5 hidden gems for new students
Shh, it’s an exclusive. Here are the secret spots and activities that we love.

When you join UTS as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, it’s an exciting opportunity to discover the secret night noodles, sweat sessions and student adventures that make us the place to be in Sydney! Check out our list of faves below.
1. Discover Sydney with $10 excursions
ActivateUTS is the hub of campus life and student fun at UTS. They host some of the most exciting events on the calendar! One of those is the Discover Sydney series. For only $10, you can swim at a waterfall in the Blue Mountains, wander an art gallery after dark, trek around Instagram-worthy Bundeena, and even try your hand at skydiving. Tickets go fast, so make sure you regularly look at their events, sign up to make new friends and discover even more of the beautiful place we call home.
2. Get free, nutritious meals on campus
Are you an early bird or a night owl? Luckily, there’s plenty of food for both. Thanks to a wellbeing initiative run by the Students’ Association, you can grab a delicious BlueBird Brekkie every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 10am, or Night Owl Noodles every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. They provide over 4,000 meals a week to students during session, so it’s the perfect chance to get some brain fuel and share a meal with foodies just like you. Try the beef pho!
3. Sweat out new starter nerves
Want to squeeze in a gym sesh between classes? The ActivateFit.Gym is open every day right here on campus. It’s an inclusive space to have fun no matter your fitness level. There’s pilates, yoga and HIIT classes, plus personal training to get a routine catered to you. You can start with a free 3-day trial, so check out the space and start ticking your fitness goals, not just your academic ones!
4. Grab a one-on-one session with a UTS librarian
Did you know that you can chat to a librarian in person? They can uncover all the mysteries of being a new student here, including help with referencing, using the library catalogue, searching for readings, and navigating your studies. They’re your academic guru and secret superpower! We suggest that you look ahead at your assessments, write your questions, and book a study consultation to get started.
5. Stay caffeinated with a $2 cup of coffee
Now to the most important hidden gem… precious coffee! While there’s plenty of delicious brews about, you can’t go past Cornerstone Cafe with their $2 happy hour every Monday to Friday between 2-3PM. It’s one of the cheapest coffees in Sydney, and you will be sure to say hello to other students and academics getting their afternoon caffeine hit too. Plus, you can sit on the nearby alumni green to enjoy your beverage.
These are just some of the exciting things that we have going on here at UTS. But there’s plenty more to explore. If you have a favourite place that you want to share, don’t forget to post on social media, tag @utsengage and use the hashtag #UTSLife.
See you there!