When you arrive

Please remember that when you arrive in the UK, you will have travelled a long way from home and your family and friends may be worried about you. Remember to contact them and let them know that you are safe!

On arrival we will provide you with a free SIM card to use in the UK which includes one free international call, so you can call home and let your family know you have arrived safely.

This will also give you cheap rates to phone internationally and will be much more economical than your current SIM card or any other UK network providers.

Alternatively, you can always download Skype, a free computer programme that allows you to use your computer like a phone and make international calls for free to other Skype users.

It is important that you attend all induction activities on the first day of the course. If you do not, it may result in you being unable to register for your course on time.

At the start of your course, you will receive a full induction which is a great opportunity to meet staff and students and find out more about the University and the local area.

The induction programme will vary in length according to your study programme and typically includes:

• welcome talks
• information sessions with INTO Newcastle University Student Services, the Students' Union and security staff
• social activities
• a city orientation tour of Newcastle
• a campus tour

During your induction programme we will put on a series of events and excursions which are a great way of meeting people, making new friends and practising your English outside of the classroom.

In addition to your academic study, we organise a regular programme of activities designed to help you make the most of your time in the UK. Details of all the social programme events will be available on the student notice boards in the Centre.

When you arrive, you will be asked to go through a registration process. You are required to provide original academic transcripts and certificates so please make sure you have the following:

• visa
• passport and identity card
• all payment receipts or fees if not already paid
• IELTS certificate or other relevant English proficiency certificate (original)
• academic certificates (original)
• academic transcripts (original)
• course confirmation letter

After you're fully registered with us, we will issue you a student ID card and also provide you with your IT username and password so you can log on to the computers in the Centre.

Once you have registered with INTO Newcastle University, you will be given an appointment for later in the week to collect a Newcastle University Smart Card and computer login name and password.

We advise you to carry your Smart Card with you at all times on the University campus. You will need to use it whenever you come to INTO Reception to prove you are a student.

It also allows you access to the University libraries and works as a library card for you to borrow books.

The UCS login name and password will give you access to the University computer network from any of the University computer clusters.

At the start of the Induction Week, you will be required to take an English test with the other newly arrived students. Although you have already provided evidence of your English language qualifications, the test will verify your ability and help us place you in the right class.

Some students are required to complete police registration within seven days of arriving in the UK. Please check your visa conditions to see if this applies to you.

(It will say on your Visa page 'must register with police within 7 days')

If you need to register with the police, we will make an appointment for you to do so. The appointment will take place at the INTO Centre.

You will receive your police appointment (if you need to have one) during the Induction Week - check your Induction Timetable when you receive this on your first day.

We will provide you with a list of local Doctors and information during your induction - you will be expected to register in your own time.

Tuberculosis (TB) Screening: if you come from a country at high risk from tuberculosis, you will need to be tested for TB. This is a university requirement and we will make you an appointment if necessary. We will help with this process.

We strongly recommend you open a UK bank account, as soon as possible, after arriving in the UK. We will provide you with further information and support on opening accounts during your induction week and provide you with the documents you require.

Find out more about opening a bank account.