The university will hold its open days online next week, from September 6 to 8.

Students and their families can have their questions answered and chat to current students and academics to learn more about what to expect from uni.

"You will go fine and be fine. Go for it but give yourself a break. This is one small phase of a brilliant life ahead," University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor College of Human and Social Futures Professor John Fischetti said.

Professor Fischetti's top three pieces of advice to Year 12 students:

1. "The HSC is an important milestone, but it is not the 'be all end all' that many people make it. All options for your amazing futures are available after the HSC. Those may involve taking a slightly different path to enabling programs or to a degree that is related and through which you may apply to transfer into later on based on your success. Don't give up on your dream."

2. "These are unique times that none of us have experienced. The main thing is to take care of yourself and the people around you. Get outside every day for a walk, jog or bike ride. Eat well and get plenty of rest. The stress we all feel is real but we can moderate it through healthy practices."

3. "Reach out if you're not going well and reach out to friends. Build a support network around you that 'gets you'. We have to all breathe through this right now. And feeling connected to supportive friends and family is so crucial."

Professor Fischetti said learning from home was helping students develop 'future-focused skills', including the skills to deal with ambiguity, critical thinking and taking more ownership of their own learning journeys.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO, said the university is providing increased support for HSC students this year, including five ATAR "adjustment points" in recognition of the extraordinary challenges they have faced in education since the start of last year.

Students may be eligible for a range of adjustment points through various schemes, including the Educational Access Scheme, Year 12 Adjustment Points Scheme, Regional and Rural Adjustment Points Scheme and the Elite Athletes Admission Scheme.

As well, the university will offer the COVID points scheme, which will be applied automatically via the Universities Admission Centre to students who preference the University of Newcastle.

Open Days Online: Visit https://www.newcastle.edu.au/open-day

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