CONGRATULATIONS,IT ALL STARTS HERE...
We are delighted that you have chosen to study at the University of Salford and wish you a memorable and rewarding time here.
We’ve created this guide to help give you the best start to your university journey. It’s split into different sections which detail the key things you should do before you start, what to do to help you settle in when you arrive, and then some useful information for all our new Salford students.
Don’t forget, all the key information you’ll need for the next few weeks is on salford.ac.uk/welcome/ international-students and keep an eye on your emails for updates and reminders too.
We wish you a smooth journey as you begin your new adventure with us! We can’t wait to meet you.
University can be a little different to what you’re used to, no matter where you’re at in life.
Our Welcome webpages have been developed exclusively for you, a new student at Salford, to take you through the essentials of being a Salford student, as well as information to help you have the best start to your university life.
You’ll find advice and guidance from our expert support teams alongside tips and tricks from current students. Head to our website to explore:
/ Practical tips on how best to settle in and what you need to know about being a Salford student
/ Information and resources you can read now and bookmark for later
/ Event listings for all our Welcome activities
/ Details of your course induction schedule and how to find your course timetable. Visit salford.ac.uk/welcome
We’ll help you:
/ Settle in
/ Manage your money
/ Get ready to learn at university
/ Understand your responsibilities as a student
/ Take care of yourself and others
/ Start thinking about your future
YOUR CHECKLIST
01 APPLY FOR YOUR VISA
As soon as you have your CAS you should apply for your Visa immediately.
Watch our handy videos and guides to learn what steps you need to take to get your CAS and Visa at salford.ac.uk/international/visa
Read the FAQ’s on our Visa page as you may find answers to issues you are facing.
salford.ac.uk/international/visa
02 BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
If you’re leaving the family home, or moving abroad for the first time, you might feel nervous about where you’re going to live. Don’t be. Sharing accommodation with others is part of the adventure - you’ll make friends in no time and enjoy learning about different cultures!
If you’ve already booked your accommodation, you’ll be hearing from your accommodation provider separately with further details for your arrival. Make sure you read this information carefully and follow their instructions so you know what you need to do.
If you haven’t booked accommodation yet, please do so before you travel. There are still rooms available in Salford although availability is limited, therefore it is important to move quickly to secure accommodation. For more information on what is available and advice on how to find accommodation, please visit salford.ac.uk/accommodation
HOW WILL I FIND MY WAY AROUND?
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll need to know where all the key places are: your accommodation, the library, the campus shop and the Students’ Union. Have a look at the campus map at the end of this guide to help you find your way around.
HANDY TIP
Check out our blogs posts about making your student room homely and dealing with feeling homesick
03 BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
Book your travel to arrive in time to complete Check-in before your course induction starts.
If you aren’t already living in the UK, you should arrange to travel here in time to complete Check-in and registration before your induction starts. Remember, your course induction starts from 8 September. However, you must not travel before the date stated on your Visa.
HOW TO TRAVEL FROM MANCHESTER AIRPORT
Manchester Airport is well-connected to all ten Greater Manchester boroughs. You can either take the train, the tram, a bus or a taxi from Manchester Airport to your accommodation depending on where it is located. Salford Crescent train station is located on our campus.
For more information about travelling from the airport please visit: salford.ac.uk/welcome/ international-students
HANDY TIP
Take some snacks with you to have on the plane/during transit. Just make sure you are permitted to bring the food items into the countries you are transiting through.
04 START ONLINE REGISTRATION
Look out for an email inviting you to register and follow the link to access our online registration portal.
It’s essential to register in advance of your course induction. We recommend registering as early as possible to start your Salford journey smoothly. Registration gives you access to your learning materials and your Student ID card.
The registration team will email you when it is time to register. You can start registration online, but you will not be able to register fully until you have completed Check-in on campus.
Scan the QR code below to watch our step-by-step explainer video on how to register.
Visit our FAQ page salford.ac.uk/ welcome/faqs. Here, you can find answers to common questions, including:
University systems, log in details and passwords
Student finance, funding and paying tuition fees
Registration, ID card and tuition fees
05 BOOK YOUR CHECK-IN APPOINTMENT
As an international student, you must complete Check-in which involves the University checking your documents in-person to confirm you have the Right to Study here. This is a Home Office requirement. Once the registration period opens, we will contact you about booking your appointment for your Check-in. To book your Check-in appointment, you must complete the booking form with all the appropriate information and select an appointment time that works for you. You should only book one appointment.
