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Pre-Arrival Information

We look forward to welcoming you to Bangor University International College. We want all our students to have the best possible start and for this to happen, it is essential that you follow the below steps.

Important Dates

Online Registration Opens 18th September 2023
Induction 02nd October 2023
Course Start Date 02nd October 2023

Pre-Arrival Webinars

Our pre-arrival webinar series for international students is designed to prepare you for your upcoming journey to BUIC. You can find out some of what we discuss in these webinars below and how to join them.

In these live sessions, your key staff contacts, as well as current international students, will provide you with guidance and advice as a newly-admitted international student.

Do you have questions?
All our webinars have a LIVE question and answer session at the end! You will have the opportunity to ask our speakers questions during the meeting and get fast answers!

Pre-Arrival Webinar

In this webinar, participants will begin by meeting the pre-arrival team for the first time! The webinar will cover a host of topics designed to assist you with all you need to do before reaching the UK, including:

  • Information and updates about booking your visa
  • Booking your accommodation
  • What is registration?
  • Booking your flight
  • Bringing dependants
  • Arriving in the UK
  • And much more!

You’ll also get an opportunity to hear from our Student Experience Officers, who will be on hand to help you as soon as you arrive in the UK.

Date Time Link
3rd August 2023 11 am BST Click here to register

 

Accommodation: Your Options

In this webinar, participants will learn about university accommodation, the advantages and disadvantages of living in privately-owned housing and things to consider before booking.

The webinar will also cover:

  • Where you should live and why it is important to be close to campus
  • The best websites to search for accommodation
  • The importance of booking early
Date Time Link
31st August 2023 11 am BST Click here to register

 

College Pre-Arrival Webinar

In this webinar, participants will begin by meeting the BUIC college team for the first time! This webinar will cover BUIC specific topics, including:

  • Notable dates
  • Your journey to the college
  • How to complete your online registration
  • The cost of living in the UK
  • Welcome week and induction

You’ll also hear from current student representatives who joined the course within the last year!

This webinar will be repeated three times before your course start date; you can join as many times as you like and ask questions – we recommend joining at least once!

Date Time Link
12th September 2023 11 am BST Click here to register
25th September 2023 11 am BST Click here to register

 

Step 1 - Apply for your visa

In order to avoid delays in getting your visa, it is very important to apply for your Student visa as soon as you have received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS) letter. Any delays in receiving your visa, will impact your ability to register onto your course on time.

Our team can support you through this process. You can reach out by using this form.

We will request updates on your visa application status via CAS Shield, the online self-service system that you used when you submitted your CAS documents. Please ensure that you click the button that best represents your situation so we can promptly assist you. Once you’ve received your visa, please upload the vignette on CAS Shield.

Step 2 - Book your accommodation

Accommodation must be arranged before your arrival to the UK.

Bangor University offers several halls of residence options according to your preference.

If you prefer to live in halls of residence, please apply as early as possible as places fill up fast!

You’ll be able to book your accommodation if you hold a Conditional or Unconditional Offer letter and paid your tuition fee deposit or if you have been issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter.

  1. Select the university as your firm choice before applying for accommodation
  2. Register for the accommodation system here 

If you have any queries with this system please contact: +44(0)1248 382667 / hallsofresidence@bangor.ac.uk 

Take a Look at the range of university managed accommodation from this page

If you want to live off-campus, you can book private accommodation close to the BUIC campus. Student pad is the recommended site and you can search from a wide selection of high-quality accommodation close to the University. Student pad currently offer single students’ rooms in purpose-built student accommodation, through to students flats, studio apartments and lodgings. Please visit Student Accommodation Housing Guide – Student pad for more information.

It is advisable to move into your accommodation a day or two before your course start date so that you are fully rested and ready to attend our informative and engaging induction events.

All students that are in the UK on a Student Route visa MUST reside within a 40-mile radius of the university campus. Student Route visa Students who declare a term-time address outside of a 40-mile radius, or that are believed to have declared an address at which they do not genuinely reside in during term time will have their registration cancelled and the University will notify UKVI of a withdrawal of Student Route sponsorship for that Student.

Please note that you will not be able to register with us unless you provide proof of tenancy agreement showing that you live within 40 mile radius of the university campus

We will request updates on your accommodation details via CAS Shield, the online self-service system that you used when you submitted your CAS documents. Please ensure that you click the button that best represents your situation so we can promptly assist you.

Step 3 - Book your flight

Immediately after you’ve received your visa, book your flight. When booking your flight, please make sure you arrive a few days before your first day of the term, so you have enough time to check-in to your accommodation and you join your classes on time.

