- Welcome and essentials
- First steps on arrival
- Opening a bank account
- Student Immigration and Visa support
- Health and Wellbeing Services
- Disability Support for International Students
- International Support and Events Officer
- Library and Academic Skills Support
- Religion and Spirituality
- Student Safety
- Student Accommodation Support and Welfare
- Financial Support
- Student Union (SU) Advice and Support
- Health and Fitness
- Herts Events Calendar
Welcome and Essentials
Welcome to Herts – Quick overview of support services for international students.
• Essential information for Student Visa/Tier 4 holders – Key guidance before and after arrival.
First steps on arrival
- First Steps on Arrival – Collect visa, open a bank account, register with a doctor.
Opening a UK Bank Account
- We recommend opening a UK bank account while you study with us.
- Opening a UK Bank Account: to learn how to open an account and what documents you’ll need for your appointment:
Student Immigration and Visa support
• Essential Tips for Visa Holders – Guidance on protecting your visa status.
Contact:
• Advice Team – Supports international students with immigration, employment, and personal matters.
• Compliance Team – Provides guidance on visa rules and compliance.
Health and Wellbeing Services
• Medical Services – Register with Herts Medical Centre or find an NHS doctor (GP).
• Student Wellbeing Services – Counselling, disability, mental health support.
• 24/7 Student Assistance Programme – Pam Wellness Helpline for financial, legal, health, or housing issues.
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 Support and Events Officer
The International Student Support and Events Officer (ISSEO) is a member of staff within the Dean of Students Office. In this role, they address disciplinary matters and offer welfare support and guidance, with a primary focus on assisting international students. they also work within the Community and Safeguarding team, where they provide comprehensive support for all students living off campus.
The ISSEO reports to the Deputy Manager (Student Community) and is responsible for the planning, organisation, and implementation of the Dean of Students’ orientation activities for international students.
In addition, they supervise a team of Student Guides who help deliver a range of support services and activities throughout the academic year. These include an airport collection service at the start of term, an orientation programme, social events, and coach trips. They also manage the Community Team’s social media pages, creating and sharing content relevant to international students.
You can contact the International Student Support and Events 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
🏠On-Campus
- Help is available 24/7, all year round.
- The Residence Life and Safeguarding Team (Dean of Students Office) can support you during office hours.
👉Residence Life and Safeguarding Team
🏡 Off-Campus (Private Renting)
- Check the PAL Accreditation Scheme and other support available.
👉 Support for those privately renting off-campus
Financial Support
The Student Funding & Financial Support Team (SFFS) gives advice and guidance to all Herts students.
👉 Find out more about the services they offer here: Student Funding and Financial Support Team
Student Union (SU) - 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:
Health and Fitness
Herts Events calendar
Visit our Herts Events and Activities Calendar for an overview of upcoming events throughout the year. These range from social activities and professional development, to awareness campaigns and events:
Herts Events and Activities Calendar