Find out more about registration and Check-in at salford.ac.uk/international-check-in
06 PACK YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS AND BELONGINGS
Check you have all the documents you will need when first arriving in the UK and carry them in your hand luggage. You will need some documents to show to UK Border Force officers and to us for your Check-in appointment:
/ Your passport
/ Your Visa
/ CAS letter (if you are coming to the UK as a Student Route Visa holder)
/ Your TB certificate. You may be asked to show a TB screening certificate (depending on your country of origin) on arrival in the UK
/ Your University of Salford offer letter
/ Travel and health insurance documents
/ Documentary evidence of your finances and ability to pay your fees and support yourself whilst living in the UK
/ Your sponsorship letter if applicable
/ Documentary evidence of your qualifications (original documents of academic certificates and/or original official transcripts)
/ Original documentary evidence of your English language skills (if required and mentioned on your CAS)
/ Your ATAS Certificate (if required)
/ Driver’s licence (if you have one)
/ Any doctor’s letter outlining medical conditions or prescribed drugs (if required)
International student Yewande gives you her recommendations for what to pack in this video:
Find out more about what you should and shouldn’t bring to the UK and key things to check at salford.ac.uk/welcome/ international-students
ATTEND YOUR CHECK-IN APPOINTMENT
You must bring along your original documents to your appointment at University House for your Check-in. This is an essential part of the registration process. The documents you must bring are:
/ Your passport
/ Your visa
/ Your share code (if applicable)
/ Your visa decision issued by the Home Office
REMEMBER
You can pay your fees before you travel to the UK or attend your Check-in appointment.
08 PAY YOUR TUITION FEES
You must pay your tuition fees or arrange a payment plan before you can complete registration. The options for paying your fees are:
/ Get a 3% discount on your fees by paying them upfront and in full. The discount is applied to the net remaining fee after any scholarship has been deducted
/ Spread the cost with a payment plan. You can choose to pay in consecutive monthly instalments (starting the month after the course commencement date)
Check out more information on how to pay your fees at salford.ac.uk/askus/ topics/money/self-funding-studentsand-how-to-pay-your-fees
IMPORTANT
/ Setting up an instalment plan is required to complete registration.
/ If your plans change and you don’t complete registration, we can cancel the instalment plan, and no payment will be taken.
/ You can change the bank card on the system once you are in the UK and have a UK bank account.
Scan the QR code above to watch a video on how to pay your fees then click the link to read more about how to pay your fees carefully and avoid money scams: salford.ac.uk/askus/topics/ money/money-scams-tricksand-frauds
09 COMPLETE ONLINE REGISTRATION
Complete online registration by filling in your personal details and agreeing to our terms and conditions. You can only access this stage once you have completed Check-in.
Filling in the online registration form can be complicated if English is not your first language or if you are moving to the UK for the first time.
As soon as you complete registration you can collect your ID card, start using the University systems and library, and you can apply for your national insurance number.
For more information on the registration process visit: salford.ac.uk/welcome/ on-campus/registration
Scan the QR code to watch our video on how to complete online registration.
10 SET UP YOUR IT AND LEARNING SYSTEMS
IT ESSENTIALS
Once you’ve registered, you’ll have access to your Salford email account, IT username and the systems you’ll use as a student.
Make sure to take a screenshot or note down your username and password when you’re registering –we can’t email a copy of your password to you for security reasons.
There are more details about all our IT systems at salford.ac.uk/skills/ it-skills/using-salford-systems
MULTI FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)
We take your security seriously, so when you sign into your IT account for the first time, you’ll be asked to provide some extra information to keep your account safe from hackers and identity theft. Setting up MFA right away ensures you can sign in easily and securely. You’ll also be prompted to set up a Self Service Password Reset too so that you can reset your password yourself at any time.
MICROSOFT 365
Your student account is powered through Microsoft 365, giving you access to apps including Word, Excel and PowerPoint for free.
Check your Outlook account regularly for university emails, save files online with OneDrive, and attend any online lectures and seminars via Teams.
BLACKBOARD
Blackboard is our virtual learning environment where you’ll find resources for your course and modules, including lecture notes and assignment details. You’ll receive more information about this during course induction.
KEY WEBPAGES
Our webpage for current students is home to all the helpful links you might need during your time studying here. Covering everything from support services and useful resources, to information on how you can make the most of student life. Visit salford.ac.uk/current-students
The Student Hub is another useful resource for all things student-related and a quick way to access all the systems you’ll use. We also use the Student Hub to host event listings, news stories and other information you need as a student. You can find it at salford.ac.uk/students simply log in with your student email address once you’ve registered.
