Congratulations on getting into Imperial College London. We know that you are very busy preparing your way into Imperial, so instead of bombarding you with information, we will give a checklist of things you should probably do and direct you to the relevant links!
Do bear in mind:
- If you are an EU student: your fee status might have been changed, and you may be required to pay higher tuition - check here.
- If you are traveling from other countries to the UK, especially international students: Imperial College has a support page here. You may require to take a test for Tuberculosis (TB) for your visa application.
Note that we do not guarantee that the information provided here is up to date - if you find an error, please report it in our feedback form. For any general inquiries: the Student Hub is your first point of contact.
- Sort out tuition fee. The college will send you an email about this. You can contact Student Hub if you need help.
- Sort out your (term-time) accommodation, and make sure know where you will live, and how to travel from your accommodation to other places, like the Huxley building. You may not be able to move in immediately. If you decided to live somewhere else before moving in, make sure to sort the transport arrangement out!
- If you have a registered disability/a long-term health issue, or if you had been made special arrangements during school exams, please email our senior tutor, Dr. Chris Ford about your situation.
- Complete your registration at our online portal (My Imperial).
- Take a nice photo of yourself and upload it to My Imperial before move-in - that will become the photo on your ID card. Alternatively, you can dress up and take your ID photo during move-in day.
- Make sure you have a credit card that allows payments in the UK - you may need it to do online shopping if you have to quarantine. You can also apply for a debit card online before arrival.
Notice you need proof of status and UK address - you can obtain an official bank letter issued by Imperial at the My Documents service at My Imperial.
If you urgently need a bank account, you may consider online banking, e.g. Monzo or Revolut. Search it yourself! (We are not advertising, btw...)
It should be easy if you have been packing your stuff during trips. If you have not, here are some tips:
- Remember to get all your (hard copy) identity documents needed for verifications, including, but not limited to,
- passport
- visa-related documents (including the confirmation letter from UKVI)
It might be hard to find a printer, so please print your documents before travel.
- You can get all essentials in supermarkets/department stores in London. Therefore you should ensure you have enough supply for clothing, stationaries etc., that last for 2-4 weeks just in case you want to buy more once you arrive.
- Sort out your visa early: some milestone includes:
- Have a look at the guideline from the Imperial College.
- Uploading your passport details to My Imperial and obtain a CAS number.
- Apply for your Tier 4 (general) visa here. You may be required to provide support documents like passport and financial status.
Remember to choose Imperial College as your Biometric Resident Permit (BRP) collection point. (UK government is phasing out BRP, check the official guidance for more information).
- Uploading your passport/visa details to My Imperial to complete your registration. Remember to bring your confirmation letter with you!
- You might have to do a Tuberculosis (TB) test before arrival.
- Check out the support page to look for any travel restriction to the UK that applies to you.
- Once arrive, arrange an appointment with Imperial to collect your BRP.
Fulfill the 7-day police registration requirement by creating an online account in the OVRO and book an appointment within 7 days of arrival. You will not be penalised if the appointment is not within the 7 days. (UK government is phasing out the process of police registration, see official guidance).
Remember to report any change of status (e.g. address, passport number) within 7 days of change by performing the above steps.
- Health: Register a general practice (GP), where you will have consultations whenever you feel unwell. You can register with the Imperial College Health Centre as your GP if you live close to the South Kensington campus, such as Beit Hall, Southside Halls, and Eastside halls.
- Transportation: apply for an oyster card and the 16-25 railcard. The former is for travel in London, while the latter is for discounted travel in the UK by rail.
Notice you still have to buy a separate ticket for each journey, except you get a discount when you present your railcard.
You can also apply for other discounted travel, such as the coach card for all services operated by the National Express. This is not related to your oyster card or your railcard.
Link your oyster card and railcard in any underground station, and you will get a 1/3 discount for all services in the Transport for London.
- Remember to sort out tickets for events in the Welcome Week if you have not done so!
- Minor policy: remember to read and acknowledge policies from the college and union. Legally you cannot buy alcohol or attend any event that serves alcohol / has high risks (e.g. tours), but that does not stop you from having a fruitful uni life. You can also check out additional offers for transportation, including the Zip oyster card and the 16-17 Saver railcard. Finally, remember to update your ID card when you turn 18.
- Navigation: At least find your way from your accommodation to campus.
- Visit London: Visit tourist attractions in London.
The details of our events will be available soon. Here is our general advice:
- Read the student handbook - know the structure of your course; and the assessment details of individual modules.
- Plan your schedule - remember to check out the official departmental calendar and our MathSoc calendar (coming soon).
- Make sure you have access to the course materials from Blackboard.
- Go to the Welcome Fair (and visit us)
- Attend at least three events from the Union / the MathSoc and your accommodation
- Chat with five friends during welcoming events
- Meet your personal tutors (and have a cup of coffee with them if they are willing to)
- Meet your peer tutors (and have a cup of coffee if they are willing to)
- Apply for mums and dads.
It depends - but the basic principle is to go to the lectures you need, be hardworking with the problem sheets, make good friends, and not missing out on anything, including our social events! Contact us if you need more help!
Why not check out the MathWiki - our very own repository of old official notes and student-written notes.