Pre-Arrival Checklist- International Students

It is very important that you follow all the necessary University application steps in as set out in the University's How to apply- International Student information.

You should follow the process as closely as possible and you can make an application go quicker by ensuring that you are providing all information and documentation promptly when required. It also helps Admissions staff if you are able to submit everything needed all together. It causes delays when staff have to ask you for key information or search through various submissions and emails in order to try and work out if they have everything they need from you in order to make a decision.

It also causes delays if you submit lots of documentation that the Admissions staff do not need to see. This is because it will take them time opening everything up and trying to work out what documents are what and what they actually need. You can save them time by just uploading what is necessary and clearly labelling the attachments.

If you have studied in the UK before you should expect to provide evidence of all the UK visas you have had for previous study. Providing these from the beginning will help staff assess whether they are able to issue you with a CAS. If you have lost visas/copies and they are unable to work out exactly what the start and end dates on the visas were, they may ask your permission for them to check these dates with the Home Office. This is a common and standard process and so should not worry you.

Once you have your unconditional offer you can start preparing for your visa application. You can partially complete the Tier 4 form and gather your documents, even if you have not yet received your CAS. You would then complete the visa application once you have your CAS (which will be emailed to you).

Comprehensive information around applying for Tier 4 and other visa categories can be found on the ICL Visas and Immigration pages.

Many students choose to bring their families with them to the UK. This could be spouse/civil partners or children. Coming to the UK with you whilst you study is a wonderful opportunity for family to gain valuable life experiences and we welcome them here at Swansea University. 

It is important that you understand who is able to accompany you to the UK and whether there are any restrictions or requirements around this.

To help you work this out, we have prepared a comprehensive Guide for Families which you will find on the ICL Information for Families pages. 

As well as outlining the immigration rules and requirements relating to dependants, the Guide also explains about the UK Education System, health care for families and a section about things to do in Swansea and the surrounding area. 

The University will send you email communications throughout the application process and beyond regarding the outcome of your application and advice on what to do next– it’s important you read these communications carefully in case you miss a step!

Once you have arrived and enrolled, you should also get into the habit of checking your University email every day so you do not miss out on important information.

It’s important to know where you’ll be living when you arrive in Swansea, so you need to start thinking about booking your accommodation early to ensure you find the right place. There are useful web-links and information about finding accommodation in our International Students' Information Guide.

It’s also important to arrange your travel to your accommodation when you arrive. See the Travel Information section on our website for details on travelling in the UK to plan your journey.

Once you’re received your offer to study at Swansea University, you need to organise your finances ready to make your visa application. The UKVI have strict rules on the amount of money you have in your account and how long the money has been in there. More information about Tier 4 finances can be found in this Guide.

There are also other important documents you will need to submit in support of your application. Information about which documents these are can be found in this Guide to documents for Student Visa

We have more information and handy webinars on our webpages to help you make a Tier 4 visa application outside the UK. Visit our dedicated Webpage to find out more.

You can start the application for a Tier 4 visa 3 months before the start of your course. Though it’s a good idea to start thinking about this application process as early as possible, if you try and make and make a Tier 4 visa application too early it will be refused. Our webpages have lots of detailed information to help you make a visa application outside the UK. Click here to learn more.

Search Official Swansea University International Welcome Group or click this link to access our private Facebook group which offers you a “ready-made” community of fellow International Students for you to join. We hope you will use this space to communicate and ask questions to students who have been here for a while or reach out to those who are new too!

There are lots of excellent online resource available for International students. These resources are there to help you prepare for your life in the UK. Visit the following websites to see how they can help you:

• Prepare for Success is an interactive web learning tool for students who are getting ready to come to the UK for study. It contains learning resources which are activity-based to help you find out about different aspects of academic life in the UK and the skills needed for effective study. See the Prepare for Success website for more information. 
• The British Council website offers practical information and insight into the UK’s education system for International Students. They have a downloadable guide called First Steps, a detailed pre-departure guide which you can find via the British Council website.
• The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has dedicated blogs written by current and former International Students which offer help and support to incoming students based on their own UK experiences. You can find the Blogs for Students here as well as a myriad of other useful information on their main website.

If you are flying into Heathrow on the 20^th or 21^st September, you may like to arrange to travel with the university’s Meet and Greet airport pick-up service. This service can be booked here.

For flights arriving into different UK airports, you may like to visit the Travel Information section of our website to plan your own travel to Swansea from various ports of entry.

There are lots of fun activities to take part in when you arrive in Swansea. We suggest booking your space now so you don’t miss out!

Our International Welcome Programme, which takes place over the main arrivals weekend 20^th-22^nd September, is a great way to meet new people in the same situation as yourself and try some fun new activities. Sign-up now to reserve your spot. More information about Welcome Activities and all the other great things to get involved with can be found here.

International@Campuslife run a whole host of trips and social events throughout the year. We use social media and emails to advertise these activities to students and tickets are available via the website.    

