Checklists for international students coming to the University of Reading

Checklists for before and after your arrival at Reading

Do you have everything you need for your journey and first few weeks in Reading? Use our checklist to make sure that you have the essentials.

Issues that you might like to consider before you come to Reading include:

Do I need a visa? You should not enter with a Visitor Visa as this will cause problems later.
Do you need a medical certificate or chest x-ray as part of your visa application?
Have you arranged all of your travel?
Have you arranged medical insurance? (Only necessary if you intend to stay for less than six months)
Have you arranged travel insurance for your journey?
Have you arranged accommodation?
Have you worked out a budget for your living costs?
Do you have enough warm clothes? (The weather in the UK can often be cold in September/October)
Do you need adaptors for your electrical equipment?
You may feel rather homesick when you first arrive. Have you packed a few photos, or favourite objects to have around you to help you feel more at home in your University room?
Have you looked at your course options and thought about which courses you may want to choose when you arrive?
Have you visited the UK Council for International Student Affairs?

Make sure that you carry the following items in your hand luggage:

Valid passport or travel documents
Chest x-ray (if part of your country's visa requirement)
Visa (if applicable)
Your CAS email, offer letter and any other University documentation.
Evidence of financial support, e.g. bank statement or details of your scholarship/award
Address of your accommodation in Reading
Relevant medical records and details of any existing medical conditions (if applicable)
Make sure that your money is in £5, £10 and £20 notes only, as £50 notes are sometimes not accepted in small shops

You will need small change for taking the bus; remember to buy something when you arrive to break one of your notes into smaller change.

Try to bring a copy of your main passport pages (not the blank ones) and your visa in your main luggage.

Call home to let your family and friends know you've arrived safely!
Pay tuition fees
Copy the additional page that has been stamped in your passport when you arrived in the UK and keep in a safe place with the other copies already taken.
Attend Departmental introduction sessions and meetings
Collect your University Access Card
Attend the International Welcome Programme and any relevant information sessions
Register with the University Medical Practice
Check out Freshers' Week (activities for all new students)
Register with the police (if applicable)
Open a bank account
Familiarise yourself with the Universty campus and surrounding areas i.e. campus and town centre tours