Preparing to Study
This section provides everything you need to help you get ready for studying and learning at Newcastle University.
Get ready to study
Studying at university may be very different from what you’re used to. At university, you’ll be expected to:
- Learn more independently
- Manage your time and responsibilities with greater freedom
These adjustments can be challenging, especially in your first year.
Our Get Ready to Study collection is designed to help you build essential academic skills. These resources were created in partnership with current students to support your transition to university learning.
Find out about induction
Your induction takes place at the beginning of term, usually during your first week.
Each School has its own schedule and format for induction activities.
You must attend your School’s induction activities.
You will also be required to complete the 2026 Newcastle University Induction.
You will receive a link to this online course during your School induction. It covers essential information to keep you safe and must be completed at the start of each academic year.
Key platforms at the University include:
- Student Portal: Manage your student life, including your timetable, library account and more.
- Canvas: Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) used across most programmes. Access course content, study materials, assessments, feedback and more. You can log in using your Newcastle University username and password once registered. Learn more about Canvas on our dedicated Canvas Orientation page.
- ReCap: Watch recorded lectures and videos.
Digital skills and safety
- Develop essential digital skills for studying and working in a digital world with the Academic Skills Kit.
- Learn about digital safety and information security from our IT Service.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
If you use AI tools during your studies, you must do so responsibly. Our Artificial Intelligence and Your Learning Guide explains how to responsibly engage with AI and maintain academic integrity.
What IT facilities do you have on campus?
With networked computers available throughout the campus and 24/7 study spaces accessible via smartcard, you’ll always have the tools you need to succeed. Our commitment to accessibility ensures we will supply sufficient networked device capacity so you can work efficiently whenever you need.
Our students benefit from fast, free WiFi across campus and a secure IT infrastructure that supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). When using your laptop, you’ll have access to docking stations, monitors, and other essential peripherals to create a productive workspace. The library also offers a laptop loan system.
Additionally, we provide access to essential software on-site, remotely, and many programs are available for installation on your personal device, including Microsoft Office 365.
Find out more about our outstanding IT facilities, support and services on our website.
What equipment do I need for my studies?
All students will need at least one device (a phone/smartphone, tablet or laptop / desktop PC) to approve security access requests via multifactor authentication (MFA). MFA is required for extra security when accessing services such as Microsoft 365 and the Windows Virtual Desktop. The minimum requirement for MFA is a UK mobile phone number.
To support your studies, the University has a large estate of networked computers . You should not need to provide your own device. However, many students find having their own laptop to be convenient when working on/off campus. Please see General specification below for laptop specifications should you be interested in purchasing one prior to studying with us. Equipment such as a headphones, keyboard, mouse, webcam or external screens aren't essential but could also help improve your comfort while studying.
Most assessment submissions are electronic, however there are occasions when you may need to print or photocopy. Every year students receive an allocation of free printing and photocopying credits and additional credits can be purchased if you use up your allowance.
General specification
Students who own a Windows or Apple device that meets the specification in the table below should be able to carry out standard tasks such as web browsing, note-taking, video calls, and using Office 365 without needing to rely on on-campus PCs. However, some schools may recommend higher specifications or additional equipment based on course-specific needs. If you believe your course may require a more powerful device, please contact your Degree Programme Director for guidance.
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Operating system |
Supplier supported version of Windows or MacOS (e.g. Windows 11 or macOS 15 Sequoia) |
|
Processor |
Intel Core i3, i5, AMD Ryzen 5 or similar |
|
RAM |
16GB (minimum recommended) |
|
Storage |
128 SSD (minimum), ideally 256 GB SSD |
|
Other |
Integrated webcam and microphone |
Note, we do not recommend Chromebooks or tablets (such as iPads, Android devices) as your main study device. These are suggested for use only as a companion device to take notes and to support in-class activities and field trips only.
If you require additional help in deciding the specification of a laptop, Lenovo’s website has a useful laptop buying guide that may aid your decision making.
Does the University offer any financial support to purchase IT equipment?
The following discount schemes are open to all Newcastle University students:
Student discounts on Dell products
The Dell Advantage scheme provides discounts to Newcastle University students across the Dell product range for personal purchases. Find out more about this scheme on our website.
Free and discounted software for students
The University’s IT Service (NUIT) purchases and manages a variety of software licenses in order to secure the best possible deals on behalf of the University. Visit their website to browse free and discounted software licences available as a student at Newcastle University.
The following scheme provides financial assistance to eligible Newcastle University students to support the purchase of IT and specialist equipment:
Funding for Disabled Students
If you're a UK student with a disability, you may be eligible to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). DSA can give you access to important support resources, including specialist equipment, such as a laptop if required. Find out more about the DSA fund.
Access Career Navigator
Whether you're looking for part-time work or planning your future career, the Career Navigator platform is a great place to start. It can help you:
- Explore the full range of services offered by the Careers Service
- Learn how to gain valuable experience while you study
- Understand the stages of the recruitment process
- Access tailored resources for international students
We recommend exploring this platform before you arrive.
