New international students
National lockdown in England
A national lockdown in England started on 6 January 2021. The Government guidance states:
- Students should stay where they are and begin their learning online wherever possible.
- If you have not yet travelled to the UK, you should postpone your travel plans and engage with online learning until further notice.

Starting university in a different country is a big step. Find out the extra things you need to know as an international student before you start your adventure.
Before you arrive
- Read how we have adapted our campus and teaching to ensure you can safely enjoy a great student experience.
- Find out about the flexible arrival times for moving into University accommodation and arriving in January.
- If you need to study online only, complete the Location of study form to tell us so we can support you in the right way.
- Find out about airport transfers.
- Register online for your studies.
- Arrange your visa and important documents.
- If you are a sponsored student, provide your sponsorship letter.
- Find out about health services in the UK.
- Tell us if you have a long term health condition or disability.
- Plan your travel to the UK.
- Find out about international travel restrictions and quarantine.
- Check how Brexit might affect you.
When you arrive
- What to do at the border.
- Travel to the University of Bristol including airport transfers.
- Complete your Right to Study Check.
- Open a bank account
- Pay your fees.
After you arrive
- Collect your Biometric Residence Permit card (BRP).
- If you needed a visa to come to the UK, you might need to register with the police.
- Register with a doctor.
- Open a bank account.
- Download the NHS contact tracing app to know when you’re at risk from Coronavirus and to alert your community. Download from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Your life in Bristol
- Take part in our Digital induction.
- Come to our welcome events
- Settle into your life in Bristol
- Advice and support for current international students.
All student checklist
Make sure you also look at our checklist for all students.
Welcome app
Download our Welcome app for all the information you need to get started and to settle into life at Bristol.