Essentials

Once you have received your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from the University of Chester, it's essential to promptly proceed with your student visa application. Here are important considerations based on your situation:

1. Timing of Application: Apply for your visa as early as possible. If applying from overseas, ensure you allow sufficient time to apply, receive your visa, and arrange travel to the UK by the start date stated on your CAS.
2. Application from Within the UK: If applying within the UK, submit your visa application to change your sponsorship to the University of Chester before the course start date.
3. Points-Based System: You'll be assessed under the Points-Based System. To apply for a student visa, you must demonstrate:
   • Sufficient Funds: Evidence of funds meeting the maintenance test (currently £9,207 plus any unpaid tuition fees), held for at least 28 continuous days.
   • Supporting Documents: Original education and English language documents (certificates and transcripts) as stated in your CAS letter.
4. Preparation: Before applying for your visa, ensure you have all necessary documents and are fully prepared for the application process. Here are the steps to guide you through:
   • Before Application: Check and gather all required documents.
   • During Application: Follow guidelines carefully and complete all sections accurately.
   • After Application: Monitor the progress of your application and respond promptly to any requests from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Important: From 15 July 2025, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will no longer issue visa vignette stickers. It is now very important that all successful Student visa holders create a UKVI account and access their eVisa before travelling to the UK. Please click here for further guidance. 

By following these steps diligently, you can navigate the student visa application process smoothly and ensure readiness for your studies at the University of Chester.

Please contact studyvisa@chester.ac.uk for any visa-related queries or see FAQ Student Visa

Arranging accommodation in the UK before leaving your home country is crucial to ensure you have a place to stay upon arrival at the University of Chester. Here are key points to consider:

• Accommodation Contracts: Most student accommodation contracts align with the September intake. If starting at another time, you may need to seek private rental options.
• Financial Considerations: Landlords often require a security deposit equivalent to one month's rent and may request a UK guarantor, such as a parent or guardian. More guidance on housing and accommodation can be found on our accommodation page.
• Council Tax: Full-time students are typically exempt from council tax, but you must inform the council through eVision to avoid unnecessary charges.
• Additional Expenses: Some rental contracts include bills; others do not. Budgeting for rent, utilities and other monthly expenses is essential. Whether furnished or unfurnished, setting aside funds for essentials like bedding and kitchen items is advisable.

Preparing these aspects before your arrival will help ensure a smooth transition and enjoyable experience at the University of Chester.

It is very important to complete your enrolment at the University of Chester by the start of your course to secure student status and visa sponsorship. We're excited to welcome you and are here to support you every step of the way, ensuring you have a fantastic start to your journey with us!

Your enrolment information will be emailed to you from applyinternational@chester.ac.uk once your CAS has been issued.

Enrolment Process 

Step 1: Complete the online enrolment via Evision.

You must complete your online enrolment prior to attending your in-person enrolment appointment. All stages of the enrolment process must be completed at least two weeks before your course start date.

To complete your online enrolment, you should receive your student username and password in a welcome email. If you have any login difficulties, please email lis.helpdesk@chester.ac.uk. If you can access the online enrolment but have a question, please email ole@chester.ac.uk.

Step 2: Pay a total of £8,000 towards your tuition fees before you travel to the UK. 

• Our finance department has all the details on how to make a payment. Do not delay this payment. If you wait until you get to the UK, it is likely that you will get stuck and will not be able to open a UK bank account in time, and you will also face difficulties accessing your funds overseas. Please initiate the payment before you leave your home country.
  
  If you enter the UK but fail to enrol on time due to a delayed payment, your studies will be terminated, your visa will be cancelled, and you must leave the UK. Please speak to fees@chester.ac.uk to resolve any payment queries before you travel to the UK. You cannot pass this enrolment step until the University of Chester has received the funds in our account. Proof of payment is not sufficient.
  
