International Foundation Year at the ISC

pre-arrival information for new students

If you are a new student coming to Lancaster University International Study Centre, this information should answer some of your questions and help you before, during and after your arrival at the ISC.

Students starting in October 2008

For information specific to students entering the Foundation Year in October 2008, please download a pdf file of your pre-arrival information (, 1MB).

  • Your room will be available from Sunday 28 September 2008
  • Your course starts on Monday 6 October
  • Freshers' Week at Lancaster starts on Monday 29 September. Find out more in the Freshers’ Week 2008 Guide

Information for all students

What to pack

Essential items to bring with you include:

  • Your passport and visa
  • Your enrolment and accommodation documents
  • Passport sized photographs
  • Photographs of friends and family to brighten up your new room
  • A towel
  • Essential toiletries and medications
  • An alarm clock – for those early starts!

Useful websites

If you would like to learn more about life in the local area and the UK, the following websites may be useful:

Arriving in the UK

  • Your room will be available from the day before Freshers' Week starts, so you can join the activities provided by the University to all new students.
  • Remember to take your Lancaster University documentation showing that you have been accepted on to the course with you on the plane.
  • Please ensure you have advised us your expected arrival details in good time, on tel +44 (0) 1273 339333 or fax +44 (0)1273 339398.
  • If you have booked airport collection with us, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall at Manchester airport. The taxi driver will hold a sign stating LUISC and your name.
  • If there is no-one waiting for you on arrival, don’t panic, just ring us on 07824 592783 and someone will help you. Do NOT get on a bus that says ‘Lancaster University’ as this will not
    take you to the right place.
  • The taxi will then take you to the Lancaster University campus.
  • The driver will know which accommodation you are staying in, but it is a good idea for you to have the details of where you are staying easily to hand.

Arrival at Lancaster University

  • Make sure that you have a copy of your enrolment documents with you when you arrive at the campus.
  • Once at your accommodation you will be met by college security staff, who will tell you where your room is and give you your keys.
  • If you will be under 18 on arrival at the ISC, ensure that your guardian has signed a policy which states that both you, and they are aware that under UK law you are considered a minor until you turn 18. The policy sets out the steps Lancaster University will take regarding a resident under the age of 18.

Settling into your accommodation

  • The college staff will make sure you have your key, room inventory and welcome information, and will give you your pre-ordered bedding pack – a duvet, duvet cover, sheet, pillow and pillow case (the £25 cost will be charged against your student account).
  • There will be college security staff on duty 24 hours a day to help with any problems you may have with your accommodation.
  • All accommodation is self-catered, and kitchens are equipped with cooking facilities. You will, however, need to provide your own cutlery and pans. These can be bought cheaply from local shops.
  • There are computer network points in every room, and the University internet service (Resnet) is included in your rent.
  • Telephones in each room receive incoming and outgoing calls. Calls made to internal extensions are free of charge.
  • Tap water in Britain is safe to drink but if you feel wary of this, water filters are readily available at most supermarkets, which you could buy on arrival.

Your first week

Induction programme

In the pre-arrival information pack (, 1MB) you will find a draft timetable for your first week at the ISC. Don’t worry if there are some things you don’t understand, as there will be plenty of opportunities for you to ask questions about anything related to the ISC or the university.

During your first week you will have a complete introduction to the UK, the university, and the ISC. The induction programme is designed to help you settle down within the university so that you can concentrate on your studies. You will:

  • Register with the university and receive a library card
  • Get set up and logged onto the university internet network
  • Learn about the programme that you have registered for including information relating to progression to the university
  • Learn the rules and regulations of the ISC and the university
  • Open a bank account
  • Register with local health services
  • Ask questions about accommodation issues
  • Learn about visa applications
  • Register with the UK police, if necessary

Freshers' Week

As you start at the beginning of the academic year you have the opportunity to get involved in activities and events within the university itself. The first week of term is known as Freshers’ Week. This week gives all new and returning students the chance to settle into university life and get to know other students who they will be living and studying with.

Whatever time of year you start your course, in your first week you will have both lessons and introductions to the UK and university life. There may also be a chance to get involved with social activities planned by the university.

Finally you will receive information about starting your individual courses, including timetables and academic information.

Starting life at the University

Join us on Facebook

We've created a Facebook group to help new students find each other. Visit the Lancaster University International Study Centre group and click Request to Join Group.

Not a member of Facebook? It's free to join but you will need to Sign up for Facebook.

Opening a bank account

If you are coming to the UK for at least an academic year, it is recommended that you open a bank account. Before opening an account, you should check whether money can be transferred into it from outside of the UK. To open a UK bank account you will need a letter from the ISC for the bank confirming that you are a full time student. Our staff will help you with this in your first week.

Please note that you need to open your bank account before you register with the police.

Warning: DO NOT carry large amounts of cash with you or keep large amounts of cash in your accommodation.

Police registration

If on entering the UK your visa is stamped with the words “Register with UK police on arrival” this must be done shortly after arrival. Staff at the ISC will help you with this. You will have the opportunity to register with the police during your first week with us. You will need your passport, two passport photographs, and a sum of money, currently in the region of £34. You will be given further information on registering with the police during the induction programme.

Medical information

There are medical facilities located on campus. Staff will ensure you are registered at the local Health Centre, and will show you where the closest pharmacy is located, where you can receive medicines on prescription and over the counter.

Specialist and international foods

There are many shops and restaurants in the area which sell these types of foods. You may also find that some of the larger supermarkets stock the products that you require. Shops both on campus and very close to campus will sell most things you’ll initially need. Before flying, check with your airline what you are allowed to bring on to the flight, particularly in reference to food products.

ISC contact details

The postal address where you will be studying on the University campus is:

Lancaster International Study Centre
Room B8, Bailrigg House
Lancaster University
Bailrigg
LANCASTER
LA1 4YE
England

ISC telephone number: +44 (0) 1524 594623
Emergency Contact Number: +44 (0) 7824 592783