From USYD Hoodie Day to FoodHub, student cards, and more – your Week 2 guide is here.
 

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11 August 2025

Week 2, Semester 2

 

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Events

Welcome to your Week 2 edition of Student News!

Classes are underway and we’re officially in the swing of Semester 2! From sorting your student card to scoring a USYD cuddle bear keyring at USYD Hoodie Day, this edition is packed with ways to stay prepped, connected and in the know. You can also discover what’s on during the continued Welcome Program, solve a real-life platypus mystery, and find opportunities to make friends and start your semester right.

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Events

Welcome to your Week 2 edition of Student News!

Classes are underway and we’re officially in the swing of Semester 2! From sorting your student card to scoring a USYD cuddle bear keyring at USYD Hoodie Day, this edition is packed with ways to stay prepped, connected and in the know. You can also discover what’s on during the continued Welcome Program, solve a real-life platypus mystery, and find opportunities to make friends and start your semester right.


To-do this week

Get your student card sorted 🪪

New here? Set up your digital student card to access buildings, tap into libraries, borrow equipment and more. Just don’t forget – you’ll still need a physical student card for exams. You can collect yours at the Student Centre Cards Hub at Level 3, Jane Foss Russell building (G02).

 

Make sure you're across our emergency procedures 📖

Our campuses are safe spaces for you to learn, study and socialise, but it's important you're familiar with our emergency procedures should an incident occur.

Call triple zero (000) if your life is being threatened or if you just witnessed a serious incident. If you feel unsafe on campus or need assistance, call Protective Services on 02 9351 3333. 

 

Add your Semester 2 units by this Friday 15 August 🗓️

Still finalising your Semester 2 study plan? The Last Date to Add (LDA) is this Friday 15 August. Log in to Sydney Student and head to ‘My studies’ > ‘Units of study’ to check your units.

 

Got a question? We might already have the answer! 💬

Before contacting the Student Centre, check out the trending questions on our ask a question page – it’s the quickest way to find what you need. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Submit your enquiry to receive helpful support.


Top stories

Students on the Law lawns at Welcome

Keep the good vibes going with our continued Welcome Program 🥳  

While Welcome Fest might be done and dusted, the good vibes of Welcome are here to stay! From getting prepped with Assignment Basics (Wednesday 13 Aug) to understanding academic culture and support services (Thursday 14 Aug), and making new mates at Boardgame Fridays (starting Friday 15 Aug), there's so much on (and more to be announced!) throughout the first four weeks of semester.

Keep an eye on our Welcome Planner, social media and Student News to stay up to date with what's on.

 
Students on the Quad lawns wearing USYD hoodies

USYD Hoodie Day is coming! 🧸

On Wednesday 13 August, show your uni pride and rock your USYD hoodie on campus. Head to the USYD Store tent on Eastern Ave 9 am–4 pm wearing your hoodie for a chance to score a free Cuddle Bear keyring (first 200 USU Members only). Don’t have a hoodie? Members get up to 35 percent off hoodies, quarter zips, crewnecks and zip-ups for one day only at USYD Stores and online.

 
Paul Zaki with lantern slide from Fleay collection at Australian Museum. Credit Renee Nowytarger.

Paul Zaki with lantern slide from Fleay collection at Australian Museum. Credit Renee Nowytarger.

Students solve World War 2 mystery surrounding Winston the platypus 🕵️

It's not every day you get the chance to uncover an almost century-old mystery, but 12 students from the School of History and Philosophy of Science cracked a case recently during an internship with the Australian Museum. Read on to find out what our students uncovered in the Fleay collections and what that has to do with a platypus named after Winston Churchill.

 

What was your favourite freebie at Welcome?

Last week, you told us your favourite part of Welcome was the freebies. This week we want to know what you picked up!

Let us know!

Notices

Our 2024 Annual Report on Sexual Misconduct

We recently released our 2024 Annual Report on Sexual Misconduct as part of our ongoing commitment to promote transparency and accountability in our approach to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct in our community. Please note that this report contains information about sexual assault and sexual harassment which you may find distressing. If this content raises any concerns for you, you can access our free and confidential wellbeing support 24/7 or book a confidential chat with the Safer Communities Office.

 

Racism@uni survey

This week, students and staff across Australia will be invited to take part in the Racism@uni survey, an independent and confidential study led by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The study is seeking to examine racism in universities, and all students and staff are encouraged to participate, whether they have experienced racism or not. Over the next month, as part of the ethics-approved methodology, students and staff will receive three reminders to complete the survey. Upon completion, participants can go into the draw to win one of 50 gift cards worth $50 in value. Find out more about the survey on the student website.

