Transitioning to university life in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. As an international student from Thailand, I’ve put together a concise guide to help other international students prepare for their new adventure at the University of Exeter. I wish I had this guide before I arrived!
1. Complete international student clearance and collect your BRP card
Upon arrival in the UK, complete the international student clearance process and collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card. You will receive details via email during Welcome Week about where to pick up your card. This step is crucial for your legal stay and identity verification. When going through immigration at the airport, have your University acceptance letter and other legal documents printed out, as the BRP can only be collected once you are at the University. For any help and information on campus, visit the Student Information Desk (SID) in the Forum on Streatham Campus. If you’ve got any concerns or questions before you arrive in the UK, you can contact International Student Support for some guidance.
2. Register with the health centre and GP.
Above all else your health is a priority. Register with the University’s health centre and find a local General Practitioner (GP). This ensures you have access to medical care whenever needed. Located in Reed Mews on the Streatham Campus, the Student Health Centre offers routine appointments, emergency walk-ins, contraception services, minor surgery, travel vaccinations, and health advice. To register, you must have an Exeter address. You can register by visiting the Health Centre in person to collect a registration form or by clicking on the registration link provided on their website. For more information or to make an appointment after registering, contact the health centre at 01392 676606.
Register with GP
3. Open a UK bank account.
Managing your finances is easier with a UK bank account. Research banks and decide which one you want to open an account with to handle your tuition fees, rent, and daily expenses seamlessly. To open a bank account here in Exeter, a series of documents and information are required from you:
- An application form from your preferred bank (paper or online)
- Your passport
- Evidence of your immigration status e.g. a valid visa or settled/pre-settled status
- Confirmation that you are a full-time registered student at the University
- Proof of your address in the UK
You can request a Bank letter from SRS in iExeter, or asking SID or PIP which should cover the last two points.
Here’s some guidance on how to choose a bank account.
4. Activate IT account and get email etc.
To access essential resources, course materials, and university communications, it is crucial for new students to activate their IT account and email. You will receive a Welcome email to your personal email with your Exeter student ID number. Using this ID number and your date of birth, you can activate your IT account online via the IT account activation web. You'll need to set up multi-factor authentication and change your default password. It's recommended to complete this process before arriving at the University of Exeter. If you can't activate your account online beforehand, you can do so on campus using a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop. For assistance, contact the IT service desk.
5. Register for modules/ get in contact with your academic tutor
Before the Autumn Term begins, new students with optional modules at 'level 1' or 'stage 1' need to choose and register for these modules to have them appear on their personal timetable for the first year. Your respective department will contact you with detailed instructions on how and when to complete your module registration. Also, your academic tutor will contact you within the first week or during Welcome Week to arrange a meeting, where you can ask for any help or guidance you may need. For more information on module selection refer to the online module selection website.
6. Learn about support at Exeter
Here’s an A-Z list of all support available to students.
- Estate Patrol: The security office is available 24/7. Contact the Estate Patrol Team at 01392 723999.
- Campus Services Help Desk: For urgent issues such as gas leaks, power outages, major flooding, or people trapped in lifts, call 01392 724552 (8am-8pm). For emergencies between 8pm-8am, contact Estate Patrol.
- The Wellbeing team offers counselling and psychological therapies to support students with mental health issues and a range of wellbeing concerns. Contact them via email at wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk or visit the Reed Mews Wellbeing Centre.
- The International Student Exchange and Support Office provides advice and assistance on various issues for international students. Call +44 1392 724724 or visit the International Student Support website.
- The University Chaplaincy Team offers opportunities for worship and faith nurturing. They are available to discuss issues of faith, daily living, or any personal matter in confidence. Call 01392 263649 or visit the Chaplaincy website.
- The Guild’s Advice Team provides free, impartial, and independent information and advice on a range of issues.
7. Airport pick-up service.
If you’re arriving at Heathrow Airport on Saturday 14 or Sunday 15 September, you can book the University’s Airport Collection Service. Coaches will be leaving from Terminal 5 at regular intervals.
If you’re not going to be arriving in the UK on those days, you can find out more about travelling to Exeter.
8. University of Exeter campuses are cashless
Exeter campuses are cashless, meaning you can only pay with a bank card. If you don’t have a UK bank account set up yet; it’s possible your current cards might not work in shops and cafes.
We recommend using a pre-paid travel card you can load money onto and use when you arrive, for example the Caxton Currency Card.
Another option is an online only banking service, like Starling Digital Banking, or Monzo.
9. Supermarkets – which should you choose?
If this is your first time in the UK, chances are you won’t know which supermarkets more expensive, and which ones are good value. We could write a LOT about this subject (check our blogs for more tips!) and everyone has their own personal favourites but for now here is quick list based on most expensive to least expensive:
- (Most expensive) Marks & Spencer
- Waitrose
- Sainsburys
- Tesco
- Co-Op
- Morrisons
- ASDA
- Aldi or Lidl
- (Least Expensive) Iceland
Also worth noting that bigger supermarkets will only open 10:00 – 16:00 on Sundays. Smaller stores like Co-Ops and Sainsburys Local or Tesco Express will be open for longer.
If you’re looking for an in-depth guide about UK supermarkets, this blog is quite comprehensive! It’s based in London, but most of the information still applies.
Many supermarkets also offer online shopping and delivery, saving you struggling back from the city centre with lots of heavy bags!
10. Keep up to date with the Guild’s social media.
Stay informed and connected with the latest news and events by following the Students' Guild. Visit the Guild website for comprehensive information and updates. Additionally, follow the Guild on Instagram and TikTok for real-time announcements, event highlights, and engaging content. Keeping up to date with these platforms ensures you won't miss out on important information and opportunities to enhance your university experience!
11. Get involved with Welcome Week activities.
Participate in Welcome Week activities to meet fellow students and familiarise yourself with the campus. These events are designed to help you settle in and build a social network. There will be a series of stalls and events to engage in, this might be overwhelming at first but take it at your own pace and always reach out for help if you need it! University's Welcome Week Guide