Support for international students

This webpage is designed to provide all the information you need to help you adjust to life in the UK as quickly as possible.

You should plan to join us in person for the start date of your course, which for most students joining BU in September is Monday 23 September 2024. The information on this page includes useful information to help you plan for your life and studies in the UK.

You can also explore our range of international orientation events for new students which have been designed to provide opportunities to ask questions and meet other students. Some events are drop-in, whilst others require you to sign up in advance - find out more below.

Information to support your arrival

Searching for accommodation

Many students choose to stay in BU accommodation (halls of residence) in the local area, you can find out more about these options on the BU website.

If you’re thinking of renting privately, then our private rental accommodation webpage has lots of useful information and advice to help you. Please read this information carefully – it will help you to find reputable landlords and avoid scams.

On Brightspace you can view a presentation that was recently shared at an accommodation tips workshop. This includes advice for if you are still looking for accommodation and where to go for support. If you're a new student, you will only be able to access this once you have completed your online registration.

Practical tips about life in the UK

On Brightspace you can watch our video which includes a wide range of information about life in Bournemouth. If you're a new student, you will only be able to access this once you have completed your online registration.

You may also find the following information and links useful:

Choose and open a bank account in the UK
Register with a doctor as soon as possible after you arrive: either register with the Medical Centre on Talbot Campus or use the search function on the NHS website to find a GP (General Practitioner) or Medical Centre close to where you live.
Begin to find your way around town by bus or cycle. BU’s cycling webpages include information about discount schemes, bike maintenance, cycle hire, safety and more.
Discover where to shop - including where to find food from home!
Find out about “bank holidays” and other celebrations and festivals in the UK.
Watch Dorset Police’s “Welcome to Dorset” video which includes information for international students about everyday British laws and how to keep you and your belongings safe.
You can also find further personal safety tips on the BU Police and SUBU Advice webpages.
Make sure you understand the local Council rules about littering so that you can avoid being fined.
We have a webpage which you will find useful if you are bringing your family to the UK with you.
Whatever your question or concern, there is a wide range of support services at BU available to help you. Please don’t ever hesitate to ask for help.

UK academic system and study support

On Brightspace you can watch our video (1:04:22) which gives a great introduction to UK Higher Education and where to find support and resources. If you're a new student, you will only be able to access this once you have completed your online registration.

You may also find the following information helpful before and during your studies:

If you are struggling or have questions about study support, assignments or assessment criteria, you should talk to your teaching staff or Personal Tutor first.
The Academic Skills Hub in Brightspace includes helpful resources for you, including information about critical thinking, referencing and academic writing to support your learning and studies.
If English is not your first language, you can access English Language Support on the Academic Skills Hub, as well as other language learning opportunities.
Further useful information about studying in the UK is available on the UKCISA website. You can also access activities and learning resources to learn about different aspects of academic life in the UK and the skills needed for effective study on the Prepare for Success website. This is especially helpful if your first language is not English.

Finding a part-time job

On Brightspace you can watch our video about careers and part-time jobs. If you're a new student, you will only be able to access this once you have completed your online registration.

This video includes information about:

Understanding UK work culture
How to get a National Insurance number
How to ensure your CV is suitable for UK employers
The CareersBU team and the support they can provide during and after your studies
The Graduate Skills Programme: what it is, why you should do it and how to register
The online resources and events available to students on MyCareerHub
Immigration rules relating to part-time work
Careers events
Developing transferable skills.

The following websites are a great place to start looking for a part-time job:

As a BU student you also have access to Student Circus - an employability platform for international students, including a job-search which lists visa-sponsored jobs and lots of other useful information to help with your job search.

British culture and culture shock

It’s not always easy adjusting to a new culture. What you consider “normal” might be quite different to the British way of thinking or doing things. It’s natural to feel a bit homesick in the beginning while you get used to life in the UK and try to make friends here.

Our cultural transition webpage includes lots of information to help you whilst you adjust to life in the UK. On this page you can find out more about:

British culture
The experience of culture shock (and tips to help overcome it)
Attitudes and values (including questions to help you really think about how your own values compare and how they might influence your experience in the UK)
What the British consider to be rude and polite (including what to call people, timekeeping, queueing and more)
English slang
Links to other resources and support

If you’re struggling to adjust or make friends, you can contact the Achieve team who will listen to you, offer support and guide you to relevant events and services.

Budgeting and saving money

On Brightspace you can find a useful presentation from a recent money guidance workshop which was delivered by SUBU Advice to international students. If you're a new student, you will only be able to access this once you have completed your online registration.

You may also find the following links useful for advice, guidance and support with budgeting and saving money during your degree:

SUBU's 'Money Advice' page provides information about additional funding, money management and support
The British Council money and budgeting website has information to help with budgeting and finances in the UK
The BU website has a comprehensive financial wellbeing section which covers a broad range of topics including cost of living support
The Save the Student website has a helpful section specifically for international students.

Please be aware that:

When planning your finances, remember to check the deadline for your next fees instalment and budget. These deadlines are not usually flexible, so if you expect to have problems paying your tuition fees it’s essential that you talk to BU as early as possible so that we can help you.
Unfortunately criminals often target international students with scams to try to steal your money. This could be via phone call, text or email. They may even have some of your personal information and use this to persuade you to trust them. Please visit our stay safe online webpages to read our guidance on what to look out for. We also have a dedicated page which includes advice specifically for international students which can help you to avoid becoming a victim.

Meeting people and making the most of your time in the UK

Making friends and having positive social experiences is an important part of your life and will help you to feel at home here.

It’s natural to want to meet other students who you have something in common with. They will share some of your feelings and experiences. If you’re an international student, this will include making friends from your home country who will help you to feel connected with home.

However, you’ll find real benefits from having a varied friendship group too. It’s really worth making the effort to try to get to know your flatmates and coursemates, regardless of their nationality.

The following opportunities are great ways of meeting a variety of different people and really making the most of your time in the UK:

The What’s On events listings show you the full range of different events taking place at BU
Our Global Café meets every Wednesday in term-time, between 5pm and 6:30pm. Drop in any time, to enjoy a relaxing space to chat and enjoy some free refreshments with other international students.
SUBU support a huge range of student-led clubs & societies, as well as volunteering opportunities. All of these are great ways to develop your skills and meet new people who share common interests.
The Faith & Reflection team can put you in contact with other students who share your faith and with faith communities locally.
ReslifeBU organise some great events for students living in halls of residence.
If you're a new student, you can use our Unibuddy Community platform to meet your coursemates, flatmates and others, even before you arrive in the UK.
Register for the CareersBU Graduate Skills Programme to understand the transferable skills that you’re developing through all of the above activities and express them to future employers. If you’re already registered for the programme, you can find more information on Brightspace.
There are lots of great places to visit in the local area.
If you’re thinking of exploring the UK and the local area with friends, check the SUBU travel discounts webpage for details of bus and train student cards and more money saving travel tips.