We're delighted that you have chosen to study with us. Once you have arrived at the University, you will be able to participate in a range of events and activities designed to help you settle in, enrol, and find your way around.
“One Staffs” International Orientation Programme
We are very pleased to welcome you into our academic community and we wish you a happy and successful time with us. The “One Staffs” International Orientation programme is designed to help you settle in to Staffordshire and make a positive start to your life as a student here at Staffordshire University. Most of the sessions and activities in the international programme are designed to help you adjust to life in the UK, meet other new students and inform you of the ways in which the university can support you. Once you have completed all the required steps, you will be able to book a time slot to finish your enrolment and collect your student card. The time and location will be communicated to you beforehand.
Our One Staffs Welcome and Orientation Programme will begin on campus from 20th September 2021. We will be releasing details in the coming weeks so keep your eye out for updates! This year, we are also running a virtual pre-arrival programme starting on August 2nd with details released weekly. Check below for more information about our pre-arrival programme.
Most of the sessions and activities in the international programme are designed to help you adjust to life in the UK, meet other new students and inform you of the ways in which the university can support you. Once you have completed all the required steps, you will be able to book a time slot to finish your enrolment and collect your student card. The time and location will be communicated to you beforehand.
Please note that the Student Support and Experience team reserve the right to alter advertised welcome activities should it be necessary. In the event of any change to the advertised format, we will do everything possible to communicate the changes in the most appropriate and timely way including putting a notice on the International Student Support Website.
Getting from the airport
To help you make your way from the Airport to the University, you will be able to book a taxi through the University who will meet you at the airport and bring you directly to your accommodation.
Enrolment
If you haven't already completed online enrolment, we would encourage you to do this before you arrive however, don’t worry if you can’t as you'll be able to do so when you arrive on campus. You'll need your bank account details and a digital copy of a passport-style photo for this. You can upload your photo when you arrive on campus, but it will be quicker if you do this in advance.
Face-to-face enrolment
During International Enrolment, you will be required to present your passport and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)/Visa (or collect your BRP from us if you have requested it is delivered to the University), as well as the certificates listed in your CAS and offer letter. You are advised to attend the International Welcome activities which will explain the responsibilities that are associated with your new visa.
EU students will also need to complete face to face enrolment to present their documents/share code.
If you are a student who will be here for six months or less, you will be required to do face to face enrolment, you will need to bring your passport and your boarding pass (from when you arrived in the UK) which will form part of your enrolment check, plus one other form of ID. Once your enrolment is fully completed you will be issued with your student ID card.
Once your online enrolment is completed, we will send you a link to book a time slot to complete your Face to Face enrolment.
Your Student ID Card
All International students’ cards are valid for one year. In order to renew your card, you are required at the start of each academic year to undertake a right to study check. This involves you bringing your passport and visa to a specified point for verification by our Student Support and Experience team. Once this check has been completed, you will receive your new student card. Please note that this check must be completed within 4 weeks of the start of term.
Preparing for your Journey: Week of 2nd August 2021
This week we'll give you everything you need to know about preparing to join us here at Staffordshire University. This will include details about making travel arrangements, arranging your accommodation and what to expect as an international student at Staffordshire University.
Webinar
As part of our pre-arrival information each week we will host a Webinar where we will provide you with information related to our topic for the week. This week's webinar will focus on the following:
- Where to find information about applying for your visa
- Nearest Airports to Staffordshire University
- How to get from the Airport to the University
- Where Staffordshire University is located
- Latest Travel Guidance in the UK relating to Covid-19
- Where will you live?
- What else you need to start thinking about
- What to expect when you arrive
- Challenges you might face
- Our commitment to you
It is easy to join the webinar - we have two dates and times from you to choose - pick the date and time best for you:
We know when you are busy preparing, it is also useful to have a written guide to refer back to which is why we have prepared our "Getting to Staffordshire University - a guide for International Students" - do have a look as this provides more details about travelling to the UK that you may find useful.
Weekly Newsletter
Check out more about our weekly theme by reading through our Sway Newsletter.
Social Event – One Staffs Cafe
Just because you're not here yet, doesn't mean you can't make friends! This is a great chance for you to make an introduction and get to know other new international studies before you even leave home. Join our One Staffs Cafe 2021/22 Microsoft team meeting at 3pm UK time on Thursday 5th August.
Contact the team
Please do get in touch with the team if you have any specific questions by emailing student-support@staffs.ac.uk
Practical arrangements: Week of 9th August 2021
How do you open a bank account? Are you allowed to work as a student? What is the NHS? This week will cover all of these things and more!
Webinar
As part of our pre-arrival information each week we will host a Webinar where we will provide you with information related to our topic for the week. This week's webinar will focus on the following:
- Money, Banking and Budgeting - this session will provide you with some top tips managing your money
- Healthcare in the UK - information you need to know should you need medical treatment whilst in the UK
- UK Law, Safety and Security - Meet PC Simon Stone our University Police Liaison Officer who will talk you through how to keep safe whilst in the UK.
It is easy to join the webinar - we have two dates and times from you to choose - pick the date and time best for you:
Money, Banking and Budgeting in the UK – A guide for International Students
Managing your Money, knowing how to budgeting and being aware of the UK banking system will all help you when you arrive in the UK. We have a wealth of tips and information to help you in our guide.
Weekly Newsletter
Check out more about our weekly theme by reading through our Sway Newsletter In this addition you will find out more about Money, banking and Budgeting along with information on Healthcare in the UK, Working in the UK and our Staffs Peer Mentoring scheme plus lots more.
Social Event – One Staffs Cafe
Nervous about feeding yourself? Don't worry, no one knows how to cook until they try and we're here to show you! Join us for a fun Cook along session with one of the team! Join our One Staffs Cafe 2021/22 Microsoft team meeting at 3pm UK time on Thursday 12th August.
Contact the team?
Please do get in touch with the team if you have any specific questions by emailing student-support@staffs.ac.uk
Study and arrival Preparation: Week of 23rd August 2021
Ultimately, you are coming to the UK to study but every university is different and there's a lot to learn about being a student! This week, we'll cover learning and study skills as well as visa advice and resources for the support available to you as an international student.
Get Involved: Week of 30th August 2021
Joining in with clubs, societies, the Students' Union and social events are all important aspects of being a student. This week will focus on how you can get involved with all the university has to offer.
Before you arrive
We want to help make your transition to life in the UK as smooth as possible, so we have created a series of resources to help you to prepare for your new life with us.
We will be running lots of activities for new and returning students to help you settle in and make friends including information about clubs and societies and lots of exciting social events.
Make sure you're ready for our blended learning approach by checking out our digital guides. You'll need your student email and password to access these guides, so make sure you have them handy.