We’re so excited to have you here!
Prepare for university
Now it’s time to get your admin organised!
Your admin essentials
Now it’s time to get your admin organised!
Make sure you’re ready for Day 1 by ticking off the following jobs. It won’t take too long, but it will set you up for a great start at university.
Student ID Card
Your Student ID Card is your passport to our libraries, computers, and travel concessions. Upload your photo online, and we’ll let you know when your card is ready to be picked up.
Academic Calendar
There are some important dates in the university calendar each year that you’ll need to be aware of.
Get familiar with the University’s key dates
Student Systems
You’ll use a few different online systems while you study with us. Getting familiar with them now will make your transition to uni much easier.
Learn more about your student systems
Glossary
You might come across some unfamiliar terms whilst at uni. Understanding these words will help you in your transition to university study.
Familiarise yourself with uni jargon
Free Software
As a University of Newcastle student, you now have access to free digital downloads of Microsoft Office 365, along with 5TB of storage.
Get your free software downloads
Campus Wi-Fi
You can connect to our wireless network within most buildings across our campuses, or you can enjoy the sunshine and connect in one of our many outdoor hotspots.
Find out more about the Wi-Fi on campus
Student policies and forms
The University has a range of different rules and policies that apply to both students and staff, including the Student Conduct Rule.
Understand the different rules and policies that apply to you
Sometimes you’ll need to fill out a form to access a university service. For example, this might be because you need to change your contact details, you want to apply for credit, or you would like to register for disability support.
Your campus
Now you’ve sorted out your admin, it’s time to get to know your new campus.
Our campuses are a wonderful mix of award-winning architecturally designed buildings, world-class infrastructure, and natural bushland. They are beautiful, but they can also be a little overwhelming at first. So, read ahead to find our tips on getting to know your campus.
Finding your way around
It’s normal to find campus a bit difficult to navigate when you first start so have a look at our interactive maps to get an idea of where your classes are located.
Parking and transport
Finding the best solution for travelling to and from campus is important, which is why we offer a range of options. Active travel, public transport, park and ride, ridesharing or driving – the choice is yours!
Have a look at your options for getting to campus
Places to study on campus
Our campuses are home to countless learning spaces – both for formal classes and lectures, and for informal catchups for group or individual study.
Get to know some of the study spaces available to you
Accommodation
If you’re looking for somewhere to live, we have something to suit you! We have on-campus residences at Callaghan and Ourimbah.
Find out about options for living on campus
Security Services
Our campuses and facilities are safe places to visit, study and work. However, everyone should be vigilant to keep them safe. Our Safety and Security Services team are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Get familiar with our Safety and Security Services team
There’s also a Security Night Shuttle service at Callaghan and Ourimbah campus or the Safety and Security Services team also provide an after service dark safe walk service.
Read about getting around campus at night
Student Kitchens
Providing filtered hot and cold water as well as access to free microwaves, you can find student kitchens at:
Callaghan campus: Shortland Building next to Shortland Student Central
Auchmuty Information Common (AIC)
Newcastle City Precinct: Level 1 of NUspace, towards the back of the building.
Ourimbah campus: Top floor of the library, at the lecture theatres and at classrooms south.
Retail outlets
We have a wide range of cafes, restaurants and bars across our Callaghan, Newcastle City precinct and Central Coast campuses. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot for a coffee or drink, or a place to catch up with friends for a bite to eat, we've got plenty of options for you.
Have a look at our food and beverage outlets
We also have a range of retail outlets on campus. If you can’t find what you need, all our campuses have convenient access to local shops.
We have three KU childcare centres at Newcastle campus at Callaghan and one at Central Coast campus. The KU Kooinda Work Based Childcare Centre at Newcastle campus is specifically for the children of staff and students.
Find out more about childcare centres on campus
We offer comfortable and private facilities at Newcastle (Callaghan and NUspace) and Central Coast campuses for breastfeeding, expressing, and storing milk, and nappy changing.
Callaghan Campus: Auchmuty Library L324 and Richardson Wing RW131
Newcastle City Campus: NUspace XG20
Central Coast Campus at Ourimbah: Information Resource Centre (Library) A239
Sydney Campus: ELI120
Prayer and reflection rooms
The University has reflection rooms at Newcastle campus (Callaghan) and University House, where all members of the University of Newcastle community may carry out prayer or meditation.
Male and female prayer rooms are also available at Newcastle campus (Callaghan) for Muslim students.
Find out more about prayer and reflection rooms
Printing and computing facilities
Computers are available for you to use at all Student Central locations, Information Commons, or the Library.
To print at uni, you’ll need to put credit on your student card online at OnePrint as printing is charged on a per page basis.
Check out computer and printing services available to you
Healthy campus
At the University of Newcastle's campuses, you'll find plenty of activities and facilities to keep you active and healthy.
Your support
Your time at the University of Newcastle can be one of the most rewarding periods of your life. It’s also a time when you will probably need support and advice, both academic and personal. Students who actively seek help during their studies are more likely to be successful– so it’s one of the smartest things you can do.
