Starting a university degree is an exciting time, particularly when it involves studying in a different country.
Newcastle University is home to 29,000 students from 135 countries, so we understand what it’s like for students to study abroad. We also know how sometimes they need a little extra support.
Read on to find out how we can help you prepare for studying in the UK - whether you're starting an undergraduate or postgraduate programme. And find out about the support that is available when you join us, so you can settle in and get the most out of your university adventure with us.
Contents:
Advice on visas and immigration
Airport Meet and Greet service
International Welcome Programme
Our specialist teams
If you have any queries about Newcastle University, you can contact our International Recruitment Team.
And because we have regional specialists based in different countries across the world, it’s easy to get in touch with someone who will understand the steps you need to take to study in the UK. You can also get to know us better at fairs and exhibitions in your country.
Advice on visas and immigration
Our dedicated Visa Support team can help with every aspect of your visa and immigration status.
If you need a visa to study in the UK, they can guide you through the application process – from gathering the relevant documents, to completing the application itself.
And they will continue to support you when you join us, with help ranging from where to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) to what you need to do if you are planning to travel outside of the UK during your studies.
Now that the UK has officially left the EU, find out how this might affect you if you are joining us from the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Airport Meet and Greet service
After a long journey it's always good to see a friendly face waiting to greet you.
Through our Airport Meet and Greet Service we can arrange to be at Newcastle International Airport when you land and take you to your student accommodation.
You have to book the service, which operates at peak arrival times during the year.
Accommodation support
We work hard to make sure you feel at home with us.
All our residences are affordable and range from well-equipped flats, to historic halls and modern city-centre apartments. We also have some self-contained flats and a small number of fully-furnished two- or three- bedroom family flats.
Our accommodation is safe and secure, with entry-phone systems, CCTV and on-site support, while our free SafeZone app connects you directly to our security team if you need help while on campus.
To help our undergraduate students settle in, our ResLife team runs social events and life skills sessions, and they are always available if you need someone to talk to.
Accommodation applications open in the Spring, keep an eye on our website for information on the routes to applying.
International Welcome Programme
To help you meet people, have fun and get settled into life with us, we organise an International Welcome Programme each September and January. Our Students' Union and ResLife team also host a full programme of social events.
In addition, as part of your Induction programme, you'll find lots of helpful information on Canvas, our virtual learning environment, which students can access throughout the year.
English language courses
To study in the UK you'll need a good standard of English. If this isn’t your first language, and you don’t meet the English language requirements to study with us, you could get extra help before you start your degree at Newcastle.
We offer International Pathway Courses – specialist programmes which are taught at INTO Newcastle. You could study an International Foundation programme, International Year One, International Pre-Master's, or take an English language course.
English language support
To help you develop your academic English while you're studying with us, we also offer free English language support. This includes:
- academic reading and writing
- listening and speaking
- presentation skills
- grammar
Your health and wellbeing
We want you to reach your full potential with us, so when life gets a bit challenging, our Wellbeing services can offer support including:
- counselling
- mental health support
- disability support
- specialist learning support
- financial support
- faith and spirituality support, including opportunities for prayer, worship and meditation
Online platform TalkCampus also offers peer support 24/7, and our iNCLude app has been developed to help you create positive habits and great coping skills.
There's dedicated support for our postgraduate students, too, to help you adjust to new ways of working and studying with us.
Religious support
There are quiet spaces for prayer and reflection on campus, including a Muslim Prayer Space.
Our Chaplaincy Team is made up of members of different faiths, who are committed to making our University a place of religious tolerance, diversity and respect.
The team can put you in touch with local faith communities, as well as providing spiritual support and opportunities for prayer and worship.
A number of faith societies are also run by students through Newcastle University’s Students’ Union.
Cultural societies
Newcastle University Students’ Union (NUSU) is at the heart or your student experience and here you will find a diverse range of cultural societies.
As the voice of all our students, NUSU is active in cultural campaigns and celebrations and its website hosts helpful resources and information for international students.
We hope you have found this blog useful. To find out more about what it is like to study with us, check out our blog on How you will learn at university.
