A female student studying at a table with a laptop,A female student studying at a table with a laptop

Welcome Week - 23–27 February 2026

Welcome Week is your launchpad at Western. Meet your academics, connect with other students, and find the support you need to feel confident from day one.

Welcome Week includes your Academic Welcome Session, and the Welcome Week Festival held Tuesday 24 February on our Parramatta South campus which is packed with activities, food, free merch, stalls and opportunities to make friends and get involved.

Welcome Week Sneak Peek

Want to know what all the buzz is about? Check out the video for highlights – from live music to free food and everything in between.

Your Starting at Western Checklist

Starting uni is an exciting step, and there’s plenty to explore before Welcome Week even begins. Check out our Starting at Western Checklist to tick off the essentials, like setting up your student account, choosing your subjects, finding your way around campus, and getting ready for your first day.

Starting uni can feel like a lot, especially if you’re new to Australia – but you’re not on your own. At Western Sydney University, we’re here to support you from day one.

Explore our International Student Orientation page and head along to the Welcome Week Festival to visit stalls offering help with health insurance, banking, transport and more. Be sure to attend the International Orientation Session! 

We're here for you and your success

We're here to support you every step of the way on your uni journey. Whether you need study tips, wellbeing advice, or answers to any questions, there’s always someone ready to help.

In the meantime, while you wait for orientation, we have some upcoming opportunities to connect with our friendly team if you have any questions. Check out the Get Set webpage or reach out to us via email studenthub@westernsydney.edu.au or call 1300 668 370.

Looking for somewhere to stay while studying?

Looking for a place to stay while studying? Living on campus at Western Sydney University offers all-inclusive housing with fully furnished rooms, utilities covered, high-speed Wi-Fi, and 24/7 support. You'll enjoy vibrant student events, access to shared spaces like BBQ areas, a pool, and more—all just a short walk from your classes

Are you an international student who has just arrived in Australia?

Starting uni can feel like a lot, especially if you’re new to Australia – but you’re not on your own. At Western Sydney University, we’re here to support you from day one. 

Explore our International Student Orientation page and head along to the Welcome Week Festival to visit stalls offering help with health insurance, banking, transport and more. Be sure to attend the International Orientation Session! 

Accessibility support

We want everyone to be able to join the fun, so all our campuses have accessibility features to make sure you can get around and take part in everything. Check out our accessibility maps below and start planning your Welcome Week! 

Welcome Week FAQs

Keen to know more? Check out our frequently asked questions below.


Welcome Week

Because it’s the easiest way to get connected! Welcome Week brings together new students, support services, clubs, and community partners to help you find your feet at uni. Expect live music, freebies, workshops, games, and plenty of chances to meet people and explore what Western has to offer.

There are two events you don’t want to miss – your academic welcome session and the Welcome Week festival on Tuesday 24 February.

Academic Welcome Sessions

Your session gives you key info about your course, introduces you to staff and peers, and helps you get ready for uni life. Sessions run all week across campuses, check your email or find your session using your program code. 

Welcome Week Festival 

Join us on Tuesday 24 February, 10am–4pm at Parramatta South campus for the ultimate Welcome Week Festival, where the full university experience comes together on one campus. 

 Enjoy workshops and live music, grab free food, and explore heaps of stalls featuring student clubs, support services, and ways to get involved.  

Arrive 15 minutes early for your Academic Welcome session. That gives you time to find your way around campus and locate the right room. Make sure to check what campus your Welcome session is located on.

Absolutely! Feel free to bring a friend, family member, or whoever you like. Flying solo? You won’t be for long, there’ll be plenty of chances to meet new people and make memories throughout the week.

Getting there

The Welcome Week Festival will take place at Parramatta South campus, located on Victoria Road, Rydalmere. 

You will receive a unique event ticket sent to your email that includes travel on trains, metro, and light rail. Simply show it to transport staff when you board or use the convenient “add to wallet” feature for quick access. 
 
Travel is included to campuses hosting Welcome Week activities on the following event days only: 
23 Feb: Hawkesbury/Kingswood 
24 Feb: Parramatta South/Hassall Street 
25 Feb: Parramatta City/Liverpool 
26 Feb: Campbelltown / Bankstown 
27 Feb: Liverpool 

Travelling by train to Parramatta South? Catch the Western (T1), Cumberland (T5), or Blue Mountains (BMT) line to Parramatta Station. From there, it’s just a short 2-minute walk to the Parramatta Square light rail station, followed by an 8-minute ride to Yallamundi Station. 

If you prefer to travel by bus, you can catch bus routes M52, 520, 521, 523, 524 and 525 which stop at the front of the campus. Please note, travel on buses is not included in your Open Day ticket. 

Tip: Even though we have free parking available on campus, we recommend utilising public transport and avoiding this area as spaces fill quickly. 

Check out the website for more important on how to get your campus

At Western, we’re committed to making access easier for everyone. Our campuses across Sydney, including our Parramatta South campus, are easily accessible by ramps and elevators. If you require help accessing any area on campus during Welcome Week, our Western Ambassadors will be available to assist. Our campus maps also display information relating to accessibility.  

Quiet Room

Need a break from the noise or crowds? During the Welcome Week Festival at our Parramatta South campus, you can pop into our quiet room for a calm, low-stimulus space to reset. Quiet spaces are also available at all campuses throughout the semester.

For more information, please feel free to contact our Disability Service team on 1300 668 370 (Option 5).

That’s okay! If you miss Welcome Week, follow our “Starting at Western” checklist on the website for key info and keep an eye on your student email for a recap. You’ll also have plenty of chances during the semester to meet support services and get involved on campus.

Important Dates

Get across the key dates for your first teaching session at Western Sydney University. From session breaks to exam periods, everything you need to plan ahead can be found here.

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