Welcome to Home Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) Students
Induction information and resources
Getting Started Resources
Essential Actions
Please expand the sections below for the actions you need to take before you arrive, when you get here and advice on settling in.
There are a number of tasks and actions you can take before you arrive to help get your journey with us off to the best start, starting with Enrol Now.
All students must be fully enrolled in order to study.
You will receive an enrolment email invitation from the University when it is time to enrol. This is different from your offer letter.
For the majority of students starting in September, enrolment emails are sent throughout the last week of August. You may receive yours at a different time than other students.
How to enrol
To enrol, log in to your Student Portal using your username and password (sent in your enrolment email), select ‘Enrol’ from the main menu, and follow the instructions. You will need a digital passport-style photo to upload for your University Smartcard.
- If you have forgotten your username, please contact IT Chat.
- If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it using DUO or IT Chat (available 24/7).
After successful enrolment, you will be sent a confirmation email to both your University and personal email addresses.
For full guidance, see Understanding the Enrolment Process in Ask4Help Online on your Student Portal and view the video below:
Undergraduate Students
Please expand the relevant section below:
Student Finance Funded
If you are funded by Student Finance, make sure you complete an application for the start of each academic year. See Applying for Your Undergraduate Funding from the Student Loans Company for more information. Information on making a payment can be found in the 'When You Arrive' tab on this page.
Sponsored
If you are a sponsored student, you are required to submit a sponsorship letter at the start of each academic year. Please see Payment of fees by a sponsor on your Student Portal for full information.
Self-Financing
If you are paying your own tuition fees, you are classed as a self-financing student. You will receive your invoice once you have enrolled and started your programme - see the 'When You Arrive' tab for more information on making a payment. You can see Tuition Fees for 2025/26 in your Student Portal.
Postgraduate Students
Please expand the relevant section below:
Sponsored
If you are a sponsored student, you are required to submit a sponsorship letter at the start of each academic year. Please see Payment of fees by a sponsor on your Student Portal for full information.
Self-Financing
If you are paying your own tuition fees, you are classed as a self-financing student. This also includes students who get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from Student Finance England (SFE) or Student Finance Wales (SFW), because the money is paid to you, not to the University. You will receive your invoice once you have enrolled and started your programme - see the 'When You Arrive' tab for information on making a payment. You can see Tuition Fees for 2025/26 in your Student Portal.
Accessibility Support
Our aim is to ensure students are supported to reach their full potential and have the best possible experience here at Northumbria. If you have an accessibility need - including Specific Learning Differences and neurodiversity - we offer support throughout your journey with us, even before you arrive.
Visit Accessibility Support for more information and to register with the Student Accessibility Team, who can ensure any relevant support is in place before you get here.
And look out for quiet times at the start of our welcome and induction events.
Campus Accessibility
We are also committed to ensuring our campuses are accessible, and have partnered with AccessAble to create detailed guides to the physical access features of all our buildings and services. This include information on colour contrast and lighting, signage, background noise, and much more. See AccessAble - Campus Access Guides for more information.
If you would like to see some of the spaces you will be studying and socialising in before you get here, you can view our Virtual Campus Tours.
Your programme start date can be found in your offer letter and enrolment email, and it vital to arrive on campus in time to take part in your Welcome Week and induction activities.
Wherever you are travelling from, your Welcome Pack below contains lots of useful information about travelling to campus, what to bring with you and how to ensure a smooth arrival.
If you are relocating, please remember to confirm your accommodation arrival date, whether you are staying in University accommodation or a private rental.
Using your Student Portal to Navigate Northumbria from Northumbria University on Vimeo.
We know that there is a lot of information to take in during your time at university – so to help you navigate Northumbria, your Student Portal brings all of the knowledge, advice and support you need together in one place.
As well as links to essential Northumbria information such as your timetable, your virtual learning environment (Blackboard) and Library Online, you can also use the Portal to read the latest Northumbria news stories, keep your personal details updated and check your finance and accommodation status.
