From therapy dogs to breathwork sessions, here’s how to boost wellbeing and prep for finals
 

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20 October 2025

Week 11, Semester 2

 

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Events

Welcome to your Week 11 edition of Student News!

It’s the final stretch of Semester 2, and now’s the time to set yourself up for success. This week, take a moment to check in on your wellbeing, familiarise yourself with special consideration and extensions, and start planning for your final assessments and exams (so there are no surprises).

Plus, find out how to say goodbye to Okta prompts on your mobile with Okta FastPass (yes, really!), explore free events in October for Mental Health Month,  and we preview the Library's Exam Ready program, launching next month, to keep you calm and prepared for the road ahead.

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

Events

Welcome to your Week 11 edition of Student News!

It’s the final stretch of Semester 2, and now’s the time to set yourself up for success. This week, take a moment to check in on your wellbeing, familiarise yourself with special consideration and extensions, and start planning for your final assessments and exams (so there are no surprises).

Plus, find out how to say goodbye to Okta prompts on your mobile with Okta FastPass (yes, really!), explore free events in October for Mental Health Month,  and we preview the Library's Exam Ready program, launching next month, to keep you calm and prepared for the road ahead.


To-do this week

Complete the Student Wellbeing SMS survey 📲

Between today and Thursday, you'll receive the Student Wellbeing SMS survey to your mobile. Take a moment to complete it to help us better understand levels of wellbeing within our student community.

 

Familiarise yourself with special consideration, simple extensions, and the difference between the two ✍️

A simple extension is an informal arrangement where you can receive an extension of five calendar days for non-examination tasks, such as written assignments or oral presentations.

If you can't complete an exam or need an extension for a longer period of time due to exceptional circumstances or essential commitments, you may be eligible to  apply for special consideration.

 

Know what to expect in your exams ✏️

Final exams are just under a month away (Monday 17 – Saturday 29 November), taking place after STUVAC (Monday 10 – Friday 14 November). Now’s a good time to check your exam timetable and visit Canvas for each unit to confirm formats, locations and any take-home components. Not all exams look the same, so plan ahead so there are no surprises.

 

Enjoy a cheap feed on campus 🥡

Fuel your study game this week with our $5 meal initiatives – available at Level 3, Wentworth Building or delivered to Carslaw Learning Hub East.


Top stories

Fingers on a keyboard

Okta FastPass is now live – faster, password-less access to your uni apps 🎓

Tired of verifying every time you log in? Okta FastPass is now available for Mac and Windows laptops or desktops, giving you seamless access to everything from Canvas to Sydney Student – all with a single click.

🖥️ Set-up is easy. Visit Okta FastPass and follow the step-by-step instructions to install in Okta FastPass on your Mac or Windows device. 

📘 Need help? Contact the ICT Shared Service Centre on Monday to Friday from 7 am to 9 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. The Campus Connect, Student Centre and Library teams can also provide support during standard business hours on weekdays, in-person or online.

 
Students walking past a works zone on campus

Tell us your thoughts to win prizes! 🎉

The Shape My Campus survey is open now. It only takes 5–7 minutes to complete and is open until 9 November 2025. You’ll be asked to rate and comment on campus spaces, places and buildings – and your feedback will directly inform future improvements.

Complete the survey and go in the draw to win part of a $2000 prize pool!

 
Student Life Ice Cream Truck

Apply for a Student Life Welcome Grant 🍦

Have an idea for an event, activity or project that will welcome students and strengthen our campus community? Applications for the Student Life Welcome Grants are now open! You can apply as an individual or with a group for up to $3000 in funding and development support to bring your idea to life.

 
Professor Salah Sukkarieh with Professor Mark Scott

Professor Salah Sukkarieh with Professor Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney

Robots on the farm: the future of food production 🤖 

What if the future of farming didn’t involve farmers at all? In the latest episode of The Solutionists, Professor Salah Sukkarieh from the Australian Centre for Field Robotics explores how intelligent systems are already transforming agriculture. From solving labour shortages to creating more sustainable and equitable food systems, this episode dives into the tech reshaping how we grow what we eat.

