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Preparing for your arrival

Arrival in the UK

Arrival in the UK

Preparing for your arrival to the UK can be overwhelming. You may have lots of questions, such as ‘How do I arrange my travel?’ or ‘What paperwork do I need to have ready at the UK border?’

- Contact Home

- Check into your accommodation

- Set up your UKVI online account so you can access your immigration status and generate share codes when required

- Complete the online enrolment if you haven’t already done this

- Complete your ID verification with the University

- Collect your Student ID Card

- Open a UK Bank Account

- Apply for a National Insurance (NI) number if you intend to work in the UK – you can apply online at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number

- Register with a GP Find a GP - NHS

- Attend your inductions

- Visit the Students’ Union

- Socialise and make friends

- Enjoy your studies – don’t worry if you struggle, we are here to help

From 01 January 2025, all students will be issued with an eVisa, which provides proof of your digital immigration status in the UK. As part of this transition, students are required to create a UKVI account, which will allow you to view your immigration status online and generate share codes for different purposes, such as right to work, right to rent, and study checks.

Please check the letter you received with your visa for further details, and visit the UK Government website for the most up-to-date information.

If you need more help, speak to a member of the International Student Support Team in the Student Centre, Chancellor’s Mall.

Email: internationalstudents@greatermanchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 1204 903 828

All students must complete the online enrolment at the start of each academic year. For new students, this important step officially makes you part of the University of Greater Manchester. You will receive an email inviting you to engage with this process and providing all the required information. Please ensure you update your term-time address.

This is the first stage of enrolment and must be completed before you proceed to the ID verification process.

All new or returning students who are not British, Irish, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man nationals must have their ID verified before they can be fully enrolled. You will receive an email from the Visa Compliance Team inviting you to an in-person appointment. You must ensure you have completed the online enrolment before you undertake your ID verification.

After completing both stages, you will be able to access your course timetable and other University systems.

You will need to bring the following documents to your appointment:

- Passport

- Entry clearance visa stamped by UKVI, or a share code and travel documents showing your entry date into the UK

- Visa decision letter

- Proof of eVisa

- Proof of English language proficiency

- Original qualification certificates and any transcripts, as stated on your CAS

Once you have successfully completed your enrolment and ID verification, you will then be able to open a UK bank account. The International Student Support Team and Student Advisors in the Student Centre can provide you with a letter of introduction for your preferred bank.

You will be issued your University ID card once you have completed both your online enrolment and ID verification. Along with your card, you will receive a lanyard. You must wear your ID card at all times whilst on campus.

Once you have completed online enrolment, ID verification and collected your ID card, we strongly recommend you open a UK bank account.

There are a number of factors you should consider when choosing and opening a bank account as an international student in the UK, and you may find this guide helpful. You may be able to apply for a bank account online, or be required to visit the bank you have chosen and take documents that show who you are, such as passport, share code, proof of UK address and a letter from the University confirming your status as a UK student, the Advisors in the Student Centre can help you with this once you are fully enrolled.

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