Finish the semester strong with tips and tricks, creative events and opportunities to share your feedback
 

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3 November 2025

Week 13, Semester 2

 

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

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!

This week, explore the Exam Ready program, share your feedback for prizes, and find unique ways to unwind – from yoga at Fisher to art exhibitions and Community Festival fun.

This edition

To-do this week

Top stories

What's happening at Sydney

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!

This week, explore the Exam Ready program, share your feedback for prizes, and find unique ways to unwind – from yoga at Fisher to art exhibitions and Community Festival fun.


To-do this week

Collect your physical ID at the Student Centre (if you still haven't done so) 🪪

Overwhelmed by the crowds earlier in semester? We get it. But if you haven’t collected your physical student ID yet, you'll need to swing by the Student Centre Cards Hub (Level 3, Jane Foss Russell Building) to pick it up before your exams. Don't leave it too late!

 

Check your WAM 📈

Want to see how your studies are 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.

 

Know the rules for using artificial intelligence (AI) for assessments 🦾

For open (unsupervised) assessments, you're allowed to use artificial intelligence (AI), and need to appropriately acknowledge its use. For secure (supervised) assessments, such as exams and tests, you're generally not allowed to use AI unless your unit outline indicates otherwise. Make sure you're familiar with how to acknowledge the use of AI.

 

Update your personal details in Sydney Student ✍️

Moved address? Changed your phone number? It's important we always have the correct contact information for you, so we can reach out to you in an emergency. You can add and update your personal details at any time in Sydney Student (go to ‘My details’, then ‘Address and residency’).

 

Share your feedback on our new draft policy by midnight tonight 🕚

We want to hear your thoughts on our new draft Sexual Harm and Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Policy and related procedures. Learn more about the draft policy and procedures and how to provide feedback by midnight tonight (3 November).


Top stories

Student on Fisher Library rooftop

Know your brain, your body, and your timetable ahead of exams 🤔

Semester 2 exams kick off Monday 17 November. Whether it’s your first exam or you’re a seasoned pro, it's never too early to prepare and set yourself up for success.

Check out our guide on preparing for your exam, download the Sydney Uni app (available on Android or iOS) to see your timetable and find your exam room, and tune into the latest episode of The Solutionists for the science behind feeling focused and well-rested for the perfect pre-exam day sleep.

 
Construction site on campus

Tell us what you think to win prizes! 🎉

The Shape My Campus survey is now open. 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!

 
Carriageworks

Change up your study scenery at Carriageworks 🚂

Need a break from the usual campus spots? Just a short walk from the Camperdown/Darlington campus, Carriageworks offers a unique space to refresh your mind and boost productivity. Make the most of free wi-fi, open space to study or chill and an on-site cafe (open Wednesday to Saturday, 9 am–2 pm).

 

Share your feedback for the chance to win one of three $100 USU vouchers 

Recently enjoyed a $5 meal on Level 3 Wentworth Building? Tell us how it was by completing USU's $5 meals survey! Not only will your feedback help improve current food offerings and inform future cheap eats initiatives – you’ll go in the draw to win one of three $100 USU vouchers.

🗣️ PSA: $5 meals at Wentworth wraps up at the end of this week, but you can still get your cheap food fix with our $5 meal delivery service.


Notices

Stay safe and connected with the SafeZone app

Download SafeZone – a free mobile safety app available across the majority of our campuses. SafeZone enables you to quickly contact Protective Services for emergencies, first aid, or general assistance, and receive important, urgent notifications in the event of an incident or emergency.

Download SafeZone for your Apple or Android device, and ensure essential permissions are switched on.

 

Emergency communications system test – Friday 7 November

There will be a test of the University's new emergency communications system on Friday, 7 November.

Students and staff will receive a test alert by SMS and email. If you’ve downloaded the SafeZone app, you will also get a push notification. No action is required.

Make sure your contact details are up to date in Sydney Student so you receive future alerts.