  

Step 3: Attend an international student in-person enrolment day with your physical copy of your passport and your eVisa share code

• Before the in-person enrolment event date, you should also add your eVisa share code (if applicable) and your travel details to CAS Shield. You can generate a share code on the UK Government “View and Prove” website. Your share code should begin with the letter “S”. Then, you will need to bring your passport to an International Enrolment Event.

• You must book a time slot in advance to attend the international student in-person enrolment day. You will receive an email from the Student Experience Team and the Visa and Compliance Team with full details on how to book your appointment.

  If you do not book a time slot appointment, you will not be able to complete your enrolment on the day.

Enrolment Delays

If you are experiencing problems completing your online enrolment, paying your fees, or are having issues with your E-Visa, please ensure you keep the International Centre (international@chester.ac.uk) updated. Where possible, we will provide you with advice and support to help ensure your enrolment is completed on time. 

For more information, please refer to the International Student Handbook and/or email studentexperience@chester.ac.uk. 

Please see Opening a UK Bank Account

General Practitioners (GPs) 

A GP is a doctor who is a consultant in general practice. It is important to register with a GP as soon as you arrive in the UK.  You must be registered to make an appointment for any physical or mental health issues. You can usually register online or by visiting the GP surgery with your passport and student ID.

After registration, you will receive a confirmation with your NHS number via email or post. GP appointments last around 15 minutes, and honesty about your symptoms helps with getting the right care. Prescriptions can be filled at pharmacies, with a charge of £9.90 per item (May 2024). For out-of-hours care, contact your GP to find out more information.

Hospitals and Accident & Emergency (A&E)

If further tests or treatment are needed, your GP may refer you to a hospital. Hospitals have A&E departments for serious illness or life-threatening injuries, open 24/7. Waiting times can be long. For non-emergency advice, call the NHS 111 helpline. In emergencies, call 999.

Dentists

NHS dentists offer discounted care. Dentistry costs are lower with the NHS than private treatment. Cosmetic treatments are usually private and more expensive.

Eye Care and Eye Tests

Opticians provide eye care and tests, which are not free. An eye test costs around £25. If you need glasses or contact lenses, the cost will vary. Find out more information about opticians and NHS entitlements.

Emergency Services

For immediate danger, call 999 for police, ambulance or fire brigade assistance.

Studying in the UK is an exciting opportunity, and with a few financial preparations, you'll be all set for an amazing experience. If you haven't been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months by the time you apply, you'll need to show you have enough funds to support yourself. As of July 2023, the UK government requires £1,023 per month (for up to 9 months) for courses outside London. With this support in place, you can focus on your studies and enjoy all the UK has to offer.

If you need support, whether it's finding part-time work through Careers and Employability, or guidance on Costs of Living, remember that we are here for you every step of the way.

Student Assistance Programme (SAP)

The Student Assistance Programme is our dedicated student support, which you can call for free at any time, day or night. The Student Assistance Programme provides help and advice on a range of issues, including cost-of-living issues. You can speak to a qualified advisor about topics such as:

• Consumer rights
• Buying or renting a property
• Budgeting
• Debt management plans
• Benefits and grants
• Mortgage advice

Call SAP for free on 0800 028 3766 anytime, day or night.

Whether you are a new student, returning for another term, or joining us later in the academic year, if you have questions or need assistance with your induction or arrival, our Student Experience team is here to support you.

Email: studentexperience@chester.ac.uk

The Student Assistance Programme is our dedicated student support, which you can call for free at any time, day or night. The Student Assistance Programme provides help and advice on a range of issues, including cost-of-living issues. You can speak to a qualified advisor about topics such as:

• Consumer rights
• Buying or renting a property
• Budgeting
• Debt management plans
• Benefits and grants
• Mortgage advice

Whether you are a new student, returning for another term, or joining us later in the academic year, if you have questions or need assistance with your induction or arrival, our Student Experience team is here to support you.

• Email: studentexperience@chester.ac.uk
• Telephone: 0800 0283766 at any time, day or night.
• You can keep up with all student events on Instagram: @uocshoutout