Newcastle University is set to welcome 2,500 international students coming from more than 100 countries this week.

The new international recruits, together with the current students, make up the University’s international body of 6,000 students and represent 110 nationalities. Collectively they contribute an estimated £127m to the North-East economy every year.  

The new arrivals will not have to wait long to experience the friendly nature of the region, thanks to a series of events intended to help them adapt to their new home. It is all part of Newcastle University’s International Welcome Week, which takes place from Tuesday 17 September to Friday 20 September.  

During the arrival period, a variety of social activities will encourage the students to meet new people, explore the city, and have fun during their first week away from home. The social events schedule of the Students’ Union features a visit to St. James’ Park, sightseeing tours on foot or bus, a film screening and quiz night.  

The social programme culminates with an official Welcome Reception at the Civic Centre on September 20 with some 500 students expected to attend. The event, which is themed ‘Best of British’, will include a performance by The King’s Men - a close harmony a capella group.

Professor Ella Ritchie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Newcastle University, said: “Newcastle University’s world-class reputation and academic excellence attracts the brightest students from around the globe, and we are delighted to welcome them to the North-East and our diverse international community. To help the international students make the most of their time here, the University works with the Students’ Union to put on a packed programme of events and activities throughout the year that will show them the best of the University and make them feel part of the city and the region.” 

Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination marketing and management organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Newcastle-Gateshead is famous as a friendly and welcoming place. It’s one of the many things that attract students and visitors alike to the destination, and why many of our students choose to stay on in the city after they graduate.”

The University will run the traditional meet and greet service at Newcastle International Airport, where staff and student volunteers will offer help with luggage, assist with forms and documents, and make sure students arrive safely at their accommodation.  A Mandarin speaker will be available to assist students arriving from China.

The point-of-entry shapes the important first impression of the city and region, and the majority of the incoming international students will have their first contact with the UK at Newcastle International Airport. Richard Knight, Operations Director, said: “September is always a busy time for the airport with the arrival of so many international students coming to study in the North East. Our aim is to be the most welcoming airport in the UK, and all our staff are keen to make sure that those arriving in the region get a great first – and lasting – impression of the region.”

The University is constantly ranked high in terms of student satisfaction, social life and employability. Latest results from the International Student Barometer (ISB) survey place Newcastle twelfth in the world in terms of the number of students who are so happy with their time at university they would recommend it to friends and family.

The city of Newcastle was voted the best place in the UK for social life and ranked number one student city in a student experience survey conducted in 2012.  

published on: 18 September 2013