Orientation programme

Where is Staffordshire University? How do I get there? 

Studying at the Stoke-on-Trent Campus?  The good news is that Stoke-on-Trent is right in the middle of the UK and the Stoke-on-Trent campus is only a five-minute walk from the train station. This makes Stoke-on-Trent an easy place to get to, with direct lines to London, Manchester and Birmingham.

If you want some more information about getting to the Stoke-on-Trent campus, check out our guide on Getting to Staffordshire University.

Studying at the London Campus? Then check out our How to get to the London Campus guide.  

Before you get here, you need to make sure you know where you will be staying.

The Stoke-on-Trent Campus has excellent accommodation available right on campus

If you aren't looking for university accommodation, you can also find your own private accommodation. 

If you are studying at our London Campus we don't have on-campus accommodation but do have a look at the  different accommodation offerings available to you to help you make your decision on where to stay.

Please note that as part of our attendance monitoring policy, we require students to live within a 1 hour commute from the University. This is in order to ensure you are able to fully attend and engage with all your teaching activity and achieve the best outcome from your studies. 

Have you prepared everything else but are anxious about border control or right to study checks? Check out this guide: I'm on my way! What next?

Is UK weather really so dreary and grey? Our UK weather and climate guide will help you prepare yourself for the British climate.

Weather and Climate Guide

Packing can be a bit daunting, especially when coming to a new country for a whole year. We’ve put together a handy packing guide to help ease the burden.

What to Pack- List and advice

Are you nervous about making friends? Don’t worry, everyone is. Our 'Socialising in the UK' guide will give you an overview of what to expect in some different situations in the UK.

Socialising in the UK

Sometimes the things you think will be the same as back home are the ones that can catch you most off guard. One area that might be more different than you expect is studying! Check out our student-written guide below.

Studying in the UK

Do you have a family or are thinking of starting one? If you have little ones, there are more things to consider.

Family in UK

Below is some further information about things in the UK that you might find useful to familiarise yourself about:

Council Tax

TV Licence

As we approach the festive season, we would like to share some information with you regarding arrangements at the University during this period.

University closure details

Over the Christmas period many areas of the University will be closed from 5pm on Wednesday 21 December 2022, and will reopen on Tuesday 3 January 2023 at 8am. During this period, emails will not be monitored. 

Any queries or questions, sent to the University during this period will be replied to when the University reopens on the 3 January 2023.  However, our website has lots of information and resources available to help you with many of the queries you may have – please do refer to the following links for more guidance:

·        International Admission queries

·        International Student Support queries

·        International Pre-arrival queries

·        International welcome queries

·        Questions relating to applying for your visa

Travel during the Christmas and New Year period

As the university is closed during the Christmas and New Year period, we would strongly advice against travelling during this period.  Travel can also be expensive at this time of year and in addition, the UK national rail service and Border Force staff have indicated that they plan to take strike action (meaning there will be a reduced service) during the festive period which will cause disruption and travel delays.  Therefore, please if you can, arrange your travel so you arrive in the New Year when more services will be available, and the University is reopen to help you should you encounter any problems.  

What happens if I receive my visa decision and the University is closed?

All applicants are advised to inform us of the outcome of their visa decision as soon as this is received.  To ensure this information is received quickly please let us know the outcome of your decision by completing the following form.  In addition, once you have booked your travel to the UK, please notify us so that we can prepare for your arrival by completing the following form.  You can also use this form to ask any questions you may have.  If you fill in this form, you will not need to email us with the information.  The team will follow up with any responses when we reopen on 3 January 2023. 

What happens if I travel during the Christmas period and have an issue at the border?  Who can help me?

If you do travel during the Christmas period and encounter an issue at the border, then please contact the University security team on the following number +44 (0)1782 294837 who will be able to assist you.  This number is for emergencies only and they will be unable to help you with general queries relating to your application for study, CAS, or any other information and will ask you to email the team who will respond when we reopen.  

