R U OK? Day empowers and inspires all of us to have regular, genuine conversations to connect with and support anyone who might be going through a tough time.
R U OK? Day 2025 falls on Thursday 11 September, and the University is marking the occasion with a series of events and activities beginning Monday 8 of September and running until Friday 12 September. From food trucks on Eastern Avenue to quiet green spaces and student-led initiatives, the week is designed to create space for connection, conversation, and support.
In this article, we’ll share a full schedule of events and highlight student voices from our Peer Support Advisors (PSAs), who reflect on how they stay connected and support their friends during busy study periods.
| Wellbeing activity | Location | Delivery date/s and time/s |
| Faculty of Science (Camperdown) Faculty Has Your Back |
Carslaw Learning Hub East | Monday 8 September, 10 am–1 pm |
| Architecture, Design and Planning Gelato Cart |
G04 Wilkinson Building | Tuesday 9 September, 11.30 am–12.30 pm |
| Law School Coffee and donuts |
Law School | Wednesday 10 September, 1 pm–3 pm |
| Sydney Conservatorium of Music Sweet Treat: Take a break in your day and enjoy a delicious free treat from 'Pure Gelato'. |
SCM Front foyer | Thursday 11 September, 10 am–2 pm |
Faculty of Arts and Social Science |
Isabel Fidler Lawns and BBQ area, next to Manning House | Postponed – new date TBC |
| SUPRA Warm Hugs, Snacks & Encouragement Booth |
New Law Lawns | Thursday 11 September, 12 pm–2 pm |
| Business School Sound bowls and Snacks: Take a breather and treat yourself to good vibes and tasty bites! Join us for a relaxing sound bowl session that’ll leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. Stick around for some delicious snacks and chats with great people. |
Belinda Hutchinson Building (H70) | Thursday 11 September, 12 pm–2 pm |
| Faculty of Engineering Barbecue & Petting Zoo |
Engineering (J15) Lawns | Thursday 11 September, 12 pm–3.30 pm |
| USUeats USU Food Truck serving lunch from 11.30 am. Cupcakes from 1.30 pm. |
New Law Lawns | Thursday 11 September – lunch from 11.30 am, cupcakes from 1.30 pm |
| Sonder Webinar: Beyond the question: What to say when someone says they're not OK. Register to attend. |
Online | Friday 12 September, 11.30 am–1.30 pm |
Student Wellbeing Join us for games, prizes, and fun activities while connecting with peers and discovering the many supports available at USYD. No RSVP required, just drop by, take part in fun activities, connect with peers, and go in the draw for great prizes. |
Relocated: Fisher Library Foyer | Thursday 11 September 2025, 11 am–2 pm |
| Faculty of Science (Narrabri) Welcome BBQ on the lawns |
E12Z kitchen and undercover area | Week of 15 September |
What’s one way you stay connected with friends when uni life gets busy?
Dolores: I’ll send quick voice messages or memes to my friends. I also made a deal with some of my friends that we each share three photos we took during the week to exchange pieces of our lives if we can't hang out.
Shysie: Study dates with friends – even if we’re working on different subjects, it’s about being together. We’ll grab a table at a café or the library, set up our laptops, and take breaks to chat and catch up.
Mahla: I try to spend any common free time with friends, even for a quick lunch break. After major deadlines, going to society events together is a great way to reconnect.
Cynthia: I arrange periodic FaceTime calls with friends overseas to stay connected. Maintaining friendships outside of uni reminds me how diverse and exciting everyone’s experiences are.
Camille: I schedule at least one catch-up with a friend each week and treat it like a non-negotiable commitment.
Checking in doesn’t have to be complicated – a simple ‘How’s your week going?’ can open the door to a real conversation.
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LinkWhat’s your go-to way to check in with someone and start a real conversation?
Dolores: I usually start with something casual like ‘Hey, how’s your week going?’ and if they seem a bit off, I’ll follow up with ‘No really, how are you feeling?’
Shysie: I start with ‘Hey, how’s everything going?’ and follow up with something like ‘What’s been keeping you busy lately?’ or something personal I know is going on.
Mahla: I ask how they’ve been and what’s going on in their life lately, then listen actively and ask follow-ups.
Cynthia: I usually ask about something specific – a project or a trip – and let the conversation flow naturally.
What’s a small listening habit that makes a big difference?
Dolores: I try not to interrupt and give people time to finish their thought, but I constantly nod and look into their eyes to show I’m listening.
Shysie: Pausing before responding and reflecting back key points like ‘So you’re saying…’ makes the other person feel heard.
Mahla: Letting them share at their own pace and asking related questions once they’re done.
Cynthia: Refraining from giving advice immediately. Just showing genuine interest and concern.
Camille: Paraphrasing what my friends say in my own words to show I’ve understood and that I value what they’re sharing.
Where on campus do you like to take a break and reconnect?
Dolores: Shaded benches – cool, quiet, and grounding without being overwhelming.
Shysie: Fisher Library rooftop and the Bridge study space in the New Law Building – quiet escapes with calming vibes.
Mahla: Cadigal Green and the seating area in front of the Nanoscience Hub – peaceful and full of greenery.