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New semester, big celebrations: Staying well this February

This month, we’re sharing practical health tips, student voices, and helpful services to support you while you study in Australia.   February is a busy month for international students in Australia. It’s a time for new beginnings, celebrations and for many, the start of a new semester. With Valentine’s Day, O-Week, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year, it’s a great […]

How to talk about sex

Have you ever wanted to talk about sex with your friends or peers and didn’t know how or where to start? Maybe you had a question about a sexual experience, or you wanted to hear their thoughts.   Some international students have shared with us that they felt unsure on […]

Busting myths about hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can be confusing, and that’s led to some common myths. This Hepatitis Awareness Week (28 July – 3 August), let’s look at the facts to clear things up.  Firstly, what is hep B?  Hepatitis B (hep B) is a liver infection caused by the hep B virus. It’s […]

Visit the blog
New semester, big celebrations: Staying well this February

This month, we’re sharing practical health tips, student voices, and helpful services to support you while you study in Australia.   February is a busy month for international students in Australia. It’s a time for new beginnings, celebrations and for many, the start of a new semester. With Valentine’s Day, O-Week, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year, it’s a great […]

How to talk about sex

Have you ever wanted to talk about sex with your friends or peers and didn’t know how or where to start? Maybe you had a question about a sexual experience, or you wanted to hear their thoughts.   Some international students have shared with us that they felt unsure on […]

Busting myths about hepatitis B

Hepatitis B can be confusing, and that’s led to some common myths. This Hepatitis Awareness Week (28 July – 3 August), let’s look at the facts to clear things up.  Firstly, what is hep B?  Hepatitis B (hep B) is a liver infection caused by the hep B virus. It’s […]

Five tips for finding trustworthy information on social media

Do you ever find yourself looking for sexual health information online and even on social media? How can you tell if the information you are seeing is credible, reliable or really not the best? This month, the International Student Health Hub sat down with Aiman Rizal, a PhD researcher and […]

This month, we’re sharing practical health tips, student voices, and helpful services to support you while you study in Australia.  

February is a busy month for international students in Australia. It’s a time for new beginnings, celebrations and for many, the start of a new semester. With Valentine’s Day, O-Week, Mardi Gras and Lunar New Year, it’s a great time to check in on your health and wellbeing.  

Valentine’s Day and National Condom Day: 14 February

You’ve probably heard of Valentine’s Day – the annual celebration of love and romance. But did you know it also shares the date with National Condom Day? That’s no coincidence. It’s a timely reminder about safe sex, consent, and looking after your sexual health – because sharing love should never mean sharing STIs. 

A bouquet of condoms might not scream romance, but using protection is one of the simplest ways to care for yourself and your partner. And the good news for international students? Condoms are easy to access in Australia, and many are free, which is always a big student win. 

Where to find condoms: 

  • University health and wellbeing services 
  • O-Week stalls and student events 
  • Sexual health clinics and community health centres 
  • Pharmacies and supermarkets 

Not comfortable buying condoms in person? You can also order them online for FREE via Freedom Condom, with discreet delivery across NSW. 

Many international students notice how open sexual health conversations are in Australia. In our recent survey one student from Taiwan said: 

“Australia is more open compared to my home country, and people are more willing to talk about it sexual health.” 

This openness helps people get information early and reduces fear or stigma. 

Learn more about protection and safe sex on our Condoms. The Dos and Don’ts page.

Where can I get tested? Find a testing location near you using our STI/HIV locator tool

 

Mardi Gras: Ecstatica!  

February in Sydney also means Mardi Gras! From 13 February – 1 March, the city comes alive with LGBTQIA+ celebrations, with the iconic parade on 28 February. 

At its heart, Mardi Gras is about being yourself and feeling safe to do so. Whether you’re attending events, supporting friends, or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s okay to go at your own pace. You don’t have to know all the labels or attend every party – simply being curious and respectful is enough.  

Looking to connect or find support as an LGBTQIA+ international student? Check out: 

 

O-Week: Find your community  

February is O-Week at many universities and education providers – a week full of free stuff, new faces, and heaps of information. 

One international student shared: 

“You may feel a bit overwhelmed in your first O-Week, but have fun and check out societies that match your interests. You might find useful resources, make long-term friends, or discover your community. Even if not, it’s always great to grab heaps of freebies!” 

O-Week is a perfect time to explore campus, meet new people, and learn about health and support services before the semester starts.

Learn the essentials on the Learning Hub practical tips on sexual health, consent, and relationships to help you settle into life in Australia. 

 

Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse 

This month also marks Lunar New Year, celebrated on 17 February. For many students from East and Southeast Asia, this can be a special time and sometimes a homesick one.  

Lunar New Year is about family, reflection and fresh starts. Being away from home during this time can feel strange but there are ways to celebrate and connect:  

  • Join campus celebrations or cultural events 
  • Cook a traditional meal with friends 
  • Call family back home 
  • Take a quiet moment to reflect on your goals for the year 
  • Explore events around Sydney: Lunar New Year 2026 

 

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