Hi ,

There are still a few weeks left of term, but the winter break is fast approaching! This is a great opportunity to recharge, relax and study before the assessment period starts on Tuesday 6 January.  

Now is a great time to start preparing and planning ahead for your exams!  

This newsletter is full of things to support you in feeling confident and to remind of you all the wonderful opportunities you can make the most of before the end of term

Remember, we're here to support you every step of the way! 

All the best, 

Yvonne 

In this edition: 

🔏 Preparing for the assessment period 

🧘 Exam season survival guide 

🌍 Discover the world in 2026 

🔧 Careers support and resources 

💼 i-Lab Innovation Internship applications now open 

👋 Meet our Student Content Creators 

📈 Share your views, win prizes

✈️ Travel over the break

👂 You said, we listened, we acted 

📰 Other news 

🔏 Preparing for the assessment period

Get set for the upcoming assessment period with these quick steps to help you study well, stay well, and know where to find support:

• know the rules - read the Exam Rules and Guidance, and Calculator Policy 
  
  
• use Library resources - explore the Academic Skills Kit, book one-to-one support, or drop into a Your Skills session 
  
  
• grab study essentials - free pasta pots are back on campus
  
  
• find your space - use Study Space Finder to discover alternative study spots 
  
  
• look after yourself - follow the Five Ways to Wellbeing
  
  
• reach out - contact your Personal Tutor, School Wellbeing Adviser, or Student Health and Wellbeing if you need support

You've got this! We're here to help every step of the way! 

🧘 Exam season survival guide

Exam season feels super intense, but our Student Content Creator, Gurleen, has broken it down with relatable and practical advice. 

From choosing the best study spots, how to use the Academic Skills Kit, to planning revision, looking after your wellbeing, and avoiding any late-night cramming disasters!

Use her first-hand experience to get ahead during the upcoming assessment period!

🌍 Discover the world in 2026

A new year is just around the corner, and so are opportunities to live, work, volunteer, or intern abroad! 

Global experiences can boost your confidence, enhance your CV, and even improve your graduate prospects! Research shows that globally mobile students are more likely to secure first-class degrees and professional-level roles. 

Whether you're interested in a semester abroad, a full-year placement, short-term internships, summer schools, or online experiences, there will be something to suit your interests, budget, and academic needs. 

🔧 Careers support and resources

Remember, we're here to help you achieve your goals! 

We offer personalised advice and guidance through one-to-one appointments and interactive workshops. 

As well as this, you can access tailored resources, practical tools, and expert insights to support your next steps. 

Whether you're exploring options or already have a clear path, the Careers Service is here to help you move forward with confidence!

Find out more about the support and resources available to you! 

💼 i-Lab Innovation Internship applications now open

Are you looking to gain experience to help you stand out? 

Apply for the i-Lab Innovation Internship and work with a real industry partner, tackle real-world challenges, and build enterprise and entrepreneurial skills to set you apart. 

No business or entrepreneurial experience needed; apply by 30 November. 

Open to all Newcastle University students on a programme of study throughout the 2025-26 academic year. 

👋 Meet our Student Content Creators!

These six students are ready to share their stories, tips, and favourite study spots across campus!

Get to know this year's brilliant team of Student Content Creators! Keep an eye out for content from the team on our Instagram, TikTok, Experience blog, and in these Student Life newsletters!

📈 Share your views, win prizes! 

We value your experiences and feedback! It helps us create an even better experience for all our students!

This month we have a range of surveys so you can share your views, shape services, and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes! 

• Student Rep Review: Improve how you give feedback on your course and teaching. Complete the 10-minute survey by 28 November for the chance to win a £50 voucher!  
• WhatUni? Survey: Leave a quick review about your Newcastle experience for the chance to win £100 and help future students choose the right uni! Complete by 7 March.  
• Cibyl Careers Survey: Share your career aspirations in this quick survey and receive a free personality report, plus chances to win loads of prizes including £1,000 gift cards, headphones, or weekly £100 vouchers! Open until January, so enter now! 

✈️ Travel over the break

Are you an international student who plans to travel outside the UK during the holidays?

Before you travel, please check the details of your UK visa. If you have an eVisa, make sure your current passport is linked to your eVisa. If you don't have an eVisa, check that you have the correct permission to be able to return to the UK. 

Please visit the Visa Support page for full guidance and links. 

👂 You said, we listened, we acted

With exams coming up after the festive break we'd like to highlight some changes that have been made to exam support arrangements in response to your feedback:  

💬 You said: Improve exam support for international and neurodiverse students  

👂 We listened: Invigilators will receive bespoke training from Disability Practitioners to raise awareness and understanding of the challenges that students with impairments, disabilities, health conditions, neurodiversity and/or specific learning differences/difficulties, may encounter when taking exams. The aim is to empower invigilators to be able to support all students as effectively as possible to ensure everyone can perform to the best of their ability.  

💬 You said: Improve the process for submitting religious observance requests  

👂We listened:  A new process has been established for 2025/26 to enable students to proactively request exam scheduling consideration in relation to religious observances. For more information, please visit our inclusive exam arrangements webpage.