The Iglu Guide | Blog
Summer guide to Sydney
The uni student break is finally here and there’s never been a better time to spend summer in Sydney. If you’re looking for ways to live your best student life, this is for you.
Culture vulture alert
Nothing says student living more than a total infusion of art and culture. The Art Gallery of NSW’s major new expansion has finally opened and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The North Building, first dubbed the Sydney Modern, now sits alongside the original South Building and already has five new exhibitions showing – completely free of charge. Don’t leave before you’ve taken a wander through this incredible light-infused building that showcases Sydney from a whole new perspective. And just a short distance away from your student accommodation is the ever-popular and highly respected Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Maritime Museum showing until March 5. Now one of the largest photography competitions in the world, at just $20 a ticket (concession) this is definitely one not to miss. Check out Do Ho Suh’s first ever Australian exhibition at the MCA, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary until February 2023, and be sure to head to Barangaroo’s Cutaway in time for the immersive Frieda Kahlo experience. Showing between Jan 4-Feb 12, students can nab midweek tickets for just $35. For students living on stricter budgets, Melbourne artist Paul Yore is showing for free at the Carriageworks between Jan 5–Feb 26 where you can enjoy a colourful multimedia interpretation of his vision entitled Word made Flesh. Alternatively, pop into The Huxleys: Bloodlines, also at the Carriageworks from Jan 4 – student-friendly and completely free.
Festival fever
Sydney Festivals are back with a bang, and you won’t even have to travel too far from your student accommodation. Field Day returns to the Domain on New Year’s Day, with acts ranging from hip hop and dance to electronic and R&B. Featuring Kaytranada, Diplo and Tkay Maidza as well as many returning artists, this is definitely the hot ticket to kick off 2023. If you fancy skipping town for the big event, head to Lost Paradise up at Glenworth Valley between 28 Dec-Jan 1. Featuring the talented Lil Nax X and Artic Monkeys, get in quick because tickets are selling fast. And nothing makes Sydney student living better than the return of St Jerome’s Laneway Festival. Featuring Phoebe Bridgers, Haim and Joji just for starters, this event is guaranteed to light up Sydney Olympic Park on Feb 5. Save up some energy for Lunar Lanes on Jan 29, every student’s favourite way to kick off the Lunar New Year. Enjoy live entertainment and performances completely free of charge, and welcome in the Year of the Tiger.
Going live
What is student life without live performances? This summer, Sydney has something for everyone. Don’t miss legendary rockers The Killers performing at Qudos bank Arena Dec 19, featuring the best of the oldies and some great new tracks from their new album Pressure Machine. Get a sugar-rush high with LA-based duo Magdalena Bay at The Oxford Arts Factory Jan 5th and let the good times really roll in with their upbeat pop that exploded onto the scene during the pandemic. If raving’s more your thing and you fancy a freebie, grab some mates and enjoy the best of student living with House of Mince at The Abercrombie in Chippendale Dec 26. Check out Brooklyn rap artist Joey Bada$$ Jan 7 at the Enmore, paying homage to his debut release back in 1999, and don’t miss old favourites the Artic Monkeys playing Jan 14 right here in Sydney’s Domain. And when it’s not just about the tunes, check out the popular Last Podcast On The Left performing at The Enmore on Jan 25, as they take us hilariously along through all things crime and horror related.
Student fun for free
The best bit about living in Sydney is that there’s always activities to do for free. Head to one of the many beaches, take a waterside walk, explore the National Parks or stay out the sun and meander through a free exhibition. Whatever your interests, Sydney has something for all students to enjoy this summer.
