Starting university is an exciting time, but it's also a time of change. You're turning the page to a new chapter, one of self-reliance and self-discovery.

So it isn't surprising that some challenges you may face during your time with us - from home sickness to time management - may make you feel overwhelmed. And that's okay.

Is how I'm feeling about university normal?

Yes. However you're feeling about university, whether positive or negative emotions, those feelings are valid and shared. Feeling mixed emotions at such a huge juncture in your life is completely normal. 

You’ve sat your exams; you've said goodbye to your school or college; you've packed your belongings and moved into university accommodation. 

It’s important to recognise that, in many ways, some lifelong structures are changing.

And sometimes total freedom can actually feel lonely and scary. Which is why, in the beginning, many students feel a bit out at sea. 

We all remember how those first few weeks felt when starting university. It’s a huge adjustment that can feel really isolating at times, but everyone’s in the same boat. What helped me was realising that change and growth aren’t supposed to be comfortable. They’re supposed to challenge you. And those anxieties were just a natural response to stepping out of my comfort zone.

Amy, BA English Literature and Language Graduate.

Meet our Student Wellbeing Advisors

Here at Newcastle, we take your wellbeing very seriously, and that’s why we have recently appointed ten Student Wellbeing Advisors to help you tackle those negative thoughts, however big or small. 

These advisors are an extra layer of support as part of our hardworking, compassionate, and committed Student Health & Wellbeing Services.

They'll provide you with advice and guidance if you are experiencing poor wellbeing, mental health or distress.

So, let's find out more about what this means for you. We caught up with one of our advisors, Liz, to dig into the help available to Newcastle University students.

What sort of things do the Student Wellbeing Advisors help with?

The Team of 10 advisers will soon be 14, and is here to support you with your physical and mental wellbeing. 

We hold one-to-one appointments, offering support and guidance in helping you proactively manage and maintain your wellbeing.

Our Student Wellbeing Advisors aim is to provide all our students timely, tailored and appropriate support when you have any concerns whether that be related to mental health or a disability. We deal with a wide variety of issues, for example: stress and anxiety; bereavement; financial concerns; academic worries to accommodation problems.  

Support you can access includes:  

• an initial point of contact for your wellbeing-related issues, helping you understand what advice, guidance and support you can access 
• supporting you in the best next steps in receiving appropriate support 
• working with you to create an action plan 
• our Advisors following up with you after an appointment 
• offering guidance on wellbeing support, for example how to get an assessment for a specific learning difficulty 
• referring you directly into an appropriate service 

How do I ask for help?  

These roles sit within our teaching faculties. 

Liz works in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences faculty (HaSS) and each wellbeing adviser has set up a community on CANVAS – our virtual learning tool, which everyone can access. Here you can:  

• search and access appropriate support 
• find specific advice on disability support, feeling isolated, report and support and Exam Stress  

• and book a drop in session using the confidential canvas appointment system. 

This community is regularly updated throughout the year and provides information, resources and links.

We also spoke to Ruth, another Wellbeing Officer, to find out more about what this role does...

Our five top tips...

We are here to help you

Our student wellbeing service offers you 24/7 support, when you need it.   

We want to make sure you can achieve your potential while you are here. Find out more.