Welcome to the UK
It's so great to see you at UH! Our helpful summary of support services and guidance will hopefully help you to settle in.
To get started, please read the essential information for international students with a Student Visa/Tier 4 arriving at the University of Hertfordshire:
Welcome to the UK - Essential Information
Things to do when you first arrive
Studying and living in a foreign country should be an exciting time. Here are the first things that you will want to do when you arrive.
Using the link below you can see how to collect your visa, how to open a bank account, how to register with a doctor and more:
Opening a bank account
We recommend that you open a UK bank account while you are studying with us. Follow the below link to read how to open a bank account, including what documents you may need to take to your appointment:
Student Visa Advice & Guidance
The Student Immigration Team (Advice) is responsible for supporting overseas students during their stay in the UK, including immigration, employment and personal matters. Use the following link to see how to contact them and how to make an appointment for further guidance:
Student Immigration Team - Advice
If you require advice and guidance with regards to your Student Visa compliancy, please contact the Student Immigration Team (Compliance):
Student Immigration Team - Compliance
Further essential tips to protect your Student Visa can be found on the following link:
Essential Information for Student Visa Holders
Medical & Health Services
If you live on-campus or within the local Hatfield area, you are able to register with the UH Medical Centre. The UH Medical Centre provide general medical and nursing services for students. Fully trained staff are available to offer help and advice for a number of reasons. Please use the following links for more information:
Register with the UH Medical Centre
If you do not live within Hatfield, please visit the NHS website to search for your closest Doctor's Surgery:
Student Wellbeing Services
There are many ways in which the University can help you to get support and look after your wellbeing. The Student Wellbeing team deliver a range of professional, specialist services to support you with emotional, mental health, disability and health related issues. This includes Counselling, Disability and Mental Health support. Please use the following link to get more information on how to get help and who to contact:
The University has also partnered with Health Assured to offer a 24/7 Student Helpline. Students can use this service to seek support regarding financial, legal, physical and mental health or housing issues. More information for how to access this service can be found:
24/7 Student Assistance Programme
Disability Support for International Students
International Students who require support with a disability can access support via the Student Wellbeing team. Student Wellbeing can offer you a tailored package of support, and can advise on potential adjustments which may help you during your studies. Please use the following link for more guidance:
Student Wellbeing - Disability Support
International Student Support Officer
The International Student Support Officer (ISSO) is a member of staff within the Dean of Students Office. They are responsible for the wellbeing of all students, through the planning and provision of a planned 52 week activity and events schedule, alongside promoting key campaigns geared towards overall student wellbeing.
The ISSO is also responsible for the planning, organisation and implementation of all orientation activities for students, especially students travelling from overseas. They are the key co-ordinator for liaising with all departments and Schools to promote a sense of community on and off campus.
The ISSO supervises a team of Student Guides, who help deliver a range of support services, including an airport collection service at the Start of Term, an Orientation programme for all students, and ongoing activities, trips and events throughout the academic year.
The ISSO reports to the Deputy Student Support Manager, and assists with welfare and administrative duties where necessary within the Dean of Students Office.
You can contact the International Student Support Officer via community@herts.ac.uk.
Library and Academic Skills Support
You will need to be familiar with how to access library resources at UH so that you can do well in your studies. We recommend you join the Library SkillUP Canvas module which contains guides, videos and tips to get you started. This includes how to find and use the Online Library page of StudyNet, how to use Library Search to find ebooks and journals as well as listing face to face and online support available in the Study Success Hub unit.
The Centre for Academic English (CAE) can also offer you support when it comes to writing your assignments. The Library team have compiled a reading list containing resources to help with academic writing and other study skills, which you may also find useful.
Religion and Spirituality
The Chaplaincy team support students of all faiths to explore religion and spirituality, lend an ear when you want to chat, and help you explore a wide variety of spiritual traditions. The team can offer advice on where to pray and worship on-campus, and provide a variety of Chaplaincy services and events. Please use the following link for more information:
Student Safety
University is an exciting time for many students. It is however incredibly important that you still prevent yourselves from becoming victims of crime. Please use the following link to access tips and guidance to ensure your safety is maintained:
Student Safety - Crime Prevention
Student Accommodation - Support and Welfare
If you live in on-campus University accommodation and need assistance, help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Residence Life and Safeguarding team (Dean of Students Office) are available to help you during office hours . Please click on the link below for further information:
Residence Life and Safeguarding Team
If you are privately renting off-campus, please ensure you visit the following webpages to read about the PAL Accreditation Scheme, and other support available:
Support for those Privately Renting Off-Campus
Financial Support
The Student Funding and Financial Support team (SFFS) offer advice and guidance for students at the University of Hertfordshire, please find more information on the link below with regarding the services the team offer:
Student Funding & Financial Support Team
Student Union - Advice and Support
The Student Union offer free and impartial, confidential advice on issues such as financial wellbeing, complaints, Hate Crime reporting, sexual health, housing, academic appeals and misconduct, and the SU Buddy Scheme. Please use the following links for more information and how to access the SU webpage:
Hertfordshire Students' Union Website
Health and Fitness
Events calendar
Visit our UH Events & Activities Calendar for an overview of upcoming events throughout the year. These range from social activities and professional development, to awareness campaigns and events: