Hi ,

I’m Yvonne Chase, Director of Student Success. Welcome to Newcastle University and to your first Student Life newsletter.

These newsletters are designed to support you throughout your student journey, from your first day on campus to life after graduation. 

Our aim is to make your university experience enriching, inclusive and full of opportunities to help you thrive.

Make sure you check your University mailbox regularly and look for future Student Life newsletters. They are full of updates, tips and ways to get involved.

We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon!

All the best,

Yvonne

Director of Student Success

In this edition:

• Welcome and induction

• Feeling nervous? We can help!

• Get ready to study

• Five tips to prioritise your wellbeing

• Free MenB vaccines on campus

• Career Navigator

• The Big Welcome

• Our Sport and Fitness Centre

• What is Varsity?

• Other news

| Welcome and induction

Visit our Student Welcome webpages for everything you need to know before you arrive, when you arrive and during your first few weeks.

Your School will contact you with details of your induction programme.

Please complete the 2026 Student Induction on Canvas during your first few weeks to access essential information and support for getting started.

| Feeling nervous? We can help!

If you haven't already, we recommend completing our pre-arrival course before you arrive.

When we asked students how they feel about starting university, the most common response was excited. Some also told us they feel nervous or anxious and that's to be expected!

We've put together advice and support on the topics you told us matter most:

• Money and budgeting
• Living independently and staying safe on campus
• Making friends and fitting in

If you're feeling worried about starting university, remember that support is available and that you're not alone!

| Get ready to study

Feeling apprehensive about studying at university for the first time? It's natural to feel nervous! 

Check out the 'Get Ready to Study' collection on the Academic Skills Kit website. 

This collection contains resources and practical advice to help you prepare for studying at Newcastle University. It explains some of the differences about studying at university and how you will learn the skills to become an independent learner.

You can find all of the information you need to get started with the Library on the Welcome to the Library webpages.

| Five tips to prioritise your wellbeing

Starting university is exciting, but it can also feel like a big change. Here are five simple ways to look after your wellbeing from day one:

1. Attend our Student Health Fair (15 to 25 September)

2. Take part in a wellbeing session (23 to 25 September)
3. Explore the five steps to mental wellbeing
4. Learn about the risks of drug and alcohol use
5. Get to know our Wellbeing services and support

We hope you settle in smoothly, but if you ever need support, you can contact Student Wellbeing.

| Free MenB vaccines on campus

A free MenB vaccination bus will be on campus this September for eligible students.

Read this article for eligibility, booking details and more information.

| Career Navigator

Whether you're looking for part-time work or planning your future career, Career Navigator is a great place to start.

Use the platform to: 

• Explore the full range of services offered by the Careers Service 
• Learn how to gain valuable experience while you study 
• Understand the stages of the recruitment process 

Don’t miss the 9 steps to make the most of your Careers Service, a practical guide to help you maximise opportunities during your time at university. 

| The Big Welcome

Kicking off the year, hosted by your Students' Union (SU), we welcome you with The BIG Welcome.

Three weeks full of freebies, fairs, activities and social events. We want to help you find your feet, meet new people and settle into life in Newcastle, your new home.

There's hundreds of things to get stuck into across campus, the city and beyond. Some you can turn up to, others you will need to book tickets for. 

But the good news? Tickets are on sale NOW so have a look at our website, explore the full programme and get ready!

| Our Sport and Fitness Centre

Get more from your time at Newcastle with our new flexible memberships from just £10 per month, designed to give you more choice in how you use our Sport & Fitness Centre.

Whether you want to hit the gym, join an intramural league, get involved with a sports club or simply book and play with friends, there’s a membership to suit you.

Before you commit, try it all for FREE! 

From 21 September to 4 October, you can enjoy a two week free trial to try our gym, fitness classes, sports hall activities and more.

After 4 October, you’ll need a membership to keep using our facilities but with monthly, annual and combination options available, you can choose what works best for you.

Don’t miss out, find your membership and join today!

| What is Varsity?

New to Newcastle? Varsity is the ultimate sporting rivalry, as Newcastle and Northumbria go head-to-head in a city-wide battle for bragging rights.

This year’s first clash is Men’s Rugby Union at Kingston Park on Friday 25 September – and after last year’s event sold out, it’s one to get in your Welcome Week calendar now.

| Other news

Register with a GP: Once you arrive at Newcastle University, don’t forget to register with a local doctor (or GP) so you can access healthcare when you need it. 

Play an orchestral instrument? Newcastle University Symphony Orchestra (NUSO) welcomes students to join for the new academic year. Visit the Student Noticeboard to find out how to audition.

Peer mentors: Every new undergraduate student is assigned a Peer Mentor to welcome you and help you transition smoothly into your programme. Find out what to expect and how to make the most of the scheme. 

Any questions? Visit our Student Homepage for everything you need for your studies, support and student life — all in one place. Can't find the answer? Get in touch with our Student Services helpdesk.