If you have any questions during your time at Northumbria, you can search Ask4Help Online in your Student Portal for the answer, or submit an enquiry via the text box at the end of each article and a member of our team will get back to you.
Having trouble accessing your Student Portal?
NU Connect is the free mobile app for Northumbria University students. Features of the NU Connect app include:
- Essential Information: Key information to help you get started at Northumbria University, including how to connect to WiFi.
- Travel: Get details of travel routes to the campus, check parking spaces for cars and bikes and find out when the free bus service runs.
- Finder: Locate computers and software for you to use on campus, find launderettes and food shops, get contact details for tutors, and take online tours of University accommodation.
- Maps: Get online maps of the University campus, and use location services on your device to check how long it will take you to get to different places on campus.
- My Learning: find your timetable, check when exams take place, and update your attendance.
Download the app from:
You will need your University username and password to log in, and to have set up DUO multi-factor authentication to access the app (see above for details).
Your Welcome Guide can also be found below and contains lots more information and practical guidance for getting started at Northumbria.
During induction week, you will have the opportunity to settle into your new surroundings, meet teaching staff and make friends. You will also be required to consider practical information and complete key tasks.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your Northumbria account and its connected files and devices. After completing your enrolment, you will receive an email from DUO (no-reply@duosecurity.com) with instructions to register for this service.
DUO protects your account at login by sending a verification prompt to your mobile phone, which you must approve. For detailed steps, please refer to our Guide to Enrolling with Duo (pdf) and watch the short video below.
Your timetable includes both your Programme Induction sessions and your teaching sessions. It is essential to attend all scheduled sessions to get the most out of your University experience.
Programme Induction sessions are your opportunity to:
- Meet your academic staff and fellow students.
- Get familiar with the campus.
- Discover the fantastic resources available to support your studies.
Accessing Your Timetable
Please note, it may take up to two working days after you have received your enrolment confirmation for your timetable to appear.
You can view your timetable through:
Please see the Accessing your teaching timetable article on your Student Portal for more information and full guidance.
Top Tip: The NU Connect App has a GPS function that allows you to find your timetabled building based on your location - this is especially helpful for new students navigating campus for the first time.
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About your Smartcard
Your Student Smartcard is an essential part of getting started at Northumbria. You should collect your Smartcard during your Induction Week and keep it with you at all times. Your Smartcard is your student identification, and will also be used for essential everyday tasks like accessing University buildings, registering your attendance, using the University Library and much more.
See Collecting your Smartcard from Campus on your Student Portal for full details.
Attendance and Absence
One of the key tasks you will use your Smartcard for is to register your attendance at taught sessions - this vital activity is something that all students need to do. Attendance and being engaged with your studies are both key to succeeding at University. Please read our article on the Student Portal about Registering your attendance and notifying us of absence for more information.
Taking part in your induction helps you get your student journey off to the best possible start, providing you with the opportunity to get to know Northumbria and meet new people.
Welcome Week officially begins on Monday 19 January 2026. During Welcome Week there will be a range of both mandatory and extra-curricular activities:
Your Programme Induction: 19 - 23 January 2026
Your mandatory programme induction sessions are where you will meet your Personal Tutor, academics and fellow students. Sessions will be timetabled - please see the Accessing Your Timetable article for guidance.
Winter Welcome Events at your Students' Union
Start your studies by getting involved with our exciting Winter Welcome events at Northumbria Students' Union (NSU). Whether you’re looking to join a vibrant student society, visit the Refreshers Fair, make a difference through volunteering, or simply want to discover what else is happening on campus, there’s something for everyone. There’s plenty of opportunities to meet new people, explore your interests, and make the most of your university experience. For full details and dates of all NSU Winter Welcome events please visit the NSU website.
