What to do when you arrive as an international student
We welcome students to NTU in September and January each year. Before and when you arrive, there are some things you need to do to make your transition to University as smooth as possible. We've summarised the 10 most important things you'll need to do as an international student on this page.
1. Complete your enrolment
Enrolment for international students is a two-step process. Firstly, you’ll be encouraged to start your enrolment online. This involves checking the information we have about you, paying your tuition fees or setting up an instalment arrangement, and uploading a photo for your NTU Student Card.
Then, when you arrive in the UK you should attend our International Enrolment Event to complete enrolment in person. This is where you’ll collect your BRP, show visa documentation, meet our support staff, and collect your NTU Student Card.
2. Book Accommodation
Finding the right place to live is a big part of settling into a new city. Please book your accommodation now to ensure you have a suitable place to live close to NTU. We strongly advise you to book your accommodation before you travel. If you are not able to do this, please make sure you have temporary accommodation booked in Nottingham (such as a hotel) before you arrive as this is a busy time for new arrivals.
Our accommodation team is here to help or you can read our helpful accommodation advice.
3. Pay your fees
Make sure you’ve made arrangements to pay the rest of your tuition fees in full or have set up a plan to pay your fees in instalments.
If you opt for an instalment plan, no money will be taken from your account until the instalment dates in January and April 2023. When you open a UK bank account you can change the payment details on your instalment plan, if necessary.
4. Open a UK bank account
When you arrive, we recommend that you open a UK bank account. You can use this account to pay your rent and bills, transfer money from overseas and, if you decide to work part-time, your employer will be able to pay your wages into this account. You can get advice on student bank accounts from our International Student Support team.
5. Attend your course induction
It's really important that you attend your course induction, right from the first day, so check your timetable.
If you miss these you risk falling behind and missing key opportunities to: meet course staff and fellow students; explore facilities and learning resources you’ll use; be introduced to the first modules of your course.
6. Register with a doctor
All international students have access to NHS healthcare after paying the NHS healthcare surcharge.
We strongly recommend registering online with a local medical practice on the City and Clifton campuses or Southwell Medical Practice (if you’re based at Brackenhurst) when you arrive.
If you’re aged 18 or over and study in the UK you’ll be eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccination. You’ll need your NHS number which you’ll get when you register with a doctor. You may also be encouraged to have a Meningitis ACWY vaccination.
7. Meet our Student Support Services
Our friendly International Student Support Services Team are based in the Student Services Centre in Newton Building. If you need advice on working in the UK, have immigration questions or feel homesick and just want someone to talk to, they are there to help you.
If you have a diagnosed disability, require specialist support or need practical adjustments, we can provide advice and guidance throughout your transition to NTU.
8. Log into NOW
NOW is the NTU online workspace where you'll find most of your course material, assignments, timetable and activities. Use your university username and password to login to NOW.
It's really useful to get used to this before you start your course so you're well-prepared. We also encourage you to check your student emails and NOW regularly.
9. Attend Welcome events
There are always lots of events on offer to help welcome you to the NTU community, the Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU) and the city itself.
Our Winter Welcome schedule includes city tours, free lunches, games afternoons, movie nights and more! These are all a great opportunity to get to know your new surroundings, meet other students and to start making lasting friendships.
We'll let you know what welcome events are available during your enrolment.
10. Follow us on social
There are many ways to keep up-to-date with all that is going on around the University. You can join us on social to get the latest news and meet new friends. There are groups if you want to meet people in your accommodation, or on your course, pages for the numerous clubs and societies as well as the central NTU and NTU international channels. Come and join us.