SEXtember
Fun | Health | Consent
Tuesday 29 September - Thursday 1 October 2026
Welcome to your information hub on safe sex and respectful relationships.
Support is available if you are affected by sexual assault, harassment, relationship violence or coercive control. Reach out for support if you need it.
Join us for SEXtember, UNSW’s annual festival of sexual health, education and inclusion, where real talk meets real fun.
On this page:
🗓️ Join us at SEXtember 2026!
Tuesday, 29 September - Thursday, 1 October 2026
Pop-up hub: Learn about sexual health and respectful relationships
Pop-up hub | Learn about sexual wellness and respectful relationships
Tuesday, 29 September | 10am - 3pm | Catherine Harris Courtyard, Kensington Campus
We're bringing health & wellbeing services and teams into the sun for the day. Drop by for games, quizzes and giveaways to learn more about safe sex and support.
You can also chat about sexual health and respectful relationships with service providers and student ambassadors, including:
- UNSW providers and ambassadors: The Student Health Advisory Committee ambassadors and representatives from the UNSW Health Service and Psychology and Wellness team. Stop for a chat and let us know how we can improve your health and wellbeing at UNSW, test out your sexual health knowledge, and learn about STI testing and safe sex.
- NSW Health: Learn about the self-serve MyTest HIV test on campus, Play Safe and the NSW Health Sexual Health Info Link.
- ACON | Here for health: Learn what this queer health organisation offers and discover a tailored online service for overseas born gay, bi+ and queer men. Come and have a chat with our bilingual peers.
- Inclusive Communities: make bracelets, complete the National Student Safety Survey, take part in green flag/red flag activities and more, while enjoying a delicious donut that's gluten-free, vegan, halal and kosher.
- Arc Insiders: Get comfy with the uncomfy and learn how to Be a Better Human with activities and freebies.
- Arc Wellness: Take a break and learn a little something about your sexual wellbeing with the Wellness Warriors.
- Arc Volunteers United: Grab a seat and join the crew for Boundary Zine making!
- Medibank: Learn how your Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) can help you access healthcare, including sexual health services and wellbeing support. Drop by for games, prizes, giveaways and a chat with Medibank staff, including Mandarin-speaking representatives.
No need to register, drop by any time.
Lunch & Learn: Know your STI status
Lunch & Learn: Know your status - STI screening at the UNSW Health Service
Tuesday, 29 September | 1pm - 2pm | Patricia O'Shane Building (where the pop-up hub is): G03
What are STIs? How do I get checked? How do I know if the person I'm having sex with has been checked? What if my test comes back positive? Can I speak to someone in Mandarin or Cantonese about this?
These questions and more will be answered by Dr Monique Akouri, head of the UNSW Health Service, which includes an STI screening clinic. Dr Yuanying Peng will also attend and can answer questions in Mandarin.
The session will start at 1.15pm, so pop in and join your peers for a sandwich before it starts.
Love Island Queer Edition: Live dating show
Love Island Queer Edition: Live dating show
Tuesday 29 September | 7pm - 9pm | UNSW Roundhouse
Are you ready to watch love LIVE on stage? UNSW's Love Island Queer Edition is here!
We're inviting some brave UNSW singles to put their hearts on the line to find their perfect match or a future fling with our live dating show. So bring yourself, bring your friends and watch the drama (and wholesome vibes) unfold live on stage. Remember yes means yes and consent is sxc.
Safer sex webinar: The 4 C's
Safer sex webinar: Communication, Consent, Condoms & Contraception
Wednesday, 30 September | 1pm - 1.45pm | Online
Want to learn about safe sex privately and build the confidence to have conversations about sex? Can’t attend the pop-up hub or workshops?
Medibank is hosting an online information session to help you understand consent, safer sex, healthy relationships and available support services.
Build the confidence to talk about your sexual health needs and stay safe.
This session will be hosted by Dr Rebecca Hunt-Davies.
Dating in Australia workshop
Dating in Australia workshop: Campus Crush
Wednesday, 30 September | 4.30pm - 7pm | Meeting Room 2, Basser Steps, Basser College (D17)
New to dating in Australia? Join us for a fun, judgement-free workshop where we explore how respect, boundaries and consent can look different across cultures and what that means for you.
This workshop will give you the tools to set expectations, understand consent and build respectful relationships, wherever you're from.
All attendees will receive a delicious dinner!
Say No to Pick Up Artist workshop (Mandarin)
No to PUA workshop: Recognising and responding to emotional manipulation
Wednesday, 30 September | 4.30pm - 6.30pm | Room 2008, UNSW Psychology & Wellness
In intimate relationships, there are times when the other person may use various tactics to get you to do things you do not want to do, making it difficult for you to say "no." In Chinese-speaking contexts, the term "PUA" is often used to describe behaviours that influence or control a partner through emotional manipulation, psychological control or similar means.
These behaviours may not be obvious at first and can even make you doubt your own feelings and judgement. Over time, they may gradually develop into an unhealthy relationship pattern known as coercive control.
