International student welcome
Coming to Plymouth to study? We're looking forward to welcoming you to the UK and to Plymouth
Prepare for university life in the UK
This resource will introduce you to some of the things you need to think about before you join us in Plymouth.
Travelling to the UK
Useful information to help you plan your travel and arrival
International student welcome programme
From Monday 14 September to Friday 18 September 2026, we're offering a range of international welcome events organised to help you settle in and make new friends.
Further details and a full list of welcome events is available on the student portal (log in required). To access the portal you must first complete your
right-to-study check and
online enrolment .
Helpful talks and advice
From immigration support to banking and budgeting, come along to meet the teams that are here to support you.
Wednesday 16 September
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Official welcome | 14:00 - 14:15 | Welcome Lounge |
| Student immigration support | 14:15 - 14:35 | Welcome Lounge |
| Student experiences of moving to and studying in the UK | 14:35 - 14:55 | Welcome Lounge |
| Hello from the Student Hub and Wellbeing Services | 15:00 - 15:45 | Welcome Lounge |
| NHS Services and registering with a doctor | 15:45 - 16:15 | Welcome Lounge |
Thursday 17 September
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Choose Respect and Staying Safe | 13:30 - 14:00 | Welcome Lounge |
| Library and learning services | 14:00 - 15:00 | Welcome Lounge |
| Finances, banking and budgeting | 15:00 - 15:30 | Welcome Lounge |
| Paying your fees | 15:30 | Welcome Lounge |
| UPSU: Meet your Student Union | 15:35 - 15:55 | Welcome Lounge |
| Working part-time alongside your studies | 15:55 - 16:30 | Welcome Lounge |
Friday 18 September
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange students welcome | 11:00 - 12:00 | Levinsky Hall, Roland Levinsky Building (RLB) |
University of Plymouth Students' Union (UPSU)
UPSU is offering a range of international welcome events: from badminton to pilates, coffee to quizzes, DJs to Karaoke - the perfect way to make new friends.
Campus and city tours
Head over to the
Welcome lounge where we're offering daily events to help you get familiar with the campus and city centre. No need to book but please turn up 10-15 minutes early:
- campus tours - 11:00, 12:00 and 13:00
- city centre shopping tours - 11:30
- campus scavenger hunt - 10:00 - 15:00
Welcome lounge
Available from 10:00 to 15:00 each day from Monday 14 September to Sunday 20 September.
Here you will find helpful staff from across the University who are ready to answer your questions on everything from enrolment and understanding your timetable, to the wide range of student services available and much more. We also have social spaces and student ambassadors available every day for the whole week.
Come and say hello!
Discounted coach travel with National Express (London Heathrow to Plymouth)
We are delighted to announce that for 2026 the University of Plymouth has partnered with National Express to offer new international students up to 20% off journeys from Heathrow Airport to Plymouth Coach Station during September, giving you complete flexibility to choose a coach to suit your flight arrival time and date.
For more information, instructions how to book and other ways to travel to Plymouth, please visit our
Arriving in the UK page.
Meet and Greet at Plymouth Coach Station
From Friday 11 September to Sunday 20 September 2026, there will be student ambassadors based at Plymouth Coach Station between the hours of 14:00 and 17:00, to welcome you and help you get to your student accommodation – look out for them in their bright green t-shirts!
The University campus and most student accommodation is within walking distance of the coach station, or a short taxi ride away. The ambassadors can help with providing directions or assist with booking taxis.
If you are staying at University Managed accommodation (Gilwell, Robbins, Pilgrim, Radnor, Francis Drake or Mary Newman), you can only collect keys during opening hours and must book a timeslot on the accommodation portal. If you have any queries, please contact the accommodation team: uniaccommodation@plymouth.ac.uk.
If you are moving into other halls of residence (not managed by the University of Plymouth) or private accommodation, please ensure that you have confirmed arrangements with your landlord or accommodation provider before you travel regarding your estimated time of arrival and key collection. It is recommended that you find out the opening hours and ask for a contact phone number in case you need to advise them of any changes to your arrival time or travel plans. You are also advised to check their process for out of hours key collection, if available.
After you arrive in the UK
We know that it is easy to feel confused or lost when you arrive in the UK.
Visit the Student Hub in the campus library if you need help. Our friendly staff are happy to welcome you and answer any questions.
Familiarise yourself with campus surroundings and start to feel settled.
International student advice
Your wellbeing is as important as your academic life. We are here to provide support, advice and wellbeing services to help you get the most of your time at university.
Visit the Student Hub (Charles Seale Hayne Library) and a member of the team will be able to answer your questions about the campus and
important things to do after you arrive in the UK to study .
Or connect with the Student Hub through social media: