International orientation programme

All PGCE courses

You can decide which orientation activities to attend, but you must have your documents verified as this is a compulsory part of your registration. 

Tuesday 1 September: Document verification drop-in and unicard collection

• 10am to 4pm
• Ask Brighton Desk, Checkland Building (Wing E), Falmer campus

You will need to bring your passport or travel document; your eVisa share code or other documents to evidence your immigration status; evidence of entry to the UK (boarding pass or entry stamp); plus original copies of the qualifications you used to obtain your offer to study with us. Our Visa Compliance and Admissions teams will check these for you, to finalise your registration at the university and enable you to collect your unicard. 

You will also be able to start the process of applying for your DBS clearance.

Wednesday 2 September: Morning session and choice of afternoon activities

Living in the UK: The basics! 

• 10am to 12pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Join the International Advice and Support team for a session on life in the UK. This will cover travel and transport, shopping, budgeting, how to access healthcare, wellbeing and your safety.

Complimentary lunch 

• 12pm to 1pm
• Room A501, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Choice of two activities 

• 1pm to 4pm

You can choose from:

• A shopping trip to ASDA superstore in Hollingbury with our student ambassadors to buy household items and groceries.
• A trip to the historical town of Lewes by train to visit the medieval castle and museum. The university will cover the cost of your train ticket and entrance fee to Lewes Castle.

Thursday 3 September: Document verification drop-in and unicard collection

• 10am to 4pm
• Ask Brighton Desk, Checkland Building (Wing E), Falmer campus

If you were not able to attend document verification on the Tuesday, this is another opportunity for you to have your documents checked by our Visa Compliance and Admissions teams.

Staff from the International Student Advice and Support team will be on-hand to welcome you and answer any questions you have. They can provide guidance on how to open a UK bank account, where to go shopping locally, and how to use public transport in Brighton. 

On this day you will also be able to collect your welcome pack, filled with University of Brighton goodies and a voucher for a free lunch in Checkland café or Westlain restaurant.

Friday 4 September: All day sessions and optional shopping trip

Transitioning to university in the UK: Your academic skills

• 10.30am to 12pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus
• Led by Alisa Glen – Academic Skills Lecturer and English Language Support Lead

In this skills-based session, you will have the opportunity to discuss your expectations of study in the UK, learn what your lecturers will expect from you, and find out how the Skills Hub can support you with developing your English language proficiency and academic skills. You will also hear from some of our current students about their experiences of studying in the UK. 

Complimentary lunch 

• 12pm to 1pm
• Room A501, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Finding part-time work: the essentials for international students

• 1pm to 2pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus 

This interactive session will cover the key information you need to know on your work conditions as a Student visa holder, including how to apply for a national insurance number and how tax works in the UK. By the end of this workshop you will know where to search for part-time jobs, have an understanding of CVs and cover letters, and have an action plan for your next steps in finding work.

Shopping trip to ASDA by coach

• 2.30pm to 4pm
• Meet at the Ask Brighton desk, Checkland Building (Wing E) to get the coach

Travel by coach to a large local supermarket so you can stock up on household items and groceries. The coach will bring you back to Falmer campus and onward travel will be arranged for anyone with heavy items who needs to travel back to their off-campus accommodation.

How to book mini-orientation

Book your place on the mini-orientation programme.

If you have any questions about our mini-orientation programme, please email our International Advice and Support team on: orientation@brighton.ac.uk

Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) MSc

You can decide which orientation activities to attend, but you must have your documents verified as this is a compulsory part of your registration. 

Tuesday 1 September: Document verification drop-in and unicard collection

• 10am to 4pm
• Ask Brighton Desk, Checkland Building (Wing E), Falmer campus 

You will need to bring your passport or travel document; your eVisa share code or other documents to evidence your immigration status; evidence of entry to the UK (boarding pass or entry stamp); plus original copies of the qualifications you used to obtain your offer to study with us. Our Visa Compliance and Admissions teams will check these for you, to finalise your registration at the university and enable you to collect your unicard. 

You will also be able to start the process of applying for your DBS clearance.

Wednesday 2 September: Morning session and choice of afternoon activities

Living in the UK: The basics! 

• 10am to 12pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Join the International Advice and Support team for a session on life in the UK. This will cover travel and transport, shopping, budgeting, how to access healthcare, wellbeing and your safety.

Complimentary lunch 

• 12pm to 1pm
• Room A501, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Choice of two activities 

• 1pm to 4pm

You can choose from:

• A shopping trip to ASDA superstore in Hollingbury with our student ambassadors to buy household items and groceries.
• A trip to the historical town of Lewes by train to visit the medieval castle and museum. The university will cover the cost of your train ticket and entrance fee to Lewes Castle.

Friday 4 September: Shopping trip to ASDA by coach

• 2.30pm to 4pm
• Meet at the Ask Brighton desk, Checkland Building (Wing E) to get the coach

Travel by coach to a large local supermarket so you can stock up on household items and groceries. The coach will bring you back to Falmer campus and onward travel will be arranged for anyone with heavy items who needs to travel back to their off-campus accommodation.

How to book mini-orientation

Book your place on the mini-orientation programme.

If you have any questions about our mini-orientation programme, please email our International Advice and Support team on: orientation@brighton.ac.uk

Podiatry (Pre-Registration) MSc

You can decide which orientation activities to attend, but you must have your documents verified as this is a compulsory part of your registration. 

Tuesday 1 September: Document verification drop-in and unicard collection

• 10am to 4pm
• Ask Brighton Desk, Checkland Building (Wing E), Falmer campus

You will need to bring your passport or travel document; your eVisa share code or other documents to evidence your immigration status; evidence of entry to the UK (boarding pass or entry stamp); plus original copies of the qualifications you used to obtain your offer to study with us. Our Visa Compliance and Admissions teams will check these for you, to finalise your registration at the university and enable you to collect your unicard. 

You will also be able to start the process of applying for your DBS clearance.

Wednesday 2 September: Morning session and choice of afternoon activities

Living in the UK: The basics! 

• 10am to 12pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Join the International Advice and Support team for a session on life in the UK. This will cover travel and transport, shopping, budgeting, how to access healthcare, wellbeing and your safety.

Complimentary lunch 

• 12pm to 1pm
• Room A501, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Choice of two activities 

• 1pm to 4pm

You can choose from:

• A shopping trip to ASDA superstore in Hollingbury with our student ambassadors to buy household items and groceries.
• A trip to the historical town of Lewes by train to visit the medieval castle and museum. The university will cover the cost of your train ticket and entrance fee to Lewes Castle.

Thursday 3 September: Document verification drop-in and unicard collection

• 10am to 4pm
• Ask Brighton Desk, Checkland Building (Wing E), Falmer campus

If you were not able to attend document verification on the Tuesday, this is another opportunity for you to have your documents checked by our Visa Compliance and Admissions teams.

Staff from the International Student Advice and Support team will be on-hand to welcome you and answer any questions you have. They can provide guidance on how to open a UK bank account, where to go shopping locally, and how to use public transport in Brighton. 

On this day you will also be able to collect your welcome pack, filled with University of Brighton goodies and a voucher for a free lunch in Checkland café or Westlain restaurant.

Friday 4 September: All day sessions and optional shopping trip

Transitioning to university in the UK: Your academic skills

• 10.30am to 12pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus
• Led by Alisa Glen – Academic Skills Lecturer and English Language Support Lead

In this skills-based session, you will have the opportunity to discuss your expectations of study in the UK, learn what your lecturers will expect from you, and find out how the Skills Hub can support you with developing your English language proficiency and academic skills. You will also hear from some of our current students about their experiences of studying in the UK. 

Complimentary lunch 

• 12pm to 1pm
• Room A501, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Finding part-time work: the essentials for international students

• 1pm to 2pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus 

This interactive session will cover the key information you need to know on your work conditions as a Student visa holder, including how to apply for a national insurance number and how tax works in the UK. By the end of this workshop you will know where to search for part-time jobs, have an understanding of CVs and cover letters, and have an action plan for your next steps in finding work.

Shopping trip to ASDA by coach

• 2.30pm to 4pm
• Meet at the Ask Brighton desk, Checkland Building (Wing E) to get the coach

Travel by coach to a large local supermarket so you can stock up on household items and groceries. The coach will bring you back to Falmer campus and onward travel will be arranged for anyone with heavy items who needs to travel back to their off-campus accommodation.

How to book mini-orientation

Book your place on the mini-orientation programme.

If you have any questions about our mini-orientation programme, please email our International Advice and Support team on: orientation@brighton.ac.uk

Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) MSc

You can decide which orientation activities to attend, but you must have your documents verified as this is a compulsory part of your registration. 

