International Checklist
To ensure a smooth and successful start at the University of Chester, there are a few essential tasks you’ll need to complete in advance.
Our Pre-Arrival Checklist outlines all the essential tasks you need to complete before arriving at the University and before travelling to the UK. If you have any questions, our Student Experience Team is here to support you: studentexperience@chester.ac.uk
1. Book Accommodation
International students must ensure accommodation is arranged before travelling to the UK. Please be aware that you’ll be expected to travel to campus regularly, and maintaining attendance is essential to meet your visa requirements. Make sure any accommodation you choose allows for a reasonable commute by checking travel times to the University in advance. For full details on how to apply, please visit the University of Chester Accommodation page.
2. Complete Enrolment
Enrolment is the process by which you officially become a student at the University of Chester. You must complete all 3 stages. Stage 1 & 2 MUST be completed before you arrive. You’ll receive a “Welcome to UoC” email with your Student ID number and full instructions on how to begin. Be sure to keep an eye on the email address you used in your application.
- Stage 1 – Online Enrolment (Complete before you arrive)
Online Enrolment is the first stage of your university enrolment. Please note that even though you have been offered a place and ‘accepted’, you must complete the 3-stage enrolment process to officially become a student at Chester.
All student visa holders must also create a UKVI account and access their eVisa before travelling. Failure to set up your UKVI account and access your eVisa before travelling may result in being denied boarding, which could prevent you from arriving on time and may risk your place on the course.
- Stage 2 - Payment of Fees (Complete before you arrive)
To enrol on your course, you must have paid at minimum of £8,000 by your course start date and before you travel to the UK. For further details on how to pay your fees, please refer to our tuition fee payment information.
- Stage 3 – Submitting Your Immigration Documents
Before you travel to the UK, you will need to upload your flight details and share code to CAS Shield.
Once you have arrived in the UK, you will then need to attend in-person enrolment to submit documentation to the Visa Compliance team. The Study Visa team will confirm the date, time, and location of your in-person enrolment event closer to your start date. If you have any questions, you can contact the team at studyvisa@chester.ac.uk
For more details about International Student Enrolment and entering the UK, visit our Enrolment Information Page.
3. Upload your Photo
Before you arrive, you need to upload a passport-style photo for your student ID card. Your student ID card grants you access to our buildings and must always be worn at our sites. The uploaded photo will also be added to your student record.
To upload your photo and to find more information, visit our website.
4. Register with a GP
Once you’ve accepted your accommodation offer and have your term-time address, we recommend registering with a GP (General Practitioner/Doctor) in Chester. This ensures you have full access to medical care during your time living and studying here.
5. Read the International Student Handbook
The International Student Handbook, available on our website, provides practical guidance for international students on living and studying in Chester, as well as details about the University’s central support services.
6. Download the UoC App
The UoC app is an essential download for your time at the University. You’ll need it to check into lectures, access your timetable, discover the latest events and much more.
You can log in using your university login details listed above. Don’t forget to download the app before you arrive. Download the app here.
7. View Your Timetable and Academic Resources
Your timetable will be available on the UoC App from 1st September. It will also include details of your Academic Induction Sessions, which take place during Welcome Week. Information on how to do this and further information about timetabling is available on our website.
Don’t forget to also explore the helpful resources shared by your course team here.
8. Access Your Student Email Account
As a University of Chester student, you will have a dedicated student email address and inbox. Your student email address is in the format of studentnumber@chester.ac.uk
Click for more information on how to access your student inbox.
9. Complete Our Pre-Arrival Support Module
Our Pre-Arrival Support Module has been developed to help international students prepare for their move to the UK. This short, interactive course covers everything you need to know before arriving and will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and understanding that are important for adjusting to university life in the UK. Register Here to Access the Module.
10. Check Out Our Welcome Events
During your first few weeks, we’ll be hosting a range of exciting welcome events designed to help you settle in, make new friends, and get familiar with both the University and your course.
Stay up to date with all upcoming events on the Student Shout Out platform, as well as on the Events tile in the UoC App.
AFTER YOU ARRIVE IN THE UK
Present your Passport and Immigration Documents
Once you have arrived in the UK, you will then need to attend in-person to the International Student Welcome Event to submit the following documents to the Visa Compliance Team:
- Your passport. This must be the actual document, not a copy. Once you get to the UK, do not send your passport to anyone until you have first shown it to the University of Chester to complete your enrolment.
- Share code and flight details (upload these to CAS Shield now to save time)
- Proof of the date you arrived in the UK. This could be a UK border stamp in your passport, or your boarding pass, or your flight ticket.
These documents must be presented in person at one of our International Student Welcome Event in Seaborne Library (Exton Park, Parkgate Road, CH1 4BJ).
For more information about entering the UK, and in-person enrolment at the university, please click here.
You only need to attend one of these events to complete your enrolment. It is mandatory for every international student to attend one of them in order to enrol at the university. The Study Visa Team will provide you with further details about the event. If you have any questions, you can email the team at studyvisa@chester.ac.uk.
Please note! If you do not require a Student Visa to study at the University of Chester you will be required to present your current passport and your current UK visa (if applicable) to our Visa Compliance Team to finalise your enrolment
