Pre-Departure

What to do when you arrive in the UK

However far you have to travel to London, we're here to make your arrival in the UK – and your first weeks as a student with us – as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. 

From advice and guidance on the things you should do before you arrive, to what to expect when you get here, we're here to help. 

Closest Airports to Campus

The nearest airport to Walthamstow is London City (LCY). However, there are better options for getting to Walthamstow. You can take a vehicle from London Heathrow (LHR) to Walthamstow via Green Park station in around 1h 9m. 

Recommended airport  

London Heathrow (LHR) 1h 9m 

Other nearby airports 

How to find us

Our London campus will be located opposite the main transport hub in Walthamstow, with excellent transport facilities across London and beyond. We'll design our buildings around the student experience over the next few years, with a focus on usability and sustainability. 

Find out more about  how to find us. 

Travel across London

Plan a journey - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk) 

Visiting our campus by bus, tube or train couldn't be easier. Our campus sits right outside Walthamstow Central Station which operates both the Victoria Line and London Overground.  

Important documents to bring

Make sure you have these documents in your hand luggage, just in case you need to show them at the airport: 

• Your passport or national ID card 

• Your visa (remember that you must not travel to the UK before the 'Valid from' date on it, and if you've previously held a visa for the UK, make sure you travel under the new one only) 

• Your travel tickets 

• Your Orientation Programme booking details 

• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or offer letter 

• All your original certificates and diplomas, as listed on your CAS or offer letter 

• Your accommodation contract or letter as evidence that you have arranged accommodation at a private address in London  

• Your emergency contact telephone numbers 

If needed, bring your Tuberculosis (TB) screening and chest X-ray – please check the UKVI website to check whether you need this 

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please bring any medication you require and copies of your medical notes to show your doctor when you register.

What to expect in your first week

During your first weeks in London, you’ll get to take part in an exciting programme of Orientation events, both in person and virtual. You’ll also get all the support you need to register with the University and pay your tuition fees. 

Arrival Programme and International Orientation

Orientation activities start the week before teaching. We recommend you join us for this exciting programme of activities to get the best possible start to your studies. When you arrive, you can join campus tours, social events, student information drop ins and speak to UoPL staff who can help you settle into University life. You’ll receive your orientation and registration programme by email before your first week. 

Your orientation includes 

• Course registration and ID checks 

• Welcome Plenary, workshops and social events 

• Collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP card) at your ID Check appointment if you applied for a Student Route visa 

• Live Q&As  

• Workshops and inspirational talks to get you motivated for the year ahead 

• Information drop ins once you have been here a few weeks to answer the questions you didn't know you had when you arrived 

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

You will need a biometric residence permit (BRP) when you apply to stay in the UK for more than six months. You can use your BRP to confirm your identity, your right to study in the UK, access healthcare and to open a bank account. You do not need your BRP to prove your right to work or right to rent in the UK as you can do this online instead 

Collecting your BRP 

If you applied for your Student Visa outside of the UK, you must collect your BRP card from the local Post Office: 

Walthamstow Post Office  
240 Hoe Street 
London 
E17 3AX 

Sometimes there are delays in getting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card. Do not worry if this happens to you. If you are picking up your card from the Post Office and there is a delay, they will tell you what to do next. 

If you are from the European Economic Area or the European Union and you used the 'UK Immigration: ID Check app', you will get your visa as an online digital status instead of a card. You must show proof of this digital status when you register at the University and while you are studying in the UK. Keep your online digital status information safe. 

For more information please see the government's guide to biometric residence permits. 

Registering for your course

New students will receive an email with details about how to Register.  If you have not received this email, please check you have completed all the necessary actions in your Application View as you must formally accept your Unconditional Offer before you can register. 

There are three parts to registration and you must complete them all to be a fully registered student. 

• Online Registration 

• Tuition Fee Payment / Confirmation of Sponsorship 

• In Person Identity (ID) Check 

You need to complete the first two steps before you can complete the ID Check.  Once you have completed the first two steps, you will be sent an email to make an appointment to attend the ID Check. 

At the ID Check you will need to confirm your identity and personal details as well as your right to study in the UK. If you selected the ACL and are eligible for a BRP, you will be able to collect it at the ID Check.  

If you have dependents with you in the UK who are also collecting their BRP, they will need to attend the ID Check with you. 

If you fail to produced requested documentation, you are at risk of exclusion. 

If you're transgender and can’t provide documentation that reflects your gender identity, get in touch with [email protected] and we’ll resolve this for you in a confidential and respectful way. 

Student Card 

You will receive a separate email from the University about how to submit a photo and apply for your Student Card. If you submit your photo in time, you will be able to collect your Student Card at the ID Check. You will only be issued with your Student Card once you have completed all three steps of Registration.  

Transferring from another university 

If you’re transferring from another university and don’t yet have a visa for the University of Portsmouth, you’ll need to show evidence of your visa application – such as your visa application checklist or visa application payment receipt/acknowledgement – before you’re allowed to register onto your course. 

Paying your Tuition

You can pay your fees by logging into your Student View and accessing payment links via the My Finance tab. 

See more advice on how to pay your fees on our website. 

You must pay at least 50% of your tuition fees to be able to complete online registration.  You will not be able to register if you do not pay this amount and the funds have cleared into the University account.  You cannot pay this amount in instalments. 

Joining your course and attendance

You should try to avoid joining your course late as this will negatively affect your studies and may not be possible. Your term start date and the last date for registration is in your offer letter. 

If you hold a Student Route visa, you will need to attend all of your scheduled sessions in person as a condition of your visa. 

If you can’t arrive before the last date of registration, you will need to email the Registration Team at [email protected] as soon as possible to let them know when you expect to arrive and see if this is possible. 

To provide you with the best opportunity in succeeding on your course, the University of Portsmouth recommends that your term time address is no greater than a 30 minute journey away by public transport from the University. This will enable you to attend your lectures and seminars and will provide you with the opportunity to regularly access the University's support services.

Finding accommodation

Wherever possible, you should try to secure your accommodation before you travel to the UK.  The Student Team in London has lots of information and advice about how to do this. If you do not have accommodation before you travel, make sure you have sufficient funds to stay in a hotel while you are looking. 

Find more information here Accommodation | UoP London (port.ac.uk) 

UK based guarantor 

You will be asked to provide a UK based guarantor before the tenancy starts. If you cannot provide a guarantor, some Landlords may accept 6 or 12 months rent in advance.

If you cannot get a UK-based guarantor, some landlords will then ask you to pay a whole academic year’s rent (or a very large portion of it) upfront to guarantee rental payments. There are also companies which provide a guarantor service for a small fee. You can contact the London team for further advice on guarantors if needed. 

Staying safe in the UK

Education UK has produced some helpful advice about living and studying in the UK including a booklet about Staying Safe in the UK.