Tuesday 1 September: Document verification drop-in and unicard collection

• 10am to 4pm
• Ask Brighton Desk, Checkland Building (Wing E), Falmer campus

You will need to bring your passport or travel document; your eVisa share code or other documents to evidence your immigration status; evidence of entry to the UK (boarding pass or entry stamp); plus original copies of the qualifications you used to obtain your offer to study with us. Our Visa Compliance and Admissions teams will check these for you, to finalise your registration at the university and enable you to collect your unicard. 

You will also be able to start the process of applying for your DBS clearance.

Wednesday 2 September: Morning session and choice of afternoon activities

Living in the UK: The basics! 

• 10am to 12pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Join the International Advice and Support team for a session on life in the UK. This will cover travel and transport, shopping, budgeting, how to access healthcare, wellbeing and your safety.

Complimentary lunch 

• 12pm to 1pm
• Room A501, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Choice of two activities 

• 1pm to 4pm

You can choose from:

• A shopping trip to ASDA superstore in Hollingbury with our student ambassadors to buy household items and groceries.
• A trip to the historical town of Lewes by train to visit the medieval castle and museum. The university will cover the cost of your train ticket and entrance fee to Lewes Castle.

Thursday 3 September: Document verification drop-in and unicard collection

• 10am to 4pm
• Ask Brighton Desk, Checkland Building (Wing E), Falmer campus

If you were not able to attend document verification on the Tuesday, this is another opportunity for you to have your documents checked by our Visa Compliance and Admissions teams.

Staff from the International Student Advice and Support team will be on-hand to welcome you and answer any questions you have. They can provide guidance on how to open a UK bank account, where to go shopping locally, and how to use public transport in Brighton. 

On this day you will also be able to collect your welcome pack, filled with University of Brighton goodies and a voucher for a free lunch in Checkland café or Westlain restaurant.

Friday 4 September: All day sessions and optional shopping trip

Transitioning to university in the UK: Your academic skills

• 10.30am to 12pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus
• Led by Alisa Glen – Academic Skills Lecturer and English Language Support Lead

In this skills-based session, you will have the opportunity to discuss your expectations of study in the UK, learn what your lecturers will expect from you, and find out how the Skills Hub can support you with developing your English language proficiency and academic skills. You will also hear from some of our current students about their experiences of studying in the UK. 

Complimentary lunch 

• 12pm to 1pm
• Room A501, Checkland Building, Falmer campus

Finding part-time work: the essentials for international students

• 1pm to 2pm
• Room D222, Checkland Building, Falmer campus 

This interactive session will cover the key information you need to know on your work conditions as a Student visa holder, including how to apply for a national insurance number and how tax works in the UK. By the end of this workshop you will know where to search for part-time jobs, have an understanding of CVs and cover letters, and have an action plan for your next steps in finding work.

Shopping trip to ASDA by coach

• 2.30pm to 4pm
• Meet at the Ask Brighton desk, Checkland Building (Wing E) to get the coach

Travel by coach to a large local supermarket so you can stock up on household items and groceries. The coach will bring you back to Falmer campus and onward travel will be arranged for anyone with heavy items who needs to travel back to their off-campus accommodation.

How to book mini-orientation

Book your place on the mini-orientation programme.

If you have any questions about our mini-orientation programme, please email our International Advice and Support team on: orientation@brighton.ac.uk

Applied Exercise Physiology MSc / Applied Sport Physiology MSc / Strength and Conditioning MSc

You can decide which orientation activities to attend, but you must have your documents verified as this is a compulsory part of your registration. 

Monday 21 September: Document verification drop-in and unicard collection

• 10am to 4pm
• Ask Brighton Desk, Checkland Building, Wing E 

You will need to bring your passport or travel document; your eVisa share code or other documents to evidence your immigration status; evidence of entry to the UK (boarding pass or entry stamp); plus original copies of the qualifications you used to obtain your offer to study with us. Our Visa Compliance and Admissions teams will check these for you, to finalise your registration at the university and enable you to collect your unicard. 

Friday 25 September: Main orientation programme

• 9.30am to 3.30pm 
• Cockcroft Building, Moulsecoomb campus

Our main orientation programme is designed to be as flexible as possible, so that you can fit it around your course-based activities and other commitments. You should be able to join the main programme on the Friday, and can choose which activities to attend.

You can view the Friday schedule below, and either book online or come to the Orientation Hub on the day and register your attendance then.

How to book orientation

You do not need to book documentation verification as this is a drop-in session.

Book your place on the main orientation programme.

If you have any questions about our orientation programme, please email our International Advice and Support team on: orientation@brighton.ac.uk

International orientation programme 

Our international orientation programme starts on Wednesday 23 September and finishes on Friday 25 September. 

International orientation is made up of core sessions that cover essential information to help you settle into university life, as well as drop-in activities to help you meet new people and make friends. 

The schedule is designed to be as flexible as possible to allow for late arrivals and last-minute changes to travel plans. Core sessions will run more than once, and you will be able to choose from a range of drop-in activities each day without needing to book a place in advance.

If you're not sure about any of the activities or want to know more, please go to the Orientation Hub in the Cockcroft Building, room G25. A member of our team will be able to register you and explain what's on.

View our programme structure and map.

If you have any questions about orientation, please email our International Advice and Support team on: orientation@brighton.ac.uk

Document verification

All new students who do not have a UK or Irish passport must attend in-person document verification to finalise their registration at the university. 

If you have applied for and been granted a Student visa you will need to present the following documents: 

• A share code for study beginning with 'S' to verify your eVisa status – you can generate a share code online (gov.uk).
• Your passport
• Original copies of the qualifications used to gain your place on your course (these will be listed on your CAS).

For visa applications made from outside the UK

If you made your application from outside the UK, you will also need to provide: 

• Evidence of your travel to the UK – either a boarding pass or a flight ticket (this can be electronic).

For visa applications made from within the UK

If you applied for your Student visa from within the UK and are yet to receive a decision, you will need to provide the following documents: 

• Evidence of your completed visa application – we can accept any of these documents:
  • Completed visa application form in PDF format
  • Document checklist in PDF format
  • UKVI visa payment confirmation email
• Your passport
• Evidence of your previous UK immigration permission (visa/eVisa)

Please note, if you have made a Student visa application to switch from a Graduate route visa in the UK, you will not be able to enrol until you have received a decision on your Student visa application.

Document checks and unicard collection sessions

You will be able to have your documents checked and then collect your unicard from Thursday 24 September between 9.30am and 4pm (Monday to Friday only) in Cockcroft Hall G50. Document verification sessions end on Friday 2 October.

If you book your place at international orientation in advance, you will be able to have your documents verified on Wednesday 23 September.

Wednesday 23 September schedule

Core session: Document check and unicard collection

• 11am to 4pm, Cockcroft Building G50

We will take a scan of your passport and proof of your ‘right to study’ in the UK. The Admissions team will also be there to check the originals of any qualifications that were used to obtain your offer at the university.

You will need to bring:

• your passport or travel document
• your eVisa share code or other documents to evidence your immigration status
• evidence of entry to the UK (boarding pass or entry stamp)
• original copies of the qualifications you used to obtain your offer to study with us.

Our Visa Compliance and Admissions teams will check these for you, to finalise your registration at the university and enable you to collect your unicard.

This session is only for students who booked a place on the orientation programme in advance. There will be document checking sessions from Thursday 24 September to Friday 2 October in Cockcroft Building G50 for anyone who does not book orientation in advance.

Drop-in activities

Wednesday's drop-in activities are: 

• Shopping trips to ASDA Hollingbury with student ambassadors, departing from the Orientation Hub – Cockcroft Building G25 at various times
• Campus tours, departing from Cockcroft Quad at various times
• City photo challenge, a group activity with prizes, departing from the Orientation Hub – Cockcroft Building G25 at 1.30pm and 2.30pm
• Lawn games between 10am and 5pm on Cockcroft Quad
• Arts, crafts and games between 10am and 5pm in Cockcroft Building G25
• Free ice-cream on Cockcroft Quad between 3pm and 5pm
• Pop-up cinema from 4pm to 6pm in Cockcroft Building G24 showing the 2014 film, Paddington
• Fish and chips + quiz night: 7pm to 10.30pm in Cockcroft Building mezzanine restaurant

 

Thursday 24 September schedule

Core sessions

The below core sessions will be repeated on Friday 25 September. 

9.30am to 10am: Orientation welcome – Cockcroft Building G24

10am to 12pm: Transitioning to university in the UK: Your academic skills – Cockcroft Building G24

In this skills-based session you will have the opportunity to discuss your expectations of study in the UK, learn what your lecturers will expect from you, and find out how the Skills Hub can support you with developing your English language proficiency and academic skills. You will also hear from some of our current students about their experiences of studying in the UK.

