Pre-Arrival Checklists

To help you enjoy a smooth and successful start at the University of Chester, there are a few important tasks to complete before you arrive.

Our Pre-Arrival Checklist outlines everything you need to do in advance to make sure you’re fully prepared for the start of your course.

International students:
You’ll have a few additional steps to follow. Please refer to our International Student Checklist for full guidance and requirements.

If you have any questions, our Student Experience Team is here to help:
studentexperience@chester.ac.uk

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

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 Your Accommodation

If you're moving to Chester, make sure you secure your accommodation before you arrive. International students must arrange accommodation before travelling to the UK. Full details and application guidance are available on the University of Chester Accommodation page.

2. Complete Online Enrolment

Enrolment formally registers you as a University of Chester student. You must complete:

Stage 1 – Online Enrolment (before you arrive):
Verify your details and confirm your place. You’ll receive a Welcome to UoC email with your Student ID number and instructions, sent to the email address you used for your application.

Stage 2 – After You Arrive:

Home postgraduate students: You don’t need to attend an in-person enrolment session, but you do need to collect your Student ID card and lanyard.
International postgraduate students: You must complete in-person enrolment and collect your Student ID card as part of the process. Please follow the additional steps in the International Student Checklist for additional steps and guidance specific to your enrolment process.

For more details about enrolment, visit our Enrolment Information Page.

3. Upload Your Photo

Upload a passport-style photo for your Student ID card before you arrive. The uploaded photo will also be added to your student record.

To upload your photo and to find more information, visit our website.

4. Pay Your Fees

If you’re receiving funding from the Student Loans Company, you won’t need to pay any fees yourself. For international students and those self-funding their studies, more information is available on our Payment Options page.

5. Register with a GP

Once you have your term-time address, we recommend registering with a local GP to ensure access to medical care. Find out how to register with a GP.

6. Download the UoC App

The UoC App is essential for student life - you’ll use it to check into lectures, view your timetable, get event updates, and more. You can log in using the University login details included in your Welcome Email. Download the app here.

7. View Your Timetable and Academic Resources

Your timetable will be available on the UoC App from 1st September.
It will also include details of your Academic Induction Sessions, which take place during Welcome Week. Information on how to do this and further information about timetabling is available on our website.

Don’t forget to also explore the helpful resources shared by your course team here.