University Welcome Event: Wednesday 4 February, 15:00 – 17:00 at Domain, Students’ Union, City Campus
Start the year with a warm welcome! Discover everything the University has to offer while enjoying free refreshments - an ideal way to settle into campus life. To help you make friends and feel at home, come along to hear from key University services and meet fellow new students.
Northumbria Sport
Throughout January take advantage of our New Year Fitness Offer – Get a 5-month membership for just £100. Find out more on Northumbria Sport memberships webpage.
Just PLAY from 19 January 2026 - Just PLAY is your go-to sports programme for casual, inclusive, and sociable sessions. Best of all, it’s completely FREE for all students! Whether you want to try something new, meet new people, or blow off steam after lectures, Just PLAY makes it easy to turn up, get involved, and have fun. No experience necessary. All sessions are open to all abilities and led by friendly Just PLAY interns who create a relaxed and welcoming environment. Find out more about Just PLAY on Northumbria Sport website.
Just TRY week 26 January - 1 February - Just TRY is a great way to get involved with our sport club programme for FREE before purchasing your sport club memberships. We have a number of clubs for you to try out. No booking is required, simply turn up and play. Following on from trying out the club, you can then purchase a membership for 25% less than full price. Check out what's on offer during Just Try week on Northumbria Sport website.
Remember - you can travel between Coach Lane and City Campus for free on the Number 1 bus - simply show your Smartcard to the driver. If you have not collected it yet, you can show your enrolment or offer email instead.
If you are paying your own tuition fees, you are classed as a self-financing student.
After you enrol and start your course, the University will send you an invoice by email. This email will be sent to your University email address. Your payment schedule will vary according to your level of study, mode of study, and fee status. Please see Tuition fees for 2025/26 for details.
You can make a payment online via our Online Payments platform.
Important: You need to pay your first instalment (first part of the fee) as soon as you get this invoice, so please check your University email frequently.
Support
If you are unable to pay the first instalment of your fees or if you have concerns about your ability to pay future instalment(s) please submit an enquiry through the Paying your fees - Newcastle Campus article in Ask4Help Online on your Student Portal.
If you are unable to access Ask4Help Online, please submit an enquiry to us via this contact form.
Your safety is our priority. We have a dedicated 24-hour security team and strongly recommend that all students download the free SafeZone App which connects you directly to Security should you need it. You can find out more about our Security services and staying safe in the video below and in your Welcome Guide.
Registering with a doctor/GP
Taking care of your health and wellbeing is crucial while at University. One of the first steps to take if you are relocating to Newcastle is to register with a local doctor's surgery, also known as a General Practitioner or GP. This ensures you can access medical care when needed. Please register as soon as possible - do not wait until you are unwell.
For more information and advice on how to do this, see the Registering with a doctor/GP article in your Student Portal.
Opening a Bank Account
It is also important to take care of your money and finances while at University. We recommend opening a student bank account - see the Opening a bank account article on your Student Portal for more information.
Your Welcome Guide can also be found below and contains lots more information and practical guidance for getting started at Northumbria.
Once you have arrived and completed your enrolment and induction, it's time to start your academic studies and get to know all that Northumbria has to offer to make your student experience the very best it can be.
Hopefully by now you have accessed your programme Blackboard site, attended your induction sessions and explored our Preparing to Study guide to gain a good understanding of the academic skills you will need to succeed.
You can access a wide range of information, guidance and support from your University Library throughout the year, including online content, workshops and one-to-one sessions. See Developing your learning skills for more information on topics including:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Research skills
- Critical reading
- Time management
- Academic referencing
If you have dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference, you can access support from our Student Accessibility Team, which can include a personalised plan of reasonable adjustments, one-to-one specialist support tutorials and specific learning resources. See the Accessing general and specific study skills and resources article on your Student Portal for more information or to access support.
As part of the University's commitment to a safe and respectful environment, you must complete the following mandatory training as part of your induction:
Consent Training
Understanding consent means we are all able to have more safe, healthy and enjoyable sexual experiences. This training will help you:
- Understand the law around consent and your ethical obligations.
