Hi ,

As autumn settles in, the trees are changing colour, the air is crisp and the evenings are getting longer.

Whether you're enjoying seasonal events like Halloween, finding your rhythm with studies or simply settling into your routine, we want you to feel safe, secure and supported throughout it all.  

All the best, 

Yvonne 

In this edition: 

The University is introducing a new mass communication system that will allow us to send you urgent text messages should there be an imminent and serious threat to health and safety on campus or in the city. 

These messages will provide information and/or instructions that will enable you to take action to protect yourself, for example, to avoid an area should there be a major gas leak or fire. 

The system will be rolled out this month but as noted above, you will only receive a message should there be an imminent and serious incident.  

📱 To make sure you get these messages, please keep your mobile number up to date in the Student Portal. 

We also encourage all students to download the SafeZone app for additional safety features. 

🗣️ Freedom of Speech at Newcastle University 

At Newcastle University, we believe that freedom of speech and academic freedom are essential to university life.

We’re equally committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming environment where everyone feels safe and protected from harassment and discrimination. 

While the right to free speech is protected, it does not cover unlawful content such as hate speech or support for proscribed organisations. 

To understand how this affects you, read our Student Noticeboard post to learn more about the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act and what it means for your time at university. 

👇 Your Behaviour Matters Video 👇

Please take a moment to watch the Your Behaviour Matters video produced by the University in collaboration with the Students’ Union.

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.   

Remember, support services are available, including confidential reporting and guidance from the Student Health and Wellbeing Team and Support and Advice Hub. 

🎃 Staying safe this Halloween

Celebrate the spooky season safely in your local community while being a considerate neighbour. 

Here are a few ways to enjoy the season safely in your local community while being a considerate neighbour. 

👥 Mindful socialising: Think of your neighbours and be mindful of noise - especially if young children and pets are nearby!  

🚇 Behaviour on Metro: Be respectful when travelling - disruptive behaviour, littering and public urination are unacceptable and harm community relations. Tampering with escalators or carrying open alcohol also poses serious safety risks.  

👻 Community events: Join safe fun events like NUSU’s Newcastle True Crime Guided Tour or Halloween Special Ghost Walk.  

🥤 Responsible drinking: Stay hydrated, eat well and look out for friends.  

🗑 Clean up: Remember broken glass and litter can harm humans and animals!  

📱 Download the SafeZone app: Access help quickly if needed.   

Enjoy your celebrations and stay safe!   

🏠 Thinking about housing? 

The search for next year’s student housing can start early - but please don’t rush!  

⏸ Pause: Before you start, take a moment to consider your options. Don’t commit to anything until you’ve explored what’s right for you. 

💬 Get support: The Student Advice Centre is available year-round to support you with finding, living in and leaving your property. Reach out for free, impartial advice. 

⭐ Rate Your Landlord: Search, read, and share honest reviews of landlords, letting agents and student housing across Newcastle. Like TripAdvisor for renting, it gives you real insight from other students.  

🌱 Home and Living Market: Visit the Students' Union on Tuesday 28 October to make your space feel like home. Browse stalls, meet housing advisers and accommodation providers and ask your questions in person at the Home and Living Market. 

💻 Your IT Essentials 

Feeling at home in Newcastle isn’t just about campus life - it’s also about connecting with the wider community around you. 

Newcastle University IT Service (NUIT) provides all you need to make the most of our digital services.  

Visit Student IT Essentials to learn how to set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your mobile phone, connect to campus WiFi and more!  

Stay safe online - explore the Cyber Security site for practical tips and advice. 

📍Your campus libraries 

Across the University library buildings, there are a range of study spaces and facilities to suit your style.   

Our buildings include silent, quiet and collaborative spaces, extensive opening hours and friendly welcoming staff.

The Philip Robinson Library is open 24/7 during term-time and access out of hours is through the 'night door' to the left of the revolving doors. To help keep our buildings safe and secure, you will need your smartcard to enter at all times.   

With a huge amount of print and electronic resources, as well as board games and bookable spaces, the Library provide an inclusive, flexible space for study, collaboration or just taking some time out. 

Last year, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service responded to a staggering 4,965* false alarms across the region. 

The main culprit? Burnt toast! Help reduce unnecessary callouts - and avoid those chilly nights outside in your pyjamas - by keeping an eye on your cooking and never leaving it unattended. 

*Data from 01/01/24 to 31/12/24 

🩺 Take charge of your health: Make sure you're aware of key health information, including how to register with a GP (if you haven't already), use the NHS App and access support through Think Pharmacy First. Check the Student Noticeboard for full details.

🌱 The Houseplant Sale is back! Taking place outside the Students' Union for ​3 days ONLY from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 October, 10:00-19:00. 

🗣 Sign o’ the times by Professor Jason Arday: This year’s Black History Month lecture will focus on the current societal and political perspectives on racism and its impact on the higher education sector. Tonight (Tuesday 14 October), 17:30 in Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building.