Elsewhere on Ulster
We can’t wait to welcome you to Ulster University and Northern Ireland! Check out our tips on what you need to do to join us and when you arrive.
There is a lot to plan when moving to a new country to study, from packing lists and booking accommodation, to navigating a new culture.
To help you get ready, we have pulled together the most important information you need to get ready and settle in.
Once you have accepted your offer, you are required to pay a deposit which will be deducted from your tuition fees.Depending on your bank, it can take several weeks for your deposit to clear, so make sure you leave enough time for your deposit to be received.
For information on deposits and how to pay, visit Pay Your Deposit.
As an international student, you are guaranteed a place in university managed accommodation. When you make a reservation for accommodation, you will be asked to pay a booking fee.
For more information on Ulster University Accommodation and to book your place, visit Book Your Accommodation.
It’s time to get ready to make the journey to Northern Ireland!
Before you travel, make sure to find out when you need to arrive, where you need to be, and what you need to bring with you to make your journey as stress-free as possible. For all the info you need for preparing to travel, visit Final Considerations Before Departure.
We will be in touch with you about a month before International Student Orientation and will give you lots of information about arriving into Northern Ireland, how you transfer to campus from the two Belfast airports (Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport) and about our Orientation programme.
Most students travel to Northern Ireland through Heathrow or Gatwick airports and take connecting flights to Belfast. Flights from most UK airports to Belfast take about an hour and there are regular flights throughout the day depending on the airport and airline.
For students travelling to our Derry~Londonderry campus, you may want to consider researching flights between London Heathrow and City of Derry airport, but availability may be limited.
Please Note! Unless you are an EU student we advise that you do not enter Northern Ireland through the Republic of Ireland as you will not be able to get your passport checked or stamped for the UK and so will not have permission to enter the UK.
In Northern Ireland people can choose to wear traditional clothes from their own cultural background if they wish.
On campus we’re quite casual, students generally wear jeans, t-shirts and sweaters.
We recommend that you bring a warm waterproof coat, hat, scarf, gloves, socks, strong waterproof shoes/boots, several t-shirts and sweaters (a few thin layers to keep you warm).
During the summer months lightweight clothes such as shorts, t-shirts, dresses and sandals are suitable.
You may want to bring your national dress or something more formal to wear on special occasions, but only pack what you can carry.
Only pack what is necessary, as a lot of what you need can be bought when you arrive, such as:
It’s very important that you purchase travel insurance before your journey to the UK.
You can purchase insurance through a travel agent or an insurance company in your home country.
We strongly recommend that all of our international students purchase their own private medical insurance before leaving home.
Our International Student Orientation is a packed programme of events which will help you settle in to Ulster life!
For Frequently Asked Questions on Orientation, and to view the full programme, visit the Orientation Homepage.
At Ulster University, we have an International Student Advisory Service who are dedicated to ensuring that your transition from home to studying and living overseas is as smooth as possible!
Come and visit them at their Welcome Week stand, pop over to their weekly Coffee and Chat or drop-on sessions, or get in touch with them by phone or email with any questions relating to immigration and adjusting to life in Northern Ireland.
We recognise that moving to another country, away from family and friends, can feel a bit daunting. However, we will be here to support you every step of the way.
For information and support on studying, working and travelling while in Northern Ireland, including recommendations of things to do and see, visit this guide.
Check out the video below as our International students share their experiences of studying at Ulster and living in Northern Ireland.
