- Why you may need a student letter
- When you may need a different proof of identity
- Express letters and manual letters
- How to request a student letter
Why you may need a student letter
You may need a student letter to confirm your enrolment at the University. Common reasons include:
Living in the UK
- Opening a bank account (Most banks accept your UCAS letter and ID number).
- Applying for Council Tax exemption
Travel
- Applying for a travel visa
- Showing confirmation of your studies when re-entering the UK
(This is not a legal requirement, but may be requested)
Military exemption
- Providing proof of study if your home country has mandatory military service
(See the Army Exemption page for more information)
Bringing visitors to the UK
- Supporting a visa application for guests attending your graduation
(Request this at the point of graduation registration) - Supporting visa applications for friends or family visiting you
When you may need a different proof of identity
A student letter is not always the correct document. You may need something else for:
- Applying for a National Insurance number
- Completing a ‘Right to work’ check with an employer
- Registering with a GP or the University Medical Centre
Check what document is required before making a request.
Express letters and manual letters
You may be able to download a student letter straight away using the express service if you meet the criteria. If you do not meet the criteria, you can still request a manual letter, which will take longer.
Express letter criteria:
- Your Student Record shows 'Registered' on the home page.
- It is no more than 40 days before the start date of your course.
- The end date of your academic year is in the future.
- It has been at least 24 hours since you completed your registration.
- You are, or will be, studying full-time in a course based on our Hatfield campus
Manual letters
If you do not meet these criteria, you will need to request a manual letter. See how to request a studnet letter below.
- We cannot stamp or sign student letters.
- If an organisation needs to check a letter, they can contact us using the form at the bottom of this page.
- You can also download an express letter while you are with them. This usually takes around 15 minutes.
How to request a student letter
You can request an express student letter online through your student record system, if you are a full-time student with no debt to the University.
Make sure:
- Your details (including your addresses) on your Student Record are correct as the letter will replicate this information.
- Complete the student status letter form to request your student letter.
- Wait around 15 minutes for your letter to be sent to the personal email address on your Student Record (check your junk folder if it doesn’t come to your main inbox).
If you are unsure which letter to request, contact Ask Herts for guidance.
All other students should request letters depending on student type (see below):
Consortium college or partnership institution students
- Request your letter directly from your college or partner institution.
Hertfordshire International College (HIC) students
- Contact the HIC College Services Team in the HIC Building to request your letter.
Learn more about HIC student letters.
Doctoral College students
- Contact the Ask Herts team using the button at the bottom of this page.
- Include your full name and student ID number.
You cannot use the express letter service. You will need to request a manual letter.
- Your full name
- Your student ID number
- The reason you need the letter
Your letter will be sent within 10 working days.