We will request updates on your flight details via CAS Shield, the online self-service system that you used when you submitted your CAS documents. Once you’ve booked your flight, please upload your flight ticket on CAS Shield so we can prepare for your arrival.

This page shows routes to Bangor from major UK airports, Manchester being the best option.

Airport pickup

Bangor University offers an airport pick-up service from Manchester Airport for students arriving at peak times for £45. (This is only available for September and January intake) You can book this service from here: Airport Pick-up Booking Form | International Education Centre |

Step 4 - Online registration

Registration is a two-stage process, both are compulsory and need to be completed in the sequence outlined below:

STAGE 1 – Online Registration

Online registration is a compulsory requirement, and all students need to complete it. The details that you will provide as part of the online registration task will allow us to prepare for your arrival such as creating your Student ID card, setting up your university email address and enable your IT facilities.

Once you’ve received your CAS, you will be sent an email from Bangor University (BU) to complete your online registration, with your username, and separate email with your password. Please note that this won’t be earlier than 3 weeks before your course start date.

Once you’ve activated your BU account you will be able to enter the registration portal and complete your registration.

Please note that you will not be able to attend lessons or receive your timetable until online registration, BUIC registration & proof of address, new student induction has been completed.

Online registration link 

STAGE 2 – Document Checks (Face to face)

Once the online registration is complete, you will need to complete document checks after you have completed BUIC registration and New Student Introduction meeting. You will then be directed by the college to the University Academic Engagement Team, you will need a wrist from the college before you attend your appointment.

To note: Do not send these documents to the email, but please have them ready for checking at your face-to-face appointment time.

You will need: current, valid and in date passport and relevant immigration document (e.g. stamped entry visa, current visa or BRP), original versions of your qualification certificates and proof of address.

You must attend in order to have your full registration finalised and to officially become a university student. Without full registration status you will be classed as non-arrival, and this will have an impact on your visa.

Please note that you will not be able to register with us unless you provide proof of tenancy agreement showing that you live within 1 hour commute of the university.

Late arrivals

We want you to have the best possible student experience and we will provide you informative introduction and orientation events to help you settle into your studies and make friends. We strongly advise that you don’t miss any of these events and that you attend lectures from day one in order to have the best possible academic outcome. To enjoy the full student experience, you need to arrive at the College no later than the course start date as stated in your offer letter and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

If you believe you are going to enter the UK beyond the course start, it is very important your let us know. Please send an email to the College team at bicstudents@bangor.ac.uk and let us know what date you expect to arrive and the reason for the delay. This is so we can ensure you are fully registered and will receive an induction once you arrive.

Pre-arrival timeline

As the course start date approaches, we will be in regular contact with a lot of useful information which will fully prepare you to have the best start. Please check your personal email regularly so you don’t miss out. It is important to update us on any changes to your contact details (phone number and email address) so that we can continue to keep in touch with you and give you the support that you need.

 

Seven weeks to go EU students with settled and pre-settled status – Apply for SFE loan

We will send an email reminder to all eligible EU students at Conditional and Unconditional offer stage to advise that you need apply for the SFE loan in order to have your funds approved by face-to-face registration. The processing time for loan applications is 6-8 weeks. You will need to provide proof of SLC loan application in order to be able to attend classes.
Six weeks to go Attend our pre-arrival webinar

In this webinar we will provide you information on accommodation, registration steps, what to bring with you at enrolment and we will answer any questions you may have. You will receive an email invitation on your personal email address well in advance.
Six weeks to go Book your accommodation

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, we will contact you to advise you on accommodation availability and to check if you need any support from us. Please note that we won’t be able to book accommodation on your behalf.
Four weeks to go Book your flight

By now you should have received your visa and you need to make your travel arrangements, so you arrive at the college on time to attend our induction events, collect your timetable and student ID card. We will contact you to request your flight details so we can prepare for your arrival.
Four weeks to go Pre-arrival emails

The College pre-arrival emails will be sent regularly until the end of registration period and will inform you as well as remind you that online registration is required before the face-to-face visa verification.
Three weeks to go Complete online registration

The registration portal will be open and you will receive the portal login details.
Two weeks to go Airport pick up

We will contact you to check if you would like us to arrange your airport
One week to go Self-funded students – Pay your outstanding

tuition fee.

We will remind you that your remaining tuition fee will become due and will advise you on how to pay.
0 days to go Welcome to BUIC!

Our friendly team will be there to help you with any information you may need!

