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New UCL international students: orientation and integration

15 September 2016

Every year, the International Student Support team organise the (ISOP) to help make students' transition into life in the UK and studying at UCL as smooth as possible.

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ISOP is for all non-UK students, which includes European and other International students, who are starting their studies at UCL this September. ISOP is optional and free of charge. Students choose whether to attend ISOP or not as part of their pre-enrolment.

When is ISOP?

The ISOP week runs between 19 September and 24 September 2016. However, the exact dates of talks and events depends on the student's type of study.

  • Affiliate Students: Talks on Tuesday, Enrolment on Wednesday
  • Undergraduate Students: Talks on Wednesday, Enrolment on Thursday
  • Graduate Students 1: Talks on Thursday, Enrolment on Friday
  • Graduate Students 2: Talks on Friday, Enrolment on Saturday

What happens during ISOP?

Students attend their enrolment appointments and there is a range of talks, which are as follows:

  • Official Welcome. This includes an official welcome from Pro-Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East, a Q&A with current UCL students, information about UCL Careers and a closing speech from an international UCL alumna. Affiliate students also find out about module selection.
  • Adapting to Life in the UK and Building Relationships in a Global University. A session delivered by an expert in communication skills and building interpersonal relationships that will help students adjust to UK culture and learn how to communicate effectively across cultures.
  • Living in London. Since students often request to hear from current UCL students, this talk is predominantly students talking about their experience of living in London. A doctor from the UCL Health Centre also provides advice on staying healthy, while representatives from iCope give practical tips on looking after students' emotional wellbeing.
  • Meet your UCLU. UCLU Sabbatical Officers talk about UCLU - their services, clubs and societies, on-campus spaces and social events.

Throughout the week UCLU runs a number of social events and campus tours, libraries organise library tours, and there are bank representatives on campus to assist with the process of opening a UK bank account. Lastly, affiliate students have their 'Meet Your Department' sessions as part of ISOP.

Online ISOP is available for students who are unable to attend the talks in person.

For more information on how we support international students, please visit the International Student Support website.

Lina Kamenova, Student Support and Wellbeing Manager (International and Welfare), UCL Student Advisory and Events Services; Student and Registry Services