Hi ,

Hope the new semester has started well for you.

As you receive results and marks from Semester One, it is important to read through the feedback carefully to support your skills development.

Check out tips from the Library and Lily, our Student Content Creator on making the most of your feedback!  

In this edition, we share a new Your Behaviour Matters video from the University and Students’ Union, raising awareness about sexual violence.

You can also read results from the Students’ Union’s Cost of Living survey and find reminders of the support available. 

Looking ahead, sign up for the Creative Careers sessions happening this month, learn about the King’s Gate Pop-Up Shop and explore more exciting events and opportunities. 

Dr Yvonne Chase 

Head of Student Life 

💬 Your Behaviour Matters: New Video on Sexual Violence  

The University and Students’ Union have released a video to raise awareness about sexual violence. The video educates students on consent and the impact of sexual violence, aiming to create a safer campus by preventing incidents and encouraging active bystanders.  

By watching the video and exploring the available resources, you can help create a more respectful and supportive community. Remember, support services are available, including confidential reporting and guidance from the Student Health and Wellbeing Team, and Welfare and Support Centre. Let’s work together to make Newcastle University a place where everyone feels safe and valued. 

📈 Using assessment feedback to build your skills 

Remember to make the most of your Semester 1 feedback. Don’t just focus on your grades - read the comments carefully too! Written feedback gives us an opportunity to assess our own work more objectively, take charge of our skills development, and improve our future performance.

Which aspects of your work are already going well, and how can you build on these even further? Which areas are you finding more difficult, and what do you need to improve?

Use these insights to plan how you’ll take control of your own skills development. Support and guidance are available to help you:

• Explore Academic Skills Kit resources
• Book Your Skills workshops
• Book an appointment with the Academic Skills Team
• Hear from Lily, our Student Content Creator, about making the most of your university feedback.

💰 Cost of Living Survey

The results from NUSU’s annual cost of living survey are in, and the situation is clear: students are struggling. 70% of you have said you’re negatively impacted by the cost of living. 

NUSU and Newcastle University are working together to provide free pasta pots during the assessment periods and other useful initiatives to make sure you have the university experience you deserve. The Students’ Union has also been campaigning to get the government to improve support for students around the cost of living – attend Student Council to get involved! 

Read more about the cost of living results on the NUSU website and for further support, please visit the Cost of Living Support Hub and check out NUSU’s action priorities.  

📲 Latest updates to the Student Portal 

There have been some important changes to the Student Portal:  

• Self-Certified Extensions: New functionality is being rolled out for students who submit self-certified Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC) extensions via the Student Portal. These will now be automatically approved within the system, allowing students to receive their approved PEC quickly and seamlessly.   
  
  
• Module Choice Selection: Undergraduate students who will be continuing their studies in September 2025 will be able to select their modules via the Student Portal between 28 April and 12 May 2025. Specific access dates will depend on your degree programme. More information will be sent to students by email during the week commencing Monday 24 March.

Please remember to check your personal details. Keep your address details up to date through the Student Portal to ensure the University can reach you in case of an emergency. 

🎨 Creative Careers 2025

Do you have that creative spark? Not sure how to turn that passion into a career?  

Join us at Creative Careers 2025! On Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February, the Henry Daysh Building will be taken by over a number of creative experts, all eager to share their insights through a range of workshops, talks and panels.  

Find out more about the sessions taking place and secure your place today! Spaces for each session are limited so be quick.  

🛍️ Pop-Up Shop

Do you have a side-hustle or want to start your own business? Did you know the START UP team is creating a Pop-Up Shop in King’s Gate? 

The START UP team is looking to hear from students and recent graduates with a passion for creating unique products and services. Find out more about the Pop-Up Shop.  

Not sure if you’re ready? Sign up for a START UP workshop on idea generation, freelancing and market research to begin your journey! 

💬 You may be interested in...

Celebrating LGBT+ History Month

LGBT+ History Month celebrates the histories and civil rights movements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and non-binary people.

Your Library team have curated a refined collection of magazines, audiobooks and e-books on LGBT+ lived experiences and histories, available via Libby. 

Fall in love with fitness! 

From 21 - 28 February, we’re giving ALL students the perfect match: a 1 week FREE membership pass to our Sport & Fitness Centre! Enjoy unlimited gym access, fitness classes, and sports facilities on us.

Whether you’re ready to spark a new fitness journey or rekindle your love for exercise, this is your chance to try it all - for free. Sign up for a FREE pass via the NCL Sport app from 20 February! 

🔗 Quick links

• Get ready for an action-packed weekend as the Newcastle Knights take on back-to-back home games! The excitement kicks off on Saturday 22 February as the Knights face off against Birmingham Rockets, supported by Red Bull! Tickets are FREE – get yours now. 
  
  
• The Be Well@NCL collection is expanding with 50 new books covering mental health, self-care, addiction, money management, LGBTQ+ issues, and neurodiversity. Discover new resources from the Library to support your wellbeing.  
   
• For International Women’s Day 2025, we are joining with Newcastle City Council to celebrate women and girls making a difference. Whether they’ve achieved career success, overcome adversity, or empower others, nominate them now for recognition. Selected nominees will be invited to a special event on 7 March.   
   
• Care Day 2025, held on 21 February, celebrates young people with care experience, emphasising the importance of support and positive change. It encourages everyone to show how they care by sharing personal stories and engaging in campaigns. For students balancing care responsibilities, explore our dedicated support through Student Carers Support services. 
  
  
• Newcastle Legacy is your chance to think bigger, gain new perspectives and be challenged to think differently. Discover the power of unexpected connections with people you might never normally meet, who are playing a role in the big and small changes shaping the future of Newcastle. If you’re under 25, apply now. 
  
  
• Thousands of people with blood cancer need a stem cell transplant, but many struggle to find a match. You can help! Sign up by filling out a short form and then do a simple cheek swab on campus on 14 February.