International Pre-Arrival Guide
Welcome
Welcome to our arrival guide. We’re looking forward to welcoming you onto campus. However, before you travel to the UK – it is important that you read the information contained within the guide so you’re prepared for each stage of your journey to the UK and being a University of Sunderland student.
This guide will walk you through your transition to the UK, including pre-arrival information, travelling to the UK, and what to expect when you get here – including advice on accommodation.
As part of your transition, we will send you information, activities and a pre-arrival survey. Please engage with this information, it will make your first few weeks in the UK easier, and enable us to identify any areas of support you may require.
We can't wait to see you in Sunderland.
Visa Application
Once you have received your CAS, you can apply for a student visa on the UK Government’s website.
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. Here we guide you through the top things you will need to be aware of for your visa application.
UK Arrival
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 at the UK border?’ Here we provide guidance that will hopefully answer all your questions about your arrival.
Accommodation
Having suitable accommodation is key to your entire university experience. You will find that the University is an active campus with a diverse student population. We are pleased to be welcoming more students to study at Sunderland than ever before.
However, this does mean that there is a greater demand for accommodation and housing in the area. Here we have put together some handy resources of things you will need to consider when you’re looking for accommodation in the UK that is right for you and your circumstances
Managing Finances
Managing your money after you have moved to a new country can be a daunting thought. Don’t worry, though – the information provided below, in addition to the support available at the University, will help you work through any financial questions or issues you may encounter during your studies.
Accessing Healthcare
As an overseas national, you may be unsure on what you need to do to access healthcare during your studies. This section provides advice on looking after yourself in the UK – and how to access healthcare services to obtain medical treatment via the UK's medical system operated by the National Health Service (NHS)
Adapting to the UK
Culture shock can be common for those experiencing a new culture for the first time. You will notice differences between your new environment and what you were used to previously. This may include the way people speak, dress and behave. You may also encounter changes in food choice and social activities. As you manage this period of transition, you may experience culture shock – in that you feel disorientated and confused by the new set of rules and experiences you are part of.
CULTURE SHOCK | LIVING IN SUNDERLAND | FAITH SUPPORT | INCLUSIVITY | WORKING IN THE UK
Education and Childcare
The UK government have changed the visa rules for international students and their dependants from January 2024. The new rules mean that international students who are studying for anything except a research course, which commences from January 2024, will no longer be able to bring dependants with them for the duration of their studies. Research students will however continue to be able to bring their dependants with them.
Here we have provided guidance on accessing education services here in the UK alongside things to consider regarding childcare arrangements to ensure you can dedicate time to your studies.
Webinars
In this section, you can find a curated collection of videos and webinars appropriate for international students, new and continuing.
Information about support services available to international students and personal testimonials from past students are just a few examples of what you can find through the link below.
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Making friends at the university of Sunderland couldn't be easier...
Anass Zniti
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Managing your money can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be...
Zoe