Postgraduate Research Checklist

Before you join us, there are several essential tasks you need to complete. Here is a checklist of things to do before arriving and some important considerations. For international students, there are some additional steps.

If you have questions or concerns, contact our Student Experience Team at studentexperience@chester.ac.uk

Female student holding her mobile phone taking a selfie with two other girls in the background

Female student using laptop, sitting with relatives

Close-up hands of business people working in office with laptop, paperwork and calculator on table

Group of young people working together. Creative business people in modern office.

Students enjoying coffee in Chester city centre

A parent and student at an applicant day, talking to staff across a desk

three students standing on a quiet cobbled street in chester

English students using their mobile phones on an instagram hunt

male teacher looking at a mobile phone with a boy with Down syndrome

1. Book Accommodation

If you are moving to Chester to start your studies, ensure accommodation is booked before you arrive. International students students moving to live in the UK must book accommodation before traveling to the UK. Learn about accommodation options and the application process.

2. Complete online enrolment

Online enrolment is mandatory and provides the University with the necessary information for your registration and student ID card production. Where relevant, it also notifies Student Finance of your full enrolment for fund release. You need your student ID card to access the library.

3. Upload your photograph

All new students must upload a photograph for their student ID card in advance of their arrival.

4. Pay your fees

If you have a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan or a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from Student Finance the loan will be paid directly to you. It is your responsibility to pay the University for your tuition fees in line with the self-funding payment terms. You can find out more on our payment options page, this also includes payment information for international students and students funding their own studies.

5. PGR Induction

Every year, the University provides a face-to-face induction for all postgraduate research students. This year it takes place in Chester on 1^st-2^nd October 2024. Materials from Induction will be made available online afterwards so you can catch up if you need to so. Please put the date for Induction in your diary and prioritise attending. Further details will be made available nearer the time.

6. Access Your Student Email Account

Find information on how to access your student email account. Your student email account will be the main point of communication while you are studying, so it’s important to get used to checking it regularly. Remember you need to enrol first to get your student number and email.

7. Make your first appointment with your supervisor

MPhil/PhD research students should arrange a meeting with their supervisor as soon as possible. MRes and Professional Doctorate Students should make contact with their programme leader to ensure they have access to all online line materials and know when any face-to-face sessions are scheduled to take place.

8. View your timetable

Find out how to view your academic timetable for MRes and DProf students. MPhil/PhD students should make their first appointment with their supervisor and Professional Doctorate Students with their Programme Leader.

9. Collect your student ID

Some Postgraduate Research Students do work remotely, however, but it is expected that you come to Chester at least once a year. Others will study in Chester at one of our sites. Whichever applies to you, it is essential to collect your Student ID card on your first visit. These can normally be collected from Seaborne Library on Exton Park. Please then wear your lanyard and ID card at all times when you are on any of our sites. This helps our Security team to identify you as a student, ensuring campus safety.

10. Register with a GP

Where applicable, Register with a GP as soon as you know your term-time address. GPs offer non-emergency services, including examinations, prescriptions, vaccinations, and referrals.