Social Events Overview

‘Smoko’

  1. Smoko #1 - Semester 1 (specific date and time TBA for 2025)

  2. Smoko #2 - Semester 2 (specific date and time TBA for 2025)

Smokos are held a few times each year and provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate the start or end of classes. These lively events, organized by our dedicated Social Committee, are themed with creative ideas that add to the excitement. Past themes have included “Full Moon Party,” “What I Would Do If I Weren’t a Vet,” “Hollywood/Bollywood,” “Netflix & Chill,” “Anything Goes But Clothes,” and many more.

The event runs from the evening until just before midnight and is a must-attend experience. Participation in the dress-up theme is highly encouraged, with the more creative and bold outfits being celebrated. If you’re not in a costume that stands out, you may miss out on the full experience!

Why go?

Drinks and entry - CHEAP

Music, dance floor, poor decisions - FREE

18+ event so please bring your ID

FAC Day

Saturday 8th March to Sunday 9th March for 2025!!

FAC Day, short for "Faculty Day," is an event that you absolutely cannot miss. In 2025, it will be held at Atkinson Dam Scout Grounds!

Veterinary students often prioritize FAC Day over other events, including friends' milestone celebrations, and for good reason—this event is a highlight of the year. If you attend only one event, make sure it’s this one! The entire campground is booked out for FAC Day, where veterinary students, vet techs, and many guests (non-veterinarians) gather, all dressed in their year-specific, humorous shirts. This year, the event will take place on Saturday, March 2nd, starting around 11 AM. Be sure to keep this weekend free—everyone, including vet techs and friends, is welcome to join!

Each year designs their own unique shirts, complete with custom artwork and slogans voted on by the class. The design, color, and slogan are kept a secret until the big day, creating an exciting surprise. This event is a fantastic opportunity for all vet school students to come together, enjoy activities, meet new people, and make unforgettable memories. The day includes fun, camaraderie, and affordable drinks—don’t miss out!

Numerous activities are conducted in the daytime portion of the day – ‘Slip and Slide’ and ‘Molasses Pit’, ‘Tug of War’, and many others. Once the sun goes down, we move to set up tents and swags. After a fresh change of clothes, we chill out for a couple of hours then move into the marquee for the evening proceedings where we enjoy cheap drinks from the Social Committee as well as the extremely prestigious Miss Vet competition for that dose of drag queens we all miss in our lives. We camp overnight and on Sunday morning have a breakfast (for those who can stomach it) before heading home and lying on the couch all day... I wish every day was FAC day.

*18+ Event so please bring your ID

Trade Fair

Tuesday the 19th of August 2025

The Trade Fair is an annual event that provides an excellent opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals and explore the latest developments in veterinary products, services, and technologies. It brings together a wide range of exhibitors, including suppliers of veterinary equipment, pharmaceuticals, and other relevant services, offering students a comprehensive overview of the resources available to them as they progress through their studies and future careers.

The event is generously supported by a variety of sponsors, who play a crucial role in making the Trade Fair a success. These sponsors include leading veterinary brands, companies, and organizations that are committed to supporting veterinary education and fostering professional development. The Trade Fair serves as an ideal platform for networking, learning about new innovations, and gaining valuable insights from industry experts.

Students have the chance to interact directly with exhibitors, attend product demonstrations, and gain exposure to potential career opportunities in the veterinary field.

Vet Ball & Vet Ball Recovery

Time and date TBA for 2024

The Vet Ball is the most prestigious event of the veterinary school calendar, held annually towards the end of the year. Tickets, which are offered at a discounted rate for UQVSA members, include a bar tab and a three-course meal, making it an elegant and unforgettable evening. Organized by fourth-year students, this event requires significant effort and coordination, but their hard work always results in an exceptional and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

The night features speeches from key figures within the veterinary community, and various awards—voted on by students—are presented throughout the evening. It is a memorable occasion, and the fun continues as the night progresses to an after-party at a nearby club.


The fun doesn’t end with the Vet Ball. The following morning, we recover in true vet school fashion with a pub gathering at 10 AM, where we enjoy another bar tab and share stories from the night before. This event is part of the full weekend celebration, so ensure your schedule is clear. While some may be feeling a bit worse for wear, the Recovery Pub Day is a great way to reconnect with classmates in a more relaxed setting. The event is free and included with your Vet Ball ticket, with soft drinks and finger food provided as well. All 18+ students are welcome, whether or not they partake in alcoholic beverages.

*18+ Event so please bring your ID

Halfway Dinner - Third Year Vets

A special formal dinner event organised by each 3rd year cohort to celebrate (and reflect on) the journey halfway into Vet School! This year it will be held at Victoria Park Golf Course.

See your Facebook year level page for more information.

Grad Dinner - Fifth Year Vets

A bittersweet night marking the end of the vet school journey.

See your Facebook year level page for more information.