Finding your way
On campus
It's easy to walk around our Middlesbrough campus. Check out our virtual campus tour which shows you around and points out the buildings.
You can also view our campus map to help you find your way.
To your classroom
You can access your timetable on MyTU. Your timetable has details on the times, dates and locations of your teaching sessions.
The room location detailed in your timetable follows the format of building prefix, floor level, room number. They are linked together:
The building name code consists of one, two or three letters. These letters are the first letters of the building name or letters associated with that building. You can find the building room code on the campus map, but if you are still unsure, use the room finder tool.
Please note, ground level is defined as 0 (or sometimes G), above ground level rooms are positive numbers and below ground level rooms are negative numbers.
Top tip
During Welcome Week, look out for our student ambassadors in blue T-shirts or hoodies - they can help you with directions or any questions.
Around Middlesbrough and the North East
For many of you, Middlesbrough will become home. Find out more about the area, from exploring the outdoors, to shopping, restaurants, museums and more. To find your way around the area, Tees Valley Travel has bus and train travel information, including timetables, maps and ticketing.
Making friends
Most students want to make new friends when they start University, but feel nervous about chatting to people they don't know. There are lots of ways to meet new people. Check out this video for more tips.
In your accommodation
Accommodation is a great place to meet new people. When you move in, think about keeping your door open or spend time in communal areas. Find out more at our settling in to accommodation section below.
On your course
Classes are a great way to make friends. Sit near to people in your lectures and seminars so you can start chatting. Think about setting up study and WhatsApp groups with your course mates - talk about work and deadlines and support each other.
Attend Welcome Week events
There's lots of events and activities taking place during the first couple of weeks of term and everyone is new to the University and looking to make friends. Keep checking the University and Students' Union websites for what's on.
Join a society
No matter what you're interested in, find a society to join. You can:
- find people who have the same interests and passions as you
- settle into University life
- develop new transferable skills
- improve your employability
- meet and connect with a diverse range of people.
They are fun and free, and if you can't find one that suits you, start your own.
Get active
We've got a great range of sports facilities, with a first-class gym and fitness classes. It isn't expensive to join and you'll get to meet new people.
Sports clubs
If you're interested in playing your favourite sport, trying something new, or just meeting new people, you can join one of the many sports clubs at Teesside. From basketball to judo, there's something for everyone.
Gain experience
Become a School or Course Rep. Gather students' feedback and voice it to the University. If you're looking to make a difference, gain invaluable skills, meet people and learn something new, this is the role for you.
Student ambassador
Join our team of inspirational student ambassadors. Actively promote higher education at Teesside University, on and off campus, and get paid for your efforts.
Volunteering and work experience
Engage in volunteering activities in the local community or University-led volunteering programmes through. Volun-tees. Explore job opportunities with Unitemps - it's a great way to mix and network, and make friends.
Top tips
Make the first move
Be brave by talking to people. Most people want to talk and will appreciate you striking up a conversation.
Say yes
Try new experiences by saying yes to opportunities to meet people and develop a variety of friendship groups.
Don't put pressure on yourself
You won't be close friends with everyone you meet. Don't worry if you haven't made a friendship group in the first few weeks - sometimes it takes time.
Spend time with different people
Don't limit yourself to one group of people - spend time with different people to develop a varied friendship group.
Smile and be kind
Be welcoming and friendly and people will want to talk to you.
Try new experiences
From volunteering to joining a club or society, there are a range of opportunities to get involved in. Trying something new helps you make friends and can also enhance your skills and CV while having fun. Look for academic opportunities, such as work experience, studying abroad or becoming a Course or School Rep.
Visit the Language Café
The Language Café offers a fun and interactive way to practice, improve, and expand your language skills, gaining cultural insights, and connecting with students from diverse backgrounds who share an interest in language learning. Meet home and international students, take part in social activities and events, make new friends, and engage in real-life conversations in a casual, relaxed, and enjoyable manner.
Get to know people
It can be hard getting to know new people, but most people feel nervous. There are lots of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. The friends you make will form part of your social and support network and you might meet people who are friends for life.
Look after yourself
Look after your physical, emotional and mental health. Geo your student journey. The Student Minds guide includes useful information to help you stay safe and well at University.
Settling into accommodation
We want you to feel at home in your student accommodation, but understand that it can feel daunting moving away from home. You might feel nervous, but everyone is feeling the same way. Our tips can help you settle into your new accommodation.
Before you arrive
When you sign up to University accommodation, we'll invite you to join your accommodation Facebook page. It's a great way of connecting with other students, so when you get here you've already started to build links with people.
Make your room feel like home
Personalising your space can really help you to settle in. Decorate your room with lights, pillows and throws to make it feel cosy. Add touches such as pictures and posters to make it feel like your own
Meet your housemates
Introduce yourself, share a snack together, organise a movie night or just relax and listen to some music. Invite them to help you discover Welcome Week, explore the campus and Middlesbrough. This helps to build relationships with your housemates, but don't worry if they don't become your closest friends. There are lots of opportunities to make friends at University, such as with neighbours, course mates or by joining a club or society. Check out our Making friends section for more tips on building new relationships.
Explore the area
Getting to know the campus and local area helps you settle in and feel connected to your new home. Our campus and Middlesbrough are within walking distance, so make time to explore the area. Get to know where your lectures are, as well as the nearest supermarket, local cafes, galleries and shops. Once you feel more settled, Middlesbrough train and bus stations have great links across the North East. For beach lovers, visit Saltburn, and if you love history, explore Preston Hall or Dorman Museum, maybe take a visit to York. For retail therapy, visit Newcastle or Leeds, but if you prefer the great outdoors, Roseberry Topping and the Yorkshire Moors are great places to stretch your legs.
House rules and cleaning
Chat with your housemates about general house rules and cleaning communal areas as soon as possible. Agreeing rules and putting together a communal area cleaning rota will help. This might feel like a difficult conversation when you are getting to know people, but it's helpful so everyone knows what's expected and to prevent any tension.
Be considerate
For most people moving into student accommodation, it is their first experience living away from home and they might be feeling nervous, so be friendly and considerate and look out for each other. Living with new people can be challenging, so be prepared to negotiate and compromise.
Ask for help
If you are struggling to settle in, there is plenty of support available. The Accommodation team can help and the student wardens and security are available on evenings and weekends to offer support. If you're not living in University accommodation but need support, you can contact the Students' Union or Student Welfare for guidance.
Feeling homesick is normal
Feeling homesick isn't nice, but it is normal. For most people, these feelings only last a couple of weeks and get better over time. However, if things aren't getting better or you feel overwhelmed, please ask for help. The University has Welfare and Counselling teams and a 24 hour helpline where you can speak to a counsellor or advisor for help.
Still finding it hard to settle in?
Find out more about your options and the support available at our Circle of Support section.
Can't find what you're looking for?