 

Nominations open for student elections

Nominations are now open for student elections to Academic Board, Faculty Boards, University School Boards, Faculties and University Schools. For a list of all positions available, key dates, and the nominations process, visit the Student Elections webpage.

An information session will be held at 3 pm on Wednesday 20 August 2025 via Zoom. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend. To RSVP for this session and receive the Zoom link, or to seek any further information, please email secretariat.elections@sydney.edu.au.


A student using their phone

Start semester the right way. Stay organised, connected and supported with the Student Portal and Sydney Uni App 📱

Whether you're just starting or returning for another semester, the Student Portal and Sydney Uni App make it easy to stay on top of uni life.  

🤓 Stay organised – Your Study Dashboard helps you get a clear view of your semester, assignments, and to-do lists, helping you plan with ease.  

🤝 Stay connected – Find those hidden classrooms with Campus Maps. Explore events on the What’s On page and track your classes, exams, and activities in one place with the Calendar.  

😌 Stay supported – Need academic help, wellbeing resources, or student services? The Service and Support page has everything you need.  

Your uni experience, your way. Log in to the Student Portal today via myuni.sydney.edu.au and download the Sydney Uni app on Android or iOS. 


Foodhub

Receive up to five free food items at the FoodHub pantry 🥫

If you're struggling with finances or food insecurity, visit the FoodHub pantry on Level 3 of Wentworth Building to receive food and other essential items for free. Ensure you register ahead of time, bring your ticket with you and only visit at your allocated time. 

FoodHub is also available on our Nepean Campus on Tuesdays and Wednesdays weekly 12–1 pm, next to the student computer lab.


What's happening at Sydney

 
Students cycling in front of Law

Pedal into Semester 2 with a Guided Cycle Tour and free lunch 🚴

Want to get confident cycling around Sydney? Join a free one-hour Guided Cycle Tour this Wednesday 12 August 12–1:30 pm with experienced instructors, departing from the Michael Spence Building (F23). You’ll explore local bike paths and streets, build road safety skills, and wrap up with a free lunch. E-bike and helmet provided.

 
Richard Ovenden OBE and Associate Professor Sophie Gee

Why libraries matter more than ever 📚

Join us on Thursday 28 August for Endangered Knowledge: Why Libraries Matter More Than Ever. Hear from Richard Ovenden OBE, Bodley’s Librarian at Oxford University, as he delves into the deliberate destruction of knowledge with Vice-Chancellor Fellow and The Secret Life of Books podcast co-host Associate Professor Sophie Gee. This free event explores the critical role libraries and archives play in protecting our past and future.

 
Students studying in the SciTech Library

Build your toolkit for success 🏆

Explore practical workshops and peer support groups run by the Student Wellbeing team, designed to help you build confidence, manage uni stress, and improve your study-life balance. Sessions cover everything from procrastination and perfectionism to motivation and mindfulness, with more added regularly. Browse upcoming workshops and register.

 

A hand holding a pen emoji

Submit your essay for the 2025 Wentworth Medal

This year’s Wentworth Medal invites you to explore a timely question: How can we effectively promote academic freedom while fostering safety and social harmony in our multicultural community? Share your perspectives for a chance to be recognised through this prestigious award. Submit your essay via Canvas and register your pen-name by 29 August for your chance to win.


Events

 
Students at the launch party

Make friends at the Language Exchange Launch 🌍

Connect with fellow students from around the world at USU’s Language Exchange Launch Party. Whether you’re a native speaker or just getting started, the Language Exchange Program is a free and flexible way to practise new languages, share culture, and make friendships that span the globe.

 
Hands typing on a keyboard, stack of books, retro monitor displaying AI on blue graph paper background.

AI and you: What’s changing this semester 🤖 

Educational Innovation invites you to attend AI and you at the University of Sydney. Join your fellow students this Thursday 14 August for a panel discussion on the changes to assessment in Semester 2. We'll discuss the changes to the Academic Integrity Policy around generative AI and how this impacts you. You'll also have the chance to ask your most pressing questions.

 
Archery board

Take aim with Pride in Sport – Archery 🏹 

Celebrate inclusion and try something new at Sydney Uni Sport's free Pride in Sport archery session on Friday 29 August 4–5 pm at St John’s Oval. Open to everyone, this beginner-friendly event is a chance to learn the basics, make new friends and showcase your pride on campus.

 

Key dates

Friday 15 August: Last day to add a unit of study

➔

Sunday 17 August: Last day to adjust your timetable

➔

Monday 1 September: Census date

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Student resources

Student website | Canvas | Student Portal | Sydney Student | Key dates | Student life, wellbeing and support | Scams support

Student resources

Student website Canvas Student Portal Sydney Student Key dates Student life, wellbeing and support Scams support
 
 

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