International student support

On this page:

• New to the UK? Support for international students at Herts
• Before and after you arrive
• Opening a UK bank account
• Student visa and Immigration support
• Health and wellbeing support
• Accessibility and disability support for international students
• International Student Support and Events Officer (ISSEO)
• Library and academic skills support
• Faith, religion and spirituality
• Staying safe
• Accommodation support
• Financial Support
• Herts SU advice and support
• Health and fitness
• Events and activities 

New to the UK? Support for international students at Herts

Whether you're preparing to arrive, settling into life in the UK, or looking for support during your studies, this guide brings together the key services available to international students at Herts.

Before and after you arrive

Find essential information for Student Visa holders, including guidance before travelling to the UK and after arrival.

• Essential information for Student Visa holders

First steps when you arrive in the UK

When you arrive, you may need to:

• Collect your visa documents.
• Open a UK bank account.
• Register with a doctor (GP).

Find guidance in:

• You've arrived - what next?

Opening a UK bank account

We recommend opening a UK bank account while studying at Herts.

Find out:

• What documents you need.
• How to request supporting letters.
• How to open an account.
• Opening a UK bank account

Student visa and Immigration support

Get advice on maintaining your visa status and understanding visa requirements.

Visa guidance

• Essential tips for Student Visa holders

Immigration advice

• International Student Support Advice Service for immigration, employment and personal matters.
• Student Immigration Compliance Team for visa compliance guidance.

Health and wellbeing support

Register with a doctor

• Herts Medical Centre
• Find an NHS GP

Wellbeing support

• Student wellbeing services for counselling, mental health and disability support.

24-hour support

• Student Assistance Programme for support with health, housing, financial and legal concerns.

Accessibility and disability support for international students

The Student Wellbeing team can provide tailored support and recommend study adjustments to help you succeed during your studies.

• Accessibility and disability support

International Student Support and Events Officer (ISSEO)

The International Student Support and Events Officer (ISSEO) provides welfare support, guidance and support for international students.

The role also includes:

• Supporting orientation and welcome activities.
• Coordinating airport collections and social events.
• Organising trips and activities throughout the year.
• Managing Student Guides who support international students.

Contact: community@herts.ac.uk

Library and academic skills support

Develop your academic and study skills through:

Library SkillUP

Guides, videos and resources covering:

• Library resources.
• StudyNet.
• Library Search.
• Study support services.
• Library SkillUP

Academic writing support

• Centre for Academic English (CAE)
• Academic writing and study skills reading list

Faith, religion and spirituality

The Chaplaincy supports students of all faiths and beliefs.

The team can:

• Provide a listening ear.
• Help with faith and spiritual questions.
• Signpost places to pray and worship.
• Run services and events.
• UH Chaplaincy

Staying safe

Learn how to stay safe and reduce your risk of becoming a victim of crime while studying.

• Student safety and crime prevention

Accommodation support

Living on campus

Support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Residence Life and Safeguarding Team can provide support during office hours.

• Residence Life and Safeguarding Team

Living off campus (private renting)

If you rent privately, help and guidance is available, including information about accredited housing. 

• Check the PAL Accreditation Scheme 

• Off-campus accommodation support

Financial support

The Student Funding and Financial Support Team (SFFS) provides advice and support on financial matters.

• Student funding and financial support

Herts SU advice and support

Herts SU offers free, confidential and impartial advice on:

• Financial wellbeing.
• Complaints.
• Housing.
• Academic appeals.
• Misconduct.
• Hate crime reporting.
• Sexual health.

Useful links:

• Herts SU website
• Herts SU advice and support centre

Health and fitness

There are opportunities for students of all abilities to stay active and improve wellbeing.

• HertSquad and Hertfordshire Sports Village

Events and activities 

Discover social events, cultural activities, awareness campaigns and professional development opportunities throughout the year.

• Herts events calendar

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