East Asain student looking through a checklist on the computer
East Asain student looking through a checklist on the computer

Your pre-arrival checklist: studying in the UK

A chance to discover somewhere new. Build lasting friendships. Experience other cultures. Moving to a different country can be all this and more.

There’s a lot to look forward to, but just as much to think about and plan for before you leave. So, we’ve put together this pre-arrival checklist to help you prepare for your studies with us in the UK.


What do I need to do before starting my studies?

Full travel, medical and health insurance is mandatory for all INTO students. Unless proof of suitable insurance is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your course fees.

The easiest way to pay your fees is using INTOPay – our secure online payment system.

  • You can use this system to pay by credit card or debit card, or you can find our details for a bank transfer there.
  • You will receive a link to INTOPay and instructions on how to use the system in your offer letter.
  • Remember to reference your application ID when you pay via INTOPay.
Pay your fees

You may have applied for accommodation when you applied for your course. But if you didn’t, it’s not a problem. Please contact your Educational Counsellor or Enrolment Counsellor to arrange your accommodation.

Spaces fill up quickly, so we advise that you book and pay to confirm your place in a student residence available for INTO students as soon as possible. Students under the age of 18 are required to book accommodation with us.

Most international students on an academic course with INTO will need to apply for a Student Route visa in order to study in the UK. As the UK is no longer part of the EU, most EU citizens planning to study in the UK will now need a visa too.

You will be provided with the documents you need to apply for a visa once you have accepted your unconditional offer and paid your deposit.

If you’re starting your studies online, you won’t need a visa until you travel to the UK to begin on-campus teaching. When you transfer to your chosen campus or Center, you’ll need to follow the latest Student Route visa guidance.

How to apply for a visa

We recommend that you book an airport pickup service for easy and stress-free transfer from the airport to your accommodation. Students who are under the age of 18 must book an airport transfer.

Simply complete the arrival details form, opting for an airport pickup, at least seven days before your arrival.

If you haven't opted for an airport pickup service, you should make your own travel arrangements. Please plan the journey to your INTO Center or accommodation before you arrive in the UK.

If starting your course on campus, you should arrange your flight(s) to ensure that you arrive on your INTO accommodation start date. If starting your course online, book your flight(s) for the start of your next term.

Please submit your arrival details as soon as possible. Your flight details, including arrival date and flight number(s), should be submitted here. Submitting your arrival details before you travel will ensure:

  • we'll be able to meet you as soon as you land, if you opt for an airport transfer
  • Staff will be on-hand remotely to help you if any issues arise during your travels
  • your room is ready for you to move in as soon as you get to your accommodation.
Submit your arrival details

What to pack when studying abroad in the UK

Most airlines allow 20-23kg of checked luggage and there are strict size and weight restrictions on all hand luggage. Please check your airline’s baggage allowance before packing.

What will INTO provide?

If you've chosen to live in an INTO managed student residence, you’ll be provided with:

  • a Kitchen Starter Pack including cutlery, crockery and a water bottle
  • a Bedroom Starter Pack including a pillow, duvet and bedding covers.

How to pack to study abroad

Registration to orientation: FAQs at your INTO Center

How do you register at your INTO Center? When will you receive your class timetable? What happens during orientation week? Find answers to these questions and more on our Centers’ pre-arrival pages.

Want to find out more about what to expect during your induction? Also find out about live sessions, video tours and much more!

Read our guide

Learn how and when you can access your online pre-arrival preparation course, how to register on your course, what Welcome Week will look like, and more.

Read our guide

Find out about the types of activities you’ll participate in during orientation week and take a look at a weekend in the life of an INTO London student!

Read our guide

Discover how to register on your course, the types of activities you’ll participate in during orientation week, a video tour of Manchester, and more.

Read our guide

Watch our videos to find out more about the INTO Center and accommodation, plus get packing tips and arrival advice from Newcastle students.

Read our guide

Learn what your online pre-arrival preparation course covers and how to join, book your airport transfer, and discover what welcome week includes.

Read our guide

Join our pre-arrival preparation course to meet other students and find out about life at INTO UEA, plus discover what you’ll do during Welcome Week.

Read our guide

Join a live session with INTO Stirling staff to gather more information before you fly, plus find out what you'll get up to during induction week.

Read our guide