 

Medal emoji

We're 1st in NSW!

We've climbed eight places globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings! We're now ranked 2nd in Australia, and remain 1st in NSW. The rankings assess teaching and research performance, as well as industry collaboration and international outlook.


What's happening at Sydney

A coffee cart event by FMH for Mental Health Month

Get involved in free events for Mental Health Month this October 😌

October is Mental Health Month, and this year we're inviting you to focus on taking steps on your wellbeing journey. Across our campuses and online, you’ll find simple, practical ways to look after yourself – from cuddling therapy dogs and enjoying free coffee to creative drop‑ins, study‑break hubs and expert‑led webinars. Whether you’ve got five minutes or an hour, every step counts. See the full suite of events and webinars and learn more about Mental Health month.

Need support? Access student health and wellbeing services, peer support and after‑hours options.

 
Students at the library

Get prepared for November with Exam Ready 🍏

The Library's Exam Ready program is just around the corner, launching Monday 3 November! The Library has teamed up with with Student Life, USU and Sydney Uni Sport to bring you tips and tricks, events and resources to have you navigate exam season. Keep your eye peeled for the full program via the Library's Instagram account.

 
Paul Cordeira

Paul Cordeira

Breathe, move and reset 🧘‍♀️ 

Take a mindful pause with our Breathwork and Alignment session next Wednesday 29 October. This gentle yoga-based session hosted by Paul Cordeira will guide you through breathwork and movement to calm the nervous system and restore balance to both body and mind – think of it as a moving meditation to help you reset during a busy semester.

 

What’s your go-to wellbeing boost during semester?

Mental Health Month is here, and we want to know: what helps you feel grounded when things get hectic?

A walk and fresh air 🌳
Talking it out with a friend 💬
Creative breaks (drawing, journalling, music) 🎨
I’m still figuring it out 😅
Something else? Let us know in the comments! 🗣️

No matter your answer, support is always available. 

Free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support is available to you 24/7 through our Wellbeing team.


 

Events

FutureReady finalists

Last chance to register for the FutureReady showcase ⏳

Join us at the Michael Spence Building (F23) Exhibition Space tomorrow (Tuesday 21 October) from 4 pm for the FutureReady Showcase. Meet stallholders from student societies, industry and University programs, hear from inspiring keynote speakers, and support our award finalists as we announce the 2025 winners. You’ll also have the chance to win a $500 prize!

 
Dr Charles Perkins

Dr Charles Perkins

Celebrate 25 years of the Dr Charles Perkins Oration 🎓 

Join us in The Great Hall next Tuesday 28 October for the Dr Charles Perkins Oration, marking a quarter-century of this powerful event honouring the legacy of one of our most impactful alumni. This year’s keynote speaker is Ngarra Murray, Co-Chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, who will speak on Treaty, truth-telling and community empowerment.

 
INCUBATE Class 21

INCUBATE Demo Day returns 🚀

Be inspired by the next generation of entrepreneurs at INCUBATE's Demo Day on Thursday 6 November from 5.30 pm. This high-energy pitch night will showcase nine early-stage startups and two Startup Year teams, so if you're curious about innovation or keen to connect with founders, investors and industry professionals, this is your chance to see bold ideas come to life.

 

Celebrating Festivals of Light 🪔✨

October is a time of light, hope, and celebration for many communities. 

Bandi Chhor Divas (Tuesday 21 October 2025) is a Sikh festival marking the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and 52 princes, symbolising freedom and justice. It’s observed with prayers, kirtan, and lighting lamps.

Diwali (Deepavali) (Tuesday 21 October 2025) is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals, symbolising the victory of light over darkness. It’s marked by lighting lamps, decorating homes, sharing sweets, and spending time with loved ones.

Wishing brightness and joy to all who celebrate! 🪔✨


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