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Pre-arrival guide

Ready for your next big move? Get prepared before you travel to ensure a smooth and stress-free start.

This guide covers everything you need – from visa advice to what to pack. And when you arrive, our supportive team will be there to guide you through your first days and help you feel at home.

What do I need to do before starting at the University of East Anglia International Study Centre?

Secure your place by accepting your offer and paying your fees through INTOPay – our safe online payment system. 

  • You can pay by credit card, debit card or bank transfer. 

  • You’ll receive a link to INTOPay and instructions on how to use the system in your offer letter.

  • Remember to reference your application ID when you pay via INTOPay. 

Watch our videos to learn about your offer of study and how to pay your fees, with simple step-by-step guidance.

All students must have full travel, medical and health insurance while studying with us in the UK. Unless proof of suitable insurance is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your fees.

To receive your timetable and start your classes, ensure that you've paid your fees and that you're officially enrolled.

UEA International Study Centre offers best-value accommodation located in the same building where you will attend classes.

If you haven't requested accommodation yet, check your inbox – you'll have received an email from us shortly after accepting your offer, inviting you to submit your accommodation preferences. This will guide you through the next steps.

You can also explore your accommodation options to see the safe and secure residences available to International Study Centre students.

Spaces fill up quickly, so we advise that you book and pay to confirm your place in a student residence available as soon as possible. Students under 18 must book accommodation with us. 

Most international students need a visa to study in the UK. Once you’ve accepted your unconditional offer and paid your deposit, we'll provide the documents you need to apply for a visa. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

Remember to check if you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge – this gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). You can check how much you’ll need to pay by using the UKVI calculator.

Find out more about the Student visa, including how to apply.

Book your flight(s) and plan your arrival to coincide with your accommodation start date.

Submit your flight details, including arrival date and flight number(s), via INTO's arrival details form as soon as possible. Providing your arrival details before you travel will ensure: 

  • we can meet you as soon as you land, if you opt for an airport transfer 

  • staff will be on-hand remotely to help if any issues occur during your travels 

  • your room is ready for you to move in as soon as you get to your accommodation. 

Choose from four airports to fly into. The closest to campus is Norwich International Airport or take your pick from three larger London airports: Stansted, Gatwick or Heathrow. To make your travel easier, we can arrange a transfer to your university accommodation. This is compulsory for students under 18.

Airport transfer fees vary depending on the airport you are travelling from. It costs around £50 if you’re traveling from Norwich Airport or £360 from either London Stansted Airport, Heathrow Airport or London Gatwick Airport.   

Simply complete the arrival details form, selecting an airport pickup, at least 7 days before your arrival. 

If you haven't opted for an airport pickup service, you should make your own travel arrangements. Please plan the journey to the International Study Centre before you arrive in the UK. 

Support every step of the way

Digital events and webinars

Join an online information session

Find out everything you need to know about studying with us – from support available to what student life is like – in one of our live digital events.

Loading luggage in airport taxi

Discover your new home

Discover why Norwich is one of the best places to spend your student life – through its food, culture, travel and more.

Support staff replying to emails

Got a question?

Contact our Student Services team by emailing isc@uea.ac.uk – they’ll be happy to help.  

Prepare for your studies

Start your study abroad journey with confidence with Get Ready to Study. This online programme covers UK life, study skills and career support – all at your own pace.

Your pre-arrival questions answered

Norwich has mild summers, and the winters can be rainy and cold with a chance of snow. Bring comfy and weather-appropriate clothes. There are also plenty of shops in Norwich if you forget an essential item. 

Make sure that you only pack items that you’re allowed to bring into the UK. You can find the list of banned items on the UK Government website along with guidance on bringing food into Great Britain

We advise arriving in Norwich during the weekend before your programme starts. You may be able to arrive earlier if your accommodation contract allows. Don’t forget to provide us with your arrival details beforehand. 

The study centre is located at UEA’s campus, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ. 

The UEA campus is 3 miles from Norwich city centre, and 2 hours from London. It's easily accessible by various public transport options, including buses, taxis and trains. 

The campus is also close to Norwich Railway Station. Once you're there, catch a bus for a direct route to the campus via the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a 15-minute taxi ride. 

For a seamless journey from the airport to campus, we can arrange to pick you – simply let us know your arrival details.  

Your Welcome Week timetable will tell you when to arrive at the study centre. Keep a close eye on your schedule, which will be arranged by our staff. 

You’ll receive your academic timetable via email, at the end of your first week. You need to have paid your fees and enrolled before you can start classes.

It's normal to feel homesick or sad when you're away from the comfort of your home life. If you need support, there's an expert team based in the same building as your accommodation, ready to help you 24/7. You can also talk to your Personal Tutor about any additional academic or welfare support you may need. 

Joining in with social activities and exploring Norwich can also help you feel more at home.

Your first week at UEA International Study Centre

We can’t wait to welcome you in person. During your first week, or Welcome Week, you'll get to know your fellow classmates and staff at the centre. Your orientation programme will cover:

Got a question?

Get in touch with our Student Services team at isc@uea.ac.uk – they’ll be happy to help.