Hi ,

As Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education, it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you back to Newcastle University. I hope that this academic year is fulfilling and memorable. It is my responsibility to ensure that Newcastle University provides you with an education for life that engages, challenges and supports you to discover and fulfil your potential.

Last year we developed and launched our new Education for Life Strategy 2030+; a vision for Education and Skills. This was developed in partnership with our students. I am committed to continuing to put students at the heart of everything we do – and to do this, we need you to tell us how things are going. As the year progresses, there will plenty of opportunities for you to provide feedback through your staff-student committees and the National Student Survey (NSS) that you will receive in Semester Two. Please find the time to do this. Your voice matters, and in order for us to enhance our student experience, we need to hear from you. 

In this email, you’ll find important information, handy resources and useful support as you return to Newcastle University. We look forward to seeing you on campus!

Professor Ruth Valentine

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education

📱 Your new Student Portal

The new Student Portal, which replaced S3P (Student Self-Service Portal) and the Newcastle University app, went live in early August for returning students to register online. Working with students, we delivered the first phase with a brand-new look, enhanced self-service features (eg document upload), better management of personal data changes and improved guidance and online registration.

Access to your timetable

We apologise for any issues with the timetable display on the Student Portal. This issue has now been resolved and you should be able to view your timetable in a more user-friendly way.

We have also repositioned the ‘My Timetable’ tile based on feedback. It is now a single click to access and appears at the top of the dashboard, after any outstanding registration actions.

Make the Student Portal a shortcut

Don't forget to make the Student Portal home dashboard a shortcut on your phone or laptop once you’ve logged in. This will appear like an app on your home screen for easy access.

Your feedback or any technical issues

We are capturing feedback on campus during registration and through the feedback form on the Student Portal. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to work with a group of students to improve the student experience.

If you encounter any technical issues, please report via NU Service so we can continue to help and improve your experience.

👥 Accessing Student Services

📚 Welcome back from the Library!

A big welcome back to returning students from the Library Services team; we're looking forward to seeing you back on campus and in the Library.

This year, you will need your physical smartcard to enter any of the library buildings and to borrow books. Lost yours over the summer? Staff at the Library Help Desks will be happy to make you a replacement. Your first replacement will be free and after that there'll be a charge of £5.00, so do make sure you look after it!

🩺 Prioritise your wellbeing

From Monday 9 to Friday 20 September, the Student Health and Wellbeing Services are hosting their annual Health Fair, open daily from 9:30–16:30.

• 9-17 September: Join us to register with a local doctor (if you haven't already) and learn about internal and external support services. Our Wellbeing teams will be available to answer any queries you may have.
• 18-20 September: Attend drug and alcohol harm reduction drop-in sessions for advice and guidance.

📞 Staying safe on campus

It's important for you to know that the University's Security Team is on hand ensuring your safety. They are always just a call away, ready to assist with any concerns.

Additionally, the SafeZone app is a fantastic resource for students. It's a quick and easy way to connect with the University's Security Team, whether you're in need of immediate help or just want to check in. The app allows you to summon assistance directly to your location on campus, and in certain areas of the city, ensuring that help is never far away.

Remember, your safety is the University's top priority, and these measures are in place to give you peace of mind so you can focus on your studies and enjoy your time at Newcastle University.

📧 Keeping in touch

Staying up to date with the latest news and information from the University is essential.

Check your University email inbox regularly for important communications, including our Student Life newsletter. This is sent every fortnight during term time and features the latest University news, opportunities, events and relatable content from our Student Content Creators. Find out more on our Student Communications webpage.

Additionally, more updates, events and opportunities are uploaded to the Student Noticeboard. We recommend bookmarking and checking this page regularly.

💬 You may be interested in...

Free Sport and Fitness trial

Don’t miss out on your free two-week trial at the Sport and Fitness Centre! 

From Monday 16 to Monday 30 September, you can access our facilities for free. Download the Newcastle University Sport app now.

Top September events

Make the most of September with this series of unmissable events.

From cheering on the Dragon Boat Race to singing along at the Silent Disco in Newcastle Cathedral, see what’s going on across our city. We’ve also rounded up events across the campus too!

🔗 Quick links

• Love making TikToks and Reels? Confident in front of the camera? Enjoy writing blogs and more relatable content? Apply now to join our paid team of Student Content Creators!
  
  
• Kick-start the new academic year with our 9 steps to make the most out of your Careers Service during your time at university.
  
  
• Register for a Student 10% Discount Fob to use in University cafés across our cashless campus.
  
  
• Newcastle University Symphony Orchestra (NUSO) welcomes students to join for the new academic year. Visit the Student Noticeboard to find out how to audition.
  
  
• Any questions? Search for an answer on our Student Enquiries webpage where you’ll find our frequently asked questions (FAQs) or contact the Student Services helpdesk.