A Few Essentials To Get You Started With Your University Life

Starting a student life at the University could be confusing at the beginning. If you are an international student, it is natural to feel lost and have plenty of questions during your time in the beginning. It is just initial days and slowly we become a part of it with the right information and available support.

I am an international student too. When I moved to Dundee, it was not only the University life I had to familiarise myself with but the overall culture, norms and so many new things that came along with the package. We all have different experiences, and in this post, I am sharing a few things that can help you to get started with your student life with less hassle.

1.) Matriculation: Since I have also worked as a student ambassador, I have come across many students who feel terrified about what matriculation is. Matriculation is the enrolment process that a student must follow to start the course. For international students it involves collecting BRP (Biometric Resident Permit),  Student ID card, usually, the BRP takes around 8-10 working days to arrive so we just have to wait and once we receive it, we need to submit a copy of our BRP to the Immigration team and update our details in the University system. Just keep an eye on the University emails and you will be up to date.

2.) GP Registration: GP (General Practitioner) registration is essential to meet your medical needs. It is advisable that you register at the nearest medical centre in your locality, since you have paid NHS fees you don’t usually need to pay for the appointments and prescribed medicines. Just in case of emergency when you have not registered for a GP, you can get in touch with the nearest A&E i.e Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.

3.) Bank Account: To open a bank account, you will need a letter from the University, which you will find in your evision account once you have matriculated. You will need to carry your proof of address, University letter, BRP and passport to open a Bank Account. You may consider Bank of Scotland or HSBC, the offices are located in the city centre.

4.) Commuting: It is important to note that Under 22s get free bus travel in Scotland, and for over-22s there are student tickets are available from Xplore Dundee and Stagecoach. You get student day saver options and Unihop which can save some commuting expenses.

5.) English Language Support Programme: The university offers academic English tuition to international students, running a variety of language courses throughout the academic year to help you get the most out of your studies.

6.) ISE – Institute of Sports and Exercises: If you are interested in joining the gym, booking a squash court, or hearing about what sports clubs offer, you can attend a few free sessions and get a taste of being an ISE member.

7.) Campus Pantry: DUSA runs a Campus Pantry that will supply a variety of basic essentials and toiletries aimed at lowering the cost of a student’s weekly shop. Students may only use the Campus Pantry once every 14 days. The pantry is situated near the Global Room at The College Shop.

8.) Breakfast Club: DUSA hosts a breakfast club free of charge within Air Bar between 08:30 and 10:30 Monday to Friday. Students from this University will have the option between a hot or cold breakfast and will be offered tea or coffee. 

9.) Advice and Support: DUSA offers free, independent, and confidential Advice and Support. If you have problems with academic appeals, private housing, or complaints about the university, the dedicated team helps the students to explore the issue and help you to understand the options.

You can connect with the University Staff at the Enquiry Centre, or reach out to the DUSA Advice and Support team if you face any kind of challenge during your academic session. It can be helpful to talk to someone rather than ignore the situation and hope that it will go away. Getting help earlier means you will feel better sooner, with less disruption to your studies, work and life.