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
When you join us on campus, it is important that you are able to regularly attend your face-to-face classes as this is a UK visa requirement. To help with this, please ensure you choose accommodation which is within one hour travel time of the International Study Centre.
If you are issued a CAS to study in the UK, you can arrive on-campus in the UK at any time until 20 June 2022. If you wish to complete your studies online, and your programme ends after 30 June 2022, you will need to follow the application process as set out here. If approved, you can complete your studies online. However, if you do not apply or are not approved for this, you will need to arrive on-campus in the UK before 20 June 2022.
As some lessons will be taught online, you will need to have a PC or Mac based computer. If you do not have access to equipment, please let us know so that we can support you.
Computer
While it is possible to access and interact with most course content using various tablets and smartphones, such as iPads, iPhones and Android devices, these devices will not work for assessments and therefore it is important that you have a PC or Mac based computer available for use.
PC
- Any Microsoft Windows based PC (laptop or desktop, preferably running Windows 10)
- Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom
Mac
- Any Apple MacOS based laptop or desktop
- Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom
Internet Connection
Internet connectivity is required for access to all coursework. Internet connectivity could be in the form of a fixed line connection, 3G/4G/5G, wi-fi or other technologies.
Minimum: 600kbps download and 600kbps upload speed.
Recommended: at least 1.5Mbps download and 1.5Mbps upload speed.
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.
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
We will continue to monitor and review all the safety and wellbeing measures throughout the coming months.
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.
Yes, providing it is a Study Group issued CAS and you are not on an Integrated CAS, you will be able to apply and if successful the CAS will be withdrawn. This will not affect CAS application for your future studies at Lancaster University when you progress.
No, once you have applied and been approved to complete your course online you will not be able to apply for another CAS and travel to the UK for face-to-face studies for your pathway. You will be able to apply for your next visa and commence studies in the UK as normal for your progression degree at Lancaster University.
Admissions support
Learn about the different ways we support you throughout the application process.
How we helpEssential 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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