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International College

Big Sheffield Welcome

Joining us soon? Find out all the information you need about studying and socialising in the UK.  

Pre-arrival guide

Make sure you read our pre-arrival guide for everything you need to know about coming to Sheffield.

Pre-arrival information

We are looking forward to welcoming you on campus, and with everything you need close by we are sure you will settle in quickly. Make sure you read our pre-arrival guide for everything you need to know before you arrive in Sheffield.

Pre-arrival checklist

Visit our fees page to find out how to confirm your offer to study at the International College. You will then be issued with your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).

You will need a visa to study at the International College. Find out more about visas and how to apply. 

Make sure you have organised where you’re going to live before you arrive. Our accommodation team can help you – find out more about accommodation options.

When you have your visa you can book your flights. Make sure you check the term dates and arrive in time for the start of your course. The closest international airport to Sheffield is Manchester.

Before you leave home, it is important that you register for the University Health Service so you can receive medical treatment if you become ill. We will send you further details before you arrive. 

It’s important that you have health, medical and personal insurance to cover you while you are here in the UK. Find out about StudyCare Insurance Plus.

Uni life is once in a lifetime

Federico from Colombia and Wei Yuan from Taiwan talk about their experience at Sheffield and how they made friends from day one at the College.

Become a Student Ambassador

We are looking for Student Ambassadors to represent their International College. This is a sociable and engaging role involving a range of activities from social media takeovers to writing blogs. If you would like more information about being a Student Ambassador or would like to apply for this role, please email us on ISCambassadors@studygroup.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

What to pack

You should bring the following documents with you:

  • passport and visa
  • UKVI Decision Letter
  • Confirmation of Acceptance for Study letter (CAS)
  • International College offer letter
  • accommodation documents
  • academic qualification certificates 
  • sponsor letter (if you are being sponsored)
  • four passport-sized photographs
  • insurance documents (unless you are covered by StudyCare Insurance Plus)
  • medical certificates and vaccination records
  • copy of your arrivals/transfer confirmation letter
  • guardianship letter (if you are under 18).

You should bring:

  • prescriptions for any medication along with translations into English
  • essential toiletries for the first few days – everything else can be purchased when you arrive.

It can be useful to bring the following personal items:   

  • a small amount of British money in case you need cash 
  • travel adaptor 
  • laptop (if possible) or you could buy one in Sheffield when you arrive
  • something to remind you of home.

Living in the UK

Life in Britain will be different from what you are used to and we’re sure you’ll have many questions. We’ve compiled a list of the top three most frequently asked below, together with our answers.

Britain is home to residents from around the world, giving it a vibrant, cosmopolitan feel. You’ll soon be able to adapt to a whole variety of situations, from understanding British etiquette and slang to cooking your own food and going out with your new friends. 

It won’t take you long to make friends, but whilst you settle in, we will organise events designed to help you meet your classmates and build new friendships. There are also many societies you can join to meet people with similar interests to you. 

The UK is a multicultural country and you will find local shops will sell most things you will need. If you can’t find what you’re looking for locally, some of the larger supermarkets stock a wider range of international products. There are also restaurants serving cuisine from around the world so if you’re looking for a something to remind you of home you’ll be able to find just what you want.

Welcome week

Big Sheffield Welcome

Your first week

We’re very excited about what we have planned for your first week here in Sheffield. This is known as induction week – it’s our #BigSheffieldWelcome.

There’s lots of support and events to help you settle in. You won’t want to miss all this:

  • Information talks about anything from how to set up a bank account, using the library and how to deal with any health concerns
  • Events where you can meet new people
  • City centre tours
  • University and Student Union tours
  • Welcome Party held at The University of Sheffield Students’ Union.
  • Evening at Meadowhall shopping centre, including cinema, bowling and Laser Quest
  • Organised dinner with fellow students at a city centre restaurant
  • Trips to nearby UK cities and attractions.

You can also get involved on our social media channels:

  • Like our Facebook page for information about the student experience in Sheffield.
  • Follow our Instagram account and #BigSheffieldWelcome.

Born in Colombia. Made in Sheffield.

Federico in The University of Sheffield campus

A huge thing I think international people get from the College is our main group of friends. We have the same classes, we are all in a new country with a new language and new people. We have that bonding. Then that just continues on in life after university.

Federico

International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering

BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering