Your first few weeks
Find out what to expect during your first few weeks when you arrive at the University of Surrey. These page will be regularly updated to reflect any changes to the guidance issued by the UK Government in relation to your studies.
1. Contact family and friends
Call or email home to let your family and friends know you have arrived safely.
2. Collect your keys
Locate your accommodation and collect the key as directed in your accommodation confirmation email. This section of the checklist will be updated to incorporate any quarantine measures. If you are required to quarantine on arrival, we will ensure that you have the necessary information to do so comfortably and safely.
3. Collect your BRP
Collect your biometric residence permit, using your UKVI decision letter and passport from the Guildford Post Office.*
4. Attend orientation events
Attend the International Orientation Programme sessions that you have booked. Find out more.
5. Attend University registration
Attend University registration where you will be given your student ID card.
6. Check welcome updates
Check the New students website for the latest information for on events, including Students’ Union activities and your Freshers’ Fair.
7. Attend talks
Make sure you attend your faculty and departmental talks, in addition to your accommodation talk with your Warden team.
8. Register with a doctor
9. Get your National Insurance number
If you want to work part-time and your biometric residence permit (BRP) doesn't have a National Insurance number printed on it, you will need to apply for one.
10. Attend police registration
If your visa has been issued for more than six months you may need to attend police registration. You can book your registration online.
11. Access support
View a host of support resources on MySurrey, or pop into the MySurrey Hive to visit the International Student Support team.
12. Open a UK bank account
If you haven't done so already, set up a UK bank account online or in person in one of the local banks in Guildford.
*If the BRP collection point changes, you will receive an email from us, confirming the new location.
Orientation
If you a non-EU international student, we run an International Orientation Programme for you. where you will be able to register with the University, become familiar with campus, socialise with other new international students and learn about life in the UK through a series of social events, trips, workshops and talks.
