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Welcome to Ulster - International Student Orientation | September 2025

Welcome to Belfast Campus - Getting Started

Our International Student Orientation Programme will run for a full week beginning on Monday 15 September 2025, concluding on Friday 19 September.

The International Student Advisory Service have a full week of activities to help you get all the key information your need, to make new friends, and to  become familiar with your new surroundings.  To ensure you have a smooth transition and get all the information you need to start your journey, we invite you to attend one of our mandatory welcome sessions.

Next Steps

  • International Student Welcome Sessions will be held daily in room  BC-00-307.  You must attend one of these sessions.  Bring any important documents you might need and a notepad to jot down useful information.
  • To complete your registration, head to the Student Check In area in the BA Building Ground Floor.
  • You can see details of the full International Student Orientation Programme below.

International Orientation Week Timetable dates

Listed below are all dates for Orientation: 15 Sept to 19 Sept 2025.

Monday 15 September

This table shows dates in chronological order.
Event Date and Time Notes

Welcome to Ulster - Living and Learning in Northern Ireland

Monday 15 September 2025 @ 9:30 AM

BC-00-307

This essential session to support your registration and enrolment. You will also receive information about:

  • Campus resources and facilities
  • Bank Accounts & Doctor Registration
  • Your Student Visa
  • Next Steps including Online Enrolment

You'll meet the team and have your questions answered, as well as meeting the Compliance team for important information about your Visa .

Understanding your Student Visa Responsibilities

Monday 15 September 2025 @ 11:00 AM

BC-00-307

Meet with our Compliance team to gain an understanding of your visa responsibilties.  This mandatory session will include:

  • Academic and attendance obligations
  • Permitted working hours
  • Sickness and absence

Speed Friending

Monday 15 September 2025 @ 12:00 PM

BD-02-036

Speed Friending is a fantastic opportunity to quickly form meaningful connections and build a supportive community. If you're a new student at Ulster give speed friending a try and watch your circle of friends grow!

Why Participate?

  • Meet New People: Quickly expand your social circle by meeting a variety of people in a short amount of time.
  • Break the Ice: Structured interactions make it easier to start conversations and overcome initial awkwardness.
  • Build Connections: Identify common interests and potential friendships in a fun, low-pressure environment.
  • Inclusive Environment: Perfect for newcomers, introverts, and anyone looking to make friends in a friendly and welcoming setting.

Welcome to Ulster - Living and Learning in Northern Ireland

Monday 15 September 2025 @ 1:00 PM

BC-00-307

Did you miss our morning session?

If so, you should join us this afternoon for this essential session to support your registration and enrolment. You will also receive information about:

  • Campus resources and facilities
  • Bank Accounts & Doctor Registration
  • Your Student Visa
  • Next Steps including Online Enrolment

You'll meet the team and have your questions answered.

City Centre Walking Tour

Monday 15 September 2025 @ 1:30 PM

Departing from BC Reception

Join our Global Ambassadors for a guided tour of the best spots in Belfast for eating, drinking and shopping! They'll also show you important places that'll you need to be aware of including the banks and also the best places to explore during your weekends away from campus!

Tuesday 16 September

This table shows dates in chronological order.
Event Date and Time Notes

Welcome to Ulster - Living and Learning in Northern Ireland

Tuesday 16 September 2025 @ 9:30 AM

BC-00-307

This essential session to support your registration and enrolment. You will also receive information about:

  • Campus resources and facilities
  • Bank Accounts & Doctor Registration
  • Your Student Visa
  • Next Steps including Online Enrolment

You'll meet the team and have your questions answered, as well as meeting the Compliance team for important information about your Visa .

Student Panel: Life in Northern Ireland

Tuesday 16 September 2025 @ 11:30 AM

BC-00-307

Our panel of current students will share their own experience of living in Northern Ireland, including practical tips on things such as shopping, food and drink, and even getting a haircut!

Welcome to Ulster - Living and Learning in Northern Ireland

Tuesday 16 September 2025 @ 1:00 PM

BC-00-307

Did you miss our morning session?

If so, you should join us this afternoon for this essential session to support your registration and enrolment. You will also receive information about:

  • Campus resources and facilities
  • Bank Accounts & Doctor Registration
  • Your Student Visa
  • Next Steps including Online Enrolment

You'll meet the team and have your questions answered.

