Joining us on campus
Essential pre-arrival tasks
Before you arrive at the Lancaster University International Study Centre, you need to complete all the tasks in our pre-arrival checklist. Contact us with any questions.
If you applied directly through us, your Student Enrolment Advisor can answer any questions you have about arriving at Lancaster They can offer advice on living in the UK and support you with organising airport transfers on arrival to the UK. We will also provide you with pre-arrival reading and preparation materials so you are fully prepared for your study abroad adventure.
Pre-arrival checklist
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).
You can apply for your UK study visa once we have issued you with your CAS. Contact us if you have any questions.
Please confirm your accommodation with our Accommodation Team as soon as possible.
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.
The nearest airport is Manchester Airport, an hour away.
It is essential that all international students have health, medical and personal insurance. Find out more about StudyCare insurance.
You should aim to arrive at your accommodation up to two days before the start of term.
What to pack
- Your passport and visa
- UKVI Decision Letter
- International Study Centre offer letter
- CAS statement
- Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and living costs
- Accommodation documents
- Four passport-sized photographs
- Insurance documents (unless you are covered by StudyCare)
- Medical certificates and vaccination records
If you take any prescription medication, bring your prescriptions with you translated into English. You should also bring any essential toiletries you may need for your flight or first few days. Any other medications and toiletries can be purchased once you arrive in Lancaster.
- It is always useful to carry a small amount of British money on your person. A good amount to bring with you for your arrival is £50.
- As an international student, it it could idea to bring a travel adapter with you. This will allow you to immediately use the electronics you brought from your home country.
- There will be the opportunity to use university computers on campus, but having your own computer will allow you to study whenever is convenient for you. You can always buy a computer in Lancaster after you arrive.
- If you are under 18 years old, you should also bring your Guardianship letter.
Your first week
Britain is home to residents from around the world, giving it a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel. You’ll soon be able to adapt to a whole variety of situations, from understanding British etiquette and slang to cooking your own food and going out with your new friends.
It won’t take you long to make friends, but whilst you settle in, we will organise events designed to help you meet your classmates and build new friendships. There are also many societies you can join to meet people with similar interests to you.
The UK is a multicultural country and you will find local shops will sell most things you will need. If you can’t find what you’re looking for locally, some of the larger supermarkets stock a wider range of international products. There are also restaurants serving cuisine from around the world so if you’re looking for a something to remind you of home you’ll be able to find just what you want.
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. |
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