YOUR WELCOME STARTS HERE
Our Welcome Weekend from Saturday 6 September marks the start of your Welcome activities. A packed schedule of events will then take place the following week across all campuses and will give you a chance to get involved and help you settle in to university life.
Welcome activities are a vital part of your university experience, so make sure you’ve got the above dates in your calendar. There’ll be activities and events provided by different teams from across the University, including food and drink, social, sports, faith and support teams, as well as lots of activities organised by the students’ union - Salford SU. Events will range from large-scale fairs and social events, to smaller quiet drop-in sessions, there’ll be be something for everyone!
You can stay up to date and find out what’s going on by checking out all the events at salford.ac.uk/welcome/events
You can also look at the Salford SU’s website to find out about their events and opportunities at salfordsu.com/welcome
Scan to watch highlights of Welcome Week!
STARTING YOUR STUDIES
Alongside Welcome activities, there’ll also be essential course induction activities taking place from Monday 8 September.
These will provide you with coursespecific information, introduce you to the academic staff who will teach you and give you a chance to meet your new coursemates. Attending induction is an important part of having a great start at Salford.
More details about your induction activities can be found on our Welcome website at salford.ac.uk/welcome/oncampus/your-induction
COURSE TIMETABLE
To access your timetable and find out more visit salford.ac.uk/ timetable-guidance
You will also learn more about your timetable and learning groups during your induction.
GOOD TO KNOW
Our subject areas and courses are all part of a particular ‘school’. Some unis call them faculties, we call them schools. During your course induction, make sure you find out where your school office is, what they can help with, and how to get in touch when you need to.
DEVELOPING YOUR STUDY SKILLS
Studying at university is different to how you might have studied in the past and, as you make the jump to this next level, we’re here to help you develop the skills and confidence you’ll need to succeed. You can find online modules on topics such as learning at university, preparing for assessments, referencing and academic writing to help you get started before you join us in September.
Visit salford.ac.uk/skills/get-ready to find out more.
If you’d like help with your academic English language skills, our LEAP programme offers a range of free webinars, tutorials and 1-2-1 workshops.
Scan the QR code to hear about Esraa and Esozhim’s experiences of LEAP.
Whatever you need at Salford, your Students’ Union has got you! Whether it’s a chat with our Advice Centre, activism with Student Voice or getting involved with sports and societies, take full advantage of all the amazing services here for you! Salford SU is run by students, for students.
Your elected Student Officers for 2025/26 are Akinwale Bello, Sheba Tayo-Garbson, Megan Cornes, Ali Aziz Janjua and Hina Rehman Khalil. Akinwale has been elected as President, with the other four Student Officers representing specific schools.
ATMOSPHERE
Salford SU is also home to Atmosphere, where you’ll find great food and drink at student-friendly prices and can enjoy regular comedy nights, club nights and quiz nights. Follow @salfordAKB for all the events and latest deals.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Moved to a new city? We’ve been there.
Not sure how to meet new people if you live off campus? We get it!
No matter how you’re feeling, there are many things that can make the transition easier. The most important thing to remember is that you’re not alone.
Check out our ‘Starting at Salford’ section of our Welcome webpages for advice on how to make connections. Visit salford.ac.uk/welcome/on-campus
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
When you join us at Salford, there are so many ways to get involved, use your voice and help make a real impact on university life.
From campaigning with Salford SU on matters that are important to you, becoming a student rep for your course, or taking part in one of our student surveys, you can get involved and make your voice heard from day one. Recent changes we’ve made based on student feedback includes extending library opening hours and increasing our on-campus wellbeing support.
DOWNLOAD THE UMII APP
It’s easy to get to know people before you start with Umii, an app that connects Salford students based on shared interests, your course and your society preferences.
Simply download the Umii app, set up the profile with your interests, add a quick bio and you’re all set. Every day Umii will suggest new connections and before you know it, you’ll have friends to meet when you get to campus.
Search ‘Umii’ on your app store and download it now.
Now you’re a Salford student, if there is anything you’d like to know then just askUS!
askUS is our dedicated support service for all students. Whether it’s a question about finance, accommodation, wellbeing, faith, careers advice, diversity and inclusion, leadership and mentoring opportunities or support with your studies or disability, our askUS team can give you the right advice when you need it most.
