Transitioning from high school to university can be challenging. We've been there, we get it. That's why we've developed the Science Undergraduate Peer Mentoring Program!

This program partners groups of first year students (you) with second and third year mentors from the same or similar majors. This way you have someone to turn to when things don't make sense. Don't know how to change a class on your timetable? Ask your mentor. Don't know who to go to when you have questions about assessment tasks? Ask your mentor. How do you make and keep friends on such a big campus? Get advice from your mentor. Having someone a few years ahead to talk to can make a world of difference.

We are starting this semester's mentoring program with a fun Welcome session to break the ice and answer all of your questions. We'll then head down to Victoria Park (assuming it's not raining) for a picnic so you can continue to build social connections amongst your peers.

If you have not signed up for the program yet, don't worry. Register for this welcome event and we can help you get started on the day!

We can't wait to see you all there!

"The University's campus is huge! How do I find anything?!"

Don't worry, we have you covered! Your science societies have developed a fun scavenger hunt to help you get to know your campus.

Meet us at the Transient Lawns to register! (After you grab your free sausage sandwich at the barbeque, of course.) You can register your own group or make new friends as you follow the clues and solve each puzzle. The first team to complete all the activities and find us at the finish line wins!

We have plenty of prizes to give away so won't want to miss this!

Food! Glorious food!

You will learn quickly once you start your university experience, that free food is around every corner! Come enjoy a sausage sandwich on us and get to know your peers!

Vegetarian and vegan options will be available.

The PG Law Welcome Program will commence with an introductory session at the beginning of the week from the Associate Deans. This will be followed by a morning tea and the following academic workshops and sessions which will be held throughout the week.

There will also be an opportunity to meet with your peers and Program Directors at the Academic Advisory Sessions. 

• Academic Advisory Sessions
• Essay Writing, Assessment and Avoiding Plagiarism
• Academic Integrity Session
• Introduction to the Australian Legal System
• Statutory Interpretation and the Common Law System
• Common Law and Legal Method in Australia

Workshop 1: What do I need to know about learning online?

In this workshop we will look at what's expected of you in your online seminars and tutorials. In this session we will practise using appropriate language for online group interactions. We hope that with increased practise you will feel more confident and connected interacting online. 

Workshop 2: What do I need to know about learning at university? 

In this session we will spend time discussing university expectations and standards. This includes what you can expect from your tutor / lecturer, and at the same time recognise what your lecturer expects from you. 

We will identify some of the key contacts and support services at university and practise communicating with university staff on the phone or via Zoom. 

Workshop 3: What do I need to know about handling tricky situations?

This specifically relates to group work scenarios, where you are expected to collaborate and share ideas and opinions with others. We will talk about how to express different points of view respectfully and to have your opinion heard. 

These skills are essential to university study and collaborative workspaces in the future! 

Workshop 4: What do I need to know about making new friends? 

In this session we will look at what is culturally acceptable when it comes to making plans with other people. We will practise various ways of inviting a fellow classmate to share a meal, catch a movie, or work on an assignment together. We will also look at polite ways of refusing invitations and the language involved in navigating these types of encounters. 

Workshop 5: What do I need to know about speaking like a local? 

Understanding Australian English can be a real challenge! Between the natural speed of a native speaker, the accent and constant use of slang and abbreviations, it can certainly be hard to follow. To help, we will look at some very common phrases and seeing how they fit into everyday communication. Come join our friendly Peer Facilitators as they unpack some of the mysteries of speaking like a local! 

Want to improve your public speaking and presentation skills?

The Nepean Education, Research & Development Society (aka NERDS) is hosting a workshop for all students to hear about how you can improve your public speaking skills. The event will be held at the Nepean Clinical School but students can also register to attend online. For those attending face-to-face, the workshop will be followed by a networking session and dinner.

Guest speaker - Dr. Melina Georgousakis
We are very excited to have Dr. Melina Georgousakis as our guest speaker at this workshop. Dr. Georgousakis is a social entrepreneur, a medical research scientist and is the Founder of Franklin Women. She was awarded the 2021 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers and has presented in a TEDx event. In this hour-long talk, Dr. Georgousakis will share her knowledge and experience, as well as take questions from the audience.

Networking and dinner (for face-to-face attendees)
After the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and get to know other students. To add spice to our evening, we will be serving some Sri Lankan and Indian food for dinner!

So come and enjoy the workshop, meet new people and eat some delicious food!

Excited, but a little bit nervous about starting Uni?

You're not alone, and just like you, there are plenty of other students eager to make new friends. Come along and meet them in this fun and fast-paced event. You’ll get to meet heaps of other new students without the awkwardness! We'll get the conversation flowing with a series of fun questions and small groups. Everyone is welcome!

Please be aware that session registrations may be limited. There are multiple sessions of this event, you are more than welcome to join us through other sessions.

If you’re interested in applying for a grant but not sure about your project idea or want some tips and tricks from our team, join the Information and brainstorming workshop at 12–1.30pm on Tuesday 11 October.

Join us for morning tea to connect with other parents studying at the University over morning tea. Share tips, experiences and find out what support services are available to assist you along the way.

Please feel free to bring your children on the day. 

Join the Student Voice Group and take a hands-on role in improving life at the University. This is an opportunity to share your experience and insights about your experience at the University, and you’ll gain experience in co-design, ideation and research techniques and see the impact your voice has on future improvements for the student experience.

Formal welcome and lunch for commencing Study Abroad & Exchange students who are studying at the University for 6 months to 1 year.

For catering purposes, please register by 18th July. 

Getting Ready for Uni Lectures: Successful essay writing 

Learn about how to write an effective thesis statement and support your argument with evidence.

Getting Ready for Uni Lectures: Successful learning & exam preparation 

Is learning different at university? Here is a chance to review your approaches to learning and your strategies for exam revision.

Come join the Queer Officer of SUPRA, discover Sydney University campus and SUPRA, and complete a treasure hunt.