As you gear up for your studies in the UK, it’s important to be thoroughly prepared before you arrive in the UK. Ideally, you should begin your preparations as soon as you receive your unconditional offer. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide for you, to ensure a seamless transition to your new life as an international student in the UK.
Step-by-step Preparation Guide for Your Move to the UK for University
Here are key actions to take from the time you accept your offer to the first day of your studies in the UK.
January to May
- Application Oversight: Regularly check your application portal and email inbox for any updates or correspondence relating to your application.
- Deposit Payment: Confirm your spot by paying the tuition fee deposit. This may vary across universities, so check with your university for more details.
- Securing Accommodation: Don’t miss the deadline for university housing applications or you can arrange private living quarters. Don’t leave this until the last minute as accommodation places get filled quickly.
Starting June
Visa and Immigration: Double-check your visa requirements and submit your application. Your university will provide detailed instructions on how to do this. If you need help, get in touch with your university.
Beginning August
- Enrolling Online: Get enrolled online starting mid-August (this may vary across universities, so check with your institution when you will gain access to online enrollment). If you’re coming from outside the UK, in-person enrolment takes place during orientation or the welcome/freshers week. For those funding their studies entirely by themselves, remember that half of your yearly tuition fees may be due at enrollment – check your university’s requirements if you are self-funding.
- See if your university has a specific orientation for international students: Reserve a spot on the international orientation programme if your university offers this.
Starting September
- Arranging Travel: Book your flight to the UK well in advance, to ensure timely arrival. Before your flight, familiarise yourself with what you are allowed to bring into the UK and what you are not allowed as there are some restrictions on food/drink. Remember, as the UK is a multicultural, diverse country, you will be able to buy many of your favourite foods/drinks from home here.
- Health Checks: Ensure you’re up to date with MMR and Men ACWY vaccinations. When you register for a GP in the UK you will be asked about these vaccinations. If you are studying a healthcare-related course, check if you are required to get a COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any medical conditions, ensure you have your medication ready.
- Pre-Arrival Reading: Go through all the information provided for new students. There may be guides specifically for international students.
- Budgeting: Plan your finances carefully, accounting for typical costs like weekly groceries, commuting to campus, clothing, additional course materials and utilities.
- Travel Plans to Campus: Organise how you’ll get from the airport to your university accommodation. You may wish to schedule an Uber or cab in advance. Alternatively, to save money, you may opt for a cheaper option such as a coach or public transport. Some universities also offer airport pick-ups, so check if your university offers this service. Carefully plan this out before you arrive as you may be tired upon arrival and will want to efficiently get to your final destination.
- Building Connections: Engage with fellow students and international students. Your university may have a portal to facilitate this. If not, connecting on social media is a good start. Keep an eye on updates from International Student Support on social media.
Disability Support
If you have any kind of disability (visible or non-visible), speak with the disability team at your university about how they can assist in your studies. They are there to support you with accessing the help you need to thrive in your studies. For example, if you need assistive technologies such as a screen reader they can help you access it. Even if you think you may have a learning difficulty or suspect you might have dyslexia for example, contact them as they can help you to get an assessment.
Document Organisation
Prepare a file with your passport, visa, original certificates, funding proof, CAS statement email, and acceptance letter. Keep these documents on hand preferably in your hand luggage for UK border control.
Financial Preparations
Make sure you have enough funds for initial expenses as setting up a UK bank account can take a couple of weeks. Remember, some universities operate without cash transactions, so a functional debit or credit card may be necessary. Check with your university in advance so that you can prepare accordingly
Wrapping Up
Embarking on your academic journey in the UK requires careful planning and preparation. This guide is designed to help you navigate the pre-arrival phase smoothly, setting you up for a successful and enjoyable university experience in the UK. Welcome aboard, and get ready for an exciting new chapter!
Featured image by Stanley Morales from Pexels
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