This event will be hosted by Daisy Dai and Jasmine Yu, counsellors from the UNSW Gendered Violence Response Team. The session will help participants learn how to:
- Identify PUA, emotional manipulation and warning signs of unhealthy relationships
- Seek support when needed
- Trust their own feelings and judgement
- Make choices that are right for themselves
- Build healthier relationships.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing gender-based violence, you can access support.
Empowered self-defence workshop for women and gender diverse people
Empowered self-defence workshop for women and gender diverse people
Thursday, 1 October | 3.30pm - 6.30pm | The Sky Studio at UNSW Gym, Kensington Campus
Empowered self-defence is about more than physical skills. It's about recognising your rights, trusting your instincts and having options.
Hosted by Birchtree, this engaging and interactive workshop supports women and gender-diverse students to develop practical skills in assertive communication, boundary setting, violence prevention and self-defence. Grounded in research and delivered in a supportive environment, participants will explore how gender, social expectations and power can shape experiences of safety, while building confidence and strategies for responding to everyday situations. Participants are welcome regardless of fitness level, experience or ability.
We'd love for you to join us for pizza after the workshop!
Dating in Australia workshop
Dating in Australia workshop: Campus Crush
Thursday, 1 October | 4.30pm - 7pm | Meeting Room 2 Basser Steps, Basser College (D17)
New to dating in Australia? Join us for a fun, judgement-free workshop where we explore how respect, boundaries and consent can look different across cultures and what that means for you.
This workshop will give you the tools to set expectations, understand consent and build respectful relationships, wherever you're from.
All attendees will receive a delicious dinner!
Red Flags and Gut Feelings workshop
Red Flags and Gut Feelings workshop with pizza
Thursday, 1 October | 5.30pm - 7.30pm | Room 2008, next to Psychology & Wellness
In some intimate partner relationships, people can make you do things you don't want to do. It can feel impossible to say no.
These actions can be small at first and make you second guess yourself. Over time, it can turn into an unhealthy pattern known as coercive control.
This workshop will be led by Sarah Kroon, a Gendered Violence Specialist Counsellor and Mental Health Clinician in Psychology and Wellness and aims to help you explore how to spot the signs, seek support and use your voice and your choices to decide what's healthy.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing gender-based violence, you can access support.
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What is an STI?
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) are infections that can be spread through oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Common examples include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital warts (HPV) and genital herpes. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a blood-borne virus also transmitted through sex.
Where can I test?
- UNSW Health Service at Kensington Campus
- My Test vending machine at Kensington Campus (HIV only)
- Your local GP or a nearby sexual health clinic. Call NSW Sexual Health Infolink at 1800 451 624 for help finding a clinic near you.
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Ask. Listen. Check in. Respect the answer.
Consent matters, each and every time. Everyone, no matter who they are, or where they come from, has the right to be respected and have autonomy over their bodies.
Consent is when a person freely and voluntarily agrees to behaviour, understanding what they are doing and who they are doing it with, every time. This includes situations in everyday life and when it comes to sexual activity.
Remember: Consent is an ongoing conversation, not a one-time question.
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What is gendered violence?
Gendered violence is any form of abuse or violence against a person or group of people due to their gender, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. This can include sexual assault, domestic violence/relationship violence and sexual harassment.
Where can I get support?
Support is available if you are affected by sexual assault, harassment, relationship violence or coercive control.
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Condoms are key.
Male and female condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against both STIs and pregnancy. They're highly effective when used correctly.
Other contraception options:
There are many other types of contraception that can help prevent pregnancy. The UNSW Health Service has doctors available to support you in choosing the best option for you.
Pregnancy and childbirth
Pregnancy care in Australia starts from the time you're pregnant.
If you think you might be pregnant, book an appointment with the UNSW Health Service or your local GP to explore your options.
Sex & Relationships 101 Modules
Did you miss the basics of sex education?
Sex and relationships 101 has got you covered. Designed by UNSW students in partnership with NSW Health, these five modules cover all the basics consent and healthy relationships to sexual health and STI testing.
The modules are self-paced and can be completed in any order.
🔑 Moodle Student Key: StudentSH&ROLM
In SEXtember and beyond, we bring tonnes of resources for you to brush up on your sex-ed or learn about spicy topics so you can keep learning and be informed.
Porn and erotica
Porn is a part of many people’s sexual journeys, but how you engage with it matters. See the ethical porn checklist.
Healthy relationships
What are the habits or behaviours of a healthy relationship? What are you willing to do for others, and what are you also wanting to receive in a fulfilling relationship?
Certified Australian sex coach Georgia explores the role of communication, understanding your own body and the practice of asking for what you want and need.
International Student Health Hub
The right place for all your sexual and reproductive health questions.
Play safe
Get the down low for a confident and healthy sex life. It covers all the details on healthy sex, protection, testing and treatment.
Have your say
Help us improve SEXtember by sharing your feedback, compliments or suggestions.