International students
If you are thinking about joining us here at Newcastle, you may be interested in our Global Scholarships .
How to prepare for life at Newcastle
We understand that moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our goal is to make your transition as smooth as possible by providing clear information, friendly support, and all the resources you need to feel confident and prepared from day one.
Our Student Welcome webpages are your complete guide to joining Newcastle University. Work through each section to find out what you need to do before you arrive, when you arrive and during your first few weeks. Look out for steps especially for international students!
Explore the additional resources and support below to help you settle in, succeed and thrive during your time at Newcastle as an international student.
Step 1: Things to do pre-arrival
- Work through the Student Welcome webpages
- Understand the University’s English language requirements
- Read information on Visa Support
- Contact the University International Office with any queries
For parents: Review 'A guide for parents of international students'
Top tip:
You must be on campus before you can open a bank account so ensure you have enough British currency (GBP) to last the first 2 - 4 weeks after arrival.
Step 2: Getting ready to arrive
- Check out our resources and advice on Understanding Academic Culture in the UK
- Read about Healthcare for International Students
- Check out and get tickets for upcoming Students' Union Events
- Complete the ‘Managing Your Wellbeing When Studying in the UK’ course
Top tip:
Keep checking your emails for important information about your arrival, Welcome Week and starting your studies. You may find it useful to bookmark important links such as the Student Portal.
Step 3: What to bring and not to bring
- Find out everything you need to know about moving into Newcastle University Accommodation
- Explore accommodation essentials
- Find out what top 10 items have been recommended by our previous students for a first-year university packing list
Top tip:
If you require any prescription medication:
- Research in advance to find out if your medication is available in the UK (because some are not)
- Bring one month's supply with you to cover you while you get registered with a GP
Step 4: Travelling to Newcastle
- For students arriving to Newcastle Airport between 9 and 11 September 2025: Find out about our Airport Meet and Greet for international students
- For students arriving to other UK airports or Newcastle Airport outside the dates above: Check out our pages on travelling to your accommodation to help you plan your journey
- Read our Moving In pages to find out everything you need to know about moving into your new home, including collecting your keys from University accommodation
- Check out our blog on travelling to Newcastle
Top tip:
Weather in the North East of England can be unpredictable - we recommend arriving with some warm clothing.
Step 5: Arriving at Newcastle University
- Complete a right to study check
- Open a bank account
Top tip:
Stop by the King’s Gate building to explore our new student hub.
Step 6: Welcome events & induction
- Come and join one of our International Welcome events
- Find out more about School inductions
Top tip:
Try to participate in as many welcome events as possible - they are a great way to ease into life at Newcastle and start building a sense of community.
Step 7: Settling in and getting around
Making friends
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, and it's completely normal to worry about making new friends, but you're not alone. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet new people, and some of them might become lifelong friends. We’ve put together some of our favourite tips and resources to help you get started.
- Check out Top tips for making friends at university, written by Estrella, a Journalism, Media and Culture student
- Check out our blog International student societies: how to make friends at university
- Join a student society
- Find out about INSOC, the International society
- Check out and get tickets for Students' Union events
Register with a Doctor
It's important to register with a local doctor when you arrive at university so you can access medical advice if you need it. Do this as soon as possible when you arrive as the registration process can take a while.
Safety
While Newcastle is known to be a very safe city, if you require urgent help contact the emergency services by dialling 999.
Systems are also in place to ensure students feel secure and comfortable in the University halls of residence. Estate Security Officers patrol our campus 24/7 and we also encourage all students to download and ‘check in’ to the SafeZone app whilst on campus. This is a free app that connects you directly to the University security team if you need help.
Finding a job
Many of our students work during their studies, if you are thinking of getting a job while you are here you can look at the following resources.
- Read about our Careers Service for international students
- Check out our blog, 5 top tips to find a job as an international student in the UK
- Check out online resources, like Student Circus and GoinGlobal
Wellbeing
The Student Health and Wellbeing Services are here to help you maximise your potential whilst studying. They offer support, information, and guidance on a wide range of topics free to current students.
- Find out about School Based Wellbeing Support
- Find out about University Student Wellbeing
Wellbeing
The Student Health and Wellbeing Services are here to help you maximise your potential whilst studying. They offer support, information, and guidance on a wide range of topics free to current students.
- Find out about School Based Wellbeing Support
- Find out about University Student Wellbeing
Feel like a local
The North East of England is a region rich in history and diversity, featuring World Heritage Sites, unspoilt nature, coastal towns, and castles – all easily accessible from Newcastle. The local people, known as Geordies, are known for their friendliness which is often noted by our students.
- Check out our blog, Geordie Dictionary: Your Beginner's Guide to Newcastle Slang
- Check out our blog, 10 things you should know about studying in Newcastle
- Check out Get Into Newcastle, your guide to everything going on in Newcastle city centre
- Check out Navigating Newcastle, written by Allison, a Marketing & Management student
Step 8: Academic Skills
- Explore our Academic Skills Collections
- Find out about In-Sessional English Language support (English support focusing on academic reading and writing, presentation skills, academic language and grammar)
