International students: Before you arrive
Find out about Bristol, visa guidance, travel advice, health information and important documents to bring.
Accommodation
If you have not received and accepted an accommodation offer from the University you will need to find somewhere to live yourself. Have a look at our advice on finding private accommodation.
Visa guidance
You will need to check whether you need a visa to study in the UK. Our Student Visas team can help you with queries about visas, your immigration status, which important documents you need to bring and working in the UK.
Plan your travel
Book your travel to the UK as soon as possible. Find out about travelling to the UK and the University.
Get to know Bristol and the University
- Check out student recommendations of where to buy international food in Bristol
- Watch a recorded student life webinar, where students share their experiences of living in Bristol
- Find out about what's on in Bristol, and what support is available to help you meet people and make friends
- Take a virtual tour of the campus and city.
Register
You need to register so you can start your studies and become part of our community. Find out how to register.
IT: get started
Your IT account, including your university email, will be set up after you have registered. Get familiar with the IT systems you will use and the tools available to help you get the most out of your learning.
Money and fees
Make sure you have enough cash or travellers' cheques with you to last the one to two weeks it may take for your UK bank account to be set up when you arrive.
Find out about bringing money to the UK and how to open a bank account.
Check you have made any necessary advance payments. Some postgraduate taught students who are not sponsored need to pay a deposit, find out how to pay your course or programme deposit.
Further information about paying your tuition fees.
Get a mobile phone
You may need a UK mobile number to use some services in the UK. Find out how to get a UK mobile phone.
Sponsored students
International sponsored students need to provide the university with a sponsorship letter when registering. Find out how to provide your sponsorship letter.
Healthcare
Check advice from our Students' Health Service on what to do before you arrive.
Find out about coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations.
Tell our Disability Services team if you have a health problem, mental health issue, or disability. We can offer free and confidential advice and may provide: equipment, extra time in exams, a support worker, or other adjustments to help you achieve your potential. This is available for all students and will not impact your place to study here.
University of Bristol app
Make the most of your time at Bristol. Download from Google Play or the App Store.
Virtual tour
Explore 360-degree views and photographs of our campus and city highlights.