Welcome to Northumbria!
Meet your fellow students and University staff during our Welcome Week events and activities.
See below for details!
Be Part Of It
Get involved in our Northumbria exclusive events - meet new people, try new experiences!
Read More
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 enrolled in order to study at the University.
Full enrolment provides access to your Programme site and personal timetable as well as University IT systems and buildings. You are advised to complete enrolment as soon as possible and arrive by your course start date so that you can attend programme induction activities. Please expand the relevant section below for guidance. Incoming exchange students should enrol following guidance for Overseas students.
You can complete the full enrolment process online by logging on to your Student Portal, selecting 'Enrol' from the main menu and following the instructions.
You will need your username and password, which you should have already received by email, and have a digital passport-style photograph ready to upload for your University Smartcard. When you have completed this process successfully you will receive a confirmation email to your University email account. See Understanding the enrolment process in your Student Portal for full guidance.
If you require visa or immigration permissions to study in the UK, you must complete our two-step enrolment process before beginning your studies at Northumbria.
To begin your enrolment you will need your username and password, which you should have already received by email, and have a digital passport-style photograph ready to upload for your University Smartcard.
You then need to follow the steps below to complete your enrolment:
Step 1. Online Pre-Registration - Before you arrive in the UK
To pre-register, log in to your Student Portal, select 'Enrol' from the main menu, and follow the instructions provided.
Step 2. Visa Verification - After you arrive in the UK
If you are an incoming exchange student, you should upload a copy of your UK entry stamp or a copy of your boarding pass, plus a copy of your visitor visa to confirm that you have the correct visa type.
See Understanding the enrolment process in your Student Portal for full guidance.
Important:
Your enrolment will only be complete after you have pre-registered, and your visa documents have been verified. If you fail to enrol by your course enrolment deadline, your record will be closed. Please do not travel unless you can enter the UK by your course enrolment deadline.
Please expand the relevant section below:
If you are funded by Student Finance, please ensure 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.
If you are a self-funding student please ensure you pay the first instalment of your fees on or before you complete the enrolment task. You can do this via one of our online payment platforms.
If you are a self-funding student, please ensure you have paid the first instalment of your fees on or before you complete the enrolment task. You can do this via one of our online payment platforms.
If you are a sponsored student, you are required to submit a sponsorship letter at the start of each academic year. Please see the Payment of fees by a sponsor article on your Student Portal for full information. If you cannot access your Student Portal at this time, please submit an enquiry to us via this contact form.
Please expand the relevant section below:
If you are a self-funding student please ensure you have paid the first instalment of your fees on or before you complete the enrolment task. You can do this via one of our online payment platforms.
If you are a sponsored student, you are required to submit a sponsorship letter at the start of each academic year. Please see the Payment of fees by a sponsor article on your Student Portal for full information. If you cannot access your Student Portal at this time, please submit an enquiry to us via this contact form.
Non-fee paying incoming exchange students:
Please skip this step.
Fee-paying study abroad students: To pay your fees, please follow the relevant guidance above for self-funding or sponsored international students.
Further details can be found in our Incoming Exchange and Study Abroad Pages.
If you are unable to pay the first instalment of your fees at enrolment or if you have concerns about your ability to pay future instalment(s) please contact the Finance department via your Student Portal, where you can arrange to visit the Finance drop-in session and discuss your financial position.
If you cannot access your Student Portal at this time, please submit an enquiry to us via this contact form.
As well as logging in to computers on campus, you will use your IT account to login to systems including your Student Portal, Blackboard - Northumbria's online learning platform - and Microsoft 365 to access your emails and files.
Your Northumbria username and password can be found in your welcome email from Northumbria University Enrolment. Watch our short video for more information:
To access your account safely, you will also need to enrol with DUO, the multi-factor authentication software we use here at Northumbria - see below for details.
If you forget your username or password, you can contact IT Support.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) offers an extra layer of protection for your Northumbria account and the files and devices associated with it. At the point of logging in to your Northumbria account, a DUO prompt will be sent through to your personal device requesting that you approve the login attempt. Please see our Guide to enrolling with Duo and watch our short video below for an overview:
As well as the above, we offer a full IT Induction for Students including online sessions for new students (dates coming soon!).
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 Preparing to Join Us for more information and to register with the Student Accessibility Team, who can ensure any relevant support is in place before you get here.
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.
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 induction week activities.
If you are arriving to Newcastle from outside of the UK, plan your travel arrangements carefully and remember, it can take up to five days to have your visa information verified once you have uploaded it, so it's a good idea arrive ahead of your start date.
To help you find your way to campus when you first arrive, we offer a Meet and Greet airport transfer service for international students arriving into Newcastle Airport - read more and book your place now.
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.
