If you are a new student coming to the Wales International Study Centre, this information should answer some of your questions and help you before, during and after your arrival at the ISC.
What to pack and bring with you
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:
Visit Britain
UK Away Travel Directory (links to many other websites about the UK)
UK Maps
BBC Weather Centre
Visit Wales website
WISC Frequently Asked Questions
Newport’s pre-arrival guide for International students
Find us on Facebook
Arriving in the UK
- If you are arriving by plane and have asked for a taxi pick up, you will be met by the taxi driver in the arrivals hall, who will be holding a sign stating ‘International Study Centre at the University of Wales, Newport’. They will have your name on a board, and will take you to your taxi.
- The taxi will then take you to the Caerleon campus. The driver will know which accommodation you are staying in, but it is a good idea for you to have details of where you are staying to hand.
Arriving at Newport, Wales
- You will be met at your accommodation where you will be given your room key, room inventory and any welcome information. If there is no-one waiting for you on
arrival, don’t panic, just ring us on our emergency number – 01633 432 082 and someone will be there to help you.
- If you are arriving by car, bus or train then go to Main Reception and you can pick up your keys. The Main Reception is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. A full accommodation induction will be held on the 20th or 21st September, for all students living in halls. You will be advised of the details of this on arrival.
Arriving at your accommodation
- When you move into your room you will be given inventory sheets. It is important that you report any discrepancies or damage within 24 hours. If you do not complete the inventory you may be charged for damage that was not caused by yourself.
- If you arrive between 10am and 5pm, on Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th, the ISC staff would be happy to meet you in the reception hall, once you have settled in.
- A bedding pack will be placed in your room prior to your arrival, which will consist of a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillow case, fitted sheet and a towel. This will cost £25 and will be charged directly to your student account.
- 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, or in the form of a ‘Kitchen Pack’, which is available from the Accommodation Office, at a cost of £30.
Your first week
Freshers Week
If you start at the beginning of the academic year (September) you will 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.
Induction activities
During your first week of term we will help you settle into life in Britain, and at the University. Your first week will include: registration at the University, registration with our local/on-campus health services, setting up a bank account, and police registration.
In the pre-arrival information pack ( , 1.3MB), you will find a draft timetable for your first week at university. Don’t worry if there are some things you don’t understand, as
there will be opportunities for you to ask questions about anything related to the ISC or the university on the day you arrive.
The induction programme is designed to help you settle down within the university so that you can concentrate on your studies. The programme also aims to complete your registration and make sure you have all of the documentation necessary to begin your studies in the UK.
During your first week you will have a complete introduction to the UK, the university, and the ISC. 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
Starting life at the University
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.
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 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.
University Health Centre
There are medical facilities located on or near to 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.
ISC contact details
Find us on Facebook
The ISC is now on Facebook. Connect with other new students at The Wales ISC - see photos, ask questions, leave messages. Visit the Facebook group and click Join this Group.
ISC campus address
The postal address where you will be studying on the University campus is:
Wales International Study Centre
Kegie Building, University of Wales
Lodge Road, Caerleon
Newport, South Wales
United Kingdom
NP18 3QT
Contacting the ISC
Telephone Number: +44 (0)1633 435 243
Fax Number: +44 (0)1633 435 244
Emergency Contact Number: +44 (0)1633 432 082
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