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. If you do not receive your invitation, please contact Applicant Services.
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.
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 (coming soon).
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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. See the 'When You Arrive' tab for information on making a payment.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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 Your Support at Northumbria 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.
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 and enrolment letter, and it vital to arrive to arrive on campus in time to take part in your Welcome Week 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?
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).
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.
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.
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 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:
Once you are fully enrolled (please allow up to 48 hours for this) you can access your timetable at:
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 if you are navigating campus for the first time.
Important Note: If you cannot view your timetable by Monday 22 September, please contact Ask4Help either via your Student Portal or on campus.
Please see the Accessing your teaching timetable article on your Student Portal for more information and full guidance.
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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.
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.
There are lots of events and activities taking place across campus to help you get started at University:
Whether you are moving into your student accommodation before Welcome Week, or you are a commuter student and want to test out your journey to campus, we have a range of smaller-scale events for you to take part in:
Daily Students' Union activities: Enjoy a range of events including petting farms, wellbeing drop-ins and movie nights.
During Welcome Week there will be a range of both mandatory and extra-curricular activities:
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 in your Student Portal for guidance.
At Northumbria, your success is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Come along to your timetabled slot or drop in at a time that suits you to discover the wide range of support available:
Come along, ask questions, and discover how we can help you thrive!
Your two-day Freshers Fair is all about helping you connect with the Students’ Union, community organisations and local support networks. You will find helpful resources, guidance, and plenty of opportunities to discover what is happening outside of academic life. See more about Freshers Week on the NSU Website.
Your one-stop-shop for everything sport and fitness - join us to find our about our gym, sports clubs, facilities, free Just Play programme, Intramural Sport Leagues, volunteering opportunities and much, much more.
Discover over 100 societies - from arts and culture, music, dancing and film to gaming, climbing, ice skating and everything in between. Meet like-minded students, sign up or find out how to set up a society of your own! There will also be the chance to find out about a wide range of volunteering opportunities.
A chance for our students studying at Coach Lane Campus to discover over 100 societies and find out more about Northumbria Students' Union and everything it has to offer.
If so, head over to City Campus to enjoy events and activities happening throughout Welcome Week. You can travel between campuses 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 too.
Your safety is our priority. We have a dedicated 24-hour security team and 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.
Delivered in partnership with Northumbria Police, these sessions are all about how to keep yourself, and your belongings, safe on and off campus. The sessions are only an hour long and will give you a chance to hear about things like our SafeZone app and other helpful initiatives like our free bike security tagging scheme.
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, please see the Registering with a GP article in your Student Portal.
It is also important to take care of your money and finances while at University. We recommend that all students open a student bank account - see the Opening a bank account article on your Student Portal for more information.
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:
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.
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 Semester 1 of 2025:
Big Week of Sport / Squad selections - 27th September - 5th October (link coming soon!)
Just Play begins - 6th October, free sports activities
Intramural Leagues begin: 15th October, student-only leagues
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!
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!
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.
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. Our next part-time jobs fair takes place on Tuesday 30 September in Doman, Students' Union, City Campus - visit the Careers and Employment section of your Student Portal for more information.
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:
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.
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 are studying on one of the following programmes or routes, please follow the links below for tailored induction information.
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