Don't forget to confirm your accommodation and arrival date, whether that's 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 your Northumbria journey, 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?
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.
Once you have arrived in the UK, you should complete your enrolment by uploading your visa documentation to your Student Portal. This includes collecting and uploading your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and/or your e-visa share code.
Only when these documents have been verified will you be full enrolled. See the Enrolment article on your Student Portal for full information and guidance.
Incoming Exchange and Study Abroad students please see the article Understanding what to do with your Arrival and Departure Forms in Ask4Help Online on your Student Portal. There you can follow the guidance to submit your Attendance Form (Arrival) and Funding Forms (if applicable).
As well as your teaching schedule, your timetable includes details of your Programme Induction sessions. It is really important to attend your induction activities - this is where you will meet your programme team and fellow students, and how you will find your way around campus and all of the fantastic resources available to you.
You can access your timetable once you are fully enrolled (please allow up to 48 hours for this) via:
The NU Connect App has a GPS function that allows you to find your timetabled building based on your location - we highly recommend that new students download and use this.
Please see the Accessing your teaching timetable article on your Student Portal for more information and full guidance. You can also check out The Hub for student-to-student tips on being new to Northumbria.
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Your Student Smartcard is an essential part of getting started at Northumbria. You should arrange to 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.
For the majority of new students joining us in September 2024, welcome activities take place from Friday 20th September onwards. As well as your programme induction schedule - which you can find on your timetable - we have a number of central activities taking place to welcome you to Northumbria. Please note, some times and details are subject to change so keep checking this page!
This is the perfect time to get to know your Campus, the facilities and support available to you, get involved in social events - including Northumbria Students' Union's Freshers' Week - and lots, lots more.
All new International students are invited to join us for a Welcome Event and Tea Party to meet fellow students and hear from University staff, our support services and Students' Union. A social barbecue will follow from 6pm onwards.
We offer a warm welcome to all new students joining us! Make sure you come along to our main welcome event to hear from your Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students, and to meet support teams, your Students' Union, Northumbria Sport and of course, your fellow students. You are invited to attend on a Faculty basis at the following times:
Arts, Design and Social Sciences / Engineering & Environment: 12:00-13:00
Get ready for two days of freebies from local and national companies - make sure to stop by both days because some of the stalls will be different each day.
In partnership with Northumbria Police, these sessions are all about keeping you, 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, which connects you directly to the University security team, and other helpful initiatives like our free bike security tagging scheme.
No need to book, just turn up at one of the following sessions:
Meet representatives from over 100 SU societies - everything from sports, arts and culture, hobbies, faith, music and dance and everything in between - and learn about the range of volunteering opportunities and ways to get involved in your local community.
Find out about everything sport and physical activity available from Northumbria Sport - from fitness memberships and classes, to how to join any of our 75 sporting clubs, Just PLAY and Just TRY schemes, volunteering and internship opportunities and lots more!
Meet representatives from over 100 SU societies - everything from sports, arts and culture, hobbies, faith, music and dance and everything in between - and learn about the range of volunteering opportunities and ways to get involved in your local community.
Your chance to try out a range of sports and activities with taster sessions taking place throughout the week. Visit the Northumbria Sport website for more information.
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 Pack.
In partnership with Northumbria Police, these sessions are all about keeping you, 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, which connects you directly to the University security team, and other helpful initiatives like our free bike security tagging scheme.
No need to book, just turn up at one of the following sessions:
Taking care of your health and wellbeing is crucial while at University. One of the first steps to take after arriving in 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.
International students, including incoming exchange students: Once you have arrived in the UK you should register with a doctor as soon as possible. If you didn’t pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and obtain an IHS number as part of your visa application (for example, if you are in the UK on a visitor visa), you are strongly advised to take out private health insurance as visitors to the UK are required to pay for NHS medical treatment.
For more information and advice on how to do this, see the Registering with a doctor/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 - if you are joining us from overseas it's particularly important to think about a UK account.
Incoming exchange students: Depending on the length of time you plan to stay in the UK, you may consider opening a UK bank account to make it easier for you to make and receive payments. However, specific eligibility criteria may apply depending on the type of visa you hold and the individual bank’s policies - check with the bank for details.
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.
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. They can also support you to find volunteering opportunities, represent your course and get involved in the local community.
With exclusive discounts and offers for new students, Northumbria Sport has something for everyone. Find out more at the following;
By joining Northumbria, you are now part of a vibrant 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!
International Students' Welcome: We give a warm welcome to all students joining us from overseas. Get to know your fellow students and University staff at our International Welcome and Tea Party on Friday 20th September, 15:00 to 18:00 in Domain, Northumbria Students' Union, City Campus, followed by barbecue in the Quadrant.
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. 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:
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 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.
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).
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