Pre-arrival guide

Secure your place by accepting your offer and paying your fees through INTOPay – our safe online payment system. 

• You can pay by credit card, debit card or bank transfer. 

• You’ll receive a link to INTOPay and instructions on how to use the system in your offer letter.

• Remember to reference your application ID when you pay via INTOPay. 

Watch our videos to learn about your offer of study and how to pay your fees, with simple step-by-step guidance.

All students must have full travel, medical and health insurance while studying with us in the UK. Unless proof of suitable insurance is provided during the application process, Uniplan Insurance will automatically be added to your fees.

To receive your timetable and start your classes, ensure that you've paid your fees and that you're officially enrolled.

If you haven't requested accommodation yet, check your inbox – you'll have received an email from us shortly after accepting your offer, inviting you to submit your accommodation preferences. This will guide you through the next steps.

Newcastle University International Study Centre’s student accommodation offers a vibrant and modern living space for international students, just a 1-minute walk from class. Explore your accommodation options.

Spaces fill up quickly, so we advise that you book and pay to confirm your place in a student residence available for students as soon as possible. Students under 18 must book accommodation with us. 

Most international students need a visa to study in the UK. Once you’ve accepted your unconditional offer and paid your deposit, we'll provide the documents you need to apply for a visa. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible.

From 2025, most students will receive an eVisa when they successfully apply for a visa – this is a digital record of your immigration status. eVisas are replacing physical immigration documents including biometric residence permits (BRPs) and visa vignettes.

Remember to check if you need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge – this gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). You can check how much you’ll need to pay by using the UKVI calculator.

Find out more about the Student visa, including how to apply.

What is an eVisa?

Your eVisa is an online record of your UK immigration status, which you can access through a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

Before travelling to the UK, you should:

• create a UKVI account

• link your current passport

• access your eVisa to check your details are correct. Report incorrect eVisa information to UKVI as soon as possible

• understand how to generate an eVisa share code.

Find out more about eVisas, or watch UKVI’s videos about eVisas.

Book your flight(s) and plan your arrival to coincide with your accommodation start date.

Submit your flight details, including arrival date and flight number(s), via INTO's arrival details form as soon as possible. Providing your arrival details before you travel will ensure: 

• we can meet you as soon as you land, if you opt for an airport transfer 

• staff will be on-hand remotely to help if any issues occur during your travels 

• your room is ready for you to move in as soon as you get to your accommodation.

Newcastle International Airport is the closest airport to the Newcastle University campus, so we recommend flying there. To make your journey seamless, we can arrange a transfer to your accommodation. This is compulsory for students under 18. 

Airport transfer fee costs around £42 if you’re travelling from Newcastle International Airport.

Simply complete the arrival details form, selecting an airport pickup, at least 7 days before your arrival. 

If you haven't opted for an airport pickup service, you should make your own travel arrangements. Please plan your journey to Newcastle before you arrive in the UK. 

Temperatures in Newcastle usually range from around 2°C in winter up to around 20°C in the summer. You can expect all types of weather – including sunny days, rain and snow – so be prepared for anything. Pack clothing for warm weather, a warm waterproof coat, gloves and a hat for colder days. If you forget anything, you’ll find plenty of shops at the Metrocentre to pick up what you need.

Make sure you bring a credit card that works in the UK – you’ll need this for any purchases until you can set up a UK bank account. Most businesses accept card payments – in fact, many are now card-only and won’t accept cash at all. However, we do recommend bringing some cash with you for safety. 

Bring a laptop for your studies, as well as a plug adaptor depending on where you are travelling from. It’s also a good idea to bring items to remind you of home, such as pictures of friends, family and pets.

Make sure that you only pack items you’re allowed to bring into the UK. You can find the list of banned items on the UK Government website along with guidance on bringing food into the UK. 

We advise arriving in Newcastle during the weekend before your course starts. You may be able to arrive earlier if your accommodation contract allows. Don’t forget to provide us with your arrival details beforehand. 

You’ll receive your academic timetable via email, at the end of your first week. You need to have paid your fees and enrolled before you can start classes.

These are normal emotions to feel when you’re going through a major life change. We’d encourage you to contact our Welfare Team, based in the International Study Centre, who are on hand to provide help and support. 

Newcastle University also offers a range of student wellbeing services including counselling and mental health services, a disability service and support for urgent matters. 

Joining in with social activities and exploring the city can also help you feel more at home.