Newcastle University Students’ Union has recently released a new official ‘NUSU’ app, available for students to download for free. The app can be found in the iOS App store and the Google Play Store for Androids. Features of the app include direct links to Courier articles, a ‘What’s On’ guide and a direct messaging service to other students. Within the ‘What’s On’ guide, there is a map function utilising Apple Maps and Google Maps to help lead you to the correct building for the activity or event. There are also useful help and support links, including Nightline and the Student Advice Centre, to increase students’ awareness of these important services.
Raff Marioni, President of the SU, explained some of the features of the app: “Essentially it’s the app for everything outside of your university timetable. It covers sports, news on campus, activities, student perks and you can listen to the Student Radio too. It’s a hub for students to be up to date and receive offers and info on important things outside of your course. It has all the exciting events happening at the Union and the student offers we’ve been working hard on to achieve in the city; you can get cheap food and cheap drinks around the city and offers from places like Tyneside Cinema and other interesting and exciting partners.”
One of the interesting features is the ability to livestream Newcastle Student Radio (NSR), even when the app is minimised, which will likely increase listeners of the radio shows. The app brings the SU up to date with student habits of mobile usage, and ties in with the website and existing guidance documents online. The university already has a Newcastle University app, which is useful for timetable viewing and checking how busy the libraries and computer clusters are. Both these apps are helpful tools for accessing information and support for all students.