The University's induction programs for new and returning students are currently communicated online through Canvas.

The section 'Sustainability on Campus' (seen in this excerpt from Canvas: Sustainability Student Induction 2020/2021) gives key messages to students about what the University is doing to tackle the climate crisis and enhance sustainability, and what students can do and what opportunities there are for them to get involved.

For 2021/2022 student induction, a new induction video was created as a University-funded student project, led by the Students' Union's Ethics & Environment Officer. This will be added to the Canvas induction program and can be seen on this webpage.

Traveling by walking or cycling is a great way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Thankfully, Newcastle is a compact city with amenities and entertainment within walking distance of campus. For longer journeys many students like to cycle, and we organise ‘Dr Bike’ sessions for free maintenance checks and minor bike repairs along with free security tagging with BikeRegister.

In terms of public transport, we have the Tyne & Wear metro here as well as an expansive bus network, both of which can be a sustainable transport choice to get you where you need to go.

Find out more about sustainable travel on our Travel pages.

Newcastle University produces lots of different types of waste, from everyday recyclables and food waste, to waste from labs such as glassware and chemicals. Last year, 2350 tonnes of waste were produced on campus (which is equivalent to 390 elephants!) so it is so important to reduce waste production where we can, and properly segregate what cannot be eliminated.

Avoiding single-use items, wherever possible, reduces pollution. Here in the UK, tap water is also safe to drink so instead of buying bottled drinking water, you can enjoy clean and tasty Northumbrian Water from our kitchen taps and water coolers.

For the waste you cannot avoid, we have separate bins for general waste and different recyclables, so please read the posters above the bins across campus and have a look at our A-Z of waste items so that you put your waste in the right bin.

Student voices are represented on the University’s Environment and Sustainability Committee by the President of the Students’ Union, the Ethics and Environment Representative, and the Postgraduate Representative. The University and Students’ Union collaborate on shared goals and we work closely with the Ethics & Environment Officer to support them with their role.

Within NUSU there is Go Volunteer, where loads of student volunteering activities are organised, many of which are environmentally focused. NUSU also has many societies to get involved with during your studies, and lots of these are sustainability-oriented.