New international undergraduate and postgraduate taught student checklist
Get ready for Sheffield by completing your to-do list tasks.
If you’re beginning your studies at the University of Sheffield International College, you should refer to your emails for advice on your essential tasks instead of this page.
If you’re a new international postgraduate research student, refer to the international PGR checklist instead.
5 weeks before
18 August to 22 August 2025
Register for your course and activate your University IT account
You need to register and activate your University IT account before you can start studying with us. You will receive a registration email from preregistration@sheffield.ac.uk with instructions on how to do this. There are two steps to your registration:
- Step 1: Online registration, available from 22 August 2025
- Step 2: In-person ID check, available after you have completed online registration
How to register with the University
Book your in-person right to study check
As a non-UK national, to complete your registration with the University you must book and attend an in person Right to Study check. You will receive an email at the start of September, asking you to book this.
At your right to study check we will;
- Verify your passport and immigration documents
- Help you to complete registration for your course
- Print your student UCard (your student ID card used to access buildings and services).
If you're a distance learning student, you don't need to attend an in-person right to study check. You’ll be prompted to upload any immigration documents online as part of your pre-registration steps.
Access your University IT account (MUSE)
Once you’ve registered for your course, your University IT account (MUSE) will be activated. You will use your MUSE account to access online IT services including your;
- Student email account
- Course timetable
- Online course materials
Learn how to get online, manage your emails, access course materials, and get the most out of your studies. Start your digital induction
If you experience any problems logging into your University computer account, contact IT Services.
- Complete the CAS application task
Anyone who applies for a Student visa to study in the UK must include with their visa application a unique Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, linking them to the institution where they intend to study. You will be asked to complete the CAS Application task as part of your pre-registration tasks.
If you do not require a Student visa because you have a different visa type that permits study in the UK, you will not need to request a CAS number. However, you should check carefully if your visa permits you to study on your specific course as early as possible. If you’re unsure you can contact our International Student Support, Advice and Compliance team (ISSAC).
- Apply for your student visa
Once you have received your CAS from Admissions you should apply for your visa as soon as possible.
Before applying for your visa:
Check if you need to provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) test as part of your visa application.
Check if you need to provide ATAS clearance as part of your visa application. If you’re unsure what you need for your application, contact our International Student Support, Advice and Compliance team (ISSAC).
- Celebrate your success and follow us on social media
- TikTok
- WeChat - 微信 (@英国谢菲尔德大学 and @谢大国际学生服务)
- RED - 小红书 (英国谢菲尔德大学)
- Join our Facebook/WeChat group
Find your coursemates and meet loads of other new students through the University of Sheffield Facebook group for international students.
We have WeChat groups for offer-holders in China. Please add the group assistant on WeChat (ID: SheffieldCN).
- Register for university accommodation
Register for accommodation if you haven’t already done so.
- Join a pre-departure briefing
There's a lot to think about before moving to Sheffield, so join a Sheffield Live session and get your questions answered. Sessions run on a Wednesday and cover lots of topics from CAS and visas, to packing and making the move, and those all important pre-departure briefings.
- Find support and advice for settling in and adjusting to life in the UK
- Find information about accessing healthcare in the UK
Find out more about National Health Service (NHS) entitlement, health insurance and immunisations before you arrive in the UK. Here you’ll also find important information to follow if you have a physical or mental medication condition, or take regular medication.
- Register for transition support from the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS)
Starting university can feel exciting, but it can also be challenging. We are here to help and support disabled applicants to make the transition to the University of Sheffield.
4 weeks before
25 August to 29 August 2025
Book the Meet and Greet Service from Manchester Airport
The University will be running an airport pick-up service from Manchester Airport to the University of Sheffield.
Book the Meet and Greet service
If you’re arriving at a different UK airport, find information about how to get to Sheffield.
- Inform us of any accessibility requirements
If you have a disability, let us know about any additional support you will need.
- Find out how to take part in Orientation 2025
Orientation Week is an optional series of events and activities, all designed to give you a little extra time to settle into life in Sheffield and the University.
- Get your tickets for Welcome Week (22 September to 27 September 2025)
Get your tickets for Welcome Week 2025 including freshers events and nights out.
3 weeks before
1 September to 5 September 2025
Complete your online registration tasks
If you haven’t already, make sure you have completed your online registration tasks and have booked your in-person right to study check. This is required to complete your registration when you arrive in Sheffield.
- Learn more about the apps and software you’ll use during your studies
My Digital Induction is your guide to the apps and software you’ll use at the University of Sheffield.
Learn how to get online, manage your emails, access course materials, and get the most out of your studies.
- Make sure you bring a translated copy of your medical and immunisation records
Once you arrive in Sheffield, you can register with the University Health Service. In the meantime, make sure you’ve read this important information about accessing healthcare in the UK, so you know what you need to bring with you to the UK.
