INTO Lancaster University pre-arrival guide

Congratulations! You’ve been offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Get ready to start your study abroad journey in Lancaster – a vibrant and beautiful city, home to one of the UK’s top universities.

We’re here to help you every step of the way – from arriving in Lancaster to progressing to university and securing a career for life. Read on to find out everything you need to know before you join us at INTO Lancaster University.

What do I need to do before starting at INTO Lancaster University?

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’ll 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.

All INTO students must have full travel, medical and health insurance. Unless proof of suitable insurance is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your course fees.

To receive your timetable and start classes, please ensure that your fees have been paid and that you're officially enrolled.

Where you'll live depends on your Lancaster University college, which you’ll join at the start of your INTO program. Each has its own social spaces, sports teams and support system. 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 education counselor 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 18 must book accommodation with us.

Find out more about your INTO Lancaster University accommodation options.

Most international students on an academic course with INTO will need to apply for a Student Route visa 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’ll be provided with the documents you need to apply for a visa once you’ve accepted your unconditional offer and paid your deposit.

As part of your visa application, you may need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge – this gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service. You can check how much you’ll need to pay by using the UKVI calculator tool. Follow the Government’s Student Route visa guidance for the most up-to-date visa information.

You should arrange your flight(s) to ensure that you arrive on your INTO accommodation start date.

Please submit your arrival details as soon as possible. Your flight details, including arrival date and flight number(s), should be shared in our arrival details form. Providing 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 occur during your travels
your room is ready for you to move in as soon as you get to your accommodation.

Manchester Airport is closest to the Lancaster University campus, so we recommend flying there. To make your journey seamless, we can arrange a transfer to your accommodation. This is compulsory for students under 18.

Airport transfer fee costs around £160 if you’re traveling from Manchester Airport.

Simply complete the arrival details form, selecting an airport pickup, at least 7 days before your arrival.

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

Helping you every step of the way

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Start your UK studies with confidence – free program

INTO’s Get Ready to Study online pre-arrival program will help prepare you for UK student life, study and employability.

Confirm early to access this free program. Available to students starting their studies with INTO in September or January.

Find out more

Your pre-arrival questions answered

Temperatures in Lancaster can range from around 2°C in winter up to around 20°C in the summer. You can expect all types of weather – including sunny days, rain and snow – so be prepared for anything. Pack clothing for warm weather, a warm waterproof coat, gloves and a hat for colder days.

Make sure you bring a credit card that works in the UK – you’ll need this for any purchases until you can set up a UK bank account. Most businesses accept card payments – in fact, many are now card-only and won’t accept cash at all. However, we do recommend bringing some cash with you for safety.

Bring a laptop for your studies, as well as a plug adaptor depending on where you are travelling from. It’s also a good idea to bring items to remind you of home, such as pictures of friends, family and pets. Watch our how to pack video to check that you’ve remembered all your study abroad essentials.

Make sure that you only pack items you’re allowed to bring into the UK. You can find the list of banned items on the UK government website along with guidance on bringing food into the UK.

We advise arriving in Lancaster during the weekend before your course starts. You may be able to arrive earlier if your accommodation contract allows. Don’t forget to provide us with your arrival details beforehand.

You’ll receive your academic timetable via email, at the end of your first week. You will need to have paid your fees and enrolled before starting class.

These are normal emotions to feel when you’re going through a major life change. We’d encourage you to contact our Welfare Team who are on hand to provide help.

Lancaster University also offers a range of student wellbeing services including counselling and mental health services, a disability service and an advisory team in each college offering pastoral support.