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Planning on working throughout the mid-semester break? Know the minimum wage 🧐

In Australia, everyone has work rights protected by law, including international students. If you’re 21 or older, you're entitled to at least the minimum hourly wage of $24.95. If you’re under 21, you’re entitled to junior pay rates, which are usually a percentage of the adult minimum wage. 

Learn more about your entitlements and what to do if something doesn’t seem right via the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Get academic help from the Learning Hub 🤝

As we approach mid-semester break, it's important you know where to find academic help if you need it. Access a wealth of free academic support resources from the Learning Hub – from peer-to-peer support and self-access resources to class-style workshops including writing, oral communication and critical thinking. 

Getting a new phone? Don't lock yourself out 🔒

Upgrading to the new iPhone 17? Ensure that OKTA is fully activated on your new iPhone before replacing your old phone. If you are trading in your old phone make sure to unenrol your mobile device. Alternatively, you can set up OKTA on your secondary device, such as an iPad or backup phone so you don't lose access to your university systems. 

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 through Inclusion and Disability Services. To be approved for adjustments in your Semester 2 formal exams, you will need to apply to register, book a consultation appointment, and be registered with Inclusion and Disability Services by Wednesday 8 October (Week 9). 

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

See the Inclusion and Disability Services webpage for further information about the registration process.

Magpie swooping season is upon us. To stay safe on campus, look out for signage at known swooping areas like outside Fisher Library and in front of the Quad, and keep your eyes peeled for our feathered friends!

For more on avoiding magpie swooping, check out Professor Dieter Hochuli's top swooping avoidance tips on Instagram.

You’ve probably walked past dozens of interesting objects on campus without thinking twice, but you may not know that some of them have wild backstories! 

From a Picasso hidden inside a plastic bag, to a collection of violins with a mysterious owner, to a tiny metal duck that sparks big debates in class. We've uncovered a few of the more surprising secrets in a special story.

Want to help new students settle into uni life while building your own leadership and communication skills? Express your interest in being a mentor and guide a group of students through their first semester. You’ll gain resume-worthy experience, get access to training and events, and build your skills and network.

USU's Creative Month continues with the Campus Gallery Crawl tomorrow, Tuesday 23 September. You’ll get to explore some galleries, museums and creative spaces on campus we bet you didn’t know about. A must-see if you're looking to get involved in the creative scene on campus! Make sure you register your interest by picking up a free ticket via Humanitix.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott to serve a second term

Professor Mark Scott will serve a second five-year term as the University's 27th Vice-Chancellor and President, commencing his new term on 19 July 2026.

Support and social connection for students in the LGBTQIA+ community

We're here to celebrate and support our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) students. Join the Pride Network to connect with fellow students and staff members who support and advocate on behalf of everyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+, and access dedicated support via Student Wellbeing.

Vote in the University of Sydney student elections

Voting for student positions on Academic Board, faculty boards, University school boards, faculties and University schools opened on Monday 15 September.

Students eligible to vote in these elections will receive an automatically generated email from BigPulse (third party preferential voting software) to their student email account.

For a list of candidates and key dates, and more information on candidate conduct and expected behaviors can be found on the current elections webpage. Any enquiries should be directed to secretariat.elections@sydney.edu.au.

Whether you're considering honours or a PhD, Research Week is your gateway to understanding the opportunities that postgraduate research offers. Join us for a series of sessions where you can learn about our research programs, hear from fellow postgraduate research students, and gain insights into the application process.

💼 Postgraduate research scholarships

22 Sep | 3–4 pm

Learn how to fund your postgrad research! Discover scholarship options that support impactful research journeys.

📝 Path to a PhD

24 Sep | 4–5 pm

Gain essential PhD insights, explore research life and experience a day in the life of a PhD student at a global university.

Experience a unique local exchange opportunity in Semester 1 2026 with New York University (NYU) right on campus in Sydney (Camperdown/Darlington). Take NYU units, share the classroom with NYU students and learn from NYU academics. Each unit is equivalent to 6 FASS Elective credit points. Applications close Wednesday 15 October 2025.

If you're an undergraduate student, you're eligible to vote in the Student Representative Council (SRC) elections. Voting takes place in-person across Camperdown/Darlington and the Conservatorium of Music campus on 23, 24 and 25 September. If you wish to take part in voting, please ensure you bring your student ID card.

Beloved Japanese street food shop known for its delicious onigiri and matcha, Mogu Mogu, rolls onto campus outside Belinda Hutchinson Building (H70) from today. Expect exclusive treats like ume soft serve and ochazuke, alongside their signature rice balls and other Japanese favourites.

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival and commemorates the creation of the world, starting at sunset tonight and ending at nightfall on Wednesday 24 September. Customs include the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet, and the dipping of apples in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year ahead.

Shanah Tovah (good year) to those who celebrate!

Got a sweet tooth? 🍩 Meet the Chocolate Society – the club where friendship is forged over free treats and sugary delights. Founded in 2007, ChocSoc brings students together over a love of all things sweet and chocolatey.

Psst... they’re throwing a mochi party today.
Swing by Mochi & Music from 11 am–1 pm at The Bevery Room, Courtyard Café for delicious treats and tunes made by the multi-talented @maroyaka_. Entry is free for ChocSoc members, $2 for non-members with USU, and $5 for everyone else.

Keep in touch

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