Useful contact information

Visa: Pathways@oxfordinternational.com

Accommodation: hallsofresidence@bangor.ac.uk

Online registration: registration@bangor.ac.uk

Tuition fee payments: creditcontrol@oxfordinternational.com

Forgotten password / technical issues: click here, or email helpdesk@bangor.ac.uk

College team: bicstudents@bangor.ac.uk

Your Career (for Pre-Master's students)

We are delighted to have you here. If you’re a Pre-Master’s student, we’re happy to announce that you benefit from exclusive access to Student Circus, a careers platform explicitly tailored to international students seeking visa-enabled jobs in the UK or abroad, including your home country.

Through the Student Circus, you can search and apply for full-time jobs and be prepared after completing your postgraduate degree or even look for part-time jobs or internships during your studies.

If you’re not ready to look for a job now but are keen to get started on building your profile, please do sign up here: oieg.studentcircus.com

Then:

1.      Select your institution: International College of Dundee, DMU, Bradford, Bangor, Greenwich

2.      Click sign up

3.      Enter your name, email address and password

4.      Create an account

Besides job listings, you have the opportunity to take part in careers workshops and the Oxford International Bootcamp, where you’ll benefit from CV building, top tips in the workplace and much more.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. It is FREE!

Sign up here: oieg.studentcircus.com

If you encounter any issues during signup, please email: hello@studentcircus.com. Share your name, student email ID, and a staff member will be in touch.

Best of luck!

Student Checklist

You can collect your BRP from the Post Office located in WH Smith on the High Street in Bangor.
Post Office
264 High St
Bangor
LL57 1PB
Tel: 01248 370734

If you have selected this option, please note you are required to inform the University Immigration Team.

Please take your BRP, Passport, Qualifications and your Bangor University Student ID number to your ID Check appointment.
You will also be required to complete your Introduction meeting and receive a wristband from the college. If you are not sure, please come and speak with the college Admin Team in BUIC reception.

If you have selected this option, you need to complete your BUIC registration, Online registration and Introduction meeting. You will then be issued a wristband and directed to the Main Arts Building where you can complete your ID check and collect your BRP card.  Please ensure you take your passport, qualifications and proof of address (original documentation).  Failure to do this will delay you becoming fully registered.

If you are not sure, please come and speak with the college Admin Team in BUIC reception.

Once you have collected your BRP card and completed your ID check you will be given a wristband by the Immigration Team at the Main Arts Building and directed to the Library Services to collect your Student ID card.  Your Student ID card is used to access University services/buildings and to claim student discounts.

Your timetable will be sent to both your personal email and your Bangor University email once you have completed your Introduction with the college.

A welcome meeting will be held during the first week of term where meet and greet events will be scheduled for current/new students, tutors, and members of staff.  The schedule will be confirmed at the Introduction Meeting.

You will need your Bangor University email and My Bangor login password to access Eduroam (University network).
If you are experiencing difficulties, please call BUIC reception or alternatively email IT Support at helpdesk@bangor.ac.uk.

Free SIM cards are available from the International Student Support Office (Rathbone, College Rd, LL57 2DG).

Mobile Phones at Bangor University 

You will receive your teaching timetable via your Bangor University email once you have completed your Introduction Meeting at BUIC.

The team at BUIC will assist with registering with a local Doctor where you are living.  When registering you will need original copies of your BRP Card, Passport and Student ID. Find out more below.

Health Services

You will need your Certificate of Registration to open a Bank Account. You may also need your Passport and Student ID. Find out more below.

Opening a UK Bank Account

If you intend to work part-time during your studies, we advise you to apply for National Insurance –  this is a unique personal reference number which will be required for tax and employment purposes. The application takes a maximum of 4 weeks for approval. The NI number comes through the post and it is important that you provide your correct address details to ensure that you don’t lose it.

You can apply for a National Insurance number online below.

You can work in the UK for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations.
You must ensure that you comply with the work restrictions that apply to you, as it is a criminal offence to breach any immigration conditions.

Apply for a National Insurance number

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BUIC 
Laura McKenzie
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Claire Hall
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Hannah Craven
Safeguarding and Welfare Support Officer

Hamidreza Bagheri
Disability Lead

Catrin Roberts
First Aider

Lauren Farrant
First Aider

Bangor University
International Student Support Office 
Welfare, Counselling Service, Safeguarding, Disability, Money Support, Accommodation.
Email at internationalenquiries@bangor.ac.uk or
wellbeingservices@bangor.ac.uk.

Call BU Campus Security at 01248 382 795 or for Emergency Police/Ambulance/Fire call at 999.

