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1. Don't miss the Welcome Ceremony

Your official welcome to the ±¬ÁÏÍõ, our Welcome Ceremony, kicks off in the Great Hall at 9:30 am on Wednesday 18 February.

The Ceremony celebrates Australia’s rich Indigenous culture with a Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country. There will also be welcome addresses from university and student leaders, and a special keynote address from Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services) Professor Reuben Bolt.ÌýYou will also hear from your student leaders and presidents of student organisations.Ìý

Come early to join us for a free breakfast (plus the chance for some exclusive Sydney Uni freebies!) in front of the Great Hall from 8:30 am.

2. Visit University, sports and USU club and society stalls

In between soaking up the sights and sounds of Welcome Fest, explore our biggest-ever showcase of clubs and societies, with 200+ groups taking over Eastern Avenue and Cadigal Green.

You’ll find 70+ partner stalls giving away freebies, games and goodies, alongside University stalls from the Library, Student Life, and faculties and schools – so you can pick up essential info, meet your people, and get set for semester one.

With friends to be made, prizes to be won, and something happening at every turn, this sea of stalls will keep you entertained for hours.

3. Refuel with free food

Speaking of free breakfasts, you can treat your tastebuds without spending a penny at Welcome Fest, thanks to your student union, .Ìý

Free breakfast for USU Members is available at the USU Food Truck outside the Chau Chak Wing Museum on Wednesday from 8:30 am and Thursday–Friday: from 9 am.

Need a caffeine hit? USU Members can enjoy free hot coffee from 9 am–2 pm at the USU Coffee Cart outside the Great Hall, thanks to Vittoria and MILKLAB.

The first 500 members each day will also score a free reusable coffee cup.

From 12 pm, head back to the USU Food Truck outside the Chau Chak Wing Museum for free lunch for USU Members (until sold out). USU Rewards Members can also enjoy a free drink, thanks to Asahi.

And for something sweet, USU Rewards Members can grab free soft serves from 2:30 pm (until sold out) at the USU Zone.

If you haven’t yet become a USU Member,  to ensure you can get your food and drink freebies.Ìý

4. Wind down (or hype up) with USU evening events

Whether you’re keen to meet new mates over games, sing your heart out, or enjoy a quieter social moment, USU has a lineup of evening events to suit every vibe during Welcome Fest.

Kick things off with on Thursday 19 February (1–4:30 pm) at the Bevery in the Holme Building, where you can challenge new friends to board games and card games in a laid‑back setting.

Prefer something a little louder? is taking over Hermann’s Bar on Friday 20 February from 6–11 pm. Grab your crew, pick your song and belt it out in this 18+ Welcome Fest favourite. Spots are limited, so make sure you register.

If big crowds aren’t your thing, opt for the on Wednesday 18 February (3–5 pm) at the Fisher Library Rooftop. Bring a book, enjoy the cosy vibes and meet like‑minded students in a calm, low‑pressure space.

All events are free, but registrations are essential – so lock in your spot early and make the most of Welcome Fest after hours.

5. Make Welcome Fest work for you

Welcome Fest is big, but you don’t need to do everything to have a great time.

If you need a quieter start or a break from the crowds, quiet hour runs from 9–10 am, and there are quiet rooms and shaded chill‑out zones across campus. You’re welcome to come and go from events and explore at your own pace.

If you need help finding your way, have accessibility questions, or aren’t sure what’s happening next, look out for our Student Life Ambassadors (SLAs) at info booths across campus – they’re there to help.

Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and seek shade. Water refill stations and sun‑smart resources are available throughout the Welcome Fest site.

To make the day easier, consider bringing snacks, a reusable water bottle and a tote bag for freebies. Kitchenettes and microwaves are available across campus if you need them.

Your safety matters. If something doesn’t feel right or you need support during Welcome Fest, staff and SLAs can help connect you with the right services.