12 Top Tips for newly arriving international students

Moving to another country to study can be one of the most rewarding experiences in your life. However, stepping out of your comfort zone can be challenging and daunting at first.

To make this easier for you, we have asked some of our international students to provide their top tips for arriving in Huddersfield.

The students who contributed to this blog are:

The blog also contains some other tips from the International Office and students who have recently graduated.

 1. Plan before you arrive

Check the details of your course such as the start date and plan your arrival before the official starting date. The induction week is essential as this is where you will get all the important information about your course, university resources/facilities such as the library, International Office, academic support, career support team, wellbeing support, etc. 

You must also arrive at the right time during enrolment, in order to do this you must arrange your visa, flights and accommodation before you arrive.

Getting used to a new education system might be challenging at first but if you utilise the support on offer you will be fine!

 2. Pack the essentials, but not everything

When it comes to packing there are certain things you must remember, however most things you can get when you arrive.

Clothes

There are many clothing brands and stores in the UK such as H&M, River Island, Next, New Look, and Primark, and some of them can be found directly in the town centre. You may want to bring your favourite traditional clothes for events that you might attend during the year. Bring some practical clothes too, such as comfortable trainers, as a student, you will end up doing quite a bit of walking and Huddersfield is a hilly town once you get out of the town centre.

As the UK weather is often cold and unpredictable, it is recommended to bring a mix of summer clothes and winter clothes but you can purchase warm outfits/hats/gloves/umbrellas etc as well as warm bedding to keep you cosy in the winter from shops here in Huddersfield. In most winters there is some snow, and the temperature can occasionally drop to below freezing (0°C) outside. However generally the weather is ok and as long as you wrap up outside, you’ll be fine.

Food

There are lots of different supermarkets here in Huddersfield, most have international aisles. You can do daily shopping at these local supermarkets and the prices are affordable.

You can bring your favourite food (check with your airline) and a few spices but these can be found in most supermarkets, Huddersfield also has many international supermarkets such as Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, Pakistani, Turkish, Polish, Middle Eastern and African shops. You can get almost anything you desire, and the town caters for different nationalities. There are also numerous restaurants in the town centre where you can get excellent cuisine from different countries around the world.

Important documents

It is essential that you pack your passport (Visa), university letters, and any other required documents for you to enrol at the University. Don’t forget to collect your BRP card from the local Post Office. 

Medication

Bring your necessary medication however you will most likely find it at local pharmacies, Boots and some supermarkets. Don’t forget to register at the doctor’s as soon as you get to the UK, you can then get your medication on subscription.

Electrical items

It is recommended that you bring a laptop and mobile phone (but get your SIM card in the UK), you can buy them in the UK but electrical items are often cheaper in other countries, most international students bring their own. In the UK, 13-amp sockets are commonly used which require three-pronged plugs. You may need an adaptor to make your devices compatible with UK sockets. Electrical items that you bring with you to the UK should have a CE certification marking and conform to UK standards.

Stationery

Stationery here is affordable and durable so you do not need to pack any. But you can bring your favourite ones.  

Money

Remember to bring with you a few £5, £10 and £20 cash notes as you may need to pay for a taxi, train, or bus tickets when you first arrive. People here rarely use £50 notes so please be aware. Almost everywhere accepts card payments so when you register with a bank it’s not as important to carry cash.

Photos

It's nice to have things that remind you of home sometimes, photos of family and friends back home are always good to look at. You will make loads of new friends at university so you can add those photos to your wall/album too.

 3. Contact your doctor or GP

Before travelling to the UK make sure that you contact your GP for your vaccination record, it is helpful to know what vaccines you have got as this will be required when you first register with the GP in the UK so they can keep a track of your medical records and provide you with the medical support you need. You may need to update your vaccinations before you arrive.

Elyse added - When you arrive in the UK you should register with a GP to access the National Health Services (NHS). The closest GP surgery is the University Health Centre, which is located next to the Business School. You can also find a link on MyHud, which will take you to the service registration. Don’t worry because the process is very easy!

 4. Plan your first travel route 

Manchester airport is the closest large international airport, and this is where most international students first land in the UK. The university has an approved taxi service to pick you up or you can get the train, which is much cheaper, but you’ll then need to get a taxi to your accommodation from the train station unless you are staying in the centre and feeling strong enough to carry your luggage. If you are travelling from London, then you will have to get a train.

 5. Collect your student card, BRP and bank account

When you have arrived and settled in your accommodation. Within the first week, you should collect your BRP card and complete enrolment.

