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International ITE: First few weeks

Beyond your busy first few days, there's still a lot you can do to help you settle in and start to make the most of your UCL experience. This checklist will help you find your feet as you move into the first few weeks of term.

First few weeks checklist

1. Start your studies

Check your timetable and make sure you hit the ground running by attending all lectures, seminars and other sessions. View your timetable.

2. Meet your support staff

  • Personal Tutor
    Your Personal Tutor is there to help you with academic progress and personal and professional development. You should meet your Personal Tutor within your first few weeks at UCL and several times throughout your programme of study.

3. Make sure you are aware of your visa responsibilities

If you're an international student coming to the UK on a Student visa, then there are certain responsibilities that you must adhere to in order to maintain your visa rights. Make sure you read and follow this guidance. 

4. Apply for a National Insurance number (if you are eligible)

If you are an international student eligible to work in the UK and would like to do so, then you’ll need a National Insurance (NI) number. Your NI number allows the government to properly record your National Insurance contributions and the taxes that you should pay. You can start work without one, but you’ll have to apply immediately. Apply for your National Insurance number.
Find out more about working in the UK as an international student.

5. Sign up for societies

Attending the Welcome Fair and signing up to societies is open to our ITE students. Find something of interest in our Students' Union clubs and societies list, or in our events calendar. 

6. Apply for a TV licence

In the UK if you use a TV, computer, tablet or phone to watch or record BBC programmes as they are being shown, or if you download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, then you are legally required to get a TV licence. Find out more about TV licensing.

7. Check for Council Tax discounts

Depending on whether you are living with others who are full-time students, or not, check to see if you are exempt or eligible for a discount with your council tax.

8. Register to vote 

To make sure your voice is heard in UK elections, you will need to register to vote. You can find out if you are eligible to vote on the electoral commission website.