New international undergraduate and postgraduate taught student checklist
Get ready for Sheffield by completing your to-do list tasks.
What you need to do first
Here is a list of the things you must do before you can start your course.
If you’re beginning your studies at the University of Sheffield International College, you should refer to your emails for advice on your essential tasks instead of this page.
If you’re a new international postgraduate research student, refer to the international PGR checklist instead.
- Register for your course
You need to register before you can start studying with us. You will receive a registration email from preregistration@sheffield.ac.uk with instructions on how to do this. There are two steps to your registration:
- Step 1: Online registration, available from 21 August 2025
- Step 2: In-person right to study check, appointments available from 16 September 2025
- Activate your University IT account
Once you’ve registered for your course, your University IT account (MUSE) will be activated. You will use your MUSE account to access online IT services including your;
- Student email account
- Course timetable
- Online course materials
Learn how to get online, manage your emails, access course materials, and get the most out of your studies. Start your digital induction
If you experience any problems logging into your University IT account, contact IT Services.
Keep checking your University email account as this is where we will send all future communications.
- Book your in-person right to study check
As a non-UK national, to complete your registration with the University you must book and attend an in person Right to Study check. You will receive an email at the start of September, asking you to book this.
At your right to study check we will:
- Verify your passport and immigration documents
- Help you to complete registration for your course
- Print your student UCard (your student ID card used to access buildings and services).
If you're a distance learning student, you don't need to attend an in-person right to study check. You’ll be prompted to upload any immigration documents online as part of your pre-registration steps.
- Complete the CAS application task
Anyone who applies for a Student visa to study in the UK must include with their visa application a unique Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, linking them to the institution where they intend to study. You will be asked to complete the CAS Application task as part of your pre-registration tasks.
If you do not require a Student visa because you have a different visa type that permits study in the UK, you will not need to request a CAS number. However, you should check carefully if your visa permits you to study on your specific course as early as possible. If you’re unsure you can contact our International Student Support, Advice and Compliance team (ISSAC).
- Apply for your student visa
Once you have received your CAS from Admissions you should apply for your visa as soon as possible.
Before applying for your visa:
- Check if you need to provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) test as part of your visa application. Tuberculosis screening
- Check if you need to provide ATAS clearance as part of your visa application. If you’re unsure what you need for your application, contact our International Student Support, Advice and Compliance team (ISSAC)
- Check that you meet the Student visa financial requirements before applying
- Join a pre-departure briefing
There's a lot to think about before moving to Sheffield, so join a Sheffield Live session and get your questions answered. Sessions run on a Wednesday and cover lots of topics from CAS and visas, to packing and moving, and those all important pre-departure briefings.
- Apply for University accommodation
If you’d like to live in University accommodation, apply if you haven’t already done so.
The Accommodation Office can help with any queries you have. How to apply for University accommodation
- Let the University know if you have any accessibility requirements
We can support you if you have a long-term impairment or condition that has an impact on your studies. Contact the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) to ensure that the support you need is in place from the start of your course.
Starting university can feel exciting, but it can also be challenging. We are here to help and support disabled applicants to make the transition to the University of Sheffield.
- Complete your financial declaration and pay your tuition fees
Paying your tuition fees is a crucial part of your registration at University. It’s important to know how to do this correctly, as well as the things you need to look out for.
How to pay your tuition fees (and some important reading)
All students must complete the Financial Declaration, online, in advance. You will be sent a link, via email, asking you to complete your pre-registration actions; this includes completing the Financial Declaration.
It’s also a good time to start thinking about managing your money while at University. Our money tools can help you plan your finances and could make your money go further.
Watch out for tuition fee fraud
Scams and fraud are very common. You need to know how to protect yourself against them.
- If a company, or someone online, offers to pay your fees at a reduced price, do not respond.
- Never share your personal information (including your University username and password) with anyone else.
- Don’t be pressured into making payments - criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Start getting ready
Once you've completed your essential tasks it's time to start getting excited for your Sheffield journey. Here's a list of things to do to help you prepare.
- Join us for Orientation Week, 15 - 19 September
Orientation Week is an optional programme of guided tours, social events and information sessions open to all new and continuing students, international or from the UK. If you want a little extra time and help to settle into life in Sheffield and the University, then Orientation Week is for you.
Accommodation, at a cost, is available to students taking part in Orientation Week (this will not be the same as your term-time accommodation). Bookings for Orientation Week accommodation close at 12 noon, Friday 5 September.
- Book the Meet and Greet service from Manchester Airport by 4 September
The University will be running a Meet and Greet airport pick-up service from Manchester Airport to the University of Sheffield on selected dates in September. Book your place by midnight on Thursday 4 September.
Book the Meet and Greet service
If you’re arriving at a different UK airport, find information about how to get to Sheffield.
- Meet other new students
Find your coursemates and meet loads of other new students through the University of Sheffield Facebook group for international students.
We have WeChat groups for offer-holders in China. Please add the group assistant on WeChat (ID: SheffieldCN).
- Get to know the city of Sheffield
Sheffield is a vibrant, green, modern city with real character. Unforgettable nights out, breathtaking green spaces, sprawling shopping centres and proud, local independents.
- Get your tickets for Welcome Week, 22 - 26 September
Explore everything Sheffield has to offer at our Welcome Week, taking place 22 - 26 September. There really is something for everyone and during this week you can:
- Grab freebies at our Freshers Fair
- Meet members from hundreds of our clubs and societies at the Activities Fair and Sports Fair
- Join daily Give it a Go activities to test out different societies
- Enjoy loads of fantastic nights out
- Register with the University Health Service
You should register with a GP (doctor) in Sheffield so you can get medical advice and treatment if you ever need it. As part of your online registration, you’ll be able to register as a patient with the University Health Service (UHS), your dedicated NHS GP practice and student health specialist.
