Support and advice for international students

• Obtain any necessary student visa/entry clearance for study in the UK
• Check you have completed and returned Accommodation application form
• Check your University registration date and, if appropriate, complete the preliminary online stage of the registration process
• Complete the Health Form (sent with Registration booklet) and bring it with you when you register with the Students' Health Service
• Bring with you original copies (and translations) of relevant certificates and examination results for showing to staff at registration
• Buy travel tickets and travel insurance
• Check your government's restrictions on taking money out of the country
• Check with your bank about regulations concerning transferring money to the UK
• Check the HM Revenue and Customs website to see what you can bring into the country.
• Check your luggage weight against your airline's allowances
• Obtain travellers' cheques and British currency for use during first few days or weeks
• Obtain a letter of explanation from your doctor for any prescribed drugs you may need to bring with you
• Visit the dentist/optician as care can be expensive in the UK
• If you are arriving into London in the late afternoon, we recommend pre-booking a London hotel for your first night with your local travel agent.
• Check out the University website for local information on the university and city

• Passport with any necessary student visa
• Travel/flight tickets
• British currency/travellers' cheques
• Travel/personal insurance documents
• Letter confirming accepted offer of a place from the University of Bristol
• Evidence of your finances (bank statement, sponsor's letter)
• Bristol accommodation address and contact name and phone number
• Onward journey information: how much it will cost, journey route, how long it will take

Full details of how to get to Bristol and related maps are available on our maps and travel information webpages.

We are running a 'Meet and greet' service to welcome new students who have just arrived in Bristol on 28, 29 and 30 September. On these days University representatives will be available at the following stations and airports to welcome and help new students with their onward journey. Please can you fill in the arrival details form so that we can establish if you are arriving during our meet and greet schedule.

Who is eligible

New students starting in September 2012

Bristol is a fairly compact city and many areas of interest are within walking distance of the city centre and the University. Take a look at the precinct map, which shows the main University sites. Once you become familiar with the city you will find that walking is perhaps the best way to get around the city centre and the University.

If you arrive after 8 pm during the meet and greet period (28 - 30 September), you will need to make your own way to your accommodation.

If you have been allocated University accommodation and are arriving late, it is unlikely you will be able to move in until the following day and you will need to arrange alternative accommodation in a local hotel or bed and breakfast (PDF, 97Kb).

If your flight into Heathrow or Gatwick Airports is scheduled to arrive late you could arrange accommodation in one of the airport hotels. Details and booking information for Heathrow Airport hotels, and Gatwick Airport hotels are available.

BISC is a Christian organisation which helps link international students with local people and each other. Although it is a Christian organisation it offers offers help to students of all faiths and no faith.

BISC representatives will be available at Bristol Bus and Coach Station and Bristol Temple Meads train station to meet you and drive you to your accommodation free of charge between:

• 18 September - 22 September
• 24 September - 27 September

The Royal Mail postal service offers a wide range of services.

Every study bedroom has a telephone and data point. Internal calls within the University are free of charge for both incoming and outgoing calls.

Public telephones

Payphones accept coins (£1, 50p, 20p, 10p), or pre-paid phonecards available from the Post Office and many shops.

Reduced cost international calls

Some companies offer international phone calls at reduced rates. Pre-payment may be required and this can be purchased from the Bristol International Student Centre and some newsagents.

Companies include:

• Planet Calling
• Alphatelecom
• Onetel
• Planet Talk
• First Number

Below are information sheets which have been designed to help you and your families settle into Bristol. There is practical information, such as finding accommodation for your family, as well as ideas on how to spend leisure time with families in Bristol.

The information sheets cover the following topics:

• Accommodation (PDF, 121 kb)
• Childcare, schools, Ofsted and child benefit (PDF, 125 kb)
• English language tuition and leisure (PDF, 121 kb)
• Coffee mornings for students who have children (PDF, 4.2 MB)

Prospective students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact Disability Services, who may be able to help arrange support requirements for your time in Bristol. Students should be aware that there is a cost attached to these services and funding must be sought from your home university or funding organisations in your home country.

We recommend that students with disabilities apply for study at least three months before the start of their study period so that adequate provisions can be made.