Looking after your health and wellbeing
Disability support
Our Disability Service provides advice, guidance and support to students with a range of impairments, disabilities, health conditions, neurodiverse conditions such as autism and specific learning differences/difficulties.
If you have a disability or require additional support, please contact the Disability Team as soon as possible.
iNCLude app
The free iNCLude app is an essential guide for new students, designed to support your wellbeing. It offers tips on building positive habits, improving mental health and creating a daily routine.
You can:
- Connect with Charley, your digital wellness coach
- Explore podcasts featuring powerful CBT techniques
- Try journalling for self-discovery
- Track your progress and develop essential coping skills
- Stay informed about wellbeing events on campus
Managing your wellbeing when studying in the UK
For international students, we’ve partnered with the British Council to create the Managing Your Wellbeing When Studying in the UK course. It covers:
- Understanding British culture
- Finding support services
- Building resilience and thriving during your time in the UK
Vaccinations
What vaccinations should you have?
Before you go to university, you should ensure you’ve had the following vaccinations:
- 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) containing vaccines
- MenACWY vaccination, which protects against four meningococcal serogroups (A, C, W and Y) that can cause invasive meningococcal disease)
- HPV vaccination, which protects against cervical and certain other cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), as well as genital warts
- Td/IPV booster vaccination which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio
If you have any evidence of the vaccinations you have had in the past, like an International Vaccination Book, it is advisable to bring it with you when you register with a GP as this will help healthcare providers in the UK confirm whether you are up to date with vaccinations.
Limited time MenB vaccination - information for all students
Infectious diseases can spread easily in university communities. A new, time-limited MenB vaccine offer is available this year, for all those of school-leaving age, those aged under 25 starting at university for the first time, and those aged under 25 and starting further education for the first time who will be living in university accommodation or halls of residence this autumn.
Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) which can both lead to sepsis. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading.
In the UK, the vaccine that is being used to vaccinate young people as part of the time-limited offer is called Bexsero® (4CMenB). This is given as a two-dose course, with at least 28 days between each dose. You need both doses of the vaccination for protection.
Depending on which country you normally live in, you may find that another MenB vaccine called Trumenba® is used in your country. This can be given as a 2-dose course (to ensure protection these does must be given at least 6 months apart) or as a 3-dose course. As the Trumenba® vaccine is not being used in the UK programme, if you have received a Trumenba® vaccine, it is strongly recommended to complete your course before coming to the UK for protection. Whichever vaccine you have, it’s important to note the vaccine and the date you received it in your vaccination record, e.g., International Vaccination Book or vaccine record card.
If you are already in the UK, you can find out more information and how it’s being offered depending on where you are living, by visiting:
- MenB vaccination in England
- MenB vaccination in Wales
- MenB vaccination in Scotland
- MenB vaccination in Northern Ireland
It’s also important that you check you’re up to date with all vaccines recommended by the UK vaccination programme. For international students, talk to your doctor about any vaccinations that you may need to come to the UK. Ideally, you should have any vaccines you need before leaving for university so that you can build up protection before you arrive.
Meningitis has many causes. Vaccines can’t protect against all causes of meningitis and sepsis nor against all strains of meningococcal bacteria. So, it remains important to be aware of signs and symptoms, to keep checking on those who are unwell and to seek early medical help if you’re concerned about someone’s health as this can be lifesaving. Depending on where you are in the UK, information on what to look out for and what to do next can be found on the NHS. UK, NHS inform Scotland, NHS 111 Wales or NIdirect for Northern Ireland
Meningococcal ACWY vaccination
The MenACWY vaccine is offered to teenagers in school in the UK, but can be given up to your 25th birthday if it's been missed. It protects against four strains (A, C, W & Y) of meningococcal bacteria that can cause meningitis (dangerous inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning).
If you are already in the UK, you can find out more information and how the menACWY is offered depending on where you are living, by visiting:
Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination
The MMR vaccine helps protect against measles, mumps and rubella. Measles is very infectious, it can cause serious complications and, in rare cases, can be fatal. Measles can be more severe in young people and adults, often leading to hospital admissions.
The best way to protect yourself against measles is have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. It is never too late to get the vaccine if you didn’t have it when you were younger. There are no risks to your health if you get an extra dose.
If you are already in the UK, you can find out more information and how the MMR is offered depending on where you are living, by visiting:
HPV vaccination
All children from aged 12 to 13 in the UK are offered the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine. It protects against nine high risk strains of the HPV virus that can lead to some cancers, including cervical cancer, mouth cancer, head and neck cancer, and cancers of the male and female genitals; some types of HPV infection can also cause genital warts.
If you are already in the UK, you can find out more information and how the HPV vaccination is offered depending on where you are living, by visiting: