Living in student accommodation | Our ResLife programme

Starting university is a big step, and moving into student accommodation is a huge part of the experience.

It’s where you’ll meet new people, make memories, gain independence and settle into university life. But if that feels a little overwhelming, don’t worry. Our ResLife programme will help you every step of the way.

Contents:

What is the ResLife programme?

What does ResLife offer?

Hear from our students:

• How does ResLife help students?
• Why did you become a ResLife assistant?
• How did ResLife help you in your first year?
• What are your favourite activities to lead?
• What are your top tips for new students?

What is the ResLife programme?

ResLife has been designed so first-year students in our University-owned and managed partnership accommodation feel connected, supported and part of our community from day one.

A dedicated ResLife team made up of a ResLife Co-ordinator and student assistants (RSAs) is based at each of our student villages – Kensington/Park and Park View.

They’ll help you step into university life and independent living with confidence, develop life skills and get the best possible experience from your first year with us.

If your accommodation is in Park View or Marris House, you’ll access the ResLife programme at Park View student village.

If you’re in the Kensington/Park student village, the ResLife team are based in the social spaces at Kensington Park and Windsor Terrace. Accommodation in this student village includes: Byron Central, Kensington and Park Terraces, Manor Park, Turner Court and Windsor Terrace.

What does ResLife offer?

Our ResLife teams run:

• Events six days a week — from movie nights to creative workshops and socials. They’re a great way to meet people, try something new and make your accommodation feel like home.

• ReConnect drop-ins for advice on independent living or help accessing support services across Newcastle University

• ResHacks — practical life skills sessions covering everything from budgeting, cooking and laundry, to sustainable living and getting along with flatmates.

When it’s time to move into second-year housing, ResLife also runs a Find a Flatmate scheme to help you connect with potential housemates. Through its Rehome initiative, you can even donate unwanted kitchen items to help new students moving in, while making moving out easier for you!

Want to know more?

Here’s what our ResLife Student Assistants - John, Sophie, Hana, Joshua, Amelia and Kit - have to say about the programme.

How does ResLife help students?

‘ResLife offers day-to-day support through us as ResLife assistants. We understand what it’s like to live in student accommodation and can give practical advice or simply listen when someone needs to talk. If students need more specialised help, we can signpost them to services like Student Health and Wellbeing, NUSU, the Sports Centre, Security, or the Careers Service.’ John, India (Geospatial Surveying and Mapping BEng)

‘ResLife provides a friendly supportive environment for students to come and hang out in, Some students struggle moving away from home and meeting new people, so it’s great they can come and express their concerns to us. In first year, my flatmates and I loved to go to the ResLife space and do something wholesome; something we wouldn’t normally do if it wasn’t set up as an activity.’ Sophie, UK (Dietetics MDiet)

Why did you become a ResLife assistant?

‘As someone who has been through the experience of settling in, I felt I could relate to new students – especially international students – and understand the challenges that come with moving to a new country. Because of that, I wanted to be someone who could offer support and help others feel more comfortable and welcome.’ Hana, Czechia (International Business Management with German BSc)

‘In my first year, the ResLife assistants were always so friendly, and I loved the whole idea of being able to ask them for advice or questions. ResLife was such a big part of my first-year experience and I wanted to be able to give back and be the student on the other side.’ Sophie

How did ResLife help you in your first year?

‘The ResLife team made a huge difference in helping me settle in. I remember joining welcome events and early-semester activities that helped me meet people and feel less nervous about starting university. The RSAs were friendly and approachable, and they were always around to answer questions. Those early interactions helped me feel grounded and reassured, and they played a big part in making my first few weeks feel much more manageable.’ John

‘I got lots of support from ResLife regarding dealing with my messy flatmates in first year and finding housing for second year. I used ResLife to relax from university and the team made the ResLife space and events enjoyable and provided a good atmosphere.’ Joshua, UK (Dental Surgery BDS)

What are your favourite activities to lead?

‘We run themed events linked to specific days or celebrations, such as World Book Day, Star Wars Day, or even fun days like Nutella Day! One of our biggest and most popular offerings are trips. These can be local, around the city, or further afield, such as visits to Durham, the Metrocentre, Ouseburn, the Quayside Sunday Market, or even the coast.’ Hana

‘Our pizza nights are usually the biggest hit, involving handing out slices of pizza to hundreds of hungry first years! These events are a great way to get people socialising with each other, as well as building a rapport with the ResLife team and making students feel comfortable, in case they need to rely on our support in future.’ Amelia, UK (Dental Surgery BDS)

‘One of my favourites is bingo where students can get quite competitive! I also like the painting competitions. I love seeing what others create and there have been some truly impressive paintings of landscapes and portraits of people such as Lady Gaga and Ronaldo’ Kit, UK (Geography BA)

What are your top tips for new students?

‘Take in every moment and throw yourself into every opportunity that comes your way. You won’t regret it.’ Amelia

‘Be brave and start up a conversation with people you see around your accommodation. Everyone is in the same boat and wants to meet new people too.’ Kit

‘Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, especially during the first few weeks. Make the most of opportunities to meet others, for example, by going to ResLife events.’ Hana

Find out more:

• Explore our ResLife programmre
• Find out how to apply for your accommodation
• Get top budgeting tips for student life