We know that starting university is an exciting time but we also understand that it can be a bit daunting, and knowing what to do and when can seem complicated.
So to help you out, we’ve compiled this simple list of 10 things that you need to look at to help you get started.
Activate your IT account
All students and postgraduate researchers are given a username and password so they can connect to the University’s IT services. To set yours up, visit: the IT My Password pages.
Online registration
Before you register, make sure you activate your IT account.
Registration is the official process of becoming a student at university. Registration means you can officially confirm your place on your course, check your personal information and let us know how you’ll be paying your tuition fees. Whether you’re a new or returning student, you’ll need to complete student registration at the start of each academic year. Our registration page provides information on how and when to register and what you need.
If you’re a new student, we’ll need to check your identity. This is needed for a number of reasons, including: confirming your registration to the Student Loans Company (SLC) to release the first instalment of your Maintenance Loan (if you’ve been assessed as eligible to receive SLC funding); and to complete a Right to Study check for UKVI compliance.
Pay your fees
Paying your fees is an essential part of academic life. Visit our finance page for information about how to pay your fees and what instalment plans are available.
If you’re starting a higher or degree apprenticeship you do not pay fees, visit our higher and degree apprenticeships page.
For international students, we have a useful international funding page that has additional information.
Module enrolment
If you are studying on a course which requires you to choose optional or discovery modules, you will need to complete module enrolment. This is separate to registration and is a first come, first served online process. Visit our module enrolment page for further information on enrolment dates and guidance.
Accommodation
Your accommodation will be more than just the place where you study and sleep - it will be your own space to call home. Visit our accommodation page for information on the different options available.
International students
We know that for international students there are additional questions and requirements, so we’ve created a section with additional information for international students to help.
What to bring checklist
Look through our helpful ‘what to bring’ checklist to make sure you don't forget any important documents and items that you’ll need. If you’re an international student, use our international ‘what to bring’ checklist
Set up a bank account
We recommend that you set up a student bank account if you are eligible as they’ll give you more benefits than a standard current account. You’ll need to consider account fees and charges, what type of card to get, and how long it takes to open an account. There is further advice for opening a UK bank account if you’re an international student.
Term dates
The 2023/24 term dates are:
- Autumn term: Monday 2 October to Friday 15 December 2023
- Spring term: Monday 15 January to Friday 22 March 2024
- Summer term: Monday 22 April to Friday 21 June 2024
For more information about teaching, examination and holiday periods, visit our term dates page.
For international students, we recommend looking at our international arrival page.
For apprentices, we recommend looking at our higher and degree apprenticeships page.
Induction
Finally, for taught students we recommend taking the time to look at the induction information for your school.
For postgraduate researchers, we also have a research induction resource that will help you when you start and also our research degrees pages.
All students and postgraduate researchers can also look at our IT induction information.