It’s difficult to know what to pack when you’re moving to the UK for such a long time. Don’t worry, we have some tips on what to bring with you. Remember, you need to carry you suitcases on your journey and that many airlines and coaches impose a 2 case limit.

What to bring:

• Clothing: We expect that the main bulk of your packing will be made up of clothes. The climate in Wales is variable and can be unpredictable with Swansea being quite wet, especially during winter months. Daytime temperatures average between 5°C in winter and 25°C in summer. It is probably a good idea to bring clothes you can wear in layers (vests, T-shirts, sweatshirts, etc). It is also acceptable to wear shorts and skirts too. A strong, comfortable pair of shoes are also essential. You can buy suitable clothing quite cheaply in Swansea, but make sure you bring extra money with you. If possible, talk to people who have been to the UK before and ask their advice on what to bring. You can ask a question on International@ Campuslife’s Official Swansea University International Welcome Group on Facebook for guidance - many members are already here in Swansea: https://tinyurl.com/yyzlkxnm
• Electricals: The electrical voltage in the UK is 240volts/50 Hertz. If you are planning on bringing electrical items from your home country, you need to make sure you will be able to use them safely on that voltage or use an adapter. The plug (three–pin plug in the UK) is also more than likely different in your home country. In order to avoid electrical hazards we advise that you buy new small electrical items (for instance hair dryer, shaver, alarm clock, phone charger) when you arrive in the UK.

What not to bring:  

• It is illegal to bring certain goods to the UK. This includes some food items.
• Visit the government website for more details on bringing goods into the UK to check that your items are legal. If you are thinking about bringing your pet or some food or plants from your home country, view the Government's guidance to make sure you meet all the rules and EU regulations when arriving in the UK.

Swansea has a number of international food shops and it is more than likely you will be able to find all, if not most, of the food you enjoy back home – don’t be tempted to bring illegal food items to the UK! Visit our International Students' Information Guide in the International Guide 2021 to find out all about the range of international food shops in Swansea.

Most airlines will allow you to take at least one small luggage item onto the plane (carry on or hand luggage). Check with your airline for further details.

We recommend keeping the following in your hand luggage for easy access when travelling:

• Passport (containing visa if applicable)
• CAS (if a Tier 4 student) or Short-term Study visa letter
• Financial evidence
• Transcripts/certificates from previous studies
• UK accommodation address
• Medication and license or doctor's letter (if required)
• Contact details for Swansea University
• Contact details for your country’s Embassy in the UK
• Contact details for my friends and family
• Tickets or online flight booking and boarding pass
• Clothes for changing weather - we suggest you carry an extra jumper and a raincoat in your hand luggage in case you need them on arrival.
• Enough UK pounds sterling for initial costs (e.g. taxi fares, accommodation deposit, food etc.)
• Visa application decision letter (containing confirmation of where to collect your Biometric Residence Permit)

It’s a good idea to think about your money matters before you leave home. Visit our website for more information about opening a bank account in the UK before you leave home or when you arrive.

Budgeting is also a good skill to develop when you live in the UK as an International student. Our Budgeting section in our International Student's Information Guide gives you helpful hints and tips on how to look after your money and make it go further.

Usually, if you’re coming to the UK on a Tier 4 Student Visa, your health care will be covered by the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) which you paid for at the same time as your visa. If you are coming to the UK on a Short Term Student Visa or on Tier 4 Student Visa to study on a course which is less than 6 months you will need to take out private health insurance for the duration of your stay. Visit our International Student's Information Guide for more details.

If you have a significant health problem and/or require regular medication it would be helpful if you bring a letter from your doctor back home explaining your diagnosis and treatment. Please be mindful that some medications may not be available in the UK or difficult to get at short notice, so make sure you bring adequate supplies for at least a month of treatment. Ensure you carry the relevant documents to prove your medication is legally allowed to enter the UK when you travel.

Please contact the Swansea University Health Centre for more information. 

On arrival you will be able to collect an International Welcome Pack. These will be given to those accessing the University’s Student's Union Meet and Greet service, distributed on the International Welcome Day, available for collection at enrolment points or found by dropping in to CampusLife Reception in Keir Hardie (Park Campus) or in the Information Tower (Bay Campus).

This Pack contains lots of information you need for getting settled in, as well as a free GiffGaff SIM card (which allows you to talk to other students on GiffGaff for free and has excellent international calling rates).

It also includes details of how you can access a UK Government Validate ID card. This card is very useful for using as identification when in the UK and prevents you from carrying your passport and/or visa around! We have many students lose their documents, which can be costly and take a long time to replace. Getting a Validate card helps keep these safe and you can get one via International @CampusLife.

Please note that Validate cards are used as proof of age in the UK. They are not a substitute for a BRP card. You cannot use Validate UK ID cards for travel

How can I purchase a Validate UK proof of age ID card?

It costs £25 to purchase your ID card using our application service.

Please note, you must have enrolled at Swansea University/The College and be living in the UK to access this service.

Please read our  VALIDATE guidance sheet and complete your application UK ID Card Application Form which you will find in your Arrivals Pack