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Preparing for your studies

Studying at university may be a different learning experience than you’re used to. Whether you're an undergraduate or postgraduate student, it helps to know what to expect when you start your studies with us, and where to get help if you need it.

On this page you will find:

Your timetable and term dates

If you’re new to NTU it’s important you attend your course induction. It's also useful to familiarise yourself with your term dates and timetable. Access all of this information by clicking on the relevant buttons below.

Search for your course inductionTerm datesAccess your timetable

Your NTU online induction

Whilst your course teams and staff across the university are busily preparing for your course induction and NTU Welcome, our online induction is designed to get you started before you arrive and to help you to feel confident and reassured as you get ready to join us.

It will give you some of the more general knowledge that you need to settle into your studies comfortably, and on how and where to seek support any time you might need it.

You need to be registered to the MyNTU app to get your online induction.

How to access MyNTU

Learning environments

At university you will have the opportunity to learn and develop your skills in a variety of different learning environments.

Your course page will provide you with further details on how your specific course will be delivered, and how you will be assessed. You'll receive a full explanation about your course, and how you will be taught as part of your course induction.

Check what books and equipment you’ll need for your studies in your course induction information. You can always get hold of things when you’re here, but it’s a good idea to be prepared before you arrive.

If any significant changes are made to your course, you will receive an update by email. If you still have a specific question about your course, please get in touch with your subject administration team.

Here are some examples of the typical learning environments you'll experience during your time at NTU:

These are delivered by an academic and held in lecture theatres, classrooms, and online. They will introduce you to the main themes of your subject and give you a framework to structure your learning around.

These are smaller interactive sessions led by an academic, providing an opportunity for you to debate and discuss your learning in groups.

You’ll be expected to prepare for all your lectures and seminars. Your course leader may set up study groups, where you can also discuss notes and share ideas with friends.

If your course requires access to technical support and the use of specialist facilities such as laboratories and studio spaces, you will have access to these, and your timetable will be carefully managed to abide by social distancing guidelines.

This can vary from essays to portfolios and presentations. Your course tutors will give you essential advice on writing university-level coursework in your course induction.

You will be provided with opportunities to experience the professional world and gain insight into business practises and behaviours. Every course will continue to have work-like experience embedded within it. Our Employability team are here to support you every step the way. They can support you with:

  • Jobs and opportunities
  • Applications and interviews
  • Placements and work experience
  • You can attend events, like job fairs and skills workshops

Talk to them via their live chat on their dedicated employability website.

You may find that feedback at university-level is different to what you’ve experienced before, and it’ll almost always be given after you’ve handed in an assignment. You can contact your lecturers and tutors by email, or they may run office drop-in sessions if you’d prefer face-to-face feedback.

Here's some advice from our current students

 
What's your advice for students joining NTU?

Hear advice from current and past student about how to spend your first few weeks at university.

How to access your online learning environment

Most of your online learning will be in NOW (NTU’s Online Workspace) and Microsoft Teams. NOW can be accessed via a browser – we advise using Google Chrome. You can access a wide range of course materials, information and activities, as well as making submissions and accessing support. NOW is a crucial information source containing videos of lectures, articles, and a wide range of learning resources.

You can access NOW through the MyNTU app, but you need to register. Find out how to access MyNTU.

NOW also contains your NTU Student Dashboard, designed to help manage your transition into university-level study and keep track of your own progress. It’ll also show how engaged you are with your studies, relative to your coursemates. Your tutors have access to this information and may use it to offer support – particularly during any one-to-one meetings.

The best way to use Teams is via the app on a laptop or PC. If you use a mobile device or the browser version, some of the features of Teams may not work for you. You can access your live Teams classes via the Teams calendar. Each session will go live in Teams the day before it takes place giving our academic colleagues time to ensure the session is timely and appropriate.

Your IT essentials

We will provide you with a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 once you’ve enrolled. You’ll have an NTU email account, networked file storage and on-demand printing, plus a free printing and photocopying allowance at the beginning of each academic year.

Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Microsoft Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your NTU accounts (such as Office365 and MyNTU) by requiring two or more verification methods to prove your identity.

It’s more secure than just using a password and relies on two forms of authentication.

It works by using:

  • Something you know (password). The first factor is your usual password. You enter this as the first step in the login process.
  • Something you have (second factor). The second factor is something you have, like a phone.

After you enter your password, you need to verify your identity using one of these methods:

  • Text message. You receive a text message with a code that you need to enter.
  • Authenticator app. An app on your smartphone (like Microsoft Authenticator) generates a unique, time-sensitive code that you enter.

Step-by-step example of how it works:

  1. Login attempt – you try to log in to your Office365 account or MyNTU for example.
  2. Enter your NTU username and password – enter your NTU username (e.g., N1234567@my.ntu.ac.uk) and usual password.
  3. Receive a prompt for MFA – depending on your setup, you get a prompt to verify your identity through one of the multi-factor methods.
  4. Verify identity – you enter the code or confirm the prompt on your device.
  5. Access granted – once you successfully verify the multi-factor, you are granted access to your account.

