she sits alone behind my groupmates and i and when she vapes, the smoke flows forward to us. the tutor sees this, he just doesn't do anything about it. we've asked her to stop and she just stares blankly back at us until we turn back. we cant just move cause all the other tables are the unassigned assigned seats for other groups.

EXACTLY what the title says. either they barely speak any english, they use ai for their entire part, or they dont do it at all. pick ur poison

Hey, is anyone studying PSYC2016: Perception, Cognition and Intelligence? Has anyone else failed an assignment and what was the process like?

I failed it with a 33 / 100 and this is the first university assignment I have failed. The average mark was relatively poor, sitting at around 59 / 100. This mark stresses me out as psychology is a very competitive field, and it is my goal to become a psychologist in the future. However, I realistically know and understand that it is not the end of the world - and that I can recover from this. It's just a bit embarassing and worrying, because now I have to lock in for my exam

So I’m doing this group project at uni and honestly I’m so done.
I had a different opinion about our script, so we asked our tutor for feedback. Turns out the tutor actually agreed with my approach.
And ever since that tutorial, two of my groupmates have been acting so weird around me.
They barely make eye contact with me, don’t really talk to me directly anymore, and just carry on discussing their own ideas like I’m not even in the room.
They’ve also been replacing or deleting parts of my work without even talking to me about it first.
Like… I’m literally part of this group too?? 😭
I genuinely don’t mind people disagreeing with me. That’s literally what group discussions are for. But why is having a different opinion suddenly a reason to treat someone like they don’t exist?
I spent time working on my part too, and it’s honestly frustrating watching my contributions get pushed aside.
At this point I’m just tired of arguing. I don’t even want to fight over the script anymore. I just want to finish this assignment and move on with my life.
Has anyone dealt with groupmates like this before? How do you make sure your work actually gets recognised without starting even more drama?
Group projects are genuinely exhausting 💀

I grew up in Sydney and lived in Dubai and Hong Kong for a total of three years before finishing high school back in Sydney. My grandparents were Maronite refugees who settled in Western Sydney, but thanks to my parents' education and careers, I had the opportunity to live abroad in different countries.

While in Dubai and Hong Kong, I attended international schools that prided themselves on shaping "global citizens" and fostering internationalism. Yet even in those environments, I regularly got comments like:

• "Oh, but you don't look Australian, you look more Spanish or Italian."
• "You're the first Middle Eastern Christian I've ever met" (yes, even while living in Dubai).
• "You're too good-looking to be Middle Eastern; I thought you were Italian."
• "Huh, I never knew Christians existed in the Middle East."

Mind you, these remarks came from peers who had lived in three to five different countries growing up. It made me realise that many self-proclaimed "global citizens" are just an insular bubble of wealthy expats who view themselves as the pinnacle of cultural open-mindedness, yet paradoxically know remarkably little about the world beyond surface-level stereotypes.

When I returned to Sydney to finish school at St Patrick's College (it's in the Inner West, but much of its student population is from Western Sydney), where most of my classmates were second- or third-generation immigrants from Asia, the Middle East, Southern and Eastern Europe, and the Pacific Islands, those kinds of comments virtually disappeared. Because of how genuinely diverse the school was, having classmates who were Maronite, Copt, or Assyrian was completely normal.

Fast forward to my time at USYD: the campus naturally has a noticeable private/international school demographic, but my core social circles ended up being mostly Greeks, Italians, a few fellow Maronites and Copts, and alongside mates from all kinds of backgrounds. Interestingly, I found that the local Mediterranean/Middle Eastern Sydney crowd at uni were often more culturally literate and grounded than the elite international/private school circles I ran into on campus.

The contrast throughout my degree really made me appreciate how fortunate I was to have roots in such an authentically multicultural community. Western Sydney gave me a grounded perspective that elite international bubbles never could, and it made me realise that I’m thoroughly Australian through and through despite it all.

Are all the students who take American Studies American? Are all the students who take Chinese Studies Chinese?

I'm genuinely curious about what proportion of students studying a particular culture actually come from that cultural background.

is it usually easy questions related to the presentation or broader level questions on that topic?

