Hi ,

Welcome back! I hope you had a restful Winter Break and a good start to the new year. 

With the assessment period now underway, we have plenty of updates to help you stay on top of things and feel supported. Check out the tips from Wellbeing if you’re feeling overwhelmed about exams, and don’t forget to grab some free pasta and noodles at various locations across campus! 

We also share details about the Newcastle City Council Canvass, our Postgraduate Open Day, and the Top January Events to look forward to, from hot chocolate dates to NE1 Restaurant Week. If you’re thinking of trying plant-based options this month, we’ve got you covered with Veganuary inspiration! Plus, don’t miss offers from the Sport and Fitness Centre and opportunities to win big prizes.  

Wishing you the best of luck this assessment season, and as always, we’re here to support you every step of the way! 

Dr Yvonne Chase 

Head of Student Life 

📚 Feeling stressed about exams? 

Explore tips for the assessment period from our Student Wellbeing team [accessible version]. ​Discover helpful advice on how you can approach exam-related stress and other useful support during this time, including our Chaplains in the Libraries.  

🍝 Pick-up pasta!

You may have noticed that our free pasta and noodle scheme with the Students’ Union has returned for the assessment period. Help yourself to free pasta and noodle packets at: 

• Philip Robinson Library 
• Marjorie Robinson Library 
• Walton Library 
• Students’ Union  
• Business School, Level 5 

Hot water will be available to use on-site but please bring your own mug or bowl and cutlery. Please take only what you need. 

This scheme is kindly funded by alumni and support donations. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the scheme. Please complete the feedback form available by QR code on site.

📝 Respond to Newcastle City Council's Canvass

Newcastle City Council is updating the Electoral Register and needs to know who lives at every address, including student properties.  

If you’ve received a letter or an email, please make sure you respond – it’s quick, important and legally required. Ignoring it could result in a follow-up visit from the council.  

Registering will make it easier to vote and can help with things like credit checks. If your home address isn’t in Newcastle, you can register to vote at both your term-time and home addresses. 

🎓 Thought about what's next? 

Is postgraduate study right for you? You’re invited to our upcoming Postgraduate Open Day here on campus on Wednesday 5 February, 12:00-17:00. This is your opportunity to discover postgraduate study at Newcastle at our only in-person event of the year! 

Don’t miss out on the chance to: 

• Meet with subject specialists
• Hear from current students about what it’s like to study a postgrad degree
• Take part in a live Q&A
• Learn about funding and finance
• Hear from our admissions team, and more. 

🛶 Top January Events

New Year, new adventures! Kick off 2025 in Newcastle with cosy hot chocolates at Knoops or Hotel Chocolat and vintage finds at The Big Flea Market. Don’t miss the Franki Raffles photography exhibition at Baltic or try night kayaking along the Quayside. 

Foodies can enjoy NE1 Restaurant Week deals until 19 January or celebrate Veganuary at Wylam Brewery’s Flower Power Fest and in campus cafés.  

With theatre, festivals, and more, there’s something for everyone this January! Have a look at Brigita Diva’s top picks this month to find out more. 

✨ New Year, new offers!

Kickstart 2025 with exciting opportunities to stay active and try something new! Throughout January, students can enjoy pay-as-you-go access to our gym, fitness classes, and court bookings - no membership needed.

It’s the perfect chance to discover a new passion and try something different this year! Plus, take advantage of our new year membership offers with flexible ways to pay starting from just £12 a month.  

Make 2025 your year - download the NCLSport app to book now! 

💬 You may be interested in...

Keen to win big prizes?

Have your voice heard by employers and shape how they engage with students by taking the Cibyl Survey today!   

Many exciting prizes such as £100 or £500 gift cards, an iPad and a tech gift worth up to £400 are available to win. 

Last chance to win £100 

Did you know your words could help future students find the perfect university and course? Plus, you’ll have a chance to win £100!  

All you need to do is submit a review about Newcastle University on Whatuni?. 

🔗 Quick links

• Calling all student parents! Are you balancing parenting with your studies? We want to hear your story! Join our focus group to share your experiences and help shape better support for student parents. 
  
  
• NUIT are delighted to announce that a new IT Service Support Hub is now open in The Frederick Douglass Centre at the Newcastle Helix site.