Why you should attend Welcome 2025 (even if you’ve been before)
Our 2025 Semester 1 Welcome Program has officially kicked off! We're excited to welcome you to a new semester and can't wait for you to take part in our expansive program, which runs from Monday 10 February through to the end of Week 4.
You might be thinking, but I’ve attended Welcome in previous years – why should I attend this year? Well, the Welcome Program is filled with awesome events and opportunities for all students, whether you're new or returning for another semester.
Take your pick from parties and social events to meet and reconnect with your classmates, learning workshops to set you up for academic success, and of course, USU's legendary Welcome Fest where you can join clubs and societies and score free merch and goodies. There’s something for everyone!
To help you plan your Welcome Program schedule, we've pulled together the top reasons to attend.
Welcome is the perfect opportunity for all students to meet people and make new friends. Image credit: Nicola Bailey.
Meet new people
With Faculty and School Welcome events, club and society stalls, USU's Campus Race and the Welcome to Sydney Party, there are plenty of opportunities during Welcome for you to meet new people.
Fancy a bit of sightseeing as well? We recommend signing up for one of USU’s Welcome to Sydney Day Trips – these are open to new and existing students and a great way to make new friends.
Who knows, the people you meet through our social events could end up being in your class or tutorial!
Feel part of the University community
Join new and returning students at the Welcome Ceremony on Wednesday 19 February, where you will be officially welcomed to campus by the Vice-Chancellor, your student representatives and local Indigenous elders.
This is a great way to feel connected to the university community and is one of the key events you won’t want to miss during Welcome!
During the ceremony, you’ll get to experience a wealth of Indigenous Australian cultural activities, including a Welcome to Country, a Smoking Ceremony and dance performances.
Not only that, but we’ll also have a free breakfast, musical performances, and a commencement address from none other than maths educator Eddie Woo!
You'll get to experience a smoking ceremony as part of the 2025 Welcome Ceremony.
Image credit: Nicola Bailey.
Enjoy activities under the stars
This year we’re taking even more activities into the night-time!
The Welcome Festival Movie Night returns on Wednesday 19 February on the Quad Front Lawns. Bring your mates, picnic blankets and your best movie-watching mood! You'll also enjoy a free meal, popcorn, candy and more delicious snacks.
Secure your free spot at USU’s Silent Disco on Thursday 20 February, where you can groove to different music genres with your friends. Enjoy a free meal to fuel your moves while you soak up the iconic backdrop of the quad.
Join clubs and societies
Joining a University club or society is one of the best ways to get to know your fellow students and make friends, and the best time to do it is during Welcome.
With over 200 clubs and societies to choose from spanning academic, culture and language, sports and political interests, we recommend you sign up for one, or many, during USU's Welcome Fest.
Grab free food and merchandise
There's no better time to stock up on limited-edition University merchandise or free products, food and drinks than during Welcome.
While you can find freebies at most Welcome events, USU's Welcome Fest is where you'll hit the jackpot. There'll be plenty of free products, from sponsor keychains and vouchers to free food and drinks, thanks to USU, along with limited-edition merchandise from the University.
Semester 1 2025 Welcome Program highlights
| Event | Date and time | Description |
| You're Welcome? exhibition at Verge Gallery |
Thursday 23 Jan - Saturday 28 March | The You're Welcome? exhibition is curated by contemporary Indigenous Australian artist Billy Bain, looking at what it means to be welcomed in Australia. |
| USU's Campus Race | Tuesday 11 Feb, 1 4 pm. | Team up for a thrilling day racing around campus while completing fun challenges, winning prizes and making new friends. |
| Postgraduate Coursework Welcome | Tuesday 11 Feb, 6-8 pm. | Meet and connect with fellow postgraduate coursework students and hear about the helpful support services you have access to. |
| Welcome to Sydney Party (18+) | Wednesday 12 Feb, 6-11 pm. | Make new friends, enjoy lively music and feast on heaps of free food at USU's Welcome to Sydney Party – the ultimate way to kick off the semester. |
| International Student Welcome | Thursday 13 and Friday 14 Feb, 10 am - 3 pm. | Meet and connect with fellow international students, experience traditional Aboriginal performances and Welcome to Country, and learn how to access support services and tips. |
| Boardgame Fridays | Weekly from Friday 14 Feb, 2:30-4:30 pm. | Come and meet friends (old and new!) at the weekly Welcome Hub board game event, hosted by your Peer Support Advisors! |
| Welcome to Sydney Day Trips | Saturday 15 Feb, all day from 8 am. | See the sights of Sydney and make new friends on one of the many all-day trips available. Open to new and returning students. |
| 2025 Welcome Ceremony | Wednesday 19 Feb, 10-11:30 am. | Be officially welcomed to campus by the Vice-Chancellor, student leaders and Indigenous elders. You’ll get to enjoy indigenous cultural and musical performances, plus a special Welcome commencement address by Eddie Woo! |
| USU Welcome Fest | Wednesday 19 - Friday 21 Feb. | From joining clubs and societies to enjoying live music and freebies, there are plenty of activities to take part in during USU's Welcome Fest. |
| Verge Gallery Performances: The Path by Fei Gao | Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 Feb, multiple times. | The Path is a dynamic performance work that brings to life the migration journeys of five friends. It takes place in the context of the You’re Welcome? exhibition. |
| USU Welcome Fest Movie Night | Wednesday 19 Feb, 5:30 pm until late. | Join us for an unforgettable outdoor movie experience on the Quad Front Lawns! Enjoy a free meal, popcorn, candy and delicious snacks. |
| USU Silent Disco | Thursday 20 Feb, 6 pm until late. | Dance the night away under the stars! |