Hi ,

Welcome back from Spring Break! As the days get brighter, there’s no better time to explore everything Newcastle has to offer.

In this edition, our Student Stories highlight some of the brilliant ways you can explore the city. From free activities to favourite study spots, our Content Creators show what makes Newcastle such a fantastic place to live and study.

All the best, 

Yvonne

Head of Student Life 

In this edition: 

📝 Student stories

👥 Student Communities

🛡️ Your safety, on and off campus

💛 Stress Awareness Month
💻 Student Portal: DPD Request Forms
📅 North East Employers Panel & Networking Café

💼 Apply for the Santander Career Support Award
🎙 Enterprising Futures Podcast: Start-up Stories

👂 You said, we listened, we acted  

📰 Other news 

📝 Student stories

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

📍 Things to do in Newcastle for free

There’s plenty to enjoy in and around the city without spending a penny.

Whether you’re filling some time between lectures, going on a scenic walk or spending a day by the beach with friends, Bill shares his top free things to do in Newcastle.

☕ Favourite independent cafés to study in

Explore some of Callum and Mia's favourite independent cafés to work in around Newcastle.

If you fancy a change of scenery, these cafés offer the ideal study spots to help you stay productive and inspired.

🎵 Newcastle’s student music scene

From open‑mic nights to professional concerts, Bill highlights Newcastle’s vibrant music scene and the wide range of genres on offer.

Find out where to go, what’s on offer and how you can get involved.

🛒 My favourite items from Asian supermarkets in the UK

As a Chinese student who also lived in Japan, Yumeka found herself going back to Asian supermarkets again and again. 

Yumeka shares the items she always buys and why they matter more than you think!

👥 Student Communities

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

Our Student Communities pages bring together useful information for different student groups. If you identify with any communities, you’ll find tailored support, events and resources available through the University, Students’ Union and external partners. 

🛡️ Your safety, on and off campus

Whether you’re heading to lectures, meeting friends or planning a night out, feeling safe matters.

💛 Stress Awareness Month

As Stress Awareness Month continues, it’s a timely reminder to pause, breathe and prioritise your mental wellbeing.

If you’re feeling the pressure, explore these 10 simple stress busters with practical tips you can try today.

As part of BeWell@NCL, there’s also a range of evidence‑based resources to help you understand stress and build healthier coping strategies. Explore curated reading and wellbeing materials to support your mental health and resilience:

• When the body says no: The cost of hidden stress – Gabor Maté

• Stress control: a mind, body, life approach to boosting your well-being - Jim White

💻 Student Portal: DPD Request Forms

From mid-May, you will be able to submit a request to your Degree Programme Director (DPD) via the Student Portal.

DPD forms are usually submitted for requests such as interruption of studies or programme transfers. 

The new DPD request form will be available within the ‘My Requests’ tile on your Student Portal dashboard.  

Guidance and videos will be available in the ‘Help’ section of the Portal. 

Introducing the Careers Service's brand-new event: North East Employers Panel & Networking Café.

📅 Tuesday 28 April, 13:15-16:00

Designed with you in mind, this event focuses on careers, real opportunities and clear pathways right here in the North East.

We’ve brought together an exciting line-up of employers with a strong regional presence, all keen to help you explore the wide range of opportunities available locally. Join us for your chance to connect with:

• North East Combined Authority
• Parkdean Resorts
• Egger
• Darlington Economic Campus
• Go North East
• Accenture
• North East Analyst Function – Civil Service

Whether you’re in your first year or approaching the end of your degree, this is your chance to connect with organisations that are committed to supporting and investing in local talent.

💼 Apply for the Santander Career Support Award

Are you moving to a new city or country to begin an internship or graduate job?

If you're relocating for employability‑related activity, you may be eligible for a Santander Career Support Award, worth £250.

This bursary is designed to help with the extra costs of relocating so you can make the most of your career opportunity.

Don’t forget, you can also access the Santander Open Academy, offering free on‑demand courses to support your personal and professional development.

🎙 Enterprising Futures Podcast: Start-up Stories

Check out the brand-new podcast from the Rob Wood Enterprising Futures Academy - with all six episodes now available. 

Listen to the series to hear from inspiring guests, including founders, alumni and members of the Newcastle University START UP community, as they talk honestly about entrepreneurship, ambition and life beyond education.

Hosted by one of our very own Newcastle University students, the podcast creates space for open conversations that connect students with the people shaping their industries!

👂 You said, we listened, we acted

See how your feedback shapes improvements across the University.

This edition spotlights Student Life: