The University of Newcastle, Australia

After a three-month break, the University of Newcastle has come alive today with thousands of students eager to return to their studies and more than 5,000 attending the Callaghan campus for the first time.

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services), Mr Trevor Gerdsen, said the first week of semester was an exciting time for the university community.

“Our students breathe life into the campus and create energy,” he said.

“For our new students, this is a fresh chapter in their lives.  It is a time of anticipation and excitement as they expand their horizons, broaden their thinking and enjoy new friendships with other students from more than 60 countries.”

Mr Gerdsen encouraged all students to take advantage of the extensive services available to help them during their time at university.

“We can help students personally with services including a fully accredited general practice, counselling and career advice, and we can help them academically with writing skills and learning development.

“At this busy time of year we are also helping our students familiarise themselves with ways to travel to and from the campus, and encouraging them to allow plenty of time to reach the university before their classes start.”

The university’s online transport information tool, On the Move, provides the latest information on buses and trains, cycle and walking paths, facilities for bike riders, parking cars on campus and the shuttle service, which transports students and staff from car parks to their destination on campus.

“We also have a carpooling system that matches students and staff with other travellers interested in saving time, money and reducing their carbon footprint, by sharing a ride to campus,” Mr Gerdsen said.

For more information:  Mr Trevor Gerdsen, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services), on 02 4921 7363.

Student support services: www.newcastle.edu.au/service/student-support/
On the Move:  www.newcastle.edu.au/onthemove