Why you should attend our Welcome Program
Our Semester 2 Welcome Program has officially kicked off! We're excited to welcome you to a new semester and can't wait for you to participate in our expansive, six week program.
From learning workshops to help set you up for academic success to USU's Welcome Fest where you can join clubs and societies, there's something for everyone in this semester's Program.
To help you plan your Welcome Program schedule, we've pulled together our top reasons to attend.
Welcome is the perfect opportunity for all students to meet people and make new friends.
Meet new people
From cohort Welcome events, like International Welcome Day, to USU's Campus Race and Welcome to Sydney Party, there are plenty of opportunities during Welcome for you to meet new people.
Who knows – the members of a society you signed up for or the people you meet through our social events could end up being in your class or tutorial!
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 180 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 2 2024 Welcome Program highlights
| Event | Date and time | Description |
| Postgraduate Coursework Welcome | Tuesday 16 July, 6–8 pm | Meet and connect with fellow postgraduate coursework students and hear about the helpful support services you have access to. |
| International Student Welcome Day | Thursday 18 and Friday 19 July, 10 am–2:30 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. |
| Campus Race | Tuesday 23 July, 12:30–4 pm | Team up for a thrilling day racing around campus while completing fun challenges and making new friends. |
| Welcome to Sydney Party (18+) | Wednesday 24 July, from 6 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. |
| Speed Meet & Chat with the Library | Thursday 25 July, 3–4 pm | Excited, but a little nervous about starting uni? Meet other new students in a fun and fast-paced environment. |
| NiHao Mate – Cultural Connect at the Library | Thursday 25 and Friday 26 July, 1–2 pm | Enjoy teas and snacks from around the world, discover new languages and traditions, and have engaging conversations at the Library's Cultural Connect event. |
| Welcome to Sydney Day Trips | Saturday 27 July, all day | From strolling around the Opera House to visiting Taronga Zoo, choose your adventure on Saturday 27 July with USU's Welcome to Sydney Day Trips. |
| USU Welcome Fest | Monday 29 to Tuesday 30 July, 10 am–5 pm | From joining clubs and societies to enjoying live music and movie nights, there are plenty of activities to take part in during USU's Welcome Fest. |
| Boss Coffee Movie Night | Tuesday 30 July, from 5 pm | Watch The Greatest Showman under the stars, and enjoy free popcorn, s'mores and a hot or cold beverage at USU's Boss Coffee Movie Night. |
| Party at Manning: Y2K (18+) | Wednesday 31 July, from 6 pm |
Expect iconic 2000s certified bangers, vibes, cheap drinks and delicious Mexican street food from Manning Cantina at Party at Manning. Tickets are only $10 for students. |
| USU Language Exchange Launch Party | Thursday 1 August, 1–4 pm | Immerse yourself in some of the many vibrant cultures on campus brought to life by various clubs and societies. |