Bangor University International College 
Oswald’s Building,
Victoria Drive,
Bangor,
North Wales,
LL57 2EN
Tel No: +44 (0)1248 383785
Alternatively, Whatsapp our Student Experience Officer (Sara) at +44 (0)7442183673
Email: bicstudents@bangor.ac.uk

Click here for the Bangor University location map.

Click here for the Bangor University Campus Map.

Click here for the Bangor University Students’ Union.

For help and advice contact Sara Ogwen Jones at BUIC reception. She will be able to assist with CV preparation and advise with application forms.

  • General student support & enquiries
  • Registration support, ID checks, BRP collection and student ID badges
  • Finding accommodation
  • Fee payment & financial support
  • GP registration
  • Accessing IT Services Mybangor and VLE
  • Safeguarding & Wellbeing services
  • Disability lead support: Hamid Bagheri
  • Weekly student support drop-in sessions: Hannah Craven
  • Programme Lead support: Tom Ledbury, Owain Llewellyn & Hamid Bagheri
  • Academic support meeting
  • Signpost students to International Support Services
  • SU Clubs and Society sign-ups and events/trips: Bob Kamal
  • In-house termly social activities & events
  • Host transition meeting for progressing students and Q&A session
  • Tutors host transitional activities in progressing school (final term)
  • Employability services and events: Tirion Roberts
  • Host Academic Integrity Meetings and exam support
  • Provide additional language support classes
  • Intro to Library Services
  • First Aid

You will be assigned a personal tutor who will provide you with support throughout your learning journey. Reach out for:

  • Personal problems
  • Financial issues
  • Health or GP registration
  • Accommodation
  • Academic support (module support)
  • Family
  • Direct to university well-being and support services or College Safeguarding Team.
  • Signposting to employability services and events
  • Checking student profiles
  • Support accessing IT services, VLE & Mybangor

Our team of sabbatical officers is available to provide assistance with the following:

  • Support the student voice within the University
  • Host student events & campaigns
  • Organise Clubs & Societies (over 100 and is free to join)
  • Invite students & host Student Council & Student Forums
  • Recruit students to become Course Reps
  • Join voluntary student-led projects.

Students Union – Undeb have 12 different networks that students can get involved with. Within these networks, students can get involved with campaigns, events and training opportunities. There are 15 Network Leader positions, these paid positions that run the networks as well as organising events and campaigns with the support of the Students’ Union- Undeb.

  • Airport pick-up service (Sept & Jan intake only)
  • International Student Support – Rathbone Building
  • Student support and wellbeing services
  • Welfare services
  • Counselling services
  • Disability services
  • Employability/volunteering services and events
  • Sessions on finding work, visas, study tips
  • One-to-one, in-person or online appointments to support any issues students may have
  • Immigration and Visa Support/Advice
  • Social events to allow students to get to know one another and the surrounding area
  • Money support -Financial and hardship funds
  • Accommodation support halls /private

FAQs

3 weeks prior to course start date.

Email Helpdesk (IT Services) helpdesk@bangor.ac.uk or visit at the Main Arts IT Helpdesk (Back of Library)

You can collect your ID card from the university Main Arts Library after you have completed

  • Online registration
  • BUIC registration & Introduction meeting
  • ID check

You can collect your BRP card from the university Main Arts after you have completed:

  • Online registration
  • BUIC registration & Introduction meeting
  • ID check

Student Accommodation | Bangor University – Accommodation options

Accommodation | Bangor University – How to apply

The Student Housing Office | Student Services & Administration | Bangor University – Private renting

Contact – +44 (0)1248 382667 / hallsofresidence@bangor.ac.uk

You are expected to be on campus for the start date of your course, you will need to be there at least 1 week before to complete registration and collect your ID card, settle into accommodation and attend induction events.

You will need your confirmation of registration letter from the University . You can get this from your Mybangor account in the Request Centre. You are shown how to retrieve this in your new student introduction meeting.

You will also need:

  • Your CAS
  • Passport
  • Proof address in UK

 

Once induction is completed it is emailed to the student.

Click here to see the nearest GP to the university, students need to fill out a new patient form.

For the travel:

  • A current passport
  • A Student Visa (if required)
  • Permission to Travel Letter (if applicable)
  • Acceptance Letter (CAS)
  • Evidence of financial support
  • Medical records for pre-existing conditions & details of vaccinations Any medication you are currently taking
  • Travel insurance
  • Cash or travellers’ cheques for everyday expenses, before your bank account is set up (the university is contactless and does not accept cash payments)

For your studies:

  • A suitable laptop or computer for study that can connect to Wi-Fi
  • A mobile phone with a number you can easily be contacted on
  • A smart phone so you can download the Student Portal App
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