Hi ,

Welcome to Semester Two! I hope the assessment period went well, and you're excited for the semester ahead. 

We understand that this time of year can be challenging. According to our recent Welcome Survey for new students, many were either unaware of the support services available at the University or unsure how to access them.  

To help, we've compiled a list of key University support services so you know where to go if you need assistance with your studies, wellbeing and more.

The new semester is also a time for fresh starts and new habits. Angelina, our Student Content Creator, shares her self-care strategies and favourite ways to boost wellbeing while studying. As the days start to get longer, we have many opportunities and events to look forward to, including Brigita Diva's top February picks!

Dr Yvonne Chase 

Head of Student Life 

🤝 Looking for the right support? We can help!

Back in October, we asked new students to complete our ‘Welcome Survey’ so we could find out about their initial experiences of studying at Newcastle. The results revealed that many students were either unaware of the support services available at the University or knew about them but were unsure how to access them. 

To help all students navigate these resources, we've compiled a list of key University support services, so you know where to go! 

Finance update from the Executive Board

You may have seen news headlines in recent months about the financial challenges that universities across the UK are grappling with at the moment.

Here at Newcastle, our focus is on protecting your student experience while planning for the future. This includes reducing costs and streamlining how we work, so we can continue offering world-class education and opportunities that prepare you for life beyond university. 

👩‍💻 Meet our Student Content Creators

Get to know this year's team of talented Student Content Creators! They are here to share their experiences and recommendations across our amazing campus and city, helping you make the most of your Newcastle University experience.  

Keep an eye out for fun and helpful content from the team on our Instagram, TikTok, Experience Blog and in these Student Life newsletters.  

🌿 Self-care strategies

From staying active with yoga classes to practising mindfulness with a gratitude journal, Angelina, our Student Content Creator, shares her favourite ways to boost your wellbeing and mindfulness while studying.  

🎉 Top February Events

Looking for something to do this February? Our Student Content Creator, Brigita Diva, has you covered!

There’s plenty to do this month, including cute Valentine's date/mate night inspiration, Japanese pancake heaven, LGBT History Month, partying all day at a Silent Disco at Newcastle Cathedral, and much more!

🌱 Student Wellbeing update

In this month’s Student Wellbeing update [accessible version], we share details of Holocaust Memorial Day, how to report hate incidents and setting up your TV Licence.

There are wellbeing tips, scholarship opportunities, as well as some book suggestions from the BeWell scheme, and more!  

🎓 Join our PG Open Day!

This is your reminder that our Postgraduate Open Day is happening on campus next week on Wednesday 5 February, 12:00-17:00 – and you’re invited! 

Whether you’ve already considered postgraduate study, or you simply want to explore your options for life after your undergraduate degree, our Postgraduate Open Day is a great place to start. 

Speak to current students about what postgrad study is like, hear from our admissions team, chat to subject specialists and learn more about funding and finance. 

💬 You may be interested in...

ncl+ Award

It’s your last chance to get your extra-curricular activities accredited with the ncl+ Award!

Whether you’ve been volunteering, doing part-time work, are a member of a society, you can showcase your achievements on your degree transcript! Applications close: 31 January. 

START UP Community Social Retail Stores vs E-Commerce

📅 Thursday 6 February

🕔 17:00 - 19:00 

Come along to get some tips from entrepreneurs on the theme of selling online and offline, and learn how to position your start-up for success in a hybrid market. 

🔗 Quick links

• Register for February’s Your Skills sessions on dissertations, search hacks, assignments, referencing, and more! See the full list of events.
    
• Santander is giving you the chance to win 1 of 10 MacBook Airs! Sign up to Santander Open Academy, a free online learning platform to enter the prize draw. Find out more.
  
  
• Join the Blue Planet Connect Recruitment and Skills Fair for Marine, Underwater, and Offshore sectors on Tuesday 25 February, and network with employers and alumni. 
  
  
• Are you a parent? Share your experiences balancing parenting and studies, and earn £13.69/hr. Sign up to sessions on 4 Feb (9:30-10:30) and 13 February (13:00-14:00) at the Henry Daysh Building. Discover support, meet other student parents, and influence future initiatives.  
  
  
• Newcastle University Business School (NUBS) have changed when you can access their facilities. Check the website to find out more.  
  
  
• Contribute to research and earn some cash! Sign-up for the NUBS mailing list to receive invitations to participate in research studies. Studies last between 30 and 120 minutes and are held at the Business School Lab. Further details available.   
  
  
• Join Newcastle University’s Discover events on AI in the music industry and Edge AI. Explore the future of AI with experts and industry leaders. Register now! 
  
  
• Discover The Missing Lynx Exhibition at Northern Stage this February! Explore reintroducing lynx to the UK and share your views. 
  
  
• Collaborate with real businesses to enhance your data and innovation skills! The Data Innovation Bootcamp at the Catalyst will run from 31 March to 4 April and is open to SAgE students. Application deadline: 9 March.  
  
  
• Explore how artists address the environmental impact of clay through sustainability and innovation. February 1 to May 3 at Hatton Gallery. Free entry.