Orientation

Orientation programme

At the University of Brighton our orientation support lasts as long as you need it. We are running ongoing information sessions, exercise and wellbeing activities, and social events throughout the first term, and will have Student Ambassadors online to answer your questions about living and studying here. You can request to join these sessions by using Microsoft Teams. You can also contact the orientation team at orientation@brighton.ac.uk with any questions you have about life in the UK.

Sessions include: understanding the UK healthcare system, working in the UK, Student visa conditions, shopping and transport in Brighton and Eastbourne, exercise and meditation sessions and a weekly online social event. It is also a chance to meet and connect with other international (EU and overseas) students. These sessions are open to all international student, whether you will be attending in person, or studying remotely for the first semester.

If you need to quarantine

It is a requirement for nationals of some countries to self-isolate, or quarantine, for a period of 14 days upon arrival in the UK. There is detailed information on what this means on the UK government website.

Please be sure to read the UK government guidelines on self-isolation in full so you understand what the requirements are and if they apply to you so you can be prepared.

As you will see the rules are very strict and you are only permitted to leave your accommodation in very specific circumstances.

We will be able to support you through any period of quarantine if needed. You can book a place in quarantine accommodation through us.

Details of what quarantine will involve and how to prepare yourself are available in our Quarantine information pack (pdf). In the meantime if you are concerned or have any questions you can contact us at orientation@brighton.ac.uk.

Quarantine accommodation

If you are going to be living in university halls of residence, you will be able to quarantine in your permanent room but you will need to book quarantine accommodation through these pages. This is the case even if you will be arriving in the UK after the start of your contract.

This is because we need to make arrangements for your arrival, including arranging food and bedding for the 14 days. Please note we need 72 hours' notice to arrange your booking so please make sure you allow for this when you make arrangements.

Students who are planning to stay in private accommodation can quarantine there provided they can meet the government advice on self-isolation. If you will not be able to safely quarantine in your own private accommodation you can book a room through us in university managed halls.

Contact us if you would like a copy of our guide to quarantining in your own accommodation via email at orientation@brighton.ac.uk.

When to arrive for quarantine

If your course is starting on Monday 28 September (our main start of term) you can book quarantine accommodation to begin from Thursday 10 September onwards.

If you are required to quarantine on arrival in the UK, the rules state that you should only use public transport if you have no other option. There are a number of taxi companies providing an airport collection service, so you may wish to do your own research. Some local companies are:

• Streamline Taxis
• City Cabs Brighton
• 581 Travel

We will also be providing support to quarantining students from that date, including our orientation programme, so it will mean you have the maximum support during that time. We have set up a team on Microsoft Teams for students who are quarantining, so you can connect with others and access support.

Orientation programme

Our intensive orientation programme was delivered remotely from Monday 14 - Friday 18 September. We had students attending while in the UK and also while based in their home countries. 

Students enjoyed a range of sessions and social activities, and the week ended with a virtual tea party, hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris.

It was a really great experience with easy access to get to know people in a short amount of time. I would suggest it to every other international student because it helps you especially with the beginning of everything.

The Vice-Chancellor’s welcome tea party is the highlight of our orientation programme. This year we will be running this as an online event so you can still enjoy the British tradition of tea and scones while quarantining.

International orientation tea party

How much does orientation cost and how to book

The orientation programme is free.

Quarantine accommodation is £100 for 14 nights and includes bedding and food.

You can book your place at orientation online.

If your course is due to start earlier than Monday 28 September, please email us at southcoastevents@brighton.ac.uk and we can arrange for your quarantine accommodation to start earlier.