International support for postgraduate research students

Support

Our International Student Support team is here to help you with any visa and immigration questions you might have. They also organise events for international students.

Leaving your home country, possibly for the first time, and moving to an unfamiliar culture can be exciting and daunting. The team can help answer any questions you might have when considering your move. We also have a comprehensive international students arrival guide that has all the essential information you need when getting ready to leave for the UK.

The team can help you with:

• Immigration
• Visa advice (prior your arrival and during your studies, including visa extensions)
• Working visa schemes after your studies
• Police registration

To find out more and speak to a member of the International Student Support team email internationalsupport@surrey.ac.uk.

Social life and events 

Welcome events

We offer an exciting mix of events and activities that are available from the moment you arrive, with the Meet and Greet programme at Heathrow and Gatwick airports during which you will be transported directly to your accommodation on campus and the International Orientation Programme* that will give you an opportunity to meet other international students at Surrey and take part in trips, welcome talks and an early registration.

During the academic year

The International Student Support organises various events and participate with the Students' Union during One World Week where we celebrate different cultures.

*For September and February arrivals

Money and housing advice

We have a dedicated Money and Housing team who provide advice and guidance on money matters. They can help with a wide range of financial matters including:

• Fees
• Student loans
• Bursaries and scholarships
• Budgeting and debt
• Financial difficulty/hardship.

Whether you are struggling to pay your rent or a struggling to access funding from your funding provider we’re here to help.

In addition to the financial support, we also provide housing advice for students living off campus. This includes:

• Checking tenancy agreements
• Deposits
• Council tax letters
• Mediation

You can contact the team at hive@surrey.ac.uk to arrange an appointment with a student money and housing adviser.

English language

The International Student Support team are closely linked with other the teams who are able to offer international students advice and support with English language and pre-sessional English courses.