Newsletter series for new students

Preparing for Warwick: Monthly Newsletters

The University of Warwick International Students Newsletters page brings together a series of monthly updates designed for students joining from overseas. Each edition provides practical guidance, key reminders, and useful links to support preparation before travelling and arrival on campus.

The most recent newsletters are from July 2025 and August 2025, with another to follow in September 2025, continuing Warwick’s step-by-step support for international students as they get ready to begin their studies.

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July Newsletter August Newsletter September Newsletter Pre Departure Briefing Slides

Missed the Pre-Departure Briefing?

No problem — we’ve got you covered. Click here to view the pre-departure briefing slides.

September Newsletter

Our September newsletter is here — we can’t wait to welcome you!

As we get closer to the start of the new academic year, we want to highlight some important information and actions you can take to help you get ready!

International Student Success- Sign up and Complete

30% of all our new international students have now signed up and started the course. If that’s you, great job! If you haven’t yet, make sure you make a start now as the course is designed to help you settle in and thrive at Warwick.

We strongly recommend completing it before arrival (2–4 hours total) to get a head start on:

British culture & social etiquette
Academic expectations & group work skills
Managing culture shock & pressure
Finding part-time work & building networks

It also counts towards the Warwick AwardLink opens in a new window– and is still valuable even if you’ve already arrived!

Pre-departure briefing slides Book Accommodation Get bedding for your first night

If you'll be living on campus, you will know from our Arrival FAQs that you need to provide your own bedding, including pillow, pillowcase, bedsheet, blanket (duvet) and duvet cover. Your mattress and mattress cover are provided by the University.

If you arrive in the UK early, you may have time to collect your room key and then go to a local shop or supermarket to buy bedding for the first night. Please remember that the shops near campus will have a high demand for bedding, and so you may need to travel into the city centre if supplies run out.

If you arrive late or after shop opening hours, you may wish to bring light bedding in your luggage for your first night. Alternatively, you can pre-order these supplies online, noting the deadline to order is midnight (UK time) on Sunday 21 September, if you're arriving between the 25 - 28 September. You can find out more on our what to bring with you webpage.

Bring a bank card ( travel card or credit card)

Bring a bank card or prepaid travel card (preferably a "contactless card" or "FOREX card") when you travel to the UK, as the cafes, restaurants and stores on campus do not accept cash.

A "contactless" card is very commonly used in the UK to pay for transportation, such as buses, London underground etc. If you do not have a "contactless card", you will be expected to pay the exact fare in cash when you take the bus, as bus drivers don't usually give change.

Get your visa and prepare immigration documents for travelling

If you still have not received your visa, or need help with enrolment, feel free to take another look at our August update for international students.

If your visa is delayed beyond the UKVI's standard processing time (3 weeks) AND you are at risk of not being able to arrive in the UK by the "latest start date" on your CAS, please inform the Student Visa Advice team of you visa delay, so that we can enquire with the Home Office UKVI on your behalf. You may also want to contact your academic department and outline any mitigating circumstances (with evidence if possible). Your department may then assess and decide whether they are able to support an extension of your arrival deadline.

Remember, if your visa is granted, register to access your eVisa before you travel. Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are no longer issued – they have been replaced by eVisa.

Essential documents to bring: Passport, copy of the Visa Decision Letter or email, Share Code, printout of eVisa and Boarding Pass. We also recommend that you carry original or certified Degree Certificate, evidence of your finances, evidence of your accommodation, unconditional offer letter, CAS, and English Language certificate (if any).

Know how to travel to campus

If you have not booked the University's Airport Transfer service yet, there's still time - bookings close on 22 September. Please check your previous emails for details.

Travelling independently? Make sure to read our Travel to campus independently guidance, written specifically for international students.

‼ IMPORTANT:

Warwick Accommodation will email all students who have booked a room on campus with information about completing their online Accommodation Induction. This is mandatory and you must complete this before you travel. You'll be able to download/view your specific arrivals instructions at the end of the Accommodation Induction. By booking an arrival slot for your campus room key collection, you can help us reduce waiting time and arrange sufficient number of student helpers to assist you from key collection to your room on campus.

Further information will be added to their Arrival FAQsin the coming days.

Welcome Week & Right to Study Checks

Campus will be busy during Welcome Week - it is a truly vibrant place, alive with lots of activities, fairs, debates, and performances.

When on campus, you and your family can have a free wi-fi internet access. Make sure you check the

step-by-step guide in good time. For your family, they can access WiFi as a Warwick Guest.

