Welcome and orientation: International Welcome Centre
Our International Welcome Centre has been created especially for you! At the Centre, you will have access to a variety of advice, information and services to help you in your first few days at Kingston.
You'll be able to:
- call home for free;
- meet other students and staff;
- use the internet for free;
- get visa and immigration advice;
- register for the escorted police registration;
- collect information about transport, bank accounts, registering with the Health Centre and much more;
- go on a tour of Kingston town centre or Penrhyn Road campus; and
- buy tickets for our social events.
When
- Monday 23 January, 8.30am–7.00pm
- Tuesday 24 January, 11.30am–6.00pm
Where
Penrhyn Road campus, John Galsworthy Building, first floor, 1005 (don't worry – we'll tell you where this is when you arrive)
Other reasons to visit…
Register with the Health Centre
- Monday 23 January, 1.00pm–4.00pm
- Tuesday 24 January, 11.30am–3.00pm
It's important to register with the university Health Centre and doctors soon after you arrive, in case of any illness or medical emergency. Staff from the Health Centre will be available at the International Welcome Centre to register new students.
Open a bank account
- Monday 23 January, 1.00pm–4.00pm
- Tuesday 24 January, 11.30am–3.00pm
This is one of the most important things you will need to do when you arrive (if you'll be here for more than six months). We will have representatives from local banks to talk to you about bank accounts and how to open one.
If you are interested in opening a bank account you will need:
- your passport;
- a university letter confirming your address at our halls of residence or proof of address in your home country (for example a bank statement); and
- a letter from the University confirming your place on your course.
There are many banks available in Kingston, but only a few will be at our International Welcome Centre. You are free to open an account with an alternative bank if you wish.
Meet the Careers and Employability team
- Monday 23 January, 1.00pm–4.00pm
- Tuesday 24 January, 11.30am–3.00pm
Come and find out about the guidance and services the Careers and Employability team can offer you.
Meet the Students' Union
- Monday 23 January, 1.00pm–4.00pm
- Tuesday 24 January, 11.30am–3.00pm
The Kingston University Students' Union is an organisation run by students for students. The Union will be at the International Welcome Centre to talk to you about their services and how they can help you. Come and see them to get information about sport at Kingston, societies, volunteering opportunities, student events taking place throughout the year and much more.
Learn about mobile phone options
- Monday 23 January, 1.00pm–4.00pm
- Tuesday 24 January, 11.30am–3.00pm
There are lots of mobile phone options in the UK and choosing one can be a daunting task! Staff will be available to help you choose the best mobile phone option for you.
See what to expect
Watch our video of a previous year's orientation to see what the International Welcome Centre and our welcome events are like:
Please note: This video shows the September orientation programme, which involves a much larger group of students than the January programme.
Useful links
Find us on Facebook
Like our Facebook page to keep up to date on January 2012 International Welcome and Orientation.
Follow us on Twitter
Follow the international pre-arrival team on Twitter to keep up to date on the preparations we're making for your arrival.
