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).

Information for all students

What to pack

Essential items to bring with you include:

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

Arrival at Lancaster University

Settling into your accommodation

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:

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