You should bring a summary of your medical records with you, translated into English if possible, including any information on medications you currently take. You must bring a translated copy of your immunisation record with you to the UK.
Remember to bring any current medications you take, we recommend bringing at least a three month supply with you.
- Complete your Financial Declaration
All students must complete the Financial Declaration, online, in advance. You will be sent a link, via email, asking you to complete your pre-registration actions; this includes completing the Financial Declaration.
- Prepare for moving in
If you’re going to live in University accommodation, prepare for moving in.
- Prepare to travel to the UK
Take a look at our international student essentials for advice on what to bring with you and important information for moving to the UK.
- Find support for settling into university life in the UK
Studying abroad can be both exciting and stressful. To help you settle in and adjust to life in the UK, the International Student Success programme is a free online resource with practical guidance and support for all new international students.
2 weeks before
8 September to 12 September 2025
- Book your in-person right to study check
If you haven’t already, book an appointment for your in-person right to study check.
- Find clubs and societies
Take a look at our clubs and societies to explore what you could get involved with.
Ask a question
If you need support you can get advice from the Student Services Information Desk (SSiD).
For immigration related information or advice, contact the International Student Support, Advice & Compliance (ISSAC) team.
1 week before
15 September to 19 September 2025
- Complete your online pre-registration tasks
Make sure all you’ve completed your online pre-registration phase one and phase two tasks. These need to be done before you arrive.
- Get involved in Orientation 2025
Our Orientation events and activities are designed to give you a little extra time to settle into life in Sheffield and the University.
The day before
Check that you have your new address and you know how to get here.
Make sure you have everything packed. Do you have UK adaptors or UK-compatible plugs for your electrical items?
Bring the following documents in your hand luggage:
- Your CAS number and/or details of your course
- A recent bank statement
- Details of your accommodation
- Any medical documents
- Don’t bring any restricted items into the UK
- Have your passport ready and remove it from its cover
- Bring a pen with you so you can complete a landing card on the plane
Ask a question
If you need support, you can get advice from the Student Services Information Desk (SSiD).
For immigration related information or advice, contact the International Student Support, Advice & Compliance (ISSAC) team.
Arrival day
You made it! Enjoy your new life in Sheffield and making new friends. We’re here if you need us. Get support from Student Services Information Desk (SSiD).
- Download our safety app
Download our safety app, so that you can contact security if you need help and stay safe around campus.
- Check if you need a TV licence
You will need a TV licence if you’re watching or recording any TV live. Find out more at tvl.co.uk/students
Welcome week
22 September to 27 September 2025
Complete your in-person right to study check
You must attend an in-person right to study check to be able to study with us.
Pick up your UCard and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) if you have one.
- Check your visa details and responsibilities
Check your visa details are correct. If there’s a problem, let us know straight away.
Check your visa conditions and responsibilities.
- Open a UK student bank account
You will need a bank letter from the University to open a bank account in the UK. Bank letters can only be requested once you have completed your student registration.
- Make sure you can access your University email account
Whilst you are a student with us, any important information we need to communicate to you will always be sent to your student email address. It is therefore essential that you check your emails regularly.
Learn how to get online and manage your emails
If you experience any problems logging into your University computer account, contact IT Services.
- Register with the University Health Service
If you are going to be studying and living in Sheffield for over three months, it is very important that you register with a GP (Doctor). You can register with the University Health Service (UHS),an NHS GP Practice, when you arrive in Sheffield.
We recommend all students are vaccinated against MMR and MenACWY. If you have not been vaccinated against these, you can be vaccinated when you have registered with UHS. They are free on the NHS.
If you are arriving in the UK from any of these countries, you will be invited to have a blood test that checks for Latent Tuberculosis (TB). This is different to the chest x-ray you need to enter the UK.
- Attend induction and welcome events
Look out for your department's induction events. Remember to check your University account emails for information about these.
- Explore our sport facilities
Start exploring the sport facilities at the University and find out more about gym memberships.
- Get involved in Welcome Week
Welcome Week is your introduction to student life in Sheffield. Packed with opportunities to meet other new students, try activities, grab freebies, and enjoy loads of fantastic nights out; your new Students’ Union is the place to be!
- Learn more about your student IT essentials
Get help with managing your University IT account, viewing your timetable and using Blackboard.
You should aim to arrive in Sheffield in time for Welcome Week (22 September 2025), when induction events will take place.
Teaching for the majority of programmes will begin on 29 September 2025.
Complete your registration before this date so you can begin your studies from the start of term. You must complete registration before attending any teaching sessions.
Late registration
If you arrive after 29 September 2025, the start date for most courses, you may be able to register late. The final deadline for arriving in Sheffield and registering as a student is 20 October 2025, but some courses have earlier deadlines (for example, if your start date is earlier than 29 September 2025).