As an international student (anyone who is not a UK or Irish national), with a time-limited visa, it is a mandatory requirement that you attend a "Right to Study" check event. Appointments are available between 23 September - 3 October, and on week days from 7 October until the end of October. You can book your place via the Welcome Week Timetable after completing course registration.

If you are an EU student with pre-settled status, and are expecting a maintenance payment from the Student Loan company (because you are a UK resident/permanent resident), our Student Fees team will notify the Student Loan company within two working days of you attending your Right to Study check. You will then receive the first payment within 5 working days (seeStudent Finance guidance ). As the first payment is usually due at the start of term, if you attend an early event, you may still receive your first loan payment at the start of your course.

Dates For Your Diary - specific events for international students

🌍International Student Welcome - 30 Sep, 4.30pm - 7pm, Panorama

Celebrate cultures, make connections, and explore support at Warwick’s biggest in-person welcome event for International students.

☕Adapting to UK Life - Multiple sessions from 29 Sep to 3 Oct

Not studied in the UK before? Join our interactive sessions to get top tips, hear surprises, meet peers, and ask questions. If you see it on your Welcome timetable, make sure you select a slot to book your session.

🤝 International Student Hub - Rootes Learning Grid (22 Sep to 3 Oct)

Meet our friendly International Student Ambassadors for peer support, practical advice, and settling-in tips. Whether it’s a big concern or a small question – just ask!

📅 Arrival Week Events – 26 & 27 Sept

We are hosting tailored sessions on careers, travel, scams and more. Look for the International Specific tab in your Welcome Week Timetable.

🩺 Everything you need to know about Healthcare (02 Oct, 2pm)

Learn how to register with a GP, access free NHS services, and get support for your well-being. Hear from fellow students and get practical tips for staying healthy during your time at Warwick.

🏦 On-Campus Banking Support – HSBC & NatWest

Need a UK bank account? HSBC and NatWest will be on campus during Welcome Week to help you open one. Book your slot in advance!

Book your place at all of our Welcome Week events in advance on the Welcome Week Timetable. Not sure how to book your Welcome Week events? The timetable guide shows you how.

Anything else we haven't covered? Check out our International Student Support webpage, which contains a comprehensive guide and checklists for all stages of your study.

We hope you have a safe journey to the UK and look forward to welcoming you to Warwick soon!

August Newsletter

Our August newsletter is here — we can’t wait to welcome you!

At Warwick, we are proud to be an international university. As an international student, you are a vital, valued and important member of our diverse community and we look forward to welcoming you.

Just one more month to go!! We can't wait to meet you!

Your visa application

We have provided detailed information on visas in our July 2025 newsletter for international students (click the video above to access the newsletter).

If you are worried about visa processing time, you can find more details on how to get a faster decision.

If you are extending your Student Visa in the UK because you have just completed a course at Warwick or elsewhere, ensure you check that you are eligible to apply in the UKLink opens in a new window first. If you currently hold a Student Visa, you do not have to pay additional fees for a faster decision, as you can enrol and start your course if you provide evidence of an in-progress Student Visa application which is made before your current visa expiry date.

Remember, if you need help, we are here for you!

Contact the Student Visa Advice Team

Enrolment

Emails from our Enrolment Team inviting you to complete course registration are usually sent from late-August (4-6 weeks before your course start date).

If you applied for a Student Visa outside of the UK, you will need to first receive your visa before you can complete course registration, and we have set up an automated email to tell you when your CAS status changes to "Used". You can, however, register an IT account and upload your photo before receiving your visa.

If you have already received your visa, make sure you visit our website to see how to select your visa type and what documents you should upload. You will need a share code which you can get after creating a UKVI account for an eVisa.

After completing course registration, you will need to book a slot for an in-person right to study check. You can do this via the Welcome Week timetable, when booking opens in early September. It is mandatory and you cannot start your course until the check is completed.

Airport Transfers

Students travelling from London Heathrow can use our dedicated booking portal for a 20% discount on their National Express coach. We've also emailed all offer holders inviting them to book their free onward travel to campus from

Coventry Pool Meadow Bus Station, if travelling during our main arrivals window, Thu 25 - Sun 28 Sep 2025.

If you're travelling outside of the mentioned period, you can still use the 20% off using the National Express booking portal. Pool Meadow is located in the city centre, and taxi and bus services are available for onward travel if you are living off-campus.

Worried about flight delays? Why not add "Change and Go" to your trip for £5.

