Information for international students
If you're joining us from abroad, check out this page for some extra information specific to you.
The International Student Support Team (ISST) help international students with:
Our team can also signpost students to appropriate resources for non-Student visa related enquiries. We can provide general information and links to UKVI and UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) resources.
Key resources for enrolled students and all upcoming International Student Support information sessions, welcome and induction events, drop-in sessions and visa information sessions can be accessed at our International Student Support Events Calendar. Please note, you need to be logged in to your UWS Microsoft 365 account.
For new international student arrivals, please check our induction pages of our website which contains important information about the induction events you should join at the beginning of your term at UWS.
Key resources for new international students are listed below:
Please visit the UK Government website for further information and resources on Student VISAs.
By 2025, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders need to take action to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa to prove their rights and immigration status. Find out what you will need to do, and when, at gov.uk/evisa.
Prospective students applying to UWS Paisley, Lanarkshire, Ayr or Dumfries campus and seeking advice on offer letters and CAS, will find useful information on UWS - An International University.
Prospective students applying with UWS London campus and seeking advice on offer letters and CAS, may read Application guide - UWS London and Apply to Study at UWS. Or they or can place an enquiry with the UWS London team, International Student enquiry - UWS London.
We appreciate that there is a lot of information to take in as a newly arrived international student so we have organised a variety of induction events on each campus to help you settle in.
Please attend the on campus ‘International Student Support Drop In’ sessions and ‘Life in the UK’ sessions which will give you an opportunity to ask questions. Specific campus information is detailed below and once enrolled, check the International students calendar of events.
There are lots of people you can talk to at UWS for advice to help you adapt to your new surroundings. Pop along to the Student Hub and speak to the International Student Support team for an informal, friendly chat and get answers to your questions plus find out how to access useful resources including the Welcome Guide and International Student Checklist.
Student Hub
Tuesdays or Wednesdays from October to December.
See UWS International Student Events* for up to date information on all drop in sessions
Tuesdays in September from 12 noon - 1pm - Import building (by the reception, in open study area)
Thursdays in September from 1 – 2 pm - Export building (in the library area)
See UWS International Student Events* for up to date information on all drop in sessions which will continue on a weekly basis after September.
*link available to enrolled students only
International Students who have never lived or studied in the UK before may benefit from Managing Your Wellbeing When Studying in the UK a free online course designed to help international students adjust to UK culture and offer support and guidance to help students manage stress, tackle negative thoughts.
Is this your first time living in the UK? If so, come along to this fun, interactive introduction to life in the UK online session.
Meet other new international students and understand and discuss what to expect about living, working and socialising in the UK. This is relevant to all newly arrived international students.
Online via Zoom - Joining details
Making New Friends
Thursday 12 September
12pm - 1pm
Paisley campus, Room L212
In this session, we will provide tips and hints on how to meet other UWS students specifically within the University and ways students can start making new and enduring friendships and connections outside UWS. We will look at what steps each student can take to create new friendships and make the most of their time with UWS. There will be plenty of time for discussion and exploration to consider what additional support UWS can offer students as they adjust to living away from home and to share their experiences.
Register for in person event (12 September)
This session will be repeated online the following week for those who may be unable to attend the in-person event.
Thursday 19th September - Online
Discover more information on English Language Support Information And Application 2024 to 2025.
Follow the International Student Support Team on social media for the latest information and events:
All you need to know about getting started at UWS and supporting your studies.