If you have a pre-existing physical or mental condition (for example, sickle cell disease), it’s very important that you register with a GP to let them know about your condition so that they can help you access the specialist care you need.
Find out more about accessing healthcare in the UK as an international student, including information about National Health Service (NHS) entitlement, health insurance and immunisations before you arrive in the UK.
- Find support and advice for settling in and adjusting to life in the UK
Studying abroad can be both exciting and stressful. To help you settle in and adjust to life in the UK, the International Student Success programme is a free online resource with practical guidance and support for all new international students.
- Choose your modules
If your course allows you to choose optional modules, you’ll be asked to select these as part of your online registration tasks using online module selection.
- Check your University email account
Whilst you are a student with us, any important information we need to communicate to you will always be sent to your student email address. So it’s essential that you check your emails regularly.
Learn how to get online and manage your emails
If you experience any problems logging into your University IT account, contact IT Services.
- Follow us on social media
Celebrate your success and get involved on social media! Make sure you’re following us on:
Travelling to the UK
Before you travel, make sure you have everything you need and know what to bring with you.
- What to bring
If you’ll be living in University accommodation, here’s some useful advice on what to bring with you.
Take a look at our international student essentials for advice on what to bring with you and important information for moving to the UK.
Bring the following documents in your hand luggage:
- Your CAS number and/or details of your course
- A recent bank statement
- Details of your accommodation
- Any medical documents and at least three months’ medication for ongoing conditions
- Don’t bring any restricted items into the UK
- Have your passport ready and remove it from its cover
- Bring a pen with you so you can complete a landing card on the plane
- How to get to Sheffield
Find maps of the city and campus, and travel information for visiting Sheffield from across the nation and world.
Arriving at Sheffield
Here's everything you need to know and do for your arrival at Sheffield.
- Download the University's safety app
Download our safety app, SafeZone, so that you can contact security if you need help and stay safe around campus.
- Download the iSheffield app
iSheffield is our free app that allows you to learn about study, social and local life at Sheffield. Use it to view your timetable, register your attendance in lectures and tutorials, access your reading lists, and find interactive campus maps.
- Know where to go for help
The Student Services Information Desk (SSiD) is the first place you should go to for general student-related enquiries. Contact SSiD
For immigration related information or advice, contact the International Student Support, Advice & Compliance (ISSAC) team.
What to do in your first week
There will be lots going on in your first week, so here are the key things you need to do and what you can get involved in.
- Attend your in-person right to study check
You must attend an in-person right to study check to be able to study with us. This is where you will also pick up your UCard.
- Check your visa details and responsibilities
Check your visa details are correct. If there’s a problem, let us know straight away.
Students with a Student or Tier 4 visa have certain conditions and responsibilities attached to their stay in the UK.
- Open a UK student bank account
You will need a bank letter from the University to open a bank account in the UK. Bank letters can only be requested once you have completed your student registration.
- Register with the University Health Service
If you didn’t already register with the University Health Service (UHS) as part of your online registration, you can still register as a patient at any point.
It's very important that you register with a GP (Doctor), so you can access medical advice and treatment when you need it. The University Health Service is your dedicated NHS GP Practice, providing a full range of services, including:
- Routine NHS Doctor and Nurse appointments
- Long term conditions appointments (e.g. diabetes, asthma etc)
- Mental health services
- Eating disorder services
- Sexual health services (including contraception fitting)
- Travel health service (travel immunisations)
Register with the University Health Service
We recommend all students are vaccinated against MMR and MenACWY. If you have not been vaccinated against these, you can be vaccinated when you have registered with UHS. They are free on the NHS.
If you are arriving in the UK from any of these countries, you will be invited to have a blood test that checks for Latent Tuberculosis (TB). This is different to the chest x-ray you need to enter the UK.
- Get involved in Welcome Week, 22-26 September
Welcome Week is your introduction to student life in Sheffield. Packed with opportunities to meet other new students, try activities, grab freebies, and enjoy loads of fantastic nights out; your new Students’ Union is the place to be!
- Attend your school's welcome and induction events
Look out for your school or department’s induction events. Remember to check your University account emails for information about these.
- Check if you need a TV licence
You will need a TV licence if you’re watching or recording any TV live. Find out more at tvl.co.uk/students
Settle into Sheffield
As you start settling into your course and new home, here are some things you can do that will help you get the most out of your time at Sheffield.
- Get to know your library services
Across campus, you have access to several library sites where you can find resources for your course and your research, use study spaces, and access support when you need it. Find out about your University Library
- Explore our sports facilities
Start exploring the sport facilities at the University and find out more about gym memberships.
- Join clubs and societies
Take a look at our clubs and societies to explore what you could get involved with.
- Learn more about your student IT essentials
Get help with managing your University IT account, viewing your timetable and using Blackboard.
- Make new friends from all over the world
Throughout the year we have a wide range of weekly events and activities including Global Hangouts, Local History Walks and Global Cafe. These events are open to everyone so you can meet people, make friends and settle into life at the University and Sheffield.
When should I arrive?
You should aim to arrive in Sheffield in time for Welcome Week (22 September 2025), when induction events will take place.
Teaching for the majority of programmes will begin on 29 September 2025.
Complete your registration before this date so you can begin your studies from the start of term. You must complete registration before attending any teaching sessions.
Late registration
If you arrive after 29 September 2025, the start date for most courses, you may be able to register late. The final deadline for arriving in Sheffield and registering as a student is 20 October 2025, but some courses have earlier deadlines (for example, if your start date is earlier than 29 September 2025).