Joining us on campus
We're looking forward to welcoming you
We are really looking forward to welcoming you to the International Study Centre. When you join us on campus, you will benefit from a high-quality blended learning experience ensuring you get the best of both worlds: with some classes taking place face-to-face, and some activities taking place online.
Here to support you
From visa application through to booking accommodation, you’ll be fully supported by our dedicated team every step of the way. We’ll support you with:
- What to pack
- Planning for your arrival
- Visa
- Accommodation
- How to make the most of your time with us
Studying in Centre
When you join us on campus, it is important that you are able to regularly attend your face-to-face classes as this is a UK visa requirement. To help with this, please ensure you choose accommodation which is within one hour travel time of the International Study Centre.
You will learn through a mixture of as many live teacher-led classes as possible, as well as interactive activities and resources delivered in a virtual learning environment.
As some lessons will be taught online, you will need to have a PC or Mac based computer. If you do not have access to equipment, please let us know so that we can support you.
Computer
While it is possible to access and interact with most course content using various tablets and smartphones, such as iPads, iPhones and Android devices, these devices will not work for assessments and therefore it is important that you have a PC or Mac based computer available for use.
PC
- Any Microsoft Windows based PC (laptop or desktop, preferably running Windows 10)
- Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom
Mac
- Any Apple MacOS based laptop or desktop
- Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom
Internet Connection
Internet connectivity is required for access to all coursework. Internet connectivity could be in the form of a fixed line connection, 3G/4G/5G, wi-fi or other technologies.
Minimum: 600kbps download and 600kbps upload speed.
Recommended: at least 1.5Mbps download and 1.5Mbps upload speed.
A VLE is a virtual learning environment, the online hub for your programme. Here, you will find recorded lessons, collaboration tools, helpful materials, and more.
Assuring the safety and wellbeing of our student and staff communities, as well as providing a quality blended learning experience, is at the heart of all of our planning and decision-making. By listening to your feedback and by following guidance provided by the government, public health authorities and the University, we have put the following measures in place to help you feel confident ahead of arriving on campus:
- Risk assessments of all our International Study Centre buildings
- Hand sanitisers in all our International Study Centre spaces
- Face coverings are available to you
- Regular deep cleaning for all our buildings
We will continue to monitor and review all the safety and wellbeing measures throughout the coming months.
Important things to do before you arrive
Before starting your programme with us, there are six things you need to do.
View Fees to see what you need to pay to confirm your offer and to be issued with a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).
Most non-European Economic Area (EEA) nationals require a visa to study in the UK. Our Admissions Centre can advise you on this and issue the necessary documents, or you can find out if you need a UK visa on the UK Government website.
If you asked for accommodation when you applied, our Accommodation Team will be in touch. For those of you arranging your own accommodation, you need to let us know where you will be staying, before you arrive.
You may prefer to arrange your own accommodation. All accommodation must be within a 60-minute commutable distance from the Centre. Make sure that you have secured your accommodation before you book your travel to the UK.
When booking your travel, make sure you arrive before your first day, so you don’t miss our valuable induction programme. Accommodation with the International Study Centre is usually available two days before the start of term.
Before term starts we’ll email you and ask you to complete an online form. You will need to fill in your travel information and your visa details.
For more information about the transfer options and prices please visit the fees page.
You can view our most up-to-date COVID-19 guidance here.
It is essential all international students have the protection of personal insurance while studying in the UK. You can take out our StudyCare cover, or arrange your own.
In your first week, you will take part in orientation activities and get to know the people and places around you. These normally include tours, information talks, and team games. You will receive further information when your place at the International Study Centre is confirmed.
What will your first week be like?
When you join us on campus, you’ll benefit from an induction programme to help you settle in and make friends.
Frequently asked questions on joining us on campus
| Question | Answer |
| What facilities are available on campus? | Visit our student life pages to find out more about what to expect on campus. |
| What should I do if I need support when I arrive in the UK? | Once you confirm your place we will send you a link to our Welcome Hub which will have all the information you need ahead of your move to the UK, including emergency contact numbers. |
| Can I arrange a taxi from the airport? | We can arrange a pick-up from the airport. Once you have confirmed your place, you will receive a link to our Welcome Hub and your Pre-Registration form. You need to provide your details and can request a transfer via the form and book directly online. Visit fees to find out about the cost of a transfer. |
| What should I do if I am in the UK and I need health advice or welfare support? | If you show the symptoms of COVID-19 then you should follow official UK medical advice. You should also contact the International Study Centre for further information. View the government’s advice on what to do if you are displaying symptoms of the coronavirus. |
| What should I do if I am in the UK and need medical care? | If you are coming to the UK to study for 6 months or longer on a Student visa, you will be required to pay an immigration health surcharge as part of your visa application fee.
Not all treatments are covered by the NHS. For example; non-emergency dentistry, orthodontics, routine eye tests and prescriptions for medicines need to be paid for. If you are studying in the UK for less than 6 months on a short term study visa, you are not required to pay the health surcharge as part of your visa application and are therefore not eligible for full NHS support. In these circumstances, you are advised to take out medical insurance as you will be liable for NHS charges for the treatment you receive in the UK except for in a medical emergency. If you already have medical insurance in your home country, you may wish to check whether this can be extended to cover your stay in the UK. |
| When should I arrive? | You must arrive in the UK, on campus, by your programme start date, and be ready to attend your Induction programme on the first day of term. |
| What happens during the induction programme? | Our induction programme will introduce you to your Centre, our staff, and welfare and support services. You will also receive full guidance on maintaining your health and safety whilst studying in the UK. You will find out about your timetable, as well as important information about how we deliver your course through a mixture of classroom teaching and virtual learning There will also be events to help you get to know your fellow students. Some of the Induction activities may take place with our staff in the Centre, for example registration sessions for the Biometric Residence Permit. |
| How can I guard against fraud? | From time to time, scammers may specifically target international students by pretending to be the Police, Visa issuing authorities, education agents or other regulatory bodies. It is important to be able to recognise common signs of fraudulent activity and know what to do if you come across it. The best way to protect yourself from any kind of fraud is to protect your passwords, regularly update your devices with the most up to date security software and never share your bank details or transfer money to an account you don’t recognise. Make sure you tell a teacher or a member of student services team if you receive a suspicious message or phone call, or if you have any concerns about fraudulent activity. It is important that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can help to protect you and other international students in case they are targeted in the same way. |
Student visa
To study in the UK you will need a visa. Read about how to get a visa, when you should apply for one and how to prepare for a credibility interview.
Learn more about visas