1. Book Your National Express Coach 2. Book your FREE Coventry Pool Meadow Coach to Campus

For more information, and if you have any questions about this service, please visit our website. If you're planning on arriving at a different airport or by sea or rail, we also have advice on travelling to our campus independently.

New to Studying in the UK?

It’s normal to feel a bit nervous or unsure. If you have questions about campus life, accommodation, or study support, connect directly with our current students via Unibuddy. You can also explore blogs under the Content tab to hear about life at Warwick.

You should also have received an invitation to join the Unibuddy Community. This online space helps you meet other new Warwick students — future flatmates, classmates, people from your country, or those who share your hobbies. Connect before you arrive, start making friends, and feel at home from day one.

Some student Societies in the Students' Union also offer top tips and support to help you prepare and settle in. To find a Cultural Society, click on "Filter by Category" and click on "Culture".

Banking in the UK

You should bring a bank card or prepaid travel card (preferably a "contactless card") to the UK. The cafes, restaurants and stores on campus do not accept cash. We've prepared a page to help you find out about opening a UK bank account, including top tips from current international students.

In your first few days, try setting up a digital banking account; it's a fast, safe and flexible way to manage your money while you settle in.

Life in the UK

Did you know most shops close at 4pm on Sundays? Did you know you need the exact change to pay for local buses, unless you have a "contactless card"? Do you know what British weather is really like?
Life in a new country can be full of surprises and we'd like you to be prepared as much as possible! Check out our short quizLink opens in a new window and hopefully learn a few new things along the way.

Other Useful Information

Information on what to bring with you, including details about UniKitOut (items you can pre-order before you leave home).

If you're starting a Master's degree, it might feel strange to think about applying for jobs at this stage, but the UK graduate scheme recruitment starts now for jobs starting next Autumn. Read more on the International Student Careers webpage and learn about the recruitment timeline, what you can do before arrival, and essential information about working in the UK. The next pre-arrival career webinar for experienced candidates will take place on Wed 27 August 2025.

You can find out more about wellbeing support at Warwick and watch our dedicated video for international students before you leave home.

We have been made aware of a number of scams targeting international students in the UK. Please visit our guidance for avoiding scams for international students.

It's a good idea to get a UK phone number, you can even pre-order it before you leave home!
Have a look at our welcome pages for a sneak peak of some of the fun activities we have planned to help you settle in and start to make friends.

July 2025 newsletter

Our July newsletter is here — we can’t wait to welcome you!

As you prepare to begin your university experience, take time to explore the information and advice we have available for you. These resources are designed to help you make the most of this exciting opportunity.

Pre-arrival task and checklist

Studying abroad can be both exciting and stressful as you will encounter a lot of unknowns - navigating a new culture, learning social etiquette in a global campus, understanding academic expectations, staying healthy and perhaps finding a part-time job.

Our International Student Support webpages your one-stop shop for everything you need to know before travelling to the UK.

We also strongly recommend that you spend 2-4 hours completing this interactive International Student Success Course before leaving home, so that you can have the best possible start when you arrive.

Download your full pre-arrival checklist :Undergraduate/ International Foundation Programme or Postgraduate.

Visa for studying in the UK

Unless you already hold a UK visa which permits study in the UK , all non-UK/Irish students coming to study in the UK for a course that is longer than 6 months need to have a Student visa sponsored by The University of Warwick.

If you currently hold a conditional offer

This email should not be taken as an indication that your place will be confirmed. You will need to satisfy all the conditions of your offer to obtain an unconditional offer and apply for your visa.

If your final result is under what’s listed in your conditional offer, still send your documents to our admissions team as they will look at your whole profile, not just one number.

The Student Visa process can take some time so if your hope is to study at Warwick this autumn, you may wish to start thinking about preparing for your visa application now.

For example, before you can submit your visa application, required funds need to be held in a bank account for 28 consecutive days. In some countries, it might take time to secure an appointment for a Tuberculosis test. For certain courses which require an ATAS clearance, it can take up to 30 working days to obtain the ATAS certificate.

Please take some time to read the Application process, how to fill out the visa application form and watch the short videos we put together to help you prepare for a Student visa application.

If you currently hold an unconditional offer

The Admissions team should have been in touch via email to begin the process of creating your CAS, which is a document you will need in order to apply for a Student visa. Please read that email carefully and request a CAS online as soon as possible, as it can take up to 10 working days to process it. Get in touch via our Live Chat if you have any questions not answered on our CAS website.

