International Student Checklist:
Things to consider/do before
arriving in Cambridge
Pre-arrival:
Personal matters (health, education)
EEA nationals:
Consider whether you wish to apply for a registration certificate to confirm you have the
right of residence as a student. To apply you need to show you hold comprehensive
sickness insurance. You can evidence this through the European Heath Insurance
Card (EHIC) and letter confirming you are staying in the UK on a temporary basis.
Research UK health care system (including doctor’s service, hospital service, dental
service)
Do you need to bring any documents to obtain that healthcare?
Consider benefits of medical insurance, which might offer provision over and above
health care treatment in the UK
If you require childcare/education provision, research local provision, entrance
requirements, term dates, uniform, costs etc.
Consider where to source any special requirements (e.g. dietary needs).
Finances
Consider how to transfer money, and/or whether to travel with Travellers’ Cheques or
Travellers’ Cheque card (within any limits set by your home country).
Consider what documents you require to open a UK bank account.
Consider how much cash to carry as you travel (and whether your home country
restricts the amount of cash that can be taken out of the country).
Consider what payments need paying in advance of arrival, and on arrival and methods
of payment.
Establish of your bankcard can be used in the UK.
Immigration
If required, apply for ATAS clearance
If required, obtain Tuberculosis (TB) health screening
Obtain all documents required to make visa application
Apply for UK visa
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Transportation
Establish when you are required to arrive at College
Establish your course start dates
Establish when you can access your accommodation
Determine how and when to travel to UK
Consider how to transport belongings to Cambridge
If flying, find out baggage restrictions on flight
Consider travel insurance.
If driving, consider UK driving rules and any parking facilities at Cambridge
When in UK, determine how to travel to Cambridge
Preparing to study
Review course handbooks
Review college information packs
Consider attending one of the Freshers’ parties, hosted by past-students (Alumin)
Living in the UK
Compare power supply in UK to your current devices to determine if can bring and
adapt to work in the UK
Check if you can drive on a non-GB driving licence
Consider the UK climate for items of clothing.
Possessions insurance
On arrival:
If you are coming from a country outside the European Union and bringing in money
worth 10,000 Euros you have to declare that sum to customs officers
Register with your College
Present passport and visa to College
Attend matriculation
Attend College induction
Attend Faculty/Department induction
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Complete student registration with the University
Identify relevant support networks (Student Unions, faith groups, diversity, disability
resource centre, childcare, counselling, careers)
Obtain University Card
Register with the University Library
Gain computing access
Consider facilities offered by the University Language centre
Consider registering with the Careers Service
If required, register with police
Register with GP (doctor)
Open bank account
Consider whether to buy/rent bicycle
Consider whether to buy/rent gown
Purchase phones/sim cards
Explore the area to find where to shop, eat, drink
If required, purchase TV licence
From your College you might expect to receive:
Explanation of the system of pastoral support within colleges
Information on how to access medical and other support facilities in Cambridge, such as
the Counselling Service
Introduction to the facilities colleges provide for learning support (e.g. computing
facilities and libraries) and skills development
Explanation of the arrangements for payment of fees and other bills
A tour of College
Introduction to other new students, to senior members and to a network of current
students in the college
Explanation of staff will usually encounter in College – tutorial office staff, Porters,
College Nurse
Support to access facilities, such as University Card, University Library, computing
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facilities, internet access in rooms
Given key, access card or security code as required for entering and leaving work area
Local health, safety and security procedures explained (including emergency
procedures, evacuation routes, assembly points, fire alarm test schedule, location of fire
extinguishers and other safety devices, first aid arrangements, potential hazards and
how to report accidents)
From your Faculty/Department you might expect to receive:
Receive an overview of the support services available, both at the
course/department/faculty level (e.g. library opening hours and borrowing
arrangements) and at the University level (e.g. Computing Service, University Library)
Introduction to the academic staff, including for PhD students members of your
supervisory team
Receive information of how the course is organised, who to refer to in case of difficulty,
and the arrangements for student representation
Receive information/instructions on any specific Health and Safety requirements
Introduced to the learning and working environment and resources available, including
any possibilities for taking other courses and skills development
Graduates should be referred to the Code of Practice, the Course Handbook, and any
other relevant documentation
Receive information on the academic and ethical conventions and requirements
pertinent to the field of study and draw attention to any compulsory training elements
Receive information on the expectation of you, as a student, including assessments,
keeping up the Cambridge reputation, finishing your studies on time (especially within 4
years for PhD students)
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