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Essential tasks for new students

There are a few essential administrative tasks that you should complete before you start your studies with us.

  • Two students sit in a coffee shop, chatting and holding drinks

    Explore the Welcome timeline

    There's lots to think about when starting university, whether this is your first time studying as an undergraduate or you're returning for postgraduate study. At any time, if you're unsure what to do or when by, you can refer back to our handy Welcome Timeline. Let's begin...

    Your Welcome timeline

Welcome Checklist

There may feel like you have lots to do before term starts, but we are here to help. You can keep track of what you need to do with our downloadable Welcome Checklist (PDF 215KB).

Online Registration

Your first step is to complete Online Registration as soon as you're asked to. Online Registration is your official enrolment with the University, and is what makes you a student here.

Online Registration opens in June for the following academic year, and you'll receive an email once you're eligible to complete it. This is usually once you've met any conditions of your offer, such as A Level results for undergraduates or degree results for postgraduate study.

Explore Online Registration

Help and support with Online Registration

Having trouble logging in? Make sure you are using your student username, which is made up of letters and numbers (e.g. ABC123). Do not use your student email address.

If you are having difficulty with completing Online Registration, our Student Help pages offer answers to a range of frequently asked questions. You can also contact the Online Registration Helpline by selecting 'Contact Us' at the bottom of any question on Student Help, which will create an email enquiry.

If you're having any problems with your username and password, contact the IT Service Desk for support.

Alternative arrangements can be made for students who can't access Online Registration due to a disability. Please contact the Aston Webb Student Hub on +44 (0)121 414 5130 or submit an email enquiry via Student Help.

Getting your student ID card and Proof of Study letters

Once you've completed your Online Registration, you'll be eligible to get your student ID card. You'll need this to access buildings and services. Your student ID card proves that you are a student at the University and gives you access to buildings and services including Student Living Plus and the Library.

You can also access Proof of Study letters to show you are a student, for example to open a student bank account or to receive a Council Tax discount.

If you have a UK address and complete your Online Registration by Sunday 1 September, you will receive your ID card in the post.

If your address is outside the UK, or you complete Online Registration after Sunday 1 September, you will be able to collect your ID card when you arrive. You will either collect if from your accommodation site, or from the Welcome Registration Hub marquee in Chancellor's Court.

Additional tasks for international students

As an international student, you may need to complete extra tasks. If you have a visa to study in the UK, you'll need to complete My Right to Study. You can complete this online and can start it as soon as you have received your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Depending on your visa, you may also need to collect a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). You can choose to collect your BRP on campus when you apply for your visa.

Collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

If you selected to collect your BRP card from the University, you will be called to an appointment with the International Student Team (IST) to collect it. You will be informed of your appointment when we have received your BRP card from the issuers, and have been able to take copies to help you complete My Right to Study.

If you opted to collect your BRP card from a local Post Office, you will need to follow any instructions sent to you by UK Visas and Immigration, and collect it from the address shown on your Home Office decision letter. Once you have collected it, you must upload copies to My Right to Study.

  • A student leans on a brick wall with a suitcase at her feet, smiling at her phone

    My Right to Study

    If you are a student who requires immigration permissions to be in the UK, the University is required by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to check your Right to Study. My Right to Study is a simple process which allows you to upload documents as you receive them, so our International Student Team can check and confirm them.

    My Right to Study
  • Student looking at their phone and debit card

    Setting up a UK bank account

    International students studying in the UK for more than six months need to set up a UK based bank account.

    Having a bank account here in the UK will allow you to manage your money more easily including setting up direct debits for bills and getting paid for any work that you do. Opening an account can take time so try and do this as soon as you can (and make sure you have access to any money you'll need during this time).

    How to set up a UK bank account

  • Ready to move on?

    Once you've got all your tasks done, it's time to start planning your Welcome experience!