The AskUON team are here to help if you have any questions or need support, you can get in touch with them at AskUON.
Scholarships
The University of Newcastle offers a large number of scholarships each year to recognise academic excellence, help overcome financial hardship and educational disadvantage, recognise cultural and sporting excellence, support Indigenous students and more.
Personal support
We provide a range of free services, including consultations with a Wellbeing Advisor within a day or two, face to face and online counselling appointments, Online Drop In sessions via skype, after-hours phone support, and a range of resources to help students to improve their wellbeing and reach their academic potential.
If you are an international student, are from an Indigenous background, are a student with a disability or have specific health requirements, we have specialist staff and systems in place to ensure you are supported to succeed in your studies.
See what personal support is available to you:
Explore personal support options
AccessAbility
AccessAbility can provide you with support if you have a disability or medical condition whether it is permanent, fluctuating, or temporary. If you are the primary carer of someone with a disability or medical condition, AccessAbility can also help you.
Prep courses
Bridging and Refresher Courses are a fantastic way to prepare yourself for university. You can brush up on academic knowledge and skills in the weeks leading up to each semester by taking our free NUPrep courses.
Peer Mentors
Peer mentors are current and experienced students who can answer your questions and share their experiences with you. Visit the Peer Mentor page to connect with a mentor today!
Connect with a peer mentor to help you find your feet:
Financial wellbeing
If you are doing it tough financially – whether it be that you aren’t sure how you’ll afford your course or have the bills stacking up – there are a range of financial services to help keep you afloat.
Check out our resources for securing your financial wellbeing:
Learn more about financial support
IT Support
As a University of Newcastle student, you have free access to cutting-edge software and cloud storage. You can also connect with our suite of computer accounts.
If you have any IT trouble, the IT Service Desk is here to help. You can access support 24 hours a day.
Find out about your IT support options
Academic Learning Support
Academic skills such as researching, writing and critical reading are essential for university study, but can sometimes be challenging to develop. To help you with these skills, we have a team of Learning Advisors who offer free support services.
Find out more about the Academic Learning Support options available to you:
Explore Academic Learning Support options
Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
The PASS program gives you the opportunity to discuss course content, compare notes and review weekly material with other students in your courses. Sessions are run by students who have already completed the course and have achieved high marks.
Understand how Peer Assisted Study Sessions can help with your study:
Explore Peer Assisted Study Sessions
Library
No matter which campus you study at, you will have access to more than 1.3 million items including 380,000 books and eBooks and over 80,000 electronic journals. The library is great for solo or group study and learning to use the library is an essential skill, so get in early to familiarise yourself.
Get started with our library orientation online guide Explore the range of classes that the library offers
Your uni life
There’s so much more to university life than assignments and lectures. University offers you opportunities to make new friends, experience new things and develop new skills.
Clubs and Societies
One of the best ways to make new friends at uni is to join a club. There are over 80 registered clubs and societies, and if you see a gap that needs to be filled, you can always start a new club
Check out our clubs and societies
Events
A university campus is similar to a small village, with events and activities happening all the time. You will notice events across our campuses like art exhibitions, free BBQs, movies, live music, and performances spread over the campus in our bars and communal outdoor spaces all year.
Volunteering
Make new friends, gain valuable skills, and help your University by volunteering on campus! You can choose from a range of activities to get involved in.
Explore volunteering opportunities
The University of Newcastle Students’ Association (UNSA)
UNSA is a not-for-profit organisation that supports and represents students at The University of Newcastle.
UNSA holds regular events and also publishes Opus, the student magazine.
Check out what the University of Newcastle Students’ Association (UNSA) is up to:
Student Exchange
Studying overseas lets you experience another culture and prepares you to work and think globally. Whether it be a semester exchange, short course or an internship, there is an overseas experience out there to suit everyone.
Look at our Study Overseas options
Social Media
Student Central is your first point of call for all thing’s student related. Follow us on: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Your career
Do you want to work part time while you study? Perhaps you’d like help clarifying your long-term goals or connecting with employers. Careers have a service or resource to fit your needs and help you achieve your goals.
Find a job
No matter the type of role you’re looking for, the Careers Service can assist you in finding opportunities that align with your career goals, skills and experience. Access information and support to assist you with your job seeking, including CareerHub which is updated daily with vacant positions for students and graduates.
Explore your job opportunities
Apply for a job
A well-written job application, including a polished resume, can give you the edge in a competitive job market. Learn how to communicate your skills and experiences effectively and get feedback on your draft applications.
Access job application assistance
Get interview-ready
Making sure you are prepared when you meet an employer face-to-face at an interview, or networking opportunity, can help you persuade them that you have the right skills for their organisation and role. Practice and prepare for your next interview using our online tools or access on-on-one assistance.
Learn how to prepare for interviews
Gain experience outside the classroom
Statistics show that extra-curricular activities, transferable skills, and industry knowledge are must-haves when seeking employment. Explore programs and experiences designed to develop your skills outside the classroom.
Check out ways to build your employability
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.