Hi ,

As the term gets into full swing, now’s the perfect time to level up your learning and make the most of the opportunities available to you.

Whether it's developing your academic skills with the Library, exploring global experiences and even testing your knowledge in University Challenge, this edition is packed with ways to boost your learning and succeed.

All the best, 

Yvonne 

In this edition: 

🔍 Building your skills with the Library

✅ Your attendance matters

🌍 Go Global in 2026

🧠 University Challenge trials

🚀 Make It Happen Fund

🏆 Careers in Sport

👂 You said, we listened

🔍 Building your skills with the Library

Teams in the Library can offer you support and resources to sharpen your academic skills and help you succeed in your studies. 

Plan out tasks and manage deadlines with our customisable study timetable, get a head start on planning assignments with our essay planner tool and book your place on a Your Skills workshop to further develop key skills.

Attend a drop-in session to meet the teams for advice or enrol in our self-paced Teach Yourself Information Skills Canvas course for finding the best quality information for your work.

✅ Your attendance matters

Attending and engaging with your studies is key to your success.

As part of your commitment to your studies, you are expected to attend all elements of your programme of study, whether online or present in person, except for absence with good cause. 

The University monitors attendance to support students who may be struggling, meet visa requirements for international students and ensure funding compliance. Please do not tap in for others and let us know if you're absent - support is available!

🌍 Go Global in 2026

We’ve launched our global opportunities for 2025/26, offering lots of great experiences to choose from including:

• Full year and semester study or work abroad
• Short-term internships, volunteering and summer schools
• Online experiential learning

Our programmes are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students and are a great way to:

• Gain a global perspective
• Make international connections
• Discover a new country and live like a local
• Enhance your CV and employability skills
• Deepen your understanding of another culture and language
• Get an academic experience outside of the UK

Applications are now open - it's time to start your global adventure!

🧠 University Challenge trials

We are on the hunt for the next University Challenge team to represent Newcastle University on live TV in 2026 for the ultimate quiz showdown against other UK universities!

Think you’ve got what it takes? Sign up to a trial before Tuesday 4 November, 12:00 to be in with the chance to join the team.

More information including trial dates and full eligibility criteria can be found on the NUSU website. 

We know that some opportunities come with expenses – but that shouldn’t hold you back! The Make It Happen Fund is here to support you.

Whether you’re looking to develop a project, attend an interview or conference or want to gain some work experience, you can apply for funding to help support you and make the most of different opportunities

Get ready for something new! The Careers Service is excited to introduce Careers in Sport, an exciting event full of insights from the world of sport!

This event will spotlight the wide range of career opportunities within the sports industry, extending far beyond the traditional roles of playing and coaching.

Interested in finding out more about where your love for sport could take you? Check out the schedule!

👂 You said, we listened

Our new series highlights how your feedback shapes improvements across the University.

This edition spotlights the Library:

💬 You said: "There isn’t enough single-person study spaces"

👂 We listened: We have installed eight new single-person booths on Level 3 and six on Level 4 of Philip Robinson Library. These booths offer a quiet, focused environment designed to support individual study. 

💬 You said: "Students are using desks with PCs when they are using their own devices"

👂 We listened: We’re expanding our “Bring Your Own Device” provision with more docking stations across our libraries. This means you can connect your own laptop to a larger monitor for a more comfortable and productive study experience, freeing up PC-equipped study spaces for those who need them. 

🥑 EatWell NCL 2025: Want practical tips for sustainable, affordable eating? Register your interest in the EatWell NCL Canvas course today!

📢 Calling all freelancers! Join START UP on Friday 7 November for a hands-on workshop with Jack Williams, co-founder of UnderPinned, designed to help freelancers and self-starters build standout portfolios that win clients.