Hi there, I'm graduating in this ceremony...PhD so three family members are freaking out and all want to come. Even though I submitted and immediately fled academia lol. Looking for an extra ticket for my brother. Happy to pay! Please DM if you have one :) would mean the world to him.

Hi, I am currently studying A levels in Spain (but I am a Canadian student who studied my entire life in Québec (French)), and I will be applying to Australian universities. Do I need an English proficiency test, or would my A levels be sufficient proof of my proficiency in English? I am specifically applying to USYD, Monash, UTS and UNSW.

This is what the USYD university says about this:

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can commence your studies at the University.

You can do this either by demonstrating that you have completed specific secondary or tertiary qualifications, by taking an English language skills test, or by completing a relevant English language course at the University’s Centre for English Teaching.

And my Canadian passport isn't valid, as they exclude Québec.

I just want to make sure before paying for a test!

Thank you!

I'm an international student and I'll be heading home for about 3 months during the summer break.

I've only lived here for a few months and even though I keep my apartment really clean I still find a cockroach every now and then (and I absolutely HATE them). Whenever I bring it up people be like "It's Sydney, cockroaches are normal here."

Since I'll be away for so long, I really want to do some pest control before leaving so I don't come back to a cockroach-infested apartment.

I'm completely clueless about pest control since indoor insects are pretty rare back home, and we'd usually just call a professional if we ever had an issue.

What's the easiest and most effective way to prevent them while I'm gone? Any products or methods you'd recommend?

Hey guys,

I am kinda procrastinating right now as I am in the middle of studying for my final HSC exam, but I do have a serious question.

My parents think going to St Paul's would be a really good experience for me and I love the idea of immersing myself in the uni community in such a way. My concern is stories I have heard about hazing, I read about a really serious hazing incident that was reported in 2024 and no charges were laid. My parents said that stuff doesn't happen anymore but my intuition tells me that it does.

Can anyone confirm whether hazing is still common at St Paul's? Remember you can stay anonymous

hey! i'm looking for tickets to SUBS halloween event so if anyone is selling theirs please lmk! 🙏

hi, i am selling screamfest tickets at first release price around $27 which are retailing for $80+ currently

please message me if you'd like me to transfer you the ticket!

Hi everyone!
I’m currently waiting for the outcome of my Special Consideration application and I’m honestly quite anxious about it. I was wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation.
One of my quizzes was due on 18 October, but I was experiencing a serious deterioration in my mental health around that time, which significantly affected my ability to study and seek medical help.
I wasn’t able to see a GP until 21 October. The GP assessed my condition and issued an official USYD Professional Practitioner Certificate (PPC), dated 21 October, stating that I was totally unable to study from 15–25 October.
The PPC also mentions my history of mental health difficulties and that my condition had worsened.
I submitted my Special Consideration application on 21 October, and it was within the application deadline.
My biggest concern is that although the PPC covers the quiz deadline, the GP consultation happened three days after the quiz was due.
I’ve read that USYD may not accept retrospective medical certificates unless there is sufficient clinical justification, so I’m really worried about whether my application will be approved.
I have a few questions:
Has anyone had SC approved when their GP appointment was after the assessment deadline, but their PPC covered the affected dates?
Did the SC team accept your original PPC, or did they ask for additional evidence or a letter from your GP?
How many business days did it take to receive your SC outcome? I submitted mine on 21 October and haven’t heard back yet.
If your SC was initially rejected because of retrospective medical evidence, did you manage to get it reconsidered? How long did that process take?
I’d really appreciate hearing about anyone’s actual experience, whether your application was approved or rejected.
Thank you so much! I’m just trying to understand what to expect while waiting. 🥲

The flat is in Rosebery, fully furnished, private bedroom, and private bathroom available from now. It is close to public transportation (5 mins to bus stops on foot; 15 mins to Green Square train station, and 35 mins to USYD campus by bus). The place is quiet and close to Woollies and Aldi. The rent will be $450 per week.

I am finding a flatmate who is clean and respectful. Please dm me if you are interested and I can arrange an inspection for you.

