It's almost September, and we can't wait to welcome you onto campus! To help you prepare for Stirling, we've compiled a comprehensive checklist outlining some of the most important things you'll need to do prior to your arrival.
Passport
- Apply for a passport / travel document if you do not have one
- Make sure your passport / travel document is valid for at least six months and preferably for the duration of your time in the UK
Entry clearance (visa)
- Check your CAS information – contact the University if there are any errors
- Check that you have the original qualifications mentioned in the CAS
- Check your financial information:
- Do you have enough money to meet the visa requirements?
- Do your documents meet the requirements?
- Apply for your visa
Insurance
- Consider your insurance needs and ensure you have insurance for journey to the UK
- Consider taking out insurance for health and personal possessions whilst you are in the UK (basic contents insurance is included with university accommodation; the National Health Service will provide basic health treatment).
Health
- If you are an EEA student – get an European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your home government
- If you have an ongoing condition, discuss with your doctor and contact the University Medical Centre
- If you take regular medication, arrange to bring enough to last you for the initial six weeks of semester until you have registered with a doctor
- Bring details of any medication you take – including confirmation from your doctor that you need any prescriptions you are carrying
Travel arrangements
- Book flights
- Consider how you will get to Stirling from your arrival airport: book onward travel and overnight accommodation if needed
- Book University of Stirling airport pick up if arriving Saturday / Sunday prior to the start of semester
Accommodation
- Research accommodation options – University or private accommodation – and make booking
- Book temporary accommodation for any friends or relatives who will travel with you
- Book temporary accommodation if you will arrive before your main accommodation is ready
Finance and money
- It's advisable to take a variety of payment methods with you when you travel, such as adequate cash GBP as well as credit cards to last you for at least two weeks
- Contact your bank if you plan to use their credit/debit cards in the UK
- Consider how you plan to pay your tuition fees (if appropriate) and basic living expenses until you have opened a UK bank account (should you wish to do so)
Packing and logistics
- Pack a variety of clothing, so you can adapt to Scottish weather – dress in layers
- Pack a few items from home, such as postcards, photographs, ornaments etc
- If you plan to bring a laptop, check if it needs a transformer / adaptor
- Label your luggage clearly with your UK address
- Pack relevant documentation in your hand luggage, including evidence of your intended course of study, finance and planned accommodation
- Make a list of contact information of your family and friends at home
- Leave photocopies of all relevant documentation, such as your passport, with someone in your home country
- If possible, scan or take a photo of all relevant documentation and email to yourself
- Pack a small English dictionary, if you have one
Study preparations
- Read any information provided by your tutors
- Start pre-course reading from the book lists for your modules
- Check the information at www.prepareforsuccess.org.uk about UK study methods
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