UK arrival checklist

Students eating in Wates House

Find out what to expect during your first few weeks when you arrive at the University of Surrey. These pages will be regularly updated to reflect any changes to the guidance issued by the UK Government in relation to your studies.

Checklist

Contact friends and family

Call or email home to let your family and friends know you have arrived safely.

Collect your keys

Locate your accommodation and collect the key as directed in your accommodation confirmation email. This section of the checklist will be updated to inform you of any quarantine measures. If you are required to quarantine on arrival, we will ensure that you have the necessary information to do so comfortably and safely.

Collect your BRP

Collect your biometric residence permit, using your UKVI decision letter and passport from the Guildford Post Office (if the BRP collection point changes, you will receive an email from us, confirming the new location).  

*If you have received a digital visa status then this will not apply to you and you will not need to collect a physical BRP card. 

Please note, you will need to collect your BRP on or before Saturday 3 February. The Post Office is closed for BRP collections on Sunday 4 February and you will need your BRP to register and collect your campus card from Monday 5 February.  

Attend main registration

Attend main registration where you will be given your student ID card.

Find out more

Register with a GP

Those applying for a Student visa can register online with a local doctor (a ‘GP’) before you arrive to save time. The health surcharge you paid with your visa application entitles you to the same NHS health care as UK residents. Other students (Visitors) should only register with a GP if you need treatment. Any students with an existing medical condition should book a phone appointment with a local GP for your first week at Surrey.

Find out more

Get your National Insurance number

If you have a Student visa and want to work part time and your biometric residence permit (BRP) doesn't have a National Insurance number printed on it, you will need to apply for one.

Apply now

Access support

View a host of support resources on MySurrey, or pop into the MySurrey Hive to visit the International Student Advice team.

Open a UK bank account

If you haven't done so already, set up a UK bank account online or in person in one of the local banks in Guildford. Please be aware that the University is a “Cash-Free Campus” so, for purchases on campus, please be prepared to pay via card or app. 

Find out more