Pre-arrival information: Welcome and orientation events
We realise that arriving in a new country and meeting new people can be confusing and stressful, as well as exciting. For each main intake we organise a comprehensive welcome and orientation programme for international students to help you make friends, settle in and feel at home before your classes start.
Here are details of events and services that were available for the January 2013 intake. Alternatively, you can view our summary of events to see the full schedule. Details of events we are planning and services that will be available for the September 2013 intake will be published shortly.
Airport pick-up service
We offer an airport pick-up service for students living in the local area to Kingston.
International Welcome Centre
We open our International Welcome Centre where students can go for help, advice and guidance. Here our students you can make a free phone call home, use the internet, meet other students and much more!
International enrolment
Enrolment is when you officially register on your course and is very important. International students enrol earlier than British students, so make sure you arrive in time for international enrolment.
Essential Welcome and Orientation Day
Our Essential Welcome and Orientation Day is designed to our new students with important information about Kingston University and living in Kingston, familiarise them with the surrounding area and help them make friends.
Adjusting to Learning and Teaching Techniques in the UK
Studying in the UK may be very different from your home country, so it’s important to know what to expect of your new learning environment and what is expected of you. This insightful seminar is the perfect introduction to study in the UK.
Social events
We organise lots of social events to help new students explore their new environment and make new friends before classes start.
Understanding Britain short course
Provide a context to your studies in Britain by learning all about Britain, its history, culture and much more. The course also includes exciting visits to the magnificent Royal Hampton Court Palace and the beautiful university city of Oxford.
Important dates for visiting students
Visiting students have a series of additional events during the welcome and orientation programme and also require some additional information.
Escorted police registration
A small percentage of international students are required to register with the police when they arrive in the UK, and we offer to accompany students to the Overseas Visitors Records Office to register on a set date. Check the registering with the police page for more details.
Welcome and orientation
Download the International Welcome and Orientation Guide (PDF) to find out about the events and services we offered to new international, European and visiting students in our January 2013 cohort.
See what to expect
Watch our video of a previous year's international welcome and orientation events to see what to expect when you arrive.
International Students House
Our international students automatically become members of ISH, a social and cultural club.
If you need help. . .
Our team of staff and student helpers will be wearing bright green t-shirts and happy to assist you.
Look for our 'green team' when you:
- arrive at the airport;
- get to the International Welcome Centre; or
- participate in any of our social events.
