We welcome you to our UOSIL community! This guide aims to provide you with the information and support you need in starting this exciting new chapter.
When relocating to another country to study there are a number of things you should prepare beforehand. Things like arranging your accommodation, your travel from the airport when you arrive, registering with the University and getting ready to start your course are all important factors to consider before you arrive.
Check our sections below for some advice on what you may need to make the most out of your time with us right from the start.
We do not have designated accommodation for students, nor can we help students find accommodation. Whilst it is your responsibility to find accommodation for yourself and any dependants you bring with you, we can recommend some websites to get started:
We recommend all students bring or buy laptops to aid their studies. They are much better than smartphones for attending online lectures as well as completing written assignments that you will need to submit for assessment. Please make sure you have a PC, laptop or tablet available before your induction.
If you are unable to purchase a laptop, you may be able to request a student laptop loan from our TechGuru IT department, however there can be a waiting list for these due to high demand, and it is not guaranteed you will receive one. You can get in touch with Tech Guru through the IT Service Desk.
Because of this, we recommend you bring or purchase your own laptop or PC if you can.
Please check your mobile phone will work in the UK. You may be charged international rates if you use your data, make calls or send texts. This can be very expensive, so check your plan.
Think about getting a UK SIM card or mobile plan that you can use on your arrival. If you get a UK SIM card or change your contact phone number, please make sure you update your contact details on e:Vision.
You will need to make sure your accommodation has an internet connection/WiFi. This is because we still operate on hybrid learning (this means we have classes both on campus and online). You are welcome to come and study on Campus in our library, but an internet connect in your accommodation is best for working in your own time, as our building is open for students from 9am - 6pm.
You might not be able to use your debit or credit card in the UK (depending on your bank). It's a good idea to have a small amount of UK currency ready for emergencies.
Your home bank might not be accepted in the UK or could incur charges if it is accepted. Check with your bank in advance.
Prepaid cards are reloadable money cards which you add cash to and top up when your funds run out.
You can use a prepaid card for in-person and online payments. They can be purchased online so you can buy one from your home country and transfer money to it before you arrive in the UK.
Pre-paid cards are designed for everyday spending and there's usually a limit to how much you can load. If you've not loaded your prepaid card, you can't spend on it.
This makes them very useful if you're trying to stick to a budget. Make sure you can use your pre-paid card in the UK before you buy it.
Some examples of pre-paid cash cards include:
Cards with the Visa or Mastercard symbol are commonly accepted in the UK.
If you arrive at an airport, you pass through immigration control before collecting your luggage.
A border force officer will look at your passport and check your visa/entry clearance. Make sure you have the right documents in your hand luggage. You should also have documents relating to where you are living while studying in the UK in case a border officer asks for this information. Before
leaving immigration control, check that the border force officer has put a date stamp (if you had a visa or entry clearance) in your passport. After immigration control, you will be able to collect your baggage.
The University’s main contact number is: 0207 5317 333
Please ask to be transferred to the department you want to speak with.
Alternatively:
Once you've enrolled, you'll be sent information about Flying Start.
The programme is your guide to everything you need to know about the University of Sunderland in London. You can access it through our Virtual Learning Environment, Canvas.
We'll be holding live drop-in sessions to introduce you to your University team, as well as sharing further guidance to make sure you have a successful start to your academic life. We recommend you take this opportunity to ask questions you might have.
We'll send you details about how to book a live-session slot, so keep an eye out. We're looking forward to seeing you there.
We know that self-isolation can be daunting. If you have an urgent matter you need to talk about outside of normal working hours (9am to 6pm), please call our 24-hour emergency support line on 0191 515 2028.
You'll be put through to a member of the University of Sunderland's Security team
If you're going through health-related issues or starting to feel unwell, please call 111 for information about your symptoms.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are developing a digital immigration system. This means they are replacing physical documents – BRP - with an online record of your immigration status. This is known as an eVisa.
The documents being replaced are:
If you have access to an eVisa, you can prove your immigration status online instead of using a physical immigration document like a biometric residence permit (BRP). For example, you can use an eVisa to prove your immigration status to a landlord or employer. Using an eVisa does not affect your immigration status or the conditions for you to enter or stay in the UK. You can continue to use your physical immigration document until it expires.
You need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa. You can setup your eVisa UKVI account here.
You will need:
The eVisa application process can take up to an hour to complete so please allow yourself ample time to fill out the application. Please also be mindful that as your physical BRP will not be valid after 31st December 2024 and therefore students are asked to complete their eVisa's by 31st December 2024.