If you have received your CAS but not applied for your Student Visa yet If you have submitted your Student Visa application

If you have submitted your Student Visa application and are currently waiting for a decision, please be patient. We will email you as soon as your CAS status changes to ‘Used’ (this is when a decision of your application is likely to have been made). Please don’t visit the Visa Application Centre to collect your passport until you have been told, as there might be a few days of delay from the date of visa decision to the date you can collect your passport.

Please note that from 15 July 2025, e-Visa will replace any physical visa sticker on your passport and your Visa Application Centre will give you detailed guidance.

If you have received your Student Visa

Accommodation

IFP & UG

We have a large international undergraduate and postgraduate community that choose to live on campus and Warwick Accommodation offer helpful cancellation termsLink opens in a new window in the event you are unable to commence study due to not obtaining your visa or deferring for the full year.

Undergraduate and foundation year students

As an Undergraduate or Foundation year student, you should ensure you submit your accommodation application online by19 August 2025 in order to meet our university-allocated accommodation guarantee. Find out more about how we allocate accommodation.

Incoming visiting or exchange students please visit this page on the Warwick Accommodation website to submit your accommodation application and find out more about accommodation during your time at Warwick.

If you plan to live off campus (private accommodation)

Many landlords require you to pay the full year of accommodation fees upfront or have a UK Guarantor. There are also accommodation related scams. Therefore, it is important that you read the guidance below before signing a contract or paying any fees so that you are aware of any surprises or potential issues.

International Student Support – choosing accommodation
Warwick Student Union Housing Advice – our experienced Student Union advisors can check your contract before you sign, offer practice advice via email and appointment, even if you are overseas.

·Read our Safety tips for how to stay safe and avoid accommodation scams

Need Help?

Our Accommodation Team is available for live chats Monday to Friday until late August. Reach out for a 1-to-1 conversation — we're here to support you!

If you plan to live on campus

As a postgraduate student, you can book a room directlyLink opens in a new window with Warwick Accommodation, when you have accepted an unconditional offer. Bookings are taken on a first-come first-served basis (subject to availability) and so do book as soon as you are eligible.

If no rooms are showing, check the booking portal regularly for live availability as rooms tend to be released back to the booking system if they become available. You can also check for any student vacancies that may be available if we’re fully allocated. Read our helpful FAQs for more information about postgraduate accommodation.

If you plan to live off campus (private accommodation)

International Student Support – choosing accommodation
Warwick Student Union Housing Advice– our experienced Student Union advisors can check your contract before you sign, offer practice advice via email and appointment, even if you are overseas.

·Read our Safety tips for how to stay safe and avoid accommodation scams

Need Help?

Our Accommodation Team is available for live chats Monday to Friday until late August. Reach out for a 1-to-1 conversation — we're here to support you!

Pre-pay course fees

If your offer is unconditional, and you wish to pre-pay some course fees so that your CAS shows the amount of course fees already paid, our Student Finance team offers detailed guidance on how to use the Flywire Open PortalLink opens in a new window

to do so. We have been made aware of money scams when students pay fees via private arrangement. Please do not put your money at risk by dealing with any agents or intermediaries, who may offer seemingly attractive rates of exchange but cannot be guaranteed to be secure or legitimate.

Booking your flight

If you are booking a flight before you receive your visa, please ensure that your travel date can be amended with the airline if necessary, for example, in case your visa is delayed. Your Student Visa will only be valid from up to 1 month before the course start date as stated on your CAS (for example, if your course start date is 29 September, the earliest date your visa may be valid is 30 August). Therefore, please do not travel too early.

PGT students- How to make the most of your time career-wise

Thinking about working in the UK during or after studies? There are things you can do even before you come to the UK. Start with the International Student Careers page — it breaks down everything from UK recruitment timeline, part time jobs, CV tips and practical steps you can take to be ‘job ready’.

Our Careers team are hosting Pre-arrival career webinars in August too. Dates will be released soon and there is no need to sign up, just click on the joining link on the day.

Volunteering - documents you may wish to obtain now

If you are interested in get involved in volunteering in the UK and make a difference in the communities around campus and the local area, Warwick VolunteersLink opens in a new window has a wide variety of opportunities. For some volunteering roles (those that involve working with children or vulnerable adults), a ‘ Certificate of Good Conduct ’ (or a ‘Certificate of No Criminal Record’) may be required from your home country, so it’s now time to get one before you leave home.

Join our Unibuddy Community

We’ll keep in touch and share more information and guidance over the summer.