INTO University of East Anglia pre-arrival guide
You’ve chosen to study in Norwich – one of the best places to live in the UK (The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2021). But what happens next? How can you get prepared ahead of your travels?
This guide will help you plan for your studies at INTO University of East Anglia (UEA). From joining our free pre-arrival program to accessing your orientation week schedule and discovering what student life in the UK will be like before you arrive.
What do I need to do before starting at INTO UEA?
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.
INTO UEA offers best-value accommodation located in the same building where you will attend classes. 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 accommodation options at INTO UEA.
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.
Choose from four airports to fly into. The closest to campus is Norwich International Airport or take your pick from three larger London airports: Stansted, Gatwick or Heathrow. To make your travel easier, we can arrange a transfer to your university accommodation. This is compulsory for students under 18.
Airport transfer fees vary depending on the airport you are traveling from. It costs around £45 if you’re traveling from Norwich Airport or £300 from either London Stansted Airport, Heathrow Airport or London Gatwick 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 the journey to INTO UEA before you arrive in the UK.
Helping you every step of the way
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.
Your pre-arrival questions answered
Norwich has mild summers, and the winters can be rainy and cold with a chance of snow. Bring comfy and weather-appropriate clothes. There are also plenty of shops in Norwich if you forget an essential item.
Watch our how to pack video to ensure you’ve got all your study abroad must-haves in your luggage.
Make sure that you only pack items that 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 Great Britain.
We advise arriving in Norwich 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.
The Center is located at UEA’s campus, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ.
The UEA campus is 3 miles from Norwich city center, and 2 hours from London. It's easily accessible by various public transport options, including buses, taxis, and trains.
The campus is close to Norwich Railway Station. Once you're there, catch a bus for a direct route to the campus via the city center. Alternatively, you can take a 15-minute taxi ride.
For a seamless journey from the airport to campus, we can arrange to pick you – simply let us know your arrival details.
Your Welcome Week timetable will tell you when to arrive at the center. Keep a close eye on your schedule, which will be arranged by our staff.
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.
It's natural to feel homesick or sad when you're away from the comfort of your home life. If you need support, there's an expert team based in the same building as your accommodation, ready to help you 24/7. You can also talk to your Personal Tutor about any additional academic or welfare support you may need.
Read our tips to deal with homesickness while studying abroad.
Your first week at INTO UEA
During your first week, or Welcome Week, you'll get to know your fellow classmates and staff at the center. Your orientation program will cover:
program introduction and module taster sessions
tours of the campus and Norwich
registering with the doctor based on the UEA campus
student support and well-being talks
social activities and an introduction to the social program.
Got a question?
Contact our Student Services team by emailing into@uea.ac.uk – they’ll be happy to help.