International students
If you're an international student, it is important to think about issues such as immigration and passport control before you leave home. You can access some guidance below but please refer to the UK Border Agency website for full details.
Before you leave home
- What do I need to do about immigration?
If you want to come to the UK as a 'student', you need to apply for entry clearance before you leave your home country to travel to the UK. Read more.
You will also need to log into our online student information system (OSIS) to update your details, upload a copy of your passport and request your CAS (Certificate of Acceptance of Studies) number. Read more.
- What can I do to prepare for life in the UK?
Visit www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk for information about preparing for life in the UK – this interactive toolkit is designed to help you learn all about the UK, British culture and what to expect when you get here
- What do I need to remember when packing?
When packing your luggage, remember that the UK climate is very changeable. If you are packing for a whole year's stay you will need a good range of both warm and cool clothing.
If you are staying in university halls of residence, you won't need any furniture as the halls are fully furnished. However, you will need to either bring some bedding and kitchen essentials with you or buy them when you get here. Read more.
- How much cash will I need on arrival?
You will need some sterling cash for expenses during the first week – about £250 should be enough. We do not recommend bringing or carrying larger amounts of cash with you. Read more.
- Will I be able to work alongside my studies while I am in the UK?
Most international students are able to work during their studies. However, you must check the immigration stamp in your passport as the UK immigration authorities may impose some conditions about employment. Read more.
At the airport
- What happens at Passport Control?
There will be different queues for EEA and non-EEA nationals at Passport Control. You will need to have a number of different documents available to show the Immigration Officer. Read more.
- What happens at Customs?
There are three channels at Customs – Green (for persons with 'Nothing to Declare'); Red (for persons with 'Goods to Declare'); and Blue (for persons travelling from an EEA country where all their luggage has already been cleared by Customs). Read more.
- Do I need to register with the police?
A small number of international students need to register with the police within seven days of arriving in the UK. The stamp put into your passport by the immigration authorities will tell you if you need to register with the UK Police. Read more.
- How do I get to the University?
International students can use our free airport pick-up service, which ensures you are met at the airport when you arrive and taken to your accommodation in the local area. Read more.
What our students say
"London's combination of educational excellence and a lively social scene is hard to beat. I am totally immersed in the English language and am enjoying the vibrant cultural life. With students from 151 countries, it is a truly multicultural experience."
Drishty, Mobile Computing student
"Kingston upon Thames is a small, comfortable town where you can easily make friends. It has a variety of shops, restaurants and cafes, and also offers excellent nightlife for young people. It is situated by the river Thames so in the summer you can really enjoy the nice breeze and the fantastic scenery."
Ann-Mari, Psychology student
"My course is designed to meet professional and industry needs. The subjects taught are practical so that you gain skills that are relevant to the workplace. The variety of modules allows you the flexibility to tailor your learning to suit your individual requirements. I wish I had known how proactive you have to be and that there would be a lot of assignments."
Onwaree, Information Systems student
"The University provides extensive support in terms of academic advice and study materials. The library has a rich collection of textbooks and academic journals. The University regularly invites guest speakers to share their experience and knowledge with students. I have found these sessions very helpful and encouraging. I just wish I had known how enjoyable it would be to live and study here, and had come earlier!"
Anastasia, Marketing student
Don't forget to book...
- airport pick-up service – our free airport pickup service to welcome you to the UK;
- welcome and orientation day – designed to help you make friends and provide important information about your new home; and
- understanding Britain course – which provides a context to your studies in Britain.
Fnd out more about enrolment for international students.
Preparing for study
To make sure you're ready to study in the UK, we offer:
- Pre-sessional English courses – designed to help you start your academic studies with confidence; and
- International Foundation Year – to provide international students with an intensive path to degree study at the University
- International Year One – offering second-year advanced entry to a range of business-related degrees, designed for international students who are overqualified for a foundation programme, but need some preparation to meet the entry requirements.
Don't forget to visit the Prepare for Success website to learn more about the UK, British culture and what to expect when you get here.
Other useful links include: