Orientation

Each year we welcome new international students to the University of Brighton during our orientation programme. We have always been passionate about providing the best possible welcome to the UK, and this year will be no different!

Orientation takes place in September if you are starting your studies in the autumn or in January if you are starting your studies in the new year.

Key facts

  • Designed to help you settle into life in a new country.

  • An online and in-person programme of events.

Orientation programme

For students starting at the university in September 2022 we are offering an orientation in three parts:

Online orientation: Monday 12 September - Tuesday 13 September

Online events to provide you with the information you need about life in the UK and at the university.

In-person orientation: Tuesday 20 September - Friday 23 September

Join us for events and activities designed to help you settle into university life.

At the University of Brighton, our orientation support lasts as long as you need it. We run ongoing information sessions, wellbeing activities, and cultural and social events throughout the academic year.

Catch-up sessions: Tuesday 4 October - Tuesday 25 October

Our catch-up sessions will be held on MS Teams for students who were not able to attend the main orientation programme. They will cover information on the support available from the university, as well as ways to get involved in university social life.

 

Got a question?

We're here to help, you can:

What you can expect

Airport meet and greet

We will be offering an airport meet and greet service operating from Gatwick and Heathrow airports. This is designed to accommodate students attending the in-person orientation events. If you wish to attend the in-person orientation events we do ask that you arrive on that date. If you will be travelling at another time, please see our information on travelling to the UK.

Online orientation

We will be running a programme of talks and presentations delivered on Microsoft Teams. This has been designed to provide you with information on everyday aspects of life in the UK, such as healthcare, staying safe, working, travel, and shopping. It will also include details of international student support services at the university. 

Previous sessions have included:

  • Welcome talk
  • Everyday life in Brighton and Eastbourne
  • Healthcare in the UK
  • International Student Support at the University of Brighton
  • Looking for permanent accommodation
  • Working in the UK during and after your studies
  • Staying safe in the UK
  • Closing session and pre-departure briefings

In-person orientation

We will be running a programme of in-person events and activities designed to help you get to know the university, Brighton or Eastbourne, and to help you meet other new international students and make friends. This includes campus and city tours, social and networking events, a cultural fair organised by our Students' Union, as well as a choice of off campus activities.

Previous activities have included:

Day 1

  • Airport meet and greet
  • Evening social activity at Moulsecoomb café bar

Day 2

  • Welcome talk
  • Brighton Students' Union International Cultural Fair
  • Postgraduate networking lunch
  • Yoga (all levels)
  • Mindful meditation
  • Brighton city tour
  • Evening BBQ

Day 3

  • Campus tours
  • Postgraduate Pecha Kucha sessions
  • Document checking and bank letter requests
  • Football and cricket
  • Art class (all levels)
  • Afternoon tea party picnic

Day 4

  • Eastbourne students - campus and city tours
  • Brighton students - option of events in the city centre

Catch-up sessions

Our catch-up sessions will be held on MS Teams for students who were not able to attend the main orientation programme. They will cover information on the support available from the university, as well as ways to get involved in university social life.

Orientation FAQs

How much does orientation cost?

Orientation is free! You will need to pay for your own food and drink – apart from events that specifically state they are catered, such as our welcome tea party picnic, and postgraduate networking lunch.

How much does the airport meet and greet cost?

The cost of the airport meet and greet will be £10 from Gatwick and £25 from Heathrow.

I won’t be using the meet and greet service – how can I get to the university?

If you will be travelling to the university on another date, please see our information on travelling to the UK.

Contact us if you require more detailed advice about getting here.

I cannot attend the orientation programme – will I miss out?

All of the information from the online sessions will be available in Microsoft teams and on our blog, so you can read it in your own time. We run ongoing information sessions, wellbeing activities, and cultural and social events throughout the academic year.

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.

Three international students at welcome tea party

International orientation tea party