WELCOME WEEK 2026

23 – 27 February

THE COUNTDOWN TO WELCOME WEEK IS ON!

Welcome to Western

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.

WesternLife

WesternLife is the heart and soul of our student community. Our virtual space helps you connect with incredible people from all walks of life through dozens of student clubs and communities.

Free Food and Merch

Come for the vibes, leave with the goodies. Think free gelato, donuts and your exclusive customisable Frank Green water bottle you can only get at Welcome Week.

Got a Question?

Check out our FAQ’s below for more information.

Welcome Week Festival – What's On?

24 February, Parramatta South campus

International Student Welcome

International Student Welcome

Celebrate the commencement of your studies with our official International Student Welcome Session.

Come along to meet fellow new students and hear from some of our alumni and current students about their experiences at Western.

Location: Parramatta South Campus, Auditorium

Western Pantry

Western Pantry

Western Pantry is back for 2026!

Come and pick up some free pantry staples to get your semester off to a flying start.

Student Group Stalls

Student Group Stalls

 From interest-based, cultural, professional, and social groups across campuses and online, there are plenty of ways to meet new people and make friends.

Keep an eye out for Student Group events happening throughout Welcome Week and across the semester, and be sure to explore the awesome Student Group stalls at Parramatta South Campus.

Can’t find a group that fits you? We can help you start your own and spread the word!

Freebies, Friends & Getting Uni-Ready

Think freebies, friendly faces and answers to all those “adulting at uni” questions.

Our stalls bring together banks, health insurance, transport services, clubs, societies, and more! We’ve got everything you need to get sorted, supported and stuck into uni life. Grab some goodies, ask questions and find your place at Western.

Don’t forget about your customisable Frank Green bottle only available at Welcome Week on Tuesday 24 February at Parramatta South! 

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.

Connect with us

Discover what life at Western is really like by connecting with us on our social platforms! Stay updated with what’s happening around campus, how to get the most out of uni life and find tips on courses and surviving uni. 

We're here to answer all your questions

Discover what life at Western is really like by connecting with us on our social platforms! Stay updated with what’s happening around campus, how to get the most out of uni life and find tips on courses and surviving uni.