Welcome Fest
Kick off your semester with one of the most exciting times of the year!
Before Welcome Fest starts, join us for a series of free International Welcome events from 9 - 14 February. It's the perfect chance for both domestic and international students to get involved in campus life and make new friends.
Then mark your calendars for Welcome Fest on 18 - 20 February 2026 for three huge days stacked with heaps of freebies, over 200 club stalls, parties and so much more. It's your chance to explore everything university life has to offer and make the most of your time on campus.
INTERNATIONAL WELCOME
9 - 14 February
Monday 9 February to Friday 27 February
USU Campus Orientation Tours
Presented by the University of Sydney. Delivered by USU.
Time: 10:00am - 2:30pm
Location: Meeting at Law Lawns, Eastern Ave
Register ↗
Tuesday 10 February
USU Campus Race
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Starting at International Student Lounge (ISL)
Register ↗
Wednesday 11 February
Welcome to Sydney Party: Presented by Vodka Cruiser
Time: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Manning Bar
Register ↗
Saturday 14 February
Welcome to Sydney Day Trips: Taronga Zoo, The Big Bus Tour, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Sydney
Presented by the University of Sydney. Delivered by USU.
Time: Varies based on trip
Location: Meeting at International Student Lounge (ISL)
Register ↗
WELCOME FEST
Welcome Ceremony
The Welcome Ceremony is the University’s official Welcome for all students.
Held in the prestigious Great Hall, it will feature a Smoking Ceremony, Welcome to Country and official Welcome from the Vice Chancellor. The commencement address will be provided by distinguished alumnus and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), Professor Reuben Bolt. You will also hear from your student leaders and presidents of student organisations.
🗓️ Wednesday 18 February
🕤 9:30am - 11:30am
📍 Great Hall
🔗 Register ↗
USU welcome events
Wednesday 18 February
Silent Reading Social
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Fisher Library Rooftop
Register ↗
Wednesday 18 February
Outdoor Movie Night
Time: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: lawns in front of the Great Hall
Register ↗
Thursday 19 February
Games Afternoon
Time: 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: The Bevery, Holme Building
Register ↗
Thursday 19 February
Fantasy Movie Night
Time: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: lawns in front of the Great Hall
Register ↗
Friday 20 February
Karaoke Night
Time: 6:00pm - 11:00pm
Location: Hermann's Bar, Wentworth Building
Register ↗
Free food on campus
Wednesday: 8:30am - sold out, thanks to our friends at USYD Student Life
Thursday - Friday: 9:00am - sold out
Free breakfast for USU Members
Location: USU Food truck outside Chau Chak Wing Museum
9:00am - 2:00pm
Free hot coffee for USU Members, thanks to our partners Vittoria and MilkLab
First 500 members each day receive a free reusable coffee cup!
Location: USU Coffee Cart outside the Great Hall
12:00pm - sold out
Free lunch for USU Members
+ Free Drink for USU Rewards, thanks to our partner Asahi
Location: USU Food truck outside Chau Chak Wing Museum
2:30pm - sold out
Free soft serves for Rewards Members
Location: USU Zone
Rewards perks
Get the most out of Welcome Fest with USU Rewards! 💙
Join or upgrade now to receive:
👜 Tote bag filled with goodies
🍵 100 free Mogu Mogu matcha vouchers to be given away
🍦 Free sweet treat everyday from 2:30pm at the USU Zone
Welcome Fest is happening 18 - 20 February but the perks of Rewards keep on giving all year round
🪩 Party at Manning: Presented by Vodka Cruiser
Party at Manning is back, bigger and better than before! This year we’ve got a series of 3 themed parties to start the semester – Rodeo Roundup, Back to 2016 and Let's Get Wiggy. Send it in the group chat, it's gonna be a big three weeks.
🗓️ Wednesday 18 Feb / 24 Feb / 4 Mar
📍 Manning Bar (18+ only)
🎥 USU Movie Night
We’re kicking off the semester with an outdoor screening of a magical fan-favourite film. Bring your mates, grab a beanbag and some free popcorn, and vibe out all night!
Presented by the University of Sydney. Delivered by USU.
🗓️ Wednesday 18 February, 5pm - late
📍Front Lawns
🏰 Fantasy Movie Night
We've got an outdoor screening of a beloved animated adventure for the second night of Welcome Fest. Settle in with your friends and a free bag of popcorn for golden hour.
Presented by the University of Sydney. Delivered by USU.
🗓️ Thursday 19 February, 5pm - late
📍 Front Lawns
🤸 Pilates in the Quad: Presented by CELSIUS
Come to the Quad at 8am or 10am for a free Pilates class powered by CELSIUS. Plus, enjoy a refreshing zero-sugar energy drink – first in, best dressed!
🗓️ Thursday 19 February, 8am and 10am
📍The Quadrangle
Get the most out of Welcome Fest and become a USU Member now - it’s your key to joining clubs and unlocking your uni experience!
Join NowAccessibility at Welcome Fest
Quiet Hour
9am - 10am daily
Quiet Room
10am - 4pm daily
Resources Room, Level 4 Chau Chak Wing Museum
Disability Hub
Located on Eastern Ave near SRC and SUPRA collectives (opposite Taste Baguette)
Alternate accessibility route
If you wish to avoid the crowds, access Welcome Fest at Fisher Rd via City Rd