International and European Student Orientation

A series of social events providing opportunities to meet other international students and introduce you to life at the University.

If you are starting with us in January 2023, we would like to invite you to join our International and EU Student Orientation. Our orientation programme offers you the chance to meet other students and helps you settle into your university life at UWE Bristol and life in the UK.

International and EU Student Orientation events will take place between 9 January and 5 February 2023. We have planned a schedule of exciting events and workshops including an intercultural workshop, city tours, afternoon tea, lunar year celebration, pizza party and much more!

You can find the full schedule of events on the UWE Bristol events diary. To register your interest, please complete this form.

We look forward to welcoming you to UWE Bristol very soon but until then you can keep up to date with all that the Global Centre has to offer on our Instagram page.

If you have any questions, please email globalstudents@uwe.ac.uk.

Please note: a photographer may be present during Student Orientation and some of the images might be used in the future for marketing and promotional activities. If you do not wish to be photographed, please inform us via email at globalstudents@uwe.ac.uk.

Orientation timetable 2023

We have some fun events to welcome you to UWE Bristol, help you make friends and get to know your new city. Take a look at our 2023 orientation timetable.

International Student Orientation Programme 2023
Students talking at Arnolfini.

Global Reception

The Global Reception is located in the Global Lounge which is in room 2P4 in P Block on Frenchay Campus. It is open from Monday to Friday, between 10:00 and 15:00 (GMT). This is a space where the Global Student Support team together with Global Ambassadors will be available to help you with any enquiries you may have. We can also signpost you to other helpful services.

Download the International and European Student Guide

Starting at a new university in a new country can be daunting, but we’re here to help you every step of the way. We’re sure you’ve got lots of questions – so you’ll find lots of useful information in this guide to help you settle in.

International and European Student Guide
The cover of the International and European Arrival Guide 2022.

Previously recorded webinars

If you have missed our Student Orientation, you can watch our previous webinars below.

Settle into Bristol

Global Buddy meet the students

Meet your Global Buddy, Maria AJ. She will be sharing her top tips on adapting the UK as an international student. This will be the chance to find out how to get the most out of your time at UWE Bristol.

Online webinar recording

Global Cafe: Feeling at home in Bristol

Whether you've recently arrived in Bristol or you've been here for some time, there's lots of support to help you feel at home. Join Visit Bristol and find out about some of the things to do in this fantastic city - from the centuries-old heritage and where to find the latest Banksy creation, to where to eat out and the best markets to find a bargain. There will be a fun Bristol quiz to take part in too. 

Online Blackboard webinar

An introduction to British culture

An informal session designed to help you settle into your new cultural environment. The session will give you the chance to explore common traits in British thinking and behaviours and give you an opportunity to ask questions you have about British culture. 

Please email globalstudents@uwe.ac.uk for recording link.

Student panel discussion: My life at UWE Bristol

Ask questions and hear life experiences from our Global buddies. They will be sharing their top tips on adapting the UK as an international student. This will be the chance to find out how to get the most out of your time at UWE Bristol and ask questions. 

Online Blackboard webinar

Global Café: Communicating across cultures - Developing the skills and mindset for your global futures

An interactive workshop delivered by Kynfolk who will cover how to be clear in your intercultural communications, being a creative and active listener when we are working in a diverse language environment, and how culture can impact on communication. 

Please email globalstudents@uwe.ac.uk for recording link.


Living in the UK

How to open a bank account in the UK

In this session, Arina the Global Buddy will tell you all you need to know about opening a bank account in the UK.

Online webinar recording

Global Cafe: Supporting international study life in the UK

Get to the know The Students’ Union at UWE with an introduction from this year’s President, Augusta Chidinma Nnajiofor. This will then be followed by VP Societies and Communication, Samuel Ikpe, who will be speaking about how you can get involved with the 100+ societies at UWE Bristol. We will then welcome you to UWE Bristol and give you some top tips on living standards in the UK. 

Online Blackboard webinar 

Global Cafe Meet your PALs

UWE Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) can help you increase your academic confidence, make friends, and boost your resilience. This is an opportunity to meet current PAL leaders and learn about the benefits of engaging with PAL sessions, as well as how to become a PAL Leader. Who knows, maybe you will become a PAL leader next year. Just come along and be curious. 

Online Blackboard webinar

Support and advice

Meet the Global Student Support team

This session will cover advice and information on how you can make the most of your time in the UK, as well as practical information such as registering with a doctor or opening a bank account. We will provide you with all the support you need to settle into the University.

Online webinar recording

Money matters

This session will tell you all you need to know about what costs to expect while you study, tips for working in the UK, and opening a bank account. The Student Money Service will help you develop or improve financial skills, knowledge and confidence while you study.

Online Blackboard webinar

Looking for accommodation in Bristol?

If you are looking for accommodation then The Students’ Union at UWE advisers will be available to help with general queries you may have such as where to look, what to consider when looking ie budget, location, who to live with, types of accommodation, as well as tenancy checking and information about deposits.

Online Blackboard webinar

Got accommodation - but what’s next?

This session will cover information on moving in, inventory, paying bills, how to get on with your new neighbours, as well as the relationship with your landlord or rental agency.  Come along and speak to the Students’ Union at UWE advisers, who will help you with any issues or concerns you may have your accommodation.

Online Blackboard webinar 

 

Supporting international: Careers and employability

UWE Bristol is uniquely placed in offering international students a highly tailored package of career support and expertise. Join us to find out how to best use your time at the University to build your CV and maximise your employability, and how our award-winning careers service can help you to achieve this. Includes ways international students can succeed with virtual job applications, interviews, and other online activities. 

Online Blackboard webinar

UK visas and immigration

Join the Immigration Advice Service at UWE Bristol for an interactive session providing top tips on living in the UK with a Tier 4 visa. A chance to find more about BRP collection, conditions of your visa, working during your studies, as well as BRP safety, extending your visas, and post-study options. 

Online webinar recording

Healthcare for international students

If you are new to the UK and would like to understand the accessible healthcare service for international students studying at UWE Bristol, join us to ask questions on such topics as registering with a doctor, accessing emergency treatment, and healthcare services on campus. We also have Louise Goux from Feel Good Fortnight to help you kick off university in a healthy way. She’ll be highlighting our four themes: relax, eat well, get active and try something new. 

Online webinar recording