Essential Actions
Before you can start your programme at Northumbria, you must enrol with us. Enrolling is the essential gateway to becoming a Northumbria student, giving you full access to University systems and essential student services including your timetable and student Smartcard.
To enrol, simply log on to your Student Portal, select Enrol from the main menu and follow the steps. You will need your username and password, which are included in your enrolment invitation email, and a passport-style photograph for your Smartcard.
International students
If you are a new student who requires immigration permission to study in the UK, you must complete a Right to Study by providing evidence of your immigration permission and date of entry to the UK before you can enrol. You will be invited to enrol once your visa documentation has been checked and approved.
You can find detailed guidance, including step-by-step instructional videos on enrolling in your Student Portal.
As well as reading your Welcome Guide, there are lots of things you can do before you arrive at University to help be prepared and get your student journey off to the best start.
Get to know your Student Portal
Your essential platform for navigating Northumbria, you can access your Student Portal using the username and password sent to you in your enrolment invitation email. You will use your Student Portal to:
- View your timetable.
- See the latest Northumbria news.
- Access other essential systems.
- Get advice and guidance in Ask4Help Online.
Register for Accessibility Support
Our aim is to ensure all students are supported to reach their full potential and have the best possible experience here at Northumbria. If you have a long-term condition, Specific Learning Difference and/or neurodiversity, we offer accessibility support throughout your journey with us. Registering with our Student Accessibility Team will ensure any relevant support is in place, even before you arrive. Preparing to Join Us
You can find out more about Campus Accessibility in our AccessAble guides, and 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 here.
Access Enhanced Support
We recognise that some students bring additional responsibilities or life experiences that can make getting started at university feel more challenging. We are committed to ensuring you have the support you need to succeed - whether you're under 18, caring for someone at home, have experience of being in care, are studying without family support, or are one of our Sanctuary Scholars, you'll have access to dedicated support, guidance and opportunities throughout your time at Northumbria.
Get digitally ready
You will use a number of systems, platforms and apps during your time at Northumbria, including Office.com - for emails and file storage - and Blackboard, your virtual learning environment. You will use your Northumbria username and password to login to most systems - you can these details find in your enrolment email. You should also download the following apps before you arrive:
- DUO Multi-factor authentication - for an extra layer of digital security.
- SafeZone App - which connects you to our security services when you need help.
- NU Connect App - to view your timetable and more on the go.
Understand your Tuition Fees
Undergraduate Students
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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 your Student Portal.
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. You can see Tuition Fees for 2026/27 in your Student Portal, along with guidance on Making a Payment.
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. You can see Tuition Fees for 2026/27 in your Student Portal, along with guidance on Making a Payment.
Once you have enrolled, please allow up to 48 hours for your University accounts and systems to become active. You can then:
Access your programme and induction timetable
Your timetable can be accessed online and will include details of you programme induction sessions and teaching schedule for the semester ahead. Please allow up to 48 hours after receiving your confirmation of enrolment for your timetable to display. See our guidance for more information including helpful instructional videos and tips on finding your way around campus.
Collect your Student Smartcard
You will use your Smartcard daily to access buildings, register your attendance and for access to buildings. It is also your Student ID, Library card and Students' Union membership card so it's important to keep it with you at all times. You can arrange to collect your Smartcard from campus after you have enrolled - please allow up to 48 hours after receiving your confirmation of enrolment email.
Attend Welcome Week
We have a range of events and activities to welcome you to Northumbria and help you to settle in. It's important to attend your programme induction sessions - which you can find on your timetable - and we have details all of the fun Freshers', Sports and other welcome events here in your Student Portal.
Register with a GP
We recommend that all students register with a local doctor's surgery so that you can access healthcare during your time at University.
Open a bank account
Opening a bank account is something many new students want to do. If you are an international student, you may want to open a UK bank account and if you are a UK student, you may be interested in the specific benefits offered by a student account.
Know how to Ask4Help
Ask4Help is Northumbria's frontline student support service, here to provide advice and guidance on all aspect's of student life. You can contact Ask4Help:
- Online via Ask4Help Online on your Student Portal
- By telephone on +44 (0)191 227 4646
- In person at Student Central locations at City Campus Library and Coach Lane Library
Watch our short video to find out more:
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:
Page last updated 22/07/26
