New undergraduate student checklist
Get ready for Sheffield by completing your to-do list tasks.
What you need to do first
Here is a list of the things you must do before you can start your course.
If you’re an international student, there are a few extra things to do before you arrive. Check the international student checklist.
- Register for your course
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 21 August 2025
- Step 2: In-person ID check, available after you have completed online registration
How to register with the University
If you are a part-time or distance learning student, check our registration pages for your specific registration guidance.
- Activate your student IT account
Once you’ve registered for your course, your student 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 IT account, contact IT Services.
Keep checking your University email account as this is where we will send all future communications.
- Book your in-person ID check
Once you’ve completed your online registration an email will be sent to your University email account to confirm you have registered.
You will then receive a second email within one to two working days of completing your registration with a link to book an in-person ID check and collect your student UCard.
If you are a part-time or distance learning student, your registration process is different - you do not need to attend an in-person registration event.
- Apply for University accommodation
If you’d like to live in University accommodation, apply if you haven’t already done so.
The Accommodation Office can help with any queries you have.
- Let us know about any accessibility requirements
We can support you if you have a long-term impairment or condition that has an impact on your studies. Contact the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) to ensure that the support you need is in place from the start of your course.
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.
- Complete your financial declaration and pay your tuition fees
Paying your tuition fees is a crucial part of your registration at University. It’s important to know how to do this correctly, as well as the things you need to look out for.
How to pay your tuition fees (and some important reading)
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.
Consider setting up a student bank account if you haven’t already. It’s also a good time to start thinking about managing your money while at University. Our money tools can help you plan your finances and could make your money go further.
Watch out for tuition fee fraud
Scams and fraud are very common. You need to know how to protect yourself against them.
- If a company, or someone online, offers to pay your fees at a reduced price, do not respond.
- Never share your personal information (including your University username and password) with anyone else.
- Don’t be pressured into making payments - criminals will try to rush or panic you.
Start getting ready
Once you've completed your essential tasks it's time to start getting excited for your Sheffield journey. Here's a list of things to do to help you prepare.
- Join us for Orientation Week, 15 - 19 September
Orientation Week is an optional programme of guided tours, social events and information sessions open to all new and continuing students, international or from the UK. If you want a little extra time and help to settle into life in Sheffield and the University, then Orientation Week is for you.
Accommodation, at a cost, is available to students taking part in Orientation Week (this will not be the same as your term-time accommodation). Bookings for Orientation Week accommodation close at 12 noon, Friday 5 September.
- Meet other new students
Find your flatmates, coursemates, and meet loads of other new students through the University of Sheffield's new students Facebook group.
- Get to know the city of Sheffield
Sheffield is a vibrant, green, modern city with real character. Unforgettable nights out, breathtaking green spaces, sprawling shopping centres and proud, local independents.
- Get your tickets for Welcome Week, 22 - 26 September
Explore everything Sheffield has to offer at our Welcome Week, taking place 22 - 26 September. There really is something for everyone and during this week you can:
- Grab freebies at our Freshers Fair
- Meet members from hundreds of our clubs and societies at the Activities Fair and Sports Fair
- Join daily Give it a Go activities to test out different societies
- Enjoy loads of fantastic nights out
- Register with the University Health Service
You should register with a GP (doctor) in Sheffield so you can get medical advice and treatment if you ever need it. As part of your online registration, you’ll be able to register as a patient with the University Health Service (UHS), your dedicated NHS GP practice and student health specialist.
If you have a pre-existing physical or mental condition (for example, sickle cell disease), it’s very important that you register with a GP to let them know about your condition so that they can help you access the specialist care you need.
- Start packing
If you’ll be living in University accommodation, here’s some useful advice on what to bring with you.
Remember to bring any current medications you take with you, and make sure you have enough for your first few weeks.
- Choose your modules
If your course allows you to choose optional modules, you’ll be asked to select these as part of your online registration tasks using online module selection.
- Check 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. So it’s 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 IT account, contact IT Services.
- Follow the University on social media
Celebrate your success and get involved on social media! Make sure you’re following us on:
Arriving at Sheffield
Here's everything you need to know and do for your arrival at Sheffield.
- How to get to Sheffield
Find maps of the city and campus, and travel information for visiting Sheffield from across the nation and world.
Sheffield city centre is covered by a clean air zone. Private cars are exempt from charges. However, non-compliant vans, campervans and other light goods vehicles are included in the scheme.
- Download our safety app
Download our safety app, SafeZone, so that you can contact security if you need help and stay safe around campus.
- Download the University app
iSheffield is our free app that allows you to learn about study, social and local life at Sheffield. Use it to view your timetable, register your attendance in lectures and tutorials, access your reading lists, and find interactive campus maps.
- Know where to go for help
The Student Services Information Desk (SSiD) is the first place you should go to for general student-related enquiries. Contact SSiD
What to do in your first week
There will be lots going on in your first week, so here are the key things you need to do and what you can get involved in.
- Attend your in-person ID check
Attend your in-person ID check to pick up your UCard and complete your registration.
If you are receiving funding from Student Finance, you must complete an in-person ID check to receive your loan.
If you are a part-time or distance learning student, you do not need to attend an in-person registration event.
- Register with the University Health Service
If you didn’t already register with the University Health Service (UHS) as part of your online registration, you can still register as a patient at any point.
It's very important that you register with a GP (Doctor), so you can access medical advice and treatment when you need it. The University Health Service is your dedicated NHS GP Practice, providing a full range of services, including:
- Routine NHS Doctor and Nurse appointments
- Long term conditions appointments (e.g. diabetes, asthma etc)
- Mental health services
- Eating disorder services
- Sexual health services (including contraception fitting)
- Travel health service (travel immunisations)
Register with the University Health Service
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.
- Get involved in Welcome Week, 22 - 26 September
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!
- Attend your School's welcome and induction events
Look out for your school or department’s induction events. Remember to check your University account emails for information about these.
- 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
Settle into Sheffield
As you start settling into your course and new home, here are some things you can do that will help you get the most out of your time at Sheffield.
- Get to know your library services
Across campus, you have access to several library sites where you can find resources for your course and your research, use study spaces, and access support when you need it. Find out about your University Library
- Explore our sports facilities
Start exploring the sport facilities at the University and find out more about gym memberships.
- Join clubs and societies
Take a look at our clubs and societies to explore what you could get involved with.
- Learn more about your student IT essentials
Get help with managing your University IT account, viewing your timetable and using Blackboard.
- Make new friends from all over the world
Throughout the year we have a wide range of weekly events and activities including Global Hangouts, Local History Walks and Global Cafe. These events are open to everyone so you can meet people, make friends and settle into life at the University and Sheffield.
When should I arrive?
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 21 October 2025, but some courses have earlier deadlines (for example, if your start date is earlier than 29 September 2025).