Academic Life

At Sancta, we’re dedicated to providing an environment where students can thrive, achieve their academic goals, and develop skills and attributes that will benefit them long after graduation.

We encourage all students to fully engage with their studies and take advantage of the numerous opportunities available both at Sancta and the university to enhance and extend their learning. Recognising the individual nature of university study, we offer robust support through our tutorial program, personalised academic assistance, comprehensive academic resources, and academic events.

 

Sancta’s Tutorial Program

The College’s tutorial program is at the core of academic life at Sancta where undergraduate and postgraduate students can explore, question, and discuss key concepts learnt at university as well as connect with peers in the same subject.

In 2023, Sancta offered 35 subjects across a wide range of fields including Medicine, Dentistry, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Health Science, Engineering, IT, and Law.

Students also benefit from the intercollege tutorial network, which allows them to access tutorials facilitated at other University of Sydney residential colleges.

 

Individual Academic Support

At Sancta, Students can connect with the Dean of Students for personalised support and resources to help them achieve their academic goals. Areas of support that can be tailored to individual needs include:

  • Key academic skills
  • Study strategies
  • Time management
  • Degree planning
  • Changing courses
  • Accessibility needs
  • Special considerations
  • Navigating university systems and policies

 

Academic Portal

Students have access to a wealth of academic resources through Sancta’s online Student Portal. Our academic collection of resources within the Student Portal provides essential tools for success, including referrals to university academic supports, organisational resources on topics such as time management, and guides on academic skills including referencing and academic writing.

 

Regular Study Halls

Students can transform their study routine with our regular Study Halls. Every Tuesday and Thursday during semester from 8-10 pm, the Sheldon Dining Hall (where all students normally access and enjoy their meals) becomes a vibrant study space. Students join their peers in a collaborative and supportive environment where they can focus on their studies together. Many students report how much they enjoy studying alongside their peers, with some attributing an increase in their grades due to the consistent and communal nature of these study sessions.

 

Cultural Excursions

Learning is not solely restricted to university classes. We offer various student and staff-led initiatives to broaden students’ academic and cultural horizons. Our cultural excursions provide enriching experiences that complement university studies and foster a deeper connection with the vibrant culture around us in Sydney. Excursions include:

 

Conversational English

The College runs a Conversational English group where students who identify as culturally and linguistically diverse or come from a language background other than English can regularly meet up and refine their English conversation skills and build confidence in their language abilities.

 

Academic Events At Sancta

Sancta hosts a variety of academic events each year, bringing together current students, alumni, university faculty, and community leaders. These events provide enriching opportunities for networking, recognition, and celebration of our students’ academic achievements. Key events include:

  • Sancta Speaks – a series of talks showcasing the compelling work and research of current students.
  • Faculty Dinner – a Formal Dinner where students can connect with peers in similar fields of study.
  • Vice-Chancellor’s Dinner – a Formal Dinner celebrating students who have achieved Distinction and High Distinction annual average marks. The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney joins us for this annual dinner. 
  • Chancellor’s Dinner – a Formal Dinner honouring college scholars who have received university awards and accolades for their academic excellence. The Chancellor of the University of Sydney joins us for this annual dinner.