Your pre-arrival guide

You might be nervous about studying abroad in the UK. Don’t worry! We’re here to help you fully prepare for your arrival in Aberdeen.

Prepare for success

To get the most out of your time as international student, you can join our free preparation course – delivered virtually before you arrive. We’ll introduce you to this new education system before you begin your pathway programme in September, ensuring you start your programme with the skills and confidence to succeed. Our specialist course covers the academic structures and skills you’ll use at university, whilst helping you to understand your personal learning outcomes.

You can benefit from this academic head start by confirming your place with us. Take the first step by paying your confirmation fee and the first £6000 of your tuition fees – you’ll then receive an email with instructions about how to access the course so you can start benefiting from:

Valuable support in preparation for starting your pathway
The confidence to become an independent and effective learner
A welcoming international community with social meet-ups of fellow students
A safe space to practice your English and meet your classmates and teachers
Access to high-quality academic and English language materials
Personalised feedback from your tutors right at the start of your education journey

Before you arrive in Aberdeen

If you have questions about studying abroad in the UK and at Aberdeen, we've compiled all the information you'll need about your arrivals in one place. We want you to have the best possible start to your time with us.

Arriving in January? Download your induction pack. It guides you through Welcome Week activities and other practical information about being a student at the University of Aberdeen International Study Centre.

Pre-arrival checklist

Confirm your place with us

Visit our undergraduate fees or postgraduate fees pages to see what you need to pay in order to confirm your offer and receive your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).

Arrange your visa

It is important to arrange your visa prior to arriving at the International Study Centre. You can contact us if you have any questions about this process.

Confirm your accommodation

Confirming your accommodation as soon as possible ensures you definitely have a place to call your own once you arrive in Aberdeen. Our Accommodation Team can help you with this.

Book your flight to the UK

Once you receive your visa, you can book your flights to the UK. Aberdeen has its own international airport. Depending on where you are travelling from, you can fly to London or another European airport, and then connect on a flight to Aberdeen.

Download and complete your pre-arrival form to make sure your arrival is as smooth as possible.

Organise your insurance

Make sure you have health and medical insurance covering your entire stay in the UK. You can book our StudyCare insurance if you need guidance on this.

What to pack for Aberdeen

Essential documents
Your passport and visa

UKVI Decision Letter

International Study Centre offer letter

CAS statement

Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and living costs

Accommodation documents

Four passport-sized photographs

Insurance documents (unless you are covered by StudyCare)

Medical certificates and vaccination records
Medication

You should bring any prescription medication with you, as well as your prescriptions translated into English. To help make your first few days as stress-free as possible you should also bring any essential toiletries for your flight and arrival with you too. You can purchase any other medications or toiletries once you arrive in Aberdeen.
Clothing

There is no dress code at the International Study Centre, but we recommend you bring comfortable clothes that you’ll enjoy living and learning in. Aberdeen experiences all four seasons, so you should bring sensible clothing for all weather conditions – including a warm coat! Aberdeen has plenty of shops for you to buy clothes once you arrive.
Personal items
It’s always useful to carry a small amount of British money with you – we recommend bringing £50 with you as you travel to the UK.

Bringing your own travel adapter means you can start using your electronic items straight away.

Even though you’ll find plenty of computer facilities on campus, having your own computer means you can study whenever is convenient for you, as well as easily contact your family.

If you’re under 18 years old, you should also bring your Guardianship letter.

Once you arrive

There’ll be plenty of induction activities for you to join once you arrive in Aberdeen. You will immediately be a part of a welcoming and supportive community, both at the International Study Centre and the wider university. Making friends should be easy and our nurturing staff are here to ensure you find the support you need to succeed both academically and socially.

An international student in the library at the University of Aberdeen

Although I was nervous at first, it was really nice because I did a campus tour on my first day and got given all these brochures about what was happening during Fresher's. There are so many events that you can go to that I quickly felt comfortable.

Linda from Germany
Studies MA Business Management and International Relations