We also provide additional support for students with diverse backgrounds and needs, such as care-experienced students, estranged students and students who are carers.
For more information visit salford.ac.uk/ askus or find us in University House on Peel Park campus or on the third floor of our MediaCity campus building.
MANAGING YOUR MONEY
Money management can be a little tricky when you’re studying, but we have plenty of resources to help you.
We’ve got practical tips and guidance, and a handy budget calculator as well. You can also find out who to contact if you need some advice or if you’re experiencing financial hardship (that’s our Monday Advice and Funds Service!)
Find advice on money management at salford.ac.uk/askus/money
DISABILITY AND INCLUSION
If you live with a disability, long-term condition or a specific learning difficulty, then you may be entitled to academic support in your teaching and assessments.
Please get in touch to learn more about the services that are available to you once you start at Salford. Our Disability Inclusion Advisors can begin to get support in place before you start your studies, so that you have the right support available to help you succeed.
Find out more at salford.ac.uk/disabilityinclusion
KEEPING FIT AND HEALTHY
Be part of something bigger at Salford. Whether you want to play competitively, have fun with your friends, or just want to stay fit and healthy, you can be part of Team Salford by joining one of the Students’ Union’s sports clubs and activity groups, or by becoming a member at the Sports Centre. With five fitness suites, a fitness class studio (and over 30 fitness classes a week) in addition to a 25-metre swimming pool, the Sports Centre is the perfect place to get active. Find more information about our Sports Centre and membership options at salfordsu.com/get-involved/sport
Make sure you keep your eye out for our annual major Varsity competition against the University of Chester, either by playing yourself or by getting a Varsity t-shirt and coming along to support!
REGISTER WITH A GP
It is important to register with the doctor as soon as you arrive, to avoid any unexpected medical bills if you get ill. We have a local medical practice on Peel Park Campus. Register online at salforduni.health
If your accommodation is further away from campus, you should register with your local GP. You can find your local GP practice at nhs. uk/service-search/ find-a-gp
You should register with a dentist separately.
YOUR WELLBEING
Sometimes university life might not be as you expected and knowing where to turn makes things a little easier. Our Student Support team are on hand to offer advice and support in times that you might need it. We offer workshops, one-to-one wellbeing appointments, referral to in-house counselling services and help with referrals to appropriate external services.
HOW CAN I GET WELLBEING SUPPORT?
You can find useful information and resources for a range of situations that may be affecting your wellbeing in the support section of the askUS website at salford.ac.uk/askus. It also has information about immediate support if you are in crisis.
Our service is confidential, unless there are exceptional circumstances, and nonjudgmental so don’t be afraid to take that first step and get the support you need.
In addition to our on-campus wellbeing and counselling team within askUS, our SU also run a peer support service called Rafiki, which is led by our students. They are here to listen and can also signpost you to other support services, both on and off campus.
Rafiki is a drop-in service, so you don’t need to make an appointment.
FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING
We asked some of our students and members of our student wellbeing team for their advice, and here are some of their top tips:
For more wellbeing inspiration, visit the 'Starting at Salford' section of our Welcome website at salford.ac.uk/ welcome/on-campus
1 4 2 5 3
Starting uni is a great chance to meet new people and feel part of the Salford community. Get involved in Welcome Week events for a fun way to explore what’s on offer.
Keeping active can boost your mood and help with stress, and you don’t need to be a gym lover to get moving.
University life can be both exciting and overwhelming so checking in with yourself is key. Take notice of your surroundings and explore your campus! There’s always something new to notice.
Giving doesn’t have to mean grand gestures – small acts can make a big difference, such as helping your flatmate unpack. CONNECT
Your time at uni isn’t just about lectures, it’s also about growing in confidence and learning new life skills.
KEEPING SAFE ON CAMPUS
Salford is an inclusive and accessible university, where we foster an atmosphere of safety and tolerance and expect this from our students.
Whilst Salford is a safe place to live and study, there can be times – as there are in all big cities – when you may feel unsafe.
We provide a friendly security service that’s available for advice and assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our team is located on campus, and can also be contacted in an emergency by using the SafeZone app - see more details below.
DOWNLOAD THE SAFEZONE APP
SafeZone is a free app to give you extra peace of mind and support whilst at university.
It enables you to access emergency or urgent assistance should you need it, request first aid and report an emergency incident or concern, day or night. Download the app once you’ve registered and have your University of Salford email address.