After completing your enrolment, you can set up your bank account. iPoint can help you with this who are located in Student Central.

 6. Join a society 

At the University of Huddersfield, you will see that there are over 100 student-led societies and sports clubs plus over 60 global societies. These are a great way to meet like-minded friends, explore your interests and learn new skills.

In February every year the Global Societies come together to celebrate 'Global Week'.

You can join as many societies as you like or you can create your own as this will help you in building your network, make you feel at home and learn different cultures from each of them, do not be afraid, as this is an experience once in a lifetime and just moving to a new country will help you in this. As well as Academic societies which will improve your skills in your course industry and meet fellow students from different years. 

7. Get to know campus

Your first-year orientation is a good introduction to your new school, you have an opportunity to meet your professors, lecturers, and most importantly, your course mates. Campus tours can be booked online or through the iPoint in Student Central, so don’t miss out!

On campus you’ll find all academic schools, the library, quiet study spaces and research facilities alongside green spaces, places to eat and a gym. We’ve invested nearly £156 million in campus development, and have fantastic facilities including specialist laboratories, studios and performance spaces. There's also a working canal that runs through the heart of our campus with a tree-lined towpath, perfect for those downtime moments.

Check out this video and take a tour with some of our international students

8. Explore Huddersfield and surrounding areas

Huddersfield offers enough entertainment to keep students occupied during their studies, such as scenic parks, restaurants, sports, and live music.

Greenhead Park is a lovely place to walk, relax or even go to play tennis as it is just a short walk from campus. On the other hand, one of the most recognisable landmarks, Castle Hill and Beaumont Park are tucked away in an oasis of peace. A connection with nature, sitting on the grass, being able to see far away without being obstructed by buildings, running around, and just relaxing are all essential for our health.

If you are a football fan you must go to a Huddersfield Town game. The John Smith Stadium in Huddersfield is home to Huddersfield Town Football Club (the Terriers) and the Huddersfield Giants (Rugby League) and it’s just a few miles from the University's campus.

I have grown as a person dramatically here, have made friends for life, and have learned many things about life that I would have never learned elsewhere. One of my favourite things about Huddersfield is the friendly locals, even a friendly smile or nod from a stranger can make it feel like home. 

Samar Fatima about Huddersfield

Huddersfield is a town so it's quieter than big cities, however, Leeds and Manchester are both within a short commute of the town. You can head down to the train station whenever you miss the city life.

If you want to explore the British countryside the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales are also close to Huddersfield, you will see some breath taking views.

 9. Budget wisely

Huddersfield is more affordable than big cities, however, with so much to do, it's important that you don’t overspend.

As a student you can get discount cards such as the NUS card and train discount cards, when you arrive in the UK iPoint can help you with this.

You can get part-time jobs, your student visa allows you to work 20 hours a week during term-time and full-time during the holidays, this is a great way to earn extra income but also meet new friends too.

You also need to ensure you can pay your university fees and accommodation fees on time otherwise you could get into financial difficulty. Remember your studies come first, social life and work life may also be important but it's important to prioritise your budget and time.

 10. Be punctual

Arrive on time, meet your deadlines and be dependable. British people are generally very punctual and if you are late or miss a deadline people may not be as lenient as they are in other countries.

Punctuality during university life will also help you to manage your working and personal life. Being punctual as a student, you’ll find it easier to get your work completed on time and thus get success in your career as well.

11. Use the university support services

Remember you are not alone. The university well-being support team is always there for you and will help you no matter what as well as your tutors who are always there for you to help regarding your course. 

The International Office are also very helpful, do not hesitate to get in touch with the International Office team if you need any support or if you need advice and help with your accommodation, visa, and travel arrangements.

On campus you will also find careers, finance, disability support teams and the Students' Union who all provide excellent support. 

 12. Enjoy yourself

Lastly, make sure you enjoy your time at university and use all the facilities provided to excel in your studies and be productive. The skills, learning aspects, and identity you will create right now will help you a lot in near future. 

Summary - 12 top tips from our international students:

• Plan before you arrive
• Pack the essentials, but not everything
• Contact your doctor or GP
• Plan your first travel route
• Collect your student card, BRP and bank account
• Join a society 
• Get to know your campus
• Explore Huddersfield and surrounding areas
• Budget wisely
• Be punctual
• Use the university support services
• Enjoy yourself.

Also, make sure you are following us on Instagram:

University of Huddersfield - https://www.instagram.com/huddersfielduni/ 

University of Huddersfield International - https://www.instagram.com/huduniint/