This process ensures that even if someone gets hold of your password, the multi-factor process is required to access your account, making your information much more secure.

International students

If you are an international student and use an overseas telephone number to set up your account, and later change this to a UK number, you will still need access to the original international number to authenticate using MFA.

If you do not have access to your old phone number, please contact the Digital Technologies Service Desk team by emailing support@ntu.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)115 848 8500 and choosing option 2.

Need support with MFA?

If you have lost your phone or do not have access to your old phone number, or need any other kind of support with MFA, please contact the Digital Technologies Service Desk by emailing support@ntu.ac.uk or ringing +44 (0)115 848 8500 and choose option 2.

View our guide, including a Microsoft video, to learn more about setting up MFA here

Accessing NTU Wi-Fi

You’ll have free access to NTU Wi-Fi on all of our campuses. To access the Wi-Fi, simply scan for ntu-wifi and log in with your NTU number and password.

So that you can fully engage with teaching and other online opportunities, we recommend you have a personal laptop, or tablet, and internet access.

There are plenty of IT spaces available too, if you’re using one of the PCs on campus you’ll need your NTU Student ID and password. Keep this information safe – make sure that you don’t share it with anyone. If you need to get or reset your password you can do this via StudentHub.

If you’re using one of our PCs – whether you’re an NTU student or staff member – you’re bound by the University’s Computer Use Regulations.

 

Staying safe online

Students are often targeted with various cyber scams so it’s good to know how you can protect yourself online.

In most cases, if you understand the basic ways to protect yourself and your information, it will mean that you can safeguard your data and not fall victim to online financial fraud and identity scams.

Whether you’re on campus, at home, or out and about, we're here to show you how to protect your personal information and keep all your devices secure.

For more information, take a look at our Cybersecurity page.

Student mentors

Each student is assigned a Student Mentor. They play an important role in helping new students settle into life at NTU. They are typically second year, final-year, or postgraduate students who have studied the same course as you. You'll meet your Student Mentor as part of your induction.

Learn more about our Student Mentoring scheme

Support, and where you can find it

If you’re struggling with your studies – whether it’s an idea, or perhaps even a whole module – talk to your course leader and they’ll make sure you get the right help from the right people, at the right time. You’ll find contact details in your course information on the NTU Online Workspace (NOW), as well as in your course handbook.

If you feel that your issue is bigger than a single module – if you’re struggling to get to grips with the whole course, for example – contact your personal tutor, academic mentor, or the year tutor. It’s important to let them know what you’re struggling with (and why) as quickly as possible, so that we can help.

Your course administration team are here to provide advice and guidance throughout your time at NTU – from enrolment to submitting assignments, and from finding work experience opportunities to graduating.

All courses have the dedicated support of a course administrator who works closely with both teaching staff and students. They are your first point of call for all administrative matters – for example, notification of absence – and can also advise on withdrawal and course transfer, assessment deadlines, and other queries or concerns related to your studies. If you are unsure where to find information, your course administrator can point you in the right direction.

Our Libraries offer access to individual study spaces, books and printing facilities, plus a whole range of online services.

They can also direct you to eResources, academic skills and IT support. You can contact a staff member in the following ways:

Library OneSearch is your gateway to NTU Library’s eBooks, databases, eJournals, and much more.

Visit the ASK Hub in NOW for further online guidance on any of the following:

  • Finding and evaluating information
  • Academic writing and referencing
  • Technology and software
  • Maths and statistics
  • Study Skills

We also offer learning workshops, one-to-one mentoring sessions and bookable study spaces.

Visit the NTU Library website to find out more.

If you need our support, there are a number of ways that we can help you.

For general enquiries about the support we can provide, visit our Student Support Services page or contact the team on student.support@ntu.ac.uk or by calling +44 (0)115 848 6060.

If you're a Confetti student, you'll also have access to Confetti's very own Student Support Services Team. They provide a safe, discreet space for you to talk and work out the next steps in the support you need.

Confetti's Student Services team are based behind Confetti’s main reception and are open 8.30 am to 5 pm. You can also refer yourself by emailing studentservicesreferrals@confetti.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)115 952 2075.

Our international student support service can provide you with support on a range of issues including visas and regulations for working in the UK. They can also help you with language and study support.

Language support

Nottingham Institute of Languages and Intercultural Communication offers English language support to all international students on our degree programmes, and at no additional cost. At NTU we're committed to providing you with the best learning experience and to help you reach your full potential.

Our lecturers – who are experienced in teaching English for Academic Purposes – will work with you to improve your English language and study skills, and will also explain UK academic conventions related to your subject. You can attend classes to improve your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, or book individual tutorials with our staff.

Our sessions are aligned to your assignments, making it easier for you to understand how to communicate critically and with the appropriate academic tone. We work with your Course Leaders and Module Tutors to ensure our provision is tailored to your degree requirements.

