International, exchange and study abroad students arrival guide
You are about to join a community of international, exchange and study abroad students from over 140 countries. Find out the essential information you need to know for when you leave home, arrive on campus, and settle into university life.
Visa requirements
If you require a visa for your studies at Surrey, please take a look at the information below.
Check your CAS carefully and ensure that you apply for your visa in good time.
Successful Student Visa applicants from outside the EU/EEA will be issued with a 30- or 90-day entry clearance vignette in their passport. You must travel to the UK within the dates specified on your entry clearance vignette and before the last date of registration as shown on your CAS.
If you are an EU/EEA national you will not receive an entry clearance vignette. Instead your immigration permission will be entirely digital and you should follow instructions in your visa decision letter about how to prove your immigration status.
If you need to apply for a visa before travelling, please check your CAS (Student visas) or visa support letter (Standard Visitor visas) carefully and ensure that you apply for it in good time. If for any reason, you do not receive your visa in time to join the Orientation or begin your studies in-person, please update your online University registration form and contact ieo.incoming@surrey.ac.uk to let us know.
Please note:
- If you are using a Visitor Visa to undertake a 1-semester exchange programme then whether you need to apply for it before travelling or whether you will be granted it at the airport will depend on your nationality. For further details, please see our Study as a Visitor advice.
- Successful Student Visa applicants from outside the EU/EEA will be issued with a 30- or 90-day entry clearance vignette in your passport. You must travel to the UK within the dates specified on your entry clearance vignette and before the last date of registration as shown on your CAS. If your travel is delayed and you are unable to arrive within those dates please email internationalsupport@surrey.ac.uk as soon as possible.
- If you are an EU/EEA national and have applied for a Student Visa you will not receive an entry clearance vignette. Instead your immigration permission will be entirely digital and you should follow instructions in your visa decision letter about how to prove your immigration status.
Before you leave
As an international student coming to study at the University of Surrey, there are a number of things you must do before you travel to the UK.
International pre-departure checklist
Make sure you complete these actions before you get here.
What to pack
It's good to be prepared for living in the UK.
Arrival information
Be prepared for your arrival in the UK and travelling to the campus.
Arriving in the UK
When you arrive in the UK, you will need to go through passport control and customs.
Travelling to the University
We have great connections to Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
International welcome and orientation
Information, guidance and support for your first few weeks at Surrey.
UK arrival checklist
Find out what to expect during your first few weeks when you arrive.