1pm to 2pm: Finding part time work: Essentials for international students – Cockcroft Building G24

This interactive session covers key information you need to know about your work conditions as a Student visa holder, including how to apply for a national insurance number and how tax works in the UK. By the end of this workshop you will know where to search for part-time jobs, have an understanding of CVs and cover letters, and an action plan for your next steps in finding work.

2.30pm to 3.30pm: Lightning talks: Managing your money, healthcare and wellbeing, your Brighton Students’ Union – Advanced Engineering Building G1/G2/G3

Drop-in activities

Thursday's drop-in activities are:

• Lawn games between 10am and 5pm on Cockcroft Quad
• Arts, crafts and games between 10am and 5pm in Cockcroft Building G25
• Cooking lesson at Brighton & Hove Community Kitchen – 12.15pm to 4pm (*limited spaces only*)
• Seafront walk with our student ambassadors, departing from Cockcroft Quad at 2.30pm
• City photo challenge, a group activity with prizes, departing from the Orientation Hub – Cockcroft Building G25 at 1.30pm and 2.30pm
• On campus activities between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, including Lego landmark building, games and puzzles, paint your own mug, meet our wellbeing dogs, or watercolour painting
• A very special Cèilidh dance in Cockcroft Building G50 between 8pm and 11pm

 

Friday 25 September schedule

Core sessions

The below core sessions are a repeat of Thursday's core sessions for any students who could not attend.

9.30am to 10am: Orientation welcome – Cockcroft Building G24

10am to 12pm: Transitioning to university in the UK: Your academic skills – Cockcroft Building G24

In this skills-based session you will have the opportunity to discuss your expectations of study in the UK, learn what your lecturers will expect from you, and find out how the Skills Hub can support you with developing your English language proficiency and academic skills. You will also hear from some of our current students about their experiences of studying in the UK.

1pm to 2pm: Finding part time work: Essentials for international students – Cockcroft Building G24

This interactive session covers key information you need to know about your work conditions as a Student visa holder, including how to apply for a national insurance number and how tax works in the UK. By the end of this workshop you will know where to search for part-time jobs, have an understanding of CVs and cover letters, and an action plan for your next steps in finding work.

2.30pm to 3.30pm: Lightning talks: Managing your money, healthcare and wellbeing, your Brighton Students’ Union – Advanced Engineering Building G1/G2/G3

Drop-in activities

Friday's drop-in activities are:

• Gardening club with Brighton Students' Union between 10.30am and 12.30pm, meeting in the Orientation Hub – Cockcroft G25
• Escape room challenge between 10.30am and 12.30pm in the Orientation Hub – Cockcroft G25
• Model city building between 10.30am and 12.30pm in the Orientation Hub – Cockcroft G25
• Meet our wellbeing dogs between 10.30am and 12.30pm in the Advanced Engineering Building G1 & G2
• Paint your own mug in the Advanced Engineering Building G3
• Lawn games between 10am and 2pm on Cockcroft Quad
• Arts, crafts and games between 10am and 2pm in Cockcroft Building G25
• Advice and student support pop-ups on Cockcroft Quad between 2pm and 3pm
• Orientation closing event at 3pm (details TBC!)

 

Accommodation arrangements for orientation

For students in private rented accommodation or private halls

If you will be living in private rented accommodation or private halls of residence, please check if your tenancy begins on or before Wednesday 23 September. If it does not and you would like to attend international orientation, you will need to arrange a hotel or airbnb until your tenancy begins. 

For students living in halls of residence

University managed accommodation in Great Wilkins or Varley Park: Your contract will begin before Wednesday 23 September, so you have plenty of time to arrive and settle in before the start of orientation.

University managed accommodation in Mithras Halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover or Preston: We have arranged for students who book a place at international orientation by 5pm on Friday 18 September to move into their permanent room on Wednesday 23 September at no extra cost.

University managed accommodation in Mithras Halls – Regency: We have arranged for students with a permanent room in Mithras Regency who have booked a place on orientation by 5pm on Friday 18 September to stay in temporary halls accommodation at Paddock Field from Wednesday 23 September, so that you can attend the programme.

University managed accommodation in Paddock Field, Phoenix Brewery and Circus Street: We have arranged for students who book a place at international orientation by 5pm on Friday 18 September to move into their permanent room on Wednesday 23 September at no extra cost.

Get in touch

If you have any questions about orientation accommodation, please email our International Advice and Support team on: orientation@brighton.ac.uk