We can help improve your study skills in the following:

  • Critical reading skills: helping you to explore academic texts more effectively.
  • Presentation and discussion skills: increase your fluency to contribute to academic discussion.
  • Listening skills: helping to make your lecturers and seminars more productive.
  • Academic writing skills: learn how to write what you mean in an accurate, academic way.

The Additional Learning Support Team at Confetti is committed to working with you in a person-centred way. Person-centred means that we will listen to what is important to you, (now and in the future). The team will look at what works and does not work for you. Their aim is to help you develop the skills that you need to progress and make the best of your potential as an independent learner.

We ask that you tell us what support needs you have.  We will treat this information confidentially and only share it with members of the Confetti team in support of your learning.

Find out more about additional learning support at Confetti.

Our Employability Team are here to help you throughout your time with us, and for up to three years after you graduate. They can support you with:

  • Jobs and opportunities
  • Applications and interviews
  • Placements and work experience
  • You can attend events, like job fairs and skills workshops

Find out more or talk to them via their live chat on their dedicated employability website.

If you have questions about your tuition fees or need advice on managing your money, our Student Financial Support service is available to help you.

You can get the best start in managing your student finances with one of our monthly Money Matters workshops. They give an overview of financial help available at NTU as well as budgeting tips and ways to maximise your income.

Find out more about the financial support available including NTU's support for the cost of living.

What is important to me is that I know there is support available if I need it, no matter if it is related to any of the modules or mental health.

Klara, BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation

Specific support for learning with a disability

We encourage you to tell us about your particular needs when you apply. This information helps us to make the right arrangements for you and provide the best possible support, so that your experience at NTU is a positive one.

Ideally, tell us about your specific needs on your UCAS application form or NTU application: you're not obliged to declare it, but if you choose not to, you may not be able to access our full range of support services.

As a student with a disability, you may be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). This can be used to supplement your student loan to cover the extra costs that might arise over the course of your studies, on account of a disability, health or learning condition.

Our support enables you to develop relevant skills and strategies over the course of your time at university, and to support you in achieving your full learning potential – while you’re studying here, and throughout your future career.

Our team run one-to-one advice sessions offering advice on:

  • Your support arrangements
  • Exam arrangements
  • Applying for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
  • Diagnostic evidence requirements
  • What to do if you think you may have a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia
  • How to access generic support within NTU, e.g. library study support
  • How to implement the reasonable adjustments recommended by your evidence (e.g. extra time in exams)

Please visit our dyslexia support page or call +44 (0)115 848 4120 for more information.

We can liaise with the University’s academic Schools, services and outside agencies, and help to coordinate any additional requirements you may have. We can also guide and support your applications for additional funding.

Our services include:

Visit our physical, sensory and long-term medical conditions page or call +44 (0)115 848 2085 for more information.

High levels of motivation, determination and enthusiasm are among the many qualities that we see in students with an autistic spectrum condition. We welcome early contact from all our prospective students so we can ensure that any support you may need is in place for the start of your course.

We offer a wide range of support for autistic students including:

  • Support with applying for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
  • Access statements and exam arrangements
  • Social activities, including a weekly lunch club
  • Transition support
  • Library support

Visit our autism support page or call +44 (0)115 848 2085 for more information

Not disclosed your support needs to us yet?

Tell us what support you need to help us get you the right support during your time at NTU.

Through lectures and seminars I have really grown to love the academic side of the course even though I am very dyslexic. The support has always been there for me from my tutors and University as a whole.

Kezia, BA (Hons) Photography

Additional advice for postgraduate students

If you're going straight into postgraduate study from your undergraduate degree, you may find the step up to be quite intuitive, as you’ll already have mastered learning independently and acclimatised to university life.

However, you may find the following helpful:

  • Most postgraduate courses are intensive, and some are studied part-time. This means that good time management skills and the ability to stay self-motivated are essential.
  • If you’re studying while holding a full-time job, or you have a family (or both), it's important that you’re disciplined about studying – and “little and often” might be your key to success.
  • You may find postgraduate study more demanding than undergraduate study, and you’ll need to demonstrate independent analytical and critical thinking, work through all the essential reading on your list, and engage with criticism and theories. Ask your tutors lots of questions and debate ideas with your peers – be inquisitive!

You’ll find the learning resources for your course in NOW (NTU Online Workspace), a virtual learning environment where you’ll find useful information such as timetables and reading lists.

Returning to academic studies can be a challenge if you’ve been away from university for a while, and it might help you to brush up on your essay and report-writing skills.

Find out more about postgraduate study at NTU.

Student Charter

As a student at NTU your expectations will be as high as your ambitions and we’re committed to delivering a high-quality student experience that meets – and looks to exceed – those expectations.

The NTU Student Charter, part of your Student Handbook, is available on StudentHub and sets out what you can expect from the University, and what the University expects from you in return.