of university life. In response, we’ve created a new entry webpage that brings all the key information together in one place, making it simpler to understand your options, how we can take action to help you, and enable you to submit a complaint. It also includes a new feedback service for you to have your say. Feedback, concerns and complaints 

This is the first stage in a broader project to reform how we manage complaints across the University. Our goal is to make the process clearer, more user-friendly, and grounded in care and accountability. In the coming months, we’ll continue working with our community to refine and improve the complaints process, including developing more transparent reporting. 

If you have feedback on the new website or anything else you’d like to raise please contact complaints@sydney.edu.au 

 

Reach out for support if you've been threatened and/or blackmailed by 'academic' services

The University has received reports of international students being threatened and/or blackmailed by illegitimate, third-party ‘academic’ services. These services claim to offer legitimate ‘tutoring’ or assignment help but often pressure students into paying them extra money (on top of initial fees) and threaten to tell the University they've cheated if they fail to pay. 

If you've been threatened and/or blackmailed by these services, cease contact with the service and connect with our Wellbeing team for free and confidential support. 

Remember, free and legitimate academic support from the University is always available to you. 


What's happening at Sydney

Students sitting on a picnic blanket on the Law Lawns.

Get excited for our Semester 2 Welcome Program 🎉

Joining us again in Semester 2? Start the semester off on the right foot with our Welcome Program, open to all returning and new students, from Monday 21 July. From faculty and school information sessions and academic workshops to clubs and societies and stocking up on freebies, there's something for everyone at Welcome. 

Keep an eye on our Welcome Planner to browse and register for events.

 
USU Creative Awards 2024

USU Creative Awards 2024, image courtesy of USU. 

Deadline extended for USU Creative Awards 📆 

Want the chance to win up to $1250 for your creative work? The deadline to submit to the USU Creative Awards have been extended until next Monday 23 June. The awards are our largest creative arts prize, highlighting the very best of visual arts, writing, short film and music, from our student members. Don't miss out! 

 
Attendees at Gradfest

Just dropped: GradFest 2025! đŸ„ł

Starting out in the working world can feel like a big leap, but you’re not alone. GradFest is our week-long program (30 June – 3 July) designed to help you get the most out of your career. Connect with industry insiders and new alumni  through inspiring panel discussions, exclusive webinars, and a networking night you don’t want to miss.

 
A white hoodie with ''Celebrating 175 years'' and digital artwork against a purple backdrop.

Hoodie comp winner announced!

Congrats to Darcia, our hoodie design comp winner!

The limited edition hoodies celebrating 175 years will soon be available at USYD Stores across campus. Keep an eye on our @sydney_uni Instagram page for updates and future competitions.


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