New student guide

Here are a few key things you should try to do before you arrive at university.

For more detailed advice about the topics listed below you should log on to studentcentral and connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Emma from the Registry Department explains the enrolment process in the short video below:

Log on to studentcentral and read our advice about accommodation, money, part-time work, careers advice, health and wellbeing and living in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings.

If you are new to university-level study, or new to this level of study in the UK make sure you read our guide to academic study on studentcentral.
Some health, teaching and management courses begin before the official start of term and have different enrolment dates.
Check the specific information about your course and welcome week activities provided by your school on studentcentral.

When your offer has been confirmed, you should complete Stage 1 online enrolment via studentcentral from 19 August 2013 onwards.
Avoid queues and unflattering photos by uploading your Unicard photo before you get here.
Get ready for stage 2 in-person enrolment and school induction; make sure you know where and when you need to be and what you need to bring with you. You can find this information on studentcentral.

Book a place on the international orientation programme. Students who participate in international orientation will complete Stage 2 in-person enrolment during that programme and will not be expected to attend their in-person enrolment session during welcome week.
Prepare for life and study in the UK – log onto studentcentral, read our advice, ask us questions and meet other new students before you get here.
Find out more about our English language support programme.

Open a bank account
Your student loan or other funding will be paid into your bank account so it makes sense to have an account before you get here. Banks are keen to sign up students and offer a variety of tempting incentives. Make sure you get a deal that will be good for you now and in the future. Get advice on financial products here.
Be prepared for financial delays
In recent years there have been delays at universities across the UK, meaning some students did not receive their funding and student loans from Student Finance England until after the start of their course. To protect yourself from this kind of delay we recommend that you have enough money in your bank account to cover your rent, food, study, travel and entertainment costs for the first two weeks of term.
Consider a part-time job
The Careers Service can offer you assistance with getting a local part-time job.

There are a number of accommodation options to consider depending on your circumstances, from halls of residence, university managed accommodation to housing in the private sector.
Find out more about your accommodation options.

Check your vaccination history for MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), as they are all highly infectious and particularly spread among the student population because of greater social mixing and living in close proximity.
The same applies to group C meningitis and septicaemia, which are also highly infectious and can be extremely dangerous.
If you're unsure or haven’t had these vaccinations then we urge you to register with a local doctor to arrange to have the vaccination.

Apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Most home (UK) students can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) which is designed to help you meet the costs associated with your disability. We recommend that you apply for DSA before arriving at university or as soon as possible after you arrive.
Declare a disability to the university: you may declare a disability to us at any time. Discussions can remain confidential if you prefer, although complete confidentiality limits the amount of academic support we can provide. If you declared a disability on your application form the disability and dyslexia team will contact you to talk about how we can help.
Find more information for students with a disability.

Apply for a university nursery place. There are two Ofsted 'outstanding' accredited university nurseries, on the Moulsecoomb and Grand Parade campuses. A total of 55 places are provided for children aged 2–5. The university subsidises fees for student parents which are charged on a sliding scale depending on your family income. Childcare vouchers and childcare grants are accepted. Student parents receive priority for places. Contact the manager of the nursery most convenient for you as soon as your university place is confirmed.