International pre-departure checklist

When applying for your visa, you may also be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate in order to begin your studies.

Apply for University accommodation, await an acceptance email and submit your pre-payment.

Your passport needs to be valid for at least six months after the start of your course. If you have to order a new passport, please scan a copy of this and send this to the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) team. You will need to do this even if you have already received your visa.

Take out travel insurance to cover any loss of luggage or delays and the cancellation of your flight.

Get collected from Gatwick or Heathrow airports by booking a meet and greet (airport pick-up).

Book a place on our International Orientation Programme to attend a host of events and socialise with other international students.

For ongoing medical conditions, bring with you a good supply of medicine and a letter from your doctor or medical notes translated into English.

As soon as you are notified through the applicant portal, set up your IT account. Keep your confirmation of registration as you will need to show this when you register in person at the University.

You can register with a local doctor online before you arrive to save time. 

Set up a UK bank account online and transfer funds to cover living costs and accommodation for when you are in the UK.

To help cover the first few weeks in the UK including small amounts of cash for use at the airport and your first few days at Surrey, we recommend getting no more than £400 in currency.

You will need to present a negative Covid-19 test result before departing for England so make sure you have booked this in advance.

All students are also required to take a free Covid-19 test before you start face-to-face teaching to help us protect each other.