Prepare for your exchange programme
Visas and Immigration
Passport
- Check your passport: is it in date? If not - seek to replace it as soon as possible.
- Check when your passport is due to expire. Does it cover your full stay?
- Ensure your passport has at least 6 months left after the end of your exchange date.
- Different countries have different rules regarding duration of passport - check the rules for your host country.
Visas