Ethnic Food Shopping Trip

Tuesday 16 September 2025 @ 3:00 PM

Meeting at BC Reception

Join our Global Ambassadors as you head to the Botanic area of the city.  They'll show you some different stores where you can find products to recreate your favourite dishes, stock up on your favourites from home or try something entirely new.

Meet at 2:45pm for a 3pm departure at BC Reception.

Wednesday 17 September

This table shows dates in chronological order.
Event Date and Time Notes

Welcome to Ulster - Living and Learning in Northern Ireland

Wednesday 17 September 2025 @ 9:30 AM

BC-00-307

This essential session to support your registration and enrolment. You will also receive information about:

  • Campus resources and facilities
  • Bank Accounts & Doctor Registration
  • Your Student Visa
  • Next Steps including Online Enrolment

You'll meet the team and have your questions answered.

How to access Public Transport in Northern Ireland

Wednesday 17 September 2025 @ 10:00 AM

BC-LG-304

Lean about the public bus and train services in Belfast, how to get the best deals and discounts and discover some of the best places to visit in Belfast and beyond!

Feel Better, Spend Smarter: Wellbeing & Finance Session

Wednesday 17 September 2025 @ 11:30 AM

BC-00-307

Meet our StudentWellbeing and Student Money Advice Teams.  You'll learn more about:

  • Student Wellbeing Support
  • Wellbeing Events and Green Dot Workshops
  • Planning your finances
  • Maitaining your Tuition Fee payment plan
  • Hardship

You'll meet the team and have your questions answered.

City Hall Tour

Wednesday 17 September 2025 @ 1:00 PM

Departing from BC Reception

Make sure to sign up to visit the stunning Belfast City Hall.  As part of this guided tour you'll learning about the history of Belfast and the building itself.  One not to be missed!

Thursday 18 September

This table shows dates in chronological order.
Event Date and Time Notes

Welcome to Ulster - Living and Learning in Northern Ireland

Thursday 18 September 2025 @ 9:30 AM

BC-00-307

This essential session to support your registration and enrolment. You will also receive information about:

  • Campus resources and facilities
  • Bank Accounts & Doctor Registration
  • Your Student Visa
  • Next Steps including Online Enrolment

Careers and Employablity Overview

Thursday 18 September 2025 @ 11:00 AM

Bc-00-037

Meet our Graduate Development Team who will let you know about their employabilty and careers services  including finding part-time work.

Student Panel: Life in Northern Ireland

Thursday 18 September 2025 @ 1:00 PM

BC-00-307

Our panel of current students will share their own experience of living in Northern Ireland, including practical tips on things such as shopping, food and drink, and even getting a haircut!

Friday 19 September

This table shows dates in chronological order.
Event Date and Time Notes

North Coast & Giants Causeway Trip

Friday 19 September 2025 @ 8:00 AM

A bus will take you from campus to Northern Ireland's famous Giant's Causeway, with a stop at the beautiful coastal town of Portrush on the way back. The cost is just £20 per person and includes travel and entry to the Giant's Causeway. But hurry - spaces are limited!

Students who get a place on the trip will be emailed with further details.

Welcome to Ulster - Living and Learning in Northern Ireland

Friday 19 September 2025 @ 10:00 AM

BC-00-307

Join us this morning  for this essential session to support your registration and enrolment. You will also receive information about:

  • Campus resources and facilities
  • Bank Accounts & Doctor Registration
  • Your Student Visa
  • Next Steps including Online Enrolment

You'll meet the team and have your questions answered.

Walking Tour Belfast City Centre

Friday 19 September 2025 @ 2:00 PM

Room: To be Confirmed

Speed Friending is a fantastic opportunity to quickly form meaningful connections and build a supportive community. If you're a new student at Ulster give speed friending a try and watch your circle of friends grow!

Why Participate?

  • Meet New People: Quickly expand your social circle by meeting a variety of people in a short amount of time.
  • Break the Ice: Structured interactions make it easier to start conversations and overcome initial awkwardness.
  • Build Connections: Identify common interests and potential friendships in a fun, low-pressure environment.
  • Inclusive Environment: Perfect for newcomers, introverts, and anyone looking to make friends in a friendly and welcoming setting.