The upcoming holiday shutdown period can be a challenging time for some in our community. The Student Safety and Wellbeing office will be closed during the University shut down period COB Tuesday 24 December re-opening on Thursday 2 January 2025. 

During this period, you can still contact the ANU Wellbeing and Support Line 1300 050 327 or text 0488 884 170 (available 24/7) or visit Urgent support for details of other support services. If you need assistance from emergency services (police, ambulance or fire) at any time, please call 000. If you are on-campus and able to, please also contact ANU UniSafe on 6125 2249. 

There are a number of free and confidential community services that can provide support, including:  

Starting in January 2025, credit and debit card payments made through ISIS (Interactive Student Information System) for tuition, transcripts, and miscellaneous fees will incur a surcharge fee. This surcharge fee covers the merchant service fees incurred by ANU for processing credit and debit card payments. 

This is planned to commence on Thursday 23 January 2025. Payments utilising the BPAY payment method will not incur a surcharge fee for tuition fees.

Learn more: Credit and Debit Card Surcharge for students in 2025 

Image: Aron Harold Pamoso Image credit: ANU 

Faces of ANU offers glimpses into daily life at ANU, celebrating the achievements and stories of individuals in our vibrant community. Meet Aron, an international student from the Philippines who is charting new territory in his academic and personal life. As someone who arrived in Canberra with no prior connections, Aron quickly recognized the isolating nature of postgraduate study. His reflections and resilience provide a guide for others navigating similar challenges. 

Read more: Aron Harold Pamoso’s PhD Journey 

Thursday 12 December, 5-6pm 

Japan finds itself at a critical crossroads. With recent leadership changes, rising defense expenditure and a challenging strategic environment, Japan is reshaping its strategic posture.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency raises questions about the U.S.- Japan alliance. Against this backdrop, the Australia- Japan security partnership grows in importance. Four Japanese experts will discuss these developments and their implications for Indo-Pacific security and the evolving alliance. 

Register now: Japan's new foreign and security policy directions 

Mt Stromlo in the 1950s. Photo: ANU Archives

Nobel prize-winning astronomer Professor Brian Schmidt was an undergraduate at the University of Arizona when he first learned of the Mount Stromlo Observatory.  

During his degree, Schmidt encountered graduate students who had been supervised by renowned Australian astronomer Ken Freeman. The scholars’ tales of an observatory on the other side of the world left stars in his eyes.  

“I always thought ‘I wonder what that Mount Stromlo place is like. I’ve gotta get there.’ I felt like it was going to be green and look like Ireland,” Schmidt told ABC journalist Annabel Crabb at an event held at The Australian National University to celebrate the Observatory’s centenary.  

Read more: ‘It’s such an Aussie story’ celebrating 100 years of Mount Stromlo Observatory 

Associate Professor Aparna Lal, recipient of the Tony Ayers Award 2024. Photo: Calo Huang

Translational medicine is usually thought of as taking medical discoveries from the lab and applying them to patient care: or ‘bench to bedside’ research. But it is a much broader concept than that. 

“Translational medicine also includes the application of science to policy, and for me, is driven by community need,” says Associate Professor Aparna Lal, the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Tony Ayers Award. The Award celebrates translational medicine, and for the first time, recognises research that aims to protect people and our planet. 

Read more: Translational medicine more than ‘bench to bedside’ research

Griffin Hall is a community for ANU students living off campus. Griffin hall runs a massive range of social events, participates in the interhall sports and arts competitions, and offers access to a common room with a kitchen, bag storage, study areas, social spaces, pool table, nap room and more. There is also wellbeing and study support, and Inward Bound participation offered. 

If you’re keen to get more involved in campus life, meet other students or just try something new, consider joining Griffin Hall in 2025.  

Learn more: Join Griffin Hall

The new year is the perfect time to build fresh habits—or revisit ones you've let slip. Switching up your commute by cycling, walking or using public transport even one day a week can boost your wellbeing, save money and time and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Need inspiration? ANU Green has pulled together some tips to make sustainable travel part of your 2025 routine. 

Learn more: ANU Carbon smart commuting website

Dendy Cinemas Canberra and On campus have come up with the perfect activity to enjoy over the Christmas break. Opening in mid-December the Dendy Canberra IMAX offers the ultimate film destination. Combining state-of-the-art IMAX technology and Dendy’s signature boutique atmosphere.  

On campus readers can receive a 15 per cent discount on all IMAX tickets with the code ANU15. 

To apply the discount: At the 'Cart' tab of the checkout process the relevant film information will be displayed. On the page there is a tab underneath the pricing to 'Add Gift Card, Voucher, Promo Codes'. 

Terms and conditions: IMAX ticket codes are valid until Saturday 1 February 2025.  

Help is available if you need it. If you are dealing with a personal or University-related issue, the University encourages you to seek support through the ANU Student Safety and Wellbeing team by emailing student.wellbeing@anu.edu.au or calling 02 6125 2211, Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm.

You can also visit our Urgent Support page for a list of 24/7 and crisis support options.