Whether you’re new to the University or returning this semester, make sure you’re aware of all the IT services you can access.

• Download the App! Blackboard, unit of study info, maps, events, and more.
• Access free computers and internet on campus: general computing spaces and learning hubs
• Connect your own laptop or mobile device to the University wireless network.
• Set up your virtual desktop, a Windows 7 environment that you can personalise with hundreds of course-specific software applications.
• Save your documents using SkyDrive, a free service giving you 7GB of storage space as part of your Sydney Mail account.
• Visit one of our learning hubs and speak to our friendly support staff for general IT assistance.
• Bookmark the 'service status' page for daily IT updates, and follow the University on Facebook and Twitter for broadcast messages about service status.

For more information, visit the student IT website.

Get the most out of student life.

Visit the Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office, Level 5, Jane Foss Russell Building, 10 minutes prior to start of each workshop. For more information call 8627 8433.

Adjusting to study at university

Managing a new study environment can be challenging, particularly if you are living away from home. Learn about the skills needed to make the adjustment.

When: 1 to 2pm, Thursday 9 August

Communicating effectively in Australia (for international students)

Communicating in a second language can be a challenge. Let’s have some fun making it work! For international students or local students recently arrived from overseas.

When: 1 to 2pm, Monday 13 August and Thursday 16 August

Brain management

What is 60 percent water, shoots electricity and has all your favourite chemicals? That’s right, it’s your friendly neighbourhood brain! Discuss techniques to improve your brain’s functioning.

When: 1 to 2pm, Tuesday 14 August

Whether it's professional development or career progression, postgrad study can help take you where you want to go.

Explore your options and speak directly with staff about your study interests at the University’s biggest postgrad information event.

Event details
When: 12 to 4pm, Saturday 25 August
Where: Foyer, New Law Building, Camperdown Campus

For more information, visit the Open Day website.

Student Support Services have casual positions to fill.

Notetakers: simply attend your own lectures, take legible notes, and upload them on time for cash!

Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS): third-year or higher students with skills, knowledge and expertise of their chosen discipline.

General administration duties on the Darlington Campus: email your contact details and a CV for more information.

Make a submission to Hermes 2012, the literary journal of the USU. This year's theme is 'Odyssey'.

Those who have words will travel. Set down, then, the story of your odyssey into time and space; into the unknown or familiar; into the real or imagined. Write about times past, present, or times yet unlived.

Submit your stories, poems, critical pieces and artistic works to hermes@usu.usyd.edu.au by 12 August. See the submission guidelines on the USU website.

Discover the latest Sydney Medical School research at this new lecture series.

Join the Medical School on Wednesday nights throughout August and September and find out about key research in six major disease and health-focused thematic areas.

For dates and more information, visit the Sydney Medical School website.

This lecture looks at how Renaissance artists expressed skill and wit in their crafted objects.

From techniques of marble carving to clever signatures, from raised areas of paint and gesso to jokes played with the shape of jugs, meaning often resulted from the witty as well as literal manipulation of material substance.

Presented by Professor Patricia Simons from the University of Michigan.

Event details
When: 6 to 7.30pm, Monday 13 August
Where: Foyer, New Law Building, Camperdown Campus
Cost: Free, no booking required

For more information, visit the Sydney Ideas website.

From the mid-12th to mid-14th centuries, Confucian scholars produced diagrams from text to provide readers with tools for a different analysis of the Classics.

International China scholar Michael Lackner explains the possible precedents of this new form of diagram.

Event details
When: 6 to 7.30pm, Tuesday 14 August
Where: Foyer, New Law Building, Camperdown Campus
Cost: Free, no booking required

For more information, visit the Sydney Ideas website.

How is the Dalai Lama chosen, and what are the implications of the process?

This free lecture will look at the origins and theoretical foundations of the reincarnation system of Tibetan Buddhism, the history of the name ‘Dalai Lama’, the ritual formalities of the reincarnation system, and how the office of Dalai Lama as a political and religious leader has influenced government and society in Tibet.

Presented by Professor Zhang Yun, Director of the Institute for History Studies, Chinese Centre for Tibetan Studies. 

Event details
When: 4.30pm, Wednesday 15 August
Where: Lecture Theatre 448, Old Teachers College, Camperdown Campus
Cost: Free
Bookings: Confucius Institute

Health professionals and those considering careers in the health sector; do you have an eye on the future?

How can students weigh up career opportunities in the health sector? What skills will health practitioners need to have satisfying and useful careers? What role will governments play?

Find out from our panel of experts at this special discussion.

Event details
When: 5.30pm, Thursday 16 August
Where: Lecture Theatre 101, New Law Building, Camperdown Campus

To register or for more information, visit the Sydney Medical School website.

Join the Sydney University Graduate Choir for an afternoon of Schubert's sacred choral music.

This varied program includes Schubert’s ‘Second mass in G’ (composed at age 18), and ‘Fourth mass in C’, a splendid ‘festive magnificat’ and several smaller works for choir and orchestra.

Event details
When: 3pm, Sunday 19 August
Where: The Great Hall, The Quadrangle, Camperdown Campus
Cost: $42, student/child $20
Bookings and further information via the Seymour Centre

This free Speech Pathology Week event explores some of the latest developments in practice and research related to children’s communication and literacy.

Special guests speakers include Karen Trengrove, founder of Learn2Communicate, and Dr Tricia McCabe, Senior Lecturer in Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney.

Event details
When: 6 to 8pm, Monday 20 August
Where: S Block, Cumberland Campus, 75 East Street, Lidcombe

For more information, visit the Events website.

Bring your family and friends and get ready for a night of laughs! 

Our top student debaters battle it out with a crack alumni team. Sharp minds – and even sharper wits – will be on display for your entertainment and amusement! Vice-Chancellor and Principal Dr Michael Spence (BA ’85 LLB ’87) and multi-talented media star Adam Spencer (BA ’92) are back to defend the alumni title, with Gates Scholar and dual University Medallist, Fiona Roughley (BA Hons ’06 LLB ’08). Their inspired arguments for the motion – that we should chase idle dreams – will be matched point-for-point by our talented, hand-picked student debaters, with inevitably hilarious results!

Moderated by comedian Julie McCrossin (BA ’76 DipEd ’77).

Event details
When: 6 to 8pm, Thursday 30 August
Where: The Great Hall, The Quadrangle, Camperdown Campus
Cost: $20, staff and alumni $15, students $10
Book now

Cameron Clyne, Group Chief Executive Officer of National Australia Bank, discusses 'Leadership in challenging times – building a strong reputation and a stronger culture'.

‘Sydney Connections Breakfasts’ take place four times a year and enable alumni to kickstart their workday, catching up with friends and colleagues over a delicious breakfast, with plenty of 'food for thought'.

Event details
When: 7.15 to 8.45am, Thursday 6 September
Where: The Four Seasons Sydney, 199 George Street, Sydney
Cost: $35 for alumni, staff and students of the university, $45 for friends or guests, tables of eight can be booked for $280
Book now