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Before you start

You'll need to get a number of things done before you start your programme of study at UCL. This 'before you start' checklist can help you tick them off one by one so that you can feel prepared for the first day of term.

All Students

1. Meet your entry requirements

Keep an eye out for emails from the Admissions team, who will get in touch if you need to provide evidence of meeting your entry requirements. You can also check if Admissions are missing anything on your Applicant Portal: www.ucl.ac.uk/portico.

2. Sort out your funding

Funding advice:
Undergraduate
Postgraduate Taught
Postgraduate Research
You will need to pay your fees or provide evidence of sponsorship by 31 October.

3. Find somewhere to live

You can live in UCL accommodation or in private accommodation. The deadline to apply for UCL accommodation is 10 June.

4. Complete pre-enrolment

Pre-enrolment is the first step to becoming enrolled as an official UCL student. You will receive an invitation to pre-enrol by email, which will explain the steps you need to take. But if you would like to know more please see our dedicated page.

5. Register your module preferences (if it applies to you)

After you have been enrolled you will receive an email inviting you to select your module preferences, if this applies to you. 

6. Pay your fees

You can pay your fees through UCL's online payment service.
For further advice on paying your fees, you can read more here. 

7. Set up a student bank account

Setting up a student bank account will definitely pay off by the end of term. It is also a good idea to think about planning your budget.

8. Get your vaccinations

If you are under 25, please make sure you have the meningitis (ACWY) and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations before you arrive. Meningitis and measles are serious conditions and first-time university students are more susceptible. You can find out more about these and COVID-19 vaccinations here. 

9. Complete online inductions

There are several online inductions to help you get ready for studying at UCL. You can see them here.

10. Look into your childcare options

If you are a student who is a parent or guardian with caring responsibilities, you can find more about the support and advice available here.

 

International Students

1. Apply for your visa

Your visa is essential, and it is never too early to gather all the information and evidence you will need to provide. Take a look here at our guidance on applying for visas. 

2. Complete your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) check

We will email you to check the details we have on record for you are correct. Once you have confirmed and you have met your entry requirements, we can issue you your CAS number. Read more about the process of getting your CAS number.

3. Open a UK bank account

For guidance on setting up a UK bank account as an international student please see this page.

4. Attend the International Student Orientation Webinar 
The UCL International Student Support team will be holding this webinar on 03 January 2022 from 4pm - 5pm UK time for new international students who will be coming to UCL and/or London for the 1st time. In this webinar, a member of the International Student Support team and a current UCL student will be available via video chat to help you with a wide variety of questions you may have regarding life at UCL or life in the UK.

5. Prepare for your quarantine (if this applies to you)

See our travel guidance for international students here.