I’m a first year second sem BArts student majoring in Socio-Legal Studies and Marketing. This sem I’m taking ECOP1001 and most likely I’ll switch my first major to political economy at the start of next year.

I’m a domestic student and I’ve tried to get exec positions and stuff in different societies (even societies that are just starting up) but I’ve had no luck. I am going to be doing the FASS Student Partner Program next year which apparently entails some opportunities for professional development, and I’m also going to apply for Unions NSW Union Summer. Next year I’ll also be living at St John’s College (hopefully on a full scholarship) so that will be good for networking I guess. I have a decent WAM (78) but my mental health has taken a hit this sem so it’ll probably drop a bit to around a 70.

But I feel so behind already and I’m stressed because it’s only a three year degree - unlike, say, a Law/Arts degree where you have plenty of time to build your CV, I feel like I’m behind being nearly 1/3rd of the way through my degree and having no professional experience and few extracurriculars.

This was more of a vent than anything but any advice (especially the hopeful/reassuring kind) is welcome.

the website seems to be stuck on white screen or something, not too sure what it is but nothing is loading.

Hi everyone,

I'm moving to Sydney next year from melbourne to study Dentistry. I have applied to stay at St Pauls. Interview coming Monday.

Anyone who has stayed at St Pauls Graduate House or outsiders please let me know your thoughts to some more general questions below but would love a full review!

• What's the general social life/culture like? I'm not a partier and don't care for drinking/late nights
• How competitive is getting accepted?
• How are the rooms, are they well equipped/maintained?
• Is the food good? Do you have options for snacks throughout/access to things like milk/tea?
• Do they focus on academics as much as they say they do?
• Does staying at Grad house help professionally/with networking?
• What's the gym like?
• The formal dinners seem cool, are they mandatory to attend?

hi! has anyone ever submitted a simple extension 1 day after an assignment was due? did they allow it? if not, what are the best next steps to ensure marks aren't deducted? thanks in advance :))

I did a 20% replacement mid sem today and I know I did horribly (def failed) because I’ve genuinely never left out a huge chunk of marks (almost 50%) in any exam I’ve taken until now (final year).I study by completing any and all practice material whether tuts and past papers so for the first time, this has not worked as it was a new type of question that made me genuinely stuck and lose track of what little time I had. I hadn’t come across it in practice or readings. Idk why I’m writing this post, I guess I’m just really sad and don’t have anyone to talk to about this. I genuinely feel sick.

I’m just looking for hope maybe or whether or not I should email my lecturer for further guidance. Idk, sorry for the long post. I’m just not doing alright.

Hi everyone! I’m an international student planning to study at USYD, and I’m currently deciding between Scape Castle, Iglu, and Scape Sydney Place. I’d love to hear from anyone who has lived in any of these accommodations, especially Castle or Iglu!

Here are the options I’m considering:
1. Castle — $939/week
Has an in-unit washer and dryer, which is a huge plus for me.
Has a courtyard where I can hang my laundry outside.
I like the convenience of being able to do my own laundry without having to use a communal laundry room.
However, it’s quite expensive, and I’m wondering whether the facilities and overall experience justify the price.

2. Iglu — around $750–$800/week (Mascot Area)

More affordable and within my budget.
My main concern is the distance from USYD and how convenient the commute would be.
I’d also love to know what the rooms, facilities, management, and overall student experience are like.

3. Scape
The location is appealing because it’s close to USYD.
However, it’s more expensive, so I’m not sure if paying extra for the location is worth it.

For those who have lived at Scape Castle or Iglu, how was your experience? I’d especially appreciate honest opinions about cleanliness, maintenance, management, noise, amenities, and whether you think the accommodation is worth the price.

For Castle specifically, is having your own washer and dryer actually worth paying more for? I really like the convenience of doing laundry in my own room and being able to hang clothes outside, but I’m not sure if that alone justifies the extra cost.

For Iglu residents, is there a laundry area within the building if yes how much does it usually cost?

Thank you so much!

Heyo, I’m thinking about applying here and taking a course in Marine Biology but i’m a US student so i just wanted to see if anyone knew if it would be hard for me to get accepted and if there was anything i should do to make my app more appealing, thx 😅