- Explore how gender, stereotypes, and culture affect consent.
- Learn how to communicate clearly with partners and respond to sexual harassment or violence.
Bystander Training
This training will help you:
- Learn to safely intervene using the 5Ds model - Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, Disapprove.
- Recognise and challenge harmful behaviours, including those that may seem like 'banter'.
- Understand how harassment intersects with identity.
- Promote empathy, inclusion, and respectful expression.
Once you are fully enrolled onto your programme, you can access the training via Blackboard.
Northumbria Students' Union (NSU) is here to make your student experience the best it can be! NSU offers advice, support, representation, a huge range of societies, events and lots more.
As well as organising Freshers' Fairs and lots of activities during Welcome Week, NSU is also home to over 100 societies for you to explore and join - from sports and outdoor activities, conservation, arts and culture, faith and spirituality and everything in between. NSU can also support you to find volunteering opportunities, represent your course and get involved in the local community.
Northumbria Sport offers students access to top-class facilities, fitness memberships and over 35 sports clubs. Whether you want to train, compete or just play, there is something for everyone - from gym and swim access to Intramural leagues and social sport sessions. You can also gain experience through volunteering and internships in sport-related roles.
What's happening in 2026:
- New Year Fitness Offer: Get a 5-month membership for just £100.
- From 19 January: Northumbria Sport’s FREE Just PLAY programme starts.
- From 22 January: Swimming Lessons - learn to swim with our 10-week swimming course.
- 26 January - 1 February: Just TRY Week, a chance to try out one of our Sport Clubs.
- 2 - 29 March: Take part in our Daily Mile Challenge - walk, run, swim, cycle, or get creative with any activity that gets you moving for at least a mile each day - it’s free to take part.
By joining Northumbria, you are now part of an inclusive community in a vibrant city! Explore Newcastle and all that it - and Northumbria - has to offer. Get involved, make new friends and Be Part Of It!
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Be Part Of It: Our programme of heavily-discounted events and activities exclusive to Northumbria students - from chocolate-making workshops to paddle boarding, and everything in between. Check out our amazing range of activities and book your place now!
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Life in Newcastle: Explore our online guide to the city and see what fellow students are saying in The Student Hub - including lots of advice and tips for new students.
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Part-time jobs: We know that many students balance their studies with part-time work. Our Careers and Employment service is called Graduate Futures and can help you find suitable jobs and provide advice, support and resources to improve your employability skills.
We know it can be daunting starting out at University but we are here to help and support you every step of the way.
Ask4Help is the name of our frontline service and it is available 24/7 during term-time on campus, online and via telephone. Ask4Help can answer any questions you have or signpost you to more specialist support should you need it. Ask4Help Online in your Student Portal contains a range of useful articles providing self-help information on topics including:
- Money and Finance
- My Programme
- Campus and University Life
- Personal Wellbeing and Support
- Accommodation
- Careers and Employment
- International issues
- IT
You can submit any queries you have or access specialist support from staff via the enquiry box at the end of each article.
Your Blackboard site is also an invaluable source of information about your programme. Your Programme Leader and Personal Tutor (who you will have met during induction), will also be essential contacts if you have any programme-related questions throughout your studies.
Your Welcome Guide can also be found below and contains lots more information and practical guidance for getting started at Northumbria.
Your Welcome Guide
To help you navigate Northumbria, we have brought together a range of information about our campus, services and support available to you in a handy Welcome Guide (pdf version).
If you need help and support...
For support with enrolment and getting started, please contact Ask4Help via your Student Portal (or this contact form if you do not have access).
For support with accessing your Student Portal:
- Please contact Applicant Services if you have not received your login details.
- If you have forgotten your username, please contact IT Chat (available 24/7).
- If you have forgotten your password, contact IT Chat (available 24/7) or reset via DUO (UK mobile numbers only).
