We’ve just seen the “Super Saturday” of Sydney Open Days: the University of Sydney, University of Technology (Sydney) and the University of Notre Dame (Sydney) all concurrently hold their open houses.

Geographically, it makes total sense – all three are located within an easy walk of one another. But of course it makes for a jam-packed day for prospective students and their parents!

Choosing Your Uni got to all three campuses to chat with students and staff, and look for interesting opportunities.

Here are three of our favourites, which you might have missed in the mad rush from advising session to advising session (not to mention the queues for Messina ice cream or sausage sizzles!)

University of Technology, Sydney (UTS): Think Global and the BUILD Global Leaders Program

UTS has been at the forefront of international learning opportunities for its students for a long time. It’s International Studies degree was a true pioneer in integrating long-term study abroad experiences into the curriculum for every student in that degree.

But the university recognised long ago that international experience is a major benefit for all students and backed it up with programs to support that. Enter the BUILD Global Leaders program and Think Global.

Through them, students in all degree programs can take overseas study experiences, internships, international engagement activities on campus, and so much more. There are heaps of free activities, and scholarships to help with some of the more substantial experiences (like studying abroad).

Importantly, participation in these activities can be recognised on students’ Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement – that’s a big plus when it comes to looking for work at the end of a degree!

Learn more here: https://www.uts.edu.au/current-students/opportunities/global-opportunities

University of Notre Dame (Sydney): The “Core Curriculum”

At CYU, we’re fans of university initiatives that look to level up students’ soft skills. That could be in terms of employability, personal growth and mindset, or general knowledge.

Last year, Notre Dame introduced its new “core curriculum” – compulsory courses that students need to take to round out their understanding of spiritual and Western thought.

At the undergraduate level, the core curriculum includes two key courses. The first is a compulsory first-year course, Foundations of Wisdom. The second is an elective course available from the second year onwards, where students can choose from five options, including philosophy and theology, professional electives, pilgrimage studies, community service integration, or an international experience.

Remember that Notre Dame is a Catholic University, so this won’t be for everyone. But for students who have a strong spiritual compass, it’s a solid value-add.

Learn more here: https://www.notredame.edu.au/about-us/faculties-and-schools/school-of-philosophy-and-theology/sydney/core-curriculum

The University of Sydney: Student Life, Well Being and Support

The University of Sydney is a huge institution with 73,000 students spanning 8 faculties and numerous campuses. Some prospective students might fear disappearing into vast first year classes and becoming invisible.

But the University has done an incredible job of creating the support services that students of all backgrounds require. Better still, those services are readily accessible.

Whether a student needs help with learning support, a disability, financial, wellbeing, accommodation, social integration, or a wide range of specific academic needs, the support is there. And it’s available from day 1.

Learn more at: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/support.html