University of Sydney kicks off biggest Welcome Program for 2023
Held over nearly three weeks (6–24 February), the extended Welcome Program includes orientation events to help new students get started, workshops for continuing students as they transition into their next year of study, information sessions and fun social events for all students.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott said it was a milestone moment for the University with the vast majority of students to be on campus for Semester 1.
“Three years after the pandemic first hit our community, we’re giving students our biggest and best welcome to campus life – whether they’re returning or coming to campus for the first time,” Professor Scott said.
We want our students’ lives to be changed by their positive experiences here at Sydney – not just by what they study, but through the people they meet and the connections they make.
“This is a lively time in the University calendar when students can make new friends and reconnect with old ones, work out what their areas of interest are and find their kindred spirits.
“We want our students’ lives to be changed by their positive experiences here at Sydney – not just by what they study, but through the people they meet and the connections they make.
“We have an incredible line-up to give our students a taste of how exciting uni life can be, as well as online orientation events for those who unfortunately can’t make it in person.”
Welcome 2023
As part of the welcome celebrations, the University of Sydney Union (USU) will host Welcome Fest (15–17 February), featuring more than 180 club, society and faculty stalls; food trucks and giveaways; and live music performances each day by some of Australia’s hottest artists. Former Australian of the Year and Paralympian Dylan Alcott AO will give the keynote address at the official Welcome Ceremony (15 February).
Watershed year for student experiences
USU President and final-year Engineering/Science student Cole Scott-Curwood expects 2023 to be a watershed year for student experiences.
At Welcome Fest, students can expect more than 180 club stalls, the inaugural Disability Hub and Diversity Hub, massive gigs outside the Quadrangle, and more - the perfect launchpad to a new year.
“The USU is investing $1.2m in new initiatives this year to improve campus life. This includes further support for student wellbeing, clubs and societies, inclusion and accessibility, and reconciliation. We’ll host events on campus to celebrate World Pride and the performing arts while bringing back initiatives we trialled last year, such as the popular Someday Soon music festival and Foodhub free food pantry.
“At Welcome Fest, students can expect more than 180 club stalls, the inaugural Disability Hub and Diversity Hub, massive gigs outside the Quadrangle, and more - the perfect launchpad to a new year,” Cole said.
Special welcome for first MySydney students
The University is hosting a special welcome for the first cohort of students beginning their degrees through the MySydney Entry and Scholarship scheme.
An immediate commitment of the University’s new 10-year strategy announced last year, the new scheme is designed to give more students the opportunity to study at Sydney by offering financial and other support to domestic students from low socio-economic areas.
“We are delighted to have made more than 1200 MySydney offers and are expecting our biggest cohort of students from under-represented areas ever to join us this year. We can’t wait to welcome them into our University community, as they engage with campus life and achieve their immense potential.
“They are part of a historic moment for the University of Sydney. We want to be a place in which all of our students – no matter where they come from – truly thrive.”
MySydney students Tahlia Watson, Abdullah Tasnim, Cameryn Smider and Mohammad Reha look forward to meeting new friends and engaging with campus life
MySydney student Cameryn Smider from Lake Munmorah on the NSW Central Coast is doing her dream double degree, a Bachelor of Science and Master of Mathematical Sciences, and will be the first in her family to go to university.
“Having the scholarship will definitely help me worry less about the financial side of things. I’ll be putting it towards paying off my degree, but also for study resources, like textbooks, stationary, a laptop and lab coat, as well as travel expenses to help me commute every day.
“It will also give me a support network with other like-minded people getting a scholarship, so it will really help the transition to uni as well,” Cameryn said.
Welcome program highlights
- Welcome Ceremony: This traditional event begins with an official smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country. Chancellor Belinda Hutchinson and Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott will address students. Former Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott AO will deliver the keynote talk.15 February, 10– 11am, Quadrangle front lawns, University Ave
- Live music by Australian artists 15–17 February (4– 6pm), Quadrangle front lawns, University Ave
- Clubs and societies: Students can explore more than 180 USU clubs and societies to make new friends and enjoy their interests. From chocolate and roller derby to ethno-cultural and religious groups, there’s something for everyone. 15–17 February, Welcome Fest stalls
- Outdoor cinema: An open-air cinema featuring How To Train Your Dragon (15 Feb) and Mamma Mia (16 Feb) on the big screen. Courtyard Restaurant & Bar, Science Road
- USU Campus Race: Students will race around campus and complete challenges for the chance to win prizes, while they make new friends along the way. 9 February
- Get to know the Library: Events include library tours, scavenger hunts, speed meet and chats, a cultural weaving workshop, World Pride Drag bingo and the Shakespeare to Sci-Fi: Discover Rare Books exhibition. Various dates
- Explore more events including online events for students who can’t make it in person.