We can’t wait to welcome you to Staffordshire University as you begin your studies with us, and we are committed to providing you with the best experience possible. It is important however that several weeks before you travel you ensure that you have your UK accommodation arranged.  Remember that you should contact the university first about accommodation options, you can do this here Accommodation for international students - Staffordshire University, however please be advised that there may be limited accommodation so it is even more important that you plan ahead. Please be aware that the process of securing accommodation in the UK can take several weeks as you will be required to provide Proof of ID and a copy of your VISA.  You will also be required to provide a UK Guarantor if you are not going to be able to pay all your rent in advance. Your UK Guarantor will also have to provide ID and be subject to a credit check.  Once all the paperwork is received you will be asked to sign a tenancy agreement and pay a deposit, all this takes time.

There are several other styles of accommodation around the Stoke Campus, and your Students’ Union works with local landlords to match your needs and help you find a home, through its lettings service, Greenpad.  You can email them at enquiries@greenpad.co.uk, alternatively you check their website at www.greenpad.co.uk.  If you would like to consider other alternatives there are other letting agencies in the area who may be able to support your needs.

Here is some useful advice and support planning your accommodation UKCISA - international student advice and guidance - Planning your housing, if you decide to use your Students’ Union to arrange your accommodation you can be sure that we will have all these things arranged.

We need to advise you that unfortunately there is very little family accommodation provided by the Students’ Union or the University in the area, so please bear this in mind if you were considering bringing your family with you, we would recommend using  Houses & flats to rent | Properties to rent in the UK - Zoopla as an alternative.

If you are studying at our London Campus we don't have on-campus accommodation but do have a look at the  different accommodation offerings available to you to help you make your decision on where to stay.

Money can be a bit daunting sometimes. As an international student, it can be tricky to know exactly what's best and how to keep track of your budget. Check out our Money, Banking and Budgeting Guide for some help.

Check out what banks are in Stoke-on-Trent HERE.

If you are studying at our London campus you will have access to a wide range of banks close to where you are staying.  Please do familiarise yourself with your local area and research the banks near to where you live.  

For information on Tuition fees, Instalment dates and how to make payments, check out our International Fees and Scholarships page.

Looking to make some extra money while you are here? Check out our guide to Working in the UK.

What is the NHS? Do I need to register with a doctor? Will I need to pay for healthcare?

Check out our Guide to Healthcare in the UK for a crash course in the NHS.

Also check out what Healthcare Resources are available in Stoke-on-Trent.

In addition to our physical health, we also need to be sure to take care of our mental health. Here at Staffs, we have a dedicated Wellbeing and Safeguarding Team to help support you with your mental health. Watch this video from Jonny for more information.

There's lots going on at Staffs and lots of support available if you need it. Here is some information about life at the University that we think might be useful.

Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre- We have excellent sports facilities and social sports teams to join. 

Multi-faith Chaplaincy- friendly, caring support available for people of all faiths. 

Students' Union- There are loads of clubs and societies to join as well as impartial advice from Students' Union advisors.

Looking for some extra help settling in? Why not sign up for the Careers Connect Mentoring programme?

Coming to a new country can be really strange. You've heard some things but what is it really like? Check out our blog from current staff and students who remember what it is like to move to a new country!

There's also a lot to do in the local area. Check out our guide for some Things to do in and around Stoke-on-Trent.

Don't take our word for it! Check out the following blog by Ema Talam, a Lecturer and former international student - New to Stoke on Trent

Are you nervous about starting your course? We're here to make sure you're fully prepared with all the tools you need.

How to Get ahead in Your Studies

Student Wellbeing and Safeguarding

Student Inclusion Team

Academic Skills

Student Support and Experience Team

Staffordshire Univeristy is a thriving and diverse community. Watch our Culture and Identity video to learn about what that means.

Coming to a new country is wonderful and exciting but it can also be stressful. Make sure you read about Culture Shock or watch our Culture Shock video.

The Academic Skills team offers lots of useful reources to help you hone your study skills. Check out their videos as well their Skills Bridge resources. 

Not sure what support you are looking for? Check out Report and Support for a full guide.

Most of our pre-arrival information is relevant to all of our students. But if you are joining us in London, there may be a few more things to think about:

How to get to the London Campus

Check out the link below to see about registering for a GP in London:

Accommodation

If you are studying at our London Campus we don't have on-campus accommodation but do have a look at the  different accommodation offerings available to you to help you make your decision on where to stay.

Registering for a GP in London

Check out details of clubs and societies at our London campus:

London Clubs and Societies