Checklist for New International students

1 Apply for your visa

If you are currently living outside of the UK and need a visa, you should read the information and watch the videos on our dedicated how to apply for a visa webpage. Alternatively,  if you are applying for a visa from inside the UK, you can read more on our askUS pages.

Please remember that you should not travel to the UK before the start date on your entry clearance visa or digital status, even if entering the UK via an e-gate. If you do, your student leave will not be activated properly and we will not be able to register you. In this scenario, you would be advised to leave the UK until such time as your visa or digital status commences and you can return to the UK to register. This, of course, will generate extra travel, inconvenience and, cost to you that we all want to avoid.

You should also remember not to enter the UK via Ireland as this causes a similar issue where your student leave will not be activated. In this scenario, you would also be advised to leave the UK and the common travel area (including Ireland) and then return to the UK to activate your correct immigration status and allow you to register. This, again, will cause you extra inconvenience, travel, and cost that we all wish to avoid.

2 book your accommodation

If you haven't yet arranged somewhere to live and are struggling to find available accommodation, please contact our askUS team who can provide the latest updates. They can be contacted on askUS@salford.ac.uk or, if you’d prefer to call, you can speak to the team on +44 (0)161 295 0023.

You must provide a UK address and telephone number as part of the University of Salford's registration process. If you are staying in temporary accommodation, you can give this address during registration, but once you have found your term-time accommodation then you will need to update your profile with this information. 

You can find some more useful links and videos to support you below.

3 Book your travel to arrive in UK

You should arrive from the start date on your entry clearance visa or digital status, so that you have time to complete your International Check-in on campus before your induction starts. Remember to check the travel regulations for any of the countries you transit through.

When you arrive at Manchester airport you can get a free taxi to take you from the airport to our University of Salford Campus. Other destinations such as your accommodation may incur extra charges if the amount is over £39.00 so please come prepared.

How to use this service

• You can book a taxi by completing this form
• You will need your University ID, flight details and accommodation address to complete the booking form
• You must book at least 72 hours in advance
• You can use this service if you are a new international student studying a full-time course, travelling alone with your luggage. If you are travelling in a group there are train and bus links to Manchester/Salford area available
• After collecting your luggage and passing through Border Control, you will need to call +44 (0)161 945 2000 to inform our taxi partners that you have arrived
• You will then be advised of your pick-up point which is different depending on your terminal

4 Start online registration

Look out for an email from our registration team inviting you to start online registration. Please do not try to register until you have received this email.

It is important to register promptly and as early as possible so that you can access your learning resources and start your course on time. See the registration page for more information.

5 Book your International Check-in appointment

Once the registration period opens, we will contact you about booking your appointment for your International Check-In.

The International Check-in appointment is a requirement from the Home Office, and it involves us checking your documents face-to-face on campus.

6 Work through the StartSmart Platform

StartSmart is an exclusive online space for you to use to take you through the essentials of being a Salford student and help you have a great start to your life at Salford. From support with your English language skills to understanding your responsibilities as a student and help to start thinking about your future, there is lots of advice to help you succeed with your study, career and personal goals.

7 pack your important documents and belongings

Depending on your circumstances, the following documents may be required once you have entered the UK, either for your university registration or for other purposes.

We recommend carrying these documents in your hand luggage so you can show them to the airport staff once you arrive.

• Your Passport
• Your Visa - This could be in the form of a vignette in your passport and/or a decision letter proving your right to study in the UK     
• Your CAS letter - You may be asked to show your CAS on arrival in the UK  
• Your TB certificate - You may be asked to show a TB screening certificate (depending on your country of origin) on arrival in the UK     
• Documentary evidence of your finances and ability to pay your fees and support yourself whilst living in the UK
• Your sponsorship letter (if applicable)   
• Documentary evidence of your qualifications (original documents of academic certificates and/or original official transcripts)
• Your offer letter from the University of Salford - You will need to show this to the taxi company if you have booked a taxi transfer using our taxi service  
• Your airport welcome/taxi transfer confirmation. You will need to show this to the taxi company if you have booked a taxi transfer. You can book a taxi by completing this form
• Original documentary evidence of your English language skills (if required) 
• Your ATAS Certificate (if required)
• Driver’s licence (if you have one)
• Any doctor’s letter outlining medical conditions or prescribed drugs
• Enough money or an international credit card to buy food and essentials with before you open a UK bank account.
• Travel and health insurance documents – these are to protect you in case you fall ill during transit or before you can register for medical care in the UK, or for situations such as your flight being cancelled/lost baggage etc.

Chidera from Nigeria shares her top tips for what you should pack in the below video:

8 Collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

If required, you must collect your BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK. Your visa decision letter will tell you where to collect your BRP from. 

9 Attend your international check-in appointment

You must bring along your original documents to your appointment at University House on Peel Park campus for your International Check-in. This is an essential part of the registration process.

The documents you must bring are:

• Your passport
• Your visa
• Your visa share code (if applicable)
• Your visa decision issued by the Home Office

As soon as you complete registration you can collect your student ID card, start using the Library and University IT systems, and you can also apply for your UK national insurance number.

You must also read the information on our website using the link below.

10 Pay your tuition fees

You must pay your tuition fees or arrange a payment plan before you can complete registration. Find out how to pay your fees by watching the below video or clicking the link.

If you have any problems paying your fees you can speak to our finance team by emailing Income-treasury@salford.ac.uk or calling +44 (0) 161 295 0023 (press option 2 then option 1).

If you're having difficulties confirming your payment method during registration, you can find some troubleshooting information to support you on our Welcome FAQ page.

11 complete online registration

Now that you have completed International Check-in and paid your fees you are ready to complete online registration. This involves filling in your personal details and agreeing to our terms and conditions.  

You can find more information about how to do this in your Welcome guide (check your email inbox).

12 Set up your IT and learning systems

Once you’ve registered, you’ll have access to your student email account and the systems you’ll use as a student. Make sure to take a screenshot or note down your username and password when you’re registering – we can’t email a copy of your password to you for security reasons.

13 Join your induction and Welcome Week from 11 September

You must attend your induction which starts from 11 September. Your induction will give you course-specific information, introduce you to the academic staff who will teach you and give you a chance to meet your new course mates.

It is important to attend your induction otherwise your visa may be revoked. It is also a great opportunity to become familiar with the requirements of the course and the systems we use.

During Welcome Week (11-15 September), you will also have the opportunity to make friends, attend welcome events and join a society.