Student support
For truly successful study, you not only need a high-quality study programme, but also a support network that ensures you can focus on your studies and enjoy student life.
Supporting your application
Your first point of contact with INTO Newcastle University is likely to be with one of INTO’s representatives in your home country. Our agents recognise the importance of the choices you are making and are well informed about our programmes and the University. They will gladly answer any questions and assist you with your application.
In addition, our team of regional managers provide additional support for our overseas representatives, and regularly attend overseas education exhibitions and events. Representatives from the Centre and the International Office at Newcastle University regularly travel overseas, providing you with an opportunity to discuss face-to-face your study plan with someone from the institution. Find out how you can meet us in your home country here.
Prior to your arrival
Pre-departure guide
In the link on the right hand side of this page you can download a pre-depature guide, which will also be sent to you with your course confirmation documents. The guide also includes information to help you adapt to living and studying in another culture. If you are concerned about what to bring with you and how to overcome culture shock then you can watch Putri and Irina's video in the left hand column of this page.
For students arriving at Newcastle International Airport, at a small additional charge, we offer an airport pick-up service from the airport to your accommodation. If you want to make use of this service you will need to provide the student services team with your full flight details at least two weeks in advance of your arrival date. If you are under 18 this service is compulsory.
Your arrival
When should I arrive?
You must normally arrange to arrive in Newcastle on the weekend before the first day of your course. You should inform INTO of your date of arrival and travel arrangements at least two weeks in advance of the arrival date so we can advise either the senior residents in University accommodation, or your host family, of when to expect you.
If you have applied for the Pre-Sessional English course you must arange to arrive in Newcastle on the Wednesday before the start date of your course.
Orientation programme
On arrival, a comprehensive orientation programme is provided to welcome you and introduce you to studying at the INTO Centre and living in Newcastle. It is important that you attend the orientation programme. The programme includes a formal academic induction, a tour of the University campus including the library, the Students’ Union (Union Society) and the Sports Centre, as well as an introduction to the city centre so that you can find out about the local transport systems and where to find the best places to shop. Check out a video of this years welcome week in the left hand column.
Student Services - 24 hours a day
We aim to ensure you feel as happy and confident during your studies as possible. Should you need to discus any aspect of student life, the University’s student services team are always on hand to help, and can provide guidance on issues such as how to open a UK bank account, managing your finances, and finding places to practise your faith.
Welfare Officer
There is also a dedicated welfare officer at the Centre to offer practical information, advice and guidance on any personal issue that may be affecting your studies. You can either make an appointment with the welfare officer or go along to one of the regular dropin sessions held at the student residences. No matter how large or small your problem may be, there is always someone available to help and advise. See a video from our Welfare Officer in the left hand column.
Senior residents also live in INTO halls of residence, providing you with additional support outside University office hours.
Language Counsellors
If you require translation support you can also arrange to see one of our arabic or mandarin language advisors. See a video from our Language Counsellors in the left hand column.
Student attendance monitoring
Good attendance is key to success. INTO Newcastle University expects all students to attend all academic sessions. Student attendance is monitored carefully and where attendance is not satisfactory, our student progress team will provide additional support to ensure that you can succeed in your studies. The Centre has an additional obligation to report to the UK Border Agency (UKBA) any changes that may affect the terms of an international student’s visa, including an international student absence from the programme.
Students who are under the age of 18
Before INTO can accept a student under 18 years of age, parents must sign a consent form authorising nominated INTO staff to act in loco parentis (on behalf of the parent) in the case of an emergency. Parents are also required to complete a medical information form. Relevant forms will be sent to parents and the student with the confirmation documents. No student will be accepted at the INTO centre without these forms having been completed, signed and returned to INTO before the start of the course.
INTO recommends that parents appoint a UK-based guardian for international students under 18. If parents are making their own arrangements for either Guardianship services or a friend or family member in the UK to act as guardian to the student, evidence of these guardianship arrangements must be supplied to INTO before the course starts.
Social Programme
Whilst the main reason for coming to Newcastle is to study, in our experience involvement in non-academic activities will help you adjust to life in the UK and allow you to develop a network of friends to make your stay more enjoyable. Check out our full range of activities and events here
Visa and immigration support
Once you arrive at the Centre, the student services team, in conjunction with the University’s Visa and Immigration Officer, will provide information, support and guidance on renewing your student visa. Visa workshops will be held throughout the year and individual appointments will be made available for you should you require any specific advice. Click here for more information on the Newcastle University visa team.
Support for students with disabilities
A confidential service for students is available offering advice and information covering a range of disabilities including dyslexia, sensory impairments, mobility and medical conditions. For further details please contact the INTO student services team.