What's happening at Sydney

Fourth-year student Max playing the drums

The Con is coming to Parramatta!

As an exciting step toward expanding our presence in Western Sydney, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music will open a new state-of-the-art facility in Parramatta in the second half of 2026. This historic expansion will give budding musicians in greater Sydney an opportunity to develop their skills and expertise closer to home.

Fourth-year student Max, who studies Contemporary Music Practice, is excited about what the new facility means for students:

"Studying at the Con is incredible. I've had access to gear I'd never get to use at home. I can't wait to see what they have in Parramatta. If you're a young musician in Western Sydney, this is a fantastic opportunity. The Con is the place to be."

The new Parramatta facility will feature advanced recording studios, rehearsal rooms, and a purpose-built performance auditorium. Con students will also have access to a curriculum focused on songwriting, performing and producing contemporary music, as well as digital music composition and production for film, TV, and live events.

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music facility in Macquarie Street will remain home to all students, while the new teaching space at 60 Station Street, Parramatta in the heart of Parramatta CBD will cater for Bachelor of Music students requiring high-tech music production and recording equipment.

 
Performers on stilts at the Community Festival

Avoid festival FOMO 🥲

It's your last chance to register for Community Festival, which is taking place this Saturday, 8 November. Entry is free and everyone’s invited – pets included! Plus, enjoy a free coffee on the day when you register for the Festival with your friends and family. 

Explore the full range of activities, food and entertainment via the events page. We hope to see you there!

 
Kate McGuinness with her multi-screen video installation 'North Land'

Kate McGuinness (Bachelor of Visual Arts, Honours 2024) received the emerging artist scholarship for her multi-screen video installation 'North Land'. Photo credit: Document Photography/Garry Trinh

Take a study break at the SCA 🎨 

The Fauvette Loureiro Memorial Scholarship 2025 winners are now on show at Sydney College of the Arts, featuring prize-winning works by alumni artists Jesse Hogan and Kate McGuinness.

On display until this Saturday 8 November, the exhibition offers a vibrant glimpse into contemporary art practice and is the perfect opportunity to take a break from your studies. So, if you're already on campus for Community Festival, pop in – it's free! 

 

Exam Ready events

Students at a study session in the library

Get prepared with Exam Ready 🍏

The Library's Exam Ready program is here to help you with everything you need to achieve your best. 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. Check out the full program via the Exam Ready page to register and find out how the Library can support you.

 
green background with text reading

Boost your brain with movement 🧘

Take a short study break and unwind with a gentle yoga session at Fisher Library tomorrow, Tuesday 4 November, from 11:30 am–12:30 pm.

Relax your body and clear your mind through calming movements and mindful breathing in this easy-going session, led by the team at Sydney Uni Sport.

 
Students studying

Pomodoro study sessions 🍅

Join the University Library’s Peer Learning Advisors (PLAs) for Quiet Study with Pomodoro. Our PLAs will coach you through two hours of the Pomodoro technique – one of the most effective methods for structuring your study sessions and proven to increase productivity.


Something doesn’t feel right in your workplace? We’re here to support you 

No matter whether you’re working a casual or part-time job, here on a visa or are an Australian citizen, support is available if you’re experiencing workplace exploitation. Exploitation includes being underpaid, working excessive hours and feeling trapped or unable to leave.  

Contact the Safer Communities Office and Student Wellbeing team. You can also send an anonymous tip-off to the Fair Work Ombudsman. 


Events

 
INCUBATE cohort on the Law School steps.

Join us for INCUBATE's Demo Day 🌟

Be inspired by the next generation of entrepreneurs at INCUBATE's Demo Day this 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!

 
Students rock climbing

Celebrate pride with a climb 🧗

Come along this Wednesday 5 November, 4–5 pm
for Pride in Sport Rock-Climbing at The Ledge Climbing Centre, Arena Sports Centre. It’s free, fun, and open to our whole University community.

Whether you're a climbing pro or just keen to give it a go, come celebrate pride, community and good vibes on the wall.

 

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