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
The International Study Centre is open for you to begin your studies and start your journey to achieving your university and career ambitions. In order to create the safest possible learning environment, and whilst social distancing restrictions are in place, you will benefit from blended learning. You will also receive one-to-one support, giving you help and guidance every step of the way.
When you join us on campus, it is important that you are able to regularly attend your face-to-face classes. It is a UK visa requirement that you attend all face-to-face classes at the International Study Centre. To help with this, please ensure you choose accommodation which is within a 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. Your health and safety is important and we will observe social distancing guidelines at all times.
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
- International students over the age of 18 will have access to a COVID-19 vaccination, once they have arrived in the UK and are registered with the International Study Centre and National Health Service (NHS)
We will continue to monitor and review all the safety and wellbeing measures throughout the coming months.
While currently regulations allow us to offer a choice of study options, including joining us on campus for face-to-face teaching (usually as part of a blended learning approach which is a mixture of face-to-face and virtual teacher-led learning) we have planned for a number of scenarios should government regulations and requirements change at any stage meaning we can’t deliver courses on campus as intended.
Your experience, education, safety and welfare will always be our number one priority, and our centres already have additional health and safety measures in place, as well as experienced teachers and support staff - offering one to one support at every stage.
Should any social distancing restrictions be introduced, we would make all appropriate changes to the ISC, for example through the introduction of one-way systems and updated signage and rules in the centre. This would of, course, limit the amount of students we can accommodate for face-to-face teaching, so you may need to undertake more of you studies online during any period of social distancing. This will be clearly communicated to you by the ISC staff and our teaching and welfare teams will be there to fully support any transition of learning delivery you may have.
In the event restriction are introduced which means we are unable to deliver any face to face teaching for any period of time during you studies, you learning will be delivered completely online while this is the case. Delivered through a virtual learning environment, you'll remain part of an engaging international community online where you will experience different cultures and make new friends.
While we hope for no significant changes during your time with us, we have an experienced team who have dealt with these restrictions previously and will make sure you will experience the same level of exceptional, high-quality teaching regardless of whether you study virtually or face to face. Academic guidance, tutorial sessions, careers support and personal and welfare support is all available virtually from the same specialist staff. Where necessary you’ll be part of a community of students, connected through live classes, discussion groups, and online social events and activities where needed and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.
Pre-arrival information
Download and complete your pre-arrival form to make sure your arrival is as smooth as possible.
You can also visit Education UK, which is the British Council’s official website for international students. The website aims to:
- Show international students what a UK education offers
- Offer practical advice to help international students prepare for and enjoy their UK experience
If you have any questions then contact us, or your local agent will be happy to help you plan for your arrival in the UK.
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.
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?
Whether you start online or on campus, you’ll benefit from an Induction Week 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.* We recommend that you take a pre-booked taxi and avoid public transport, particularly if you need to quarantine. See safer travel guidance for passengers. *if you are from a red list country and are required to quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel, your quarantine package includes transport to your quarantine hotel. Once your quarantine period is over, we will help you to book a taxi to the Centre/your accommodation. |
| 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. |
| What if I start or enrol late on my course? | All students should attend their Induction Week, whether already at the Centre or in quarantine. |
| What happens during Induction Week? | Our Induction Week 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. If you are not required to quarantine, then some of the Induction Week activity 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. |
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