1. PGR Induction

PGR Induction will take place this year on the 13th and 14th October 2026 in Chester. Please save the date and plan to attend in-person. Further details, including a full itinerary, will be sent to your student's email address nearer the time. For students who start in February or May, please still come to the October induction and when you start, make time to meet with your supervisor or course leader for an initial briefing and orientation.

2. Complete Enrolment

Enrolment formally registers you as a University of Chester student. You must complete:

Stage 1 – Online Enrolment (before you arrive):
Verify your details and confirm your place. You’ll receive a Welcome to UoC email with your Student ID number and instructions, sent to the email address you used for your application.

Stage 2 – After You Arrive:

• Home postgraduate students: You don’t need to attend an in-person enrolment session, but you do need to collect your Student ID card and lanyard.
• International postgraduate students: You must complete in-person enrolment and collect your Student ID card as part of the process.  Please follow the additional steps in the International Student Checklist for additional steps and guidance specific to your enrolment process.

For more details about enrolment, visit our Enrolment Information Page.

3. Upload your Photo

Upload a passport-style photo for your Student ID card before you arrive. The uploaded photo will also be added to your student record. 

To upload your photo and to find more information, visit our website.  

4. Access Your Student Email Account

Your student email address will be e.g. studentnumber@chester.ac.uk. 

Please visit our guidance page to learn how to access your inbox. 

5. Set Up Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

To access University systems securely, you’ll need to use Multifactor Authentication (MFA).  Download the Microsoft Authenticator app to your smartphone or tablet, and follow the MFA setup guide to complete your security setup before you arrive.

6. Pay your fees

International and self-funding students can find full details on payment options and methods on our Payment Options page.

7. Make your First Appointment With Your Supervisor

MPhil/PhD research students should arrange a meeting with their supervisor as soon as possible. MRes and Professional Doctorate Students should make contact with their Course leader to ensure they have access to all online materials and know when any face-to-face supervisions or study days, etc., are scheduled to take place.

8. If you are Moving to Chester: Register with a GP

Once you have your term-time address, we recommend registering with a local GP to ensure access to medical care.  Find out how to register with a GP. 

9. If you are Moving to Chester: Book your Accommodation

If you're moving to Chester, make sure you secure your accommodation before you arrive. International students must arrange accommodation before travelling to the UK.  Full details and application guidance are available on the University of Chester Accommodation page.

10. Download the UoC App

The UoC App is essential for student life – it provides lots of really useful information such as how to access support services, details about upcoming events, and information about our sites and campuses.  You can log in using the University login details included in your Welcome Email.