Find out more about the SafeZone app at salford.ac.uk/campus/campus-safety
USEFUL INFORMATION
FINDING A JOB
If you’d like to find a job while you’re here, we can help. We work with Unitemps, an on-campus recruitment agency that can help you find parttime work that fits around your studies and complies with the terms of your visa. Please remember that during your studies you are restricted as to the number of hours you can work per week to remain compliant with your Student Visa. Register with Unitemps now at salford.ac.uk/unitemps
You can also access our Careers and Enterprise team’s job listing platform at salford.ac.uk/careers/jobs-and-workexperience
START WITH THE END IN MIND
Our Careers and Enterprise team is on hand to help you build professional skills, find internships and work experience opportunities, as well as connect you with graduate opportunities. We’ll help you get ready for the world of work after graduating. Find out more at salford.ac.uk/careers
You can also enhance your career prospects, build your skills and become a global citizen with an international opportunity. Find out more at salford.ac.uk/io
USEFUL INFORMATION
MOBILE PHONE NETWORKS
StudyInUK have some good tips about what mobile networks are available in the UK, so that you can be prepared with internet access and calling credit when you arrive.
Find out more at: studying-in-uk.org/ united-kingdom-cell-phones-carriersand-networks-guide/
BANK ACCOUNTS
It’s important to have a British bank account so that you can pay your rent for your accommodation, utility bills or receive a salary. Find out more about opening a bank account at salford.ac.uk/welcome/ international-students
SUSTAINABILITY
Tap water is safe to drink in the UK so you can use a refillable water bottle when you’re on the go. We have lots of filtered water points around campus. Don’t forget to recycle your cans, cardboard and plastic - find out more about recycling in Greater Manchester at recycleforgreatermanchester.com
THE LIBRARY
Our Clifford Whitworth Library is a great place to study and packed full of resources. The team also run lots of study support sessions which will help you achieve your goals. Check out their services at salford.ac.uk/library
You can also find specific support for international students at salford.ac.uk/ skills/support/international-studentsupport
EAT AND DRINK ON CAMPUS
There are plenty of options for delicious food and drink across our campuses. Whether you need to grab something on the go between lectures, want a catch up over a coffee, or are looking for somewhere to meet for food and drinks at the end of the day, we have it covered.
Last year, we hired our very own executive head chef, who has created brand new menus, from traditional favourites with a Salford twist, to tasty small plates ideal for sharing (or not!). Food is prepared freshly on-site, is locally sourced, and caters for all dietary requirements.
THE OLD FIRE STATION
Located opposite Maxwell Hall, just off our Peel Park campus, the Old Fire Station is a café, bakery and bar, where baked goods are made on-site and beers are brewed in our own microbrewery. You’ll also find pop-up events and street-food vendors in the evenings.
Visit salford.ac.uk/eat-and-drink for more information on our outlets, opening times and menus.
TRANSPORTATION
Find out how to get to campus at salford.ac.uk/travel
You can also use the Bee Network transport planner to plan your journeys within Greater Manchester at: tfgm.com/plan-a-journey
askUS are always available to help you with advice about routes and getting discounts. Don’t forget if you are travelling between our Peel Park and MediaCity campuses Monday to Friday on the 50 bus, show the bus driver your student ID to ride for free.
CAMPUS MAP KEY CAMPUS
Car park
AEDs (Defibrillators)
Bus stop (Both sides of the road)
Kitchen facilities (Microwave and/or hot water)
Food and drink outlet
askUS (Advice and support)
Student store
Salford SU
MAIN UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS
Maxwell Building Main Reception School Office for Salford Business School (Floor 6)
Maxwell Hall
Gilbert Rooms
Peel Building Next to Porter’s Room (Ground Floor)
Newton Building Foyer
Barratt Z House
Cockcroft Building Energy House
Lady Hale Building Careers Hub
New Adelphi Building Reception (Atrium) School Office for Arts, Media and Creative Technology
Clifford Whitworth Library Foyer
Chapman Building School of Science, Engineering and Environment Building (SEE
Mary Seacole Building Ground and 2nd Floor Foyer
Brian Blatchford Building
Busy Bees Children’s Nursery
Allerton Building Main Reception School Office for Health and Society
Podiatry Clinic Energy House 2.0
The Old Fire Station (Café and bar)
Crescent House Foyer
Greater Manchester Institute of Technology Building
(Under construction)
Health and Wellbeing Building
(Under construction)
University of Salford (MediaCity Campus) Behind Reception in Foyer
Damson Rooms
