Hi ,

As the new term starts and teaching begins, you may be settling into your new routine and getting used to university life.

University is not just about your studies: it’s a chance to build confidence, explore new opportunities and find the people and support that are right for you.

This edition is packed with ways to get involved, develop your skills and look after your wellbeing, from career opportunities and academic support to student communities and staying safe from scams. 

All the best,

Yvonne

Director of Student Success

In this edition:

• Student Stories

• Part-time work on campus

• Careers and Jobs Fair

• Freedom of Speech at Newcastle University

• Meet the Academic Skills Team!

• Student Health and Wellbeing Counselling Teeam

• Think SCAM!

• Get involved with NCL in Action

• Belonging in your local community

• Other news

| Student Stories

The latest news, thoughts and recommendations for students across campus and the city.

Finding your people

University is a fantastic place to meet new people and form lasting friendships.

Estrella, a Journalism, Media and Culture student, shares her top tips for making friends - from joining clubs and societies to saying yes to new experiences. Enjoy the journey of finding your people! 

Student Communities

At Newcastle University, we want every student to have the best university experience.

Check out our Student Communities page to see the support available to you from the University, Students’ Union and other resources. 

Could you be a content creator?

We're looking for our 26/27 team of paid Student Content Creators.

If you love social media and storytelling, don't miss the chance to share your Newcastle University experience!

Applications close on Sunday 11 October.

| Part-time work on campus

Introducing Unitemps, our on-campus recruitment agency, based in the Careers Service. 

Unitemps offers a range of paid opportunities for students on campus, including casual roles, internships and other flexible work.

As Unitemps is new to the University this year, existing roles and assignments are currently being set up.

Although you may not see vacancies yet, new opportunities will be gradually added to the platform.

Sign up for ‘Job Alerts’ to be notified when new roles become available.

If you’re interested in working on campus, you can create your Unitemps account in advance:

• follow the ‘Create your account’ steps on the Registering for Work on Campus webpage
• sign up for ‘Job Alerts’ to be notified when new roles become available
• no further action is required after creating your account
• if you secure a role, the Unitemps team will contact you with details of the next steps 

In the meantime, visit the Part-time Jobs webpage for information and advice on finding work.

| Careers and Job Fair

Save the date! Our flagship Careers and Jobs Fair is back and this time, there’s even more opportunities for you, no matter what stage you’re at.  

On Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 October we’ll be joined by a host of employers, all actively recruiting for roles to start now or in Summer/Autumn 2027. 

So, whether you’re looking for a part-time job to fit around your studies or thinking about a future placement to help boost your skills and experience, this event is for you!

Don’t miss your chance to take the next steps in your career!

| Freedom of Speech at Newcastle University

At Newcastle University, we believe that free speech and academic freedom are at the heart of university life, and that it can be enjoyed as part of an inclusive and welcoming environment where students and colleagues feel safe and protected from harassment and discrimination. 

This year, we have created a Free Speech student induction resource. This will be available to you on your Canvas Dashboard. Please take some time to review this resource. 

Read more on our Student Noticeboard post to learn about the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 and what it means for your time at university.  

| Meet the Academic Skills Team!

The Academic Skills Team is here to help you develop the skills you need to succeed at Newcastle University. 

They can support you as you strengthen key skills such as reading critically, writing academically, managing your time, and much, much more! 

Come and meet the team to find out more and pick up some useful study freebies, including wall planners, pens and sticky notes. 

Meet the team in the Philip Robinson Library foyer on Tuesday 29 September (today) and Thursday 1 October from 11:00 until 14:00. 

| Student Health and Wellbeing Counselling Team

Feeling anxious or low or university life feeling a bit too much?

The Student Health and Wellbeing Counselling Team are here to support you!

Our friendly, professional counselling staff provide a non-judgemental space to hear your concerns and can help you develop healthy coping strategies, solve problems and gain new perspectives.

Does sitting in a room to do this feel a bit intense? As well as indoor sessions we also offer counselling sessions outdoors where we walk alongside each other in one of our local parks.

Feedback from students who have taken part in outdoor counselling sessions includes:

• ‘It was great to be outdoors with my therapist. It felt easier and more equal than being in a room and allowed me to talk more freely.’
• ‘I felt much less pressure which I was hesitant about as I didn’t want to just sit in a room.’
• ‘Walking helped clear my mind’
• ‘A time to reflect on situations and off-load in the calming scenery of the outdoors.’

| Think SCAM!

Every year more and more students fall victim to fraudsters and scammers.

Scams can take many forms, from rental fraud and fake job offers to emails claiming to be from the Student Loans Company around loan payment dates.

Think SCAM:

Stop and think about it

Consult a friend or family member to chat it over

Assess the request - is it too good to be true? Are there any red flags?

Manage the scam by reporting it to the police at  Report Fraud.

It’s important to stay vigilant and seek help if you have doubts about the authenticity of any correspondence or believe you may have been targeted by fraud.

| Get involved with NCL in Action

This year’s NCL in Action topic ‘A Picture of Health: Wellness in a New World Order’ will explore some of the most pressing health issues and what role each of us can play in shaping a healthier future.

You can get involved by attending events on campus, registering for online CPD courses and browsing digital resources.

| Belonging in your local community

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

Whether it’s getting to know your neighbours, exploring local green spaces or giving back through volunteering. 

There are plenty of ways to feel part of something bigger:

• Be a good neighbour: be respectful and considerate, especially when socialising. Think responsible drinking, mindful noise levels, and proper litter disposal. You could also support monthly neighbourhood litter picks, like Keep Jesmond Clean.
  
  
• Play your part in sustainability: get involved in environmental societies, volunteering and student-led projects, travel more sustainably, and help reduce waste through reuse and recycling. Visit the Student Action webpage for more information.
  
  
• Explore beyond campus: discover your local parks, independent businesses, cultural venues and community spaces. Getting to know the area you live in can help Newcastle feel much more like home.
  
  
• Register to vote: Find out if you're eligible to vote in local elections and how to register to vote. You can be registered at both your term-time and home addresses.

| Other news

Register with a GP: If you haven't already, please make sure you are registered with a GP (Doctor).

Need help? Visit the Student Engagement Team at the helpdesk on Level 1 of King's Gate. The team can answer your questions and signpost you to the right support service.

North East Legacy programme: Taking place in the North East on 6 and 7 October, the programme connects 18-25 year olds with peers and established leaders. Find out more and apply to gain insights into local issues and develop the skills, confidence and voice to become a strong leader of the future.

Gambling support: If you are concerned about the gambling you are participating in or the gambling of someone you know, there are services available to support you.

Test your recycling skills and win café vouchers: Play the Sustainable Campus Waste Game and climb the leaderboard for a chance to win café vouchers. Open until 22 October.

INSIGHTS Black History Month Lecture: Book your space for 'Beyond recognition: Structural racism and the health of the Black community' by Dr Gwenetta Curry on Tuesday 6 October 2026, 17:30 - 18:30 in the Curtis Auditorium, Herschel Building.

Newcastle Student Fund: Got an idea that could make a real difference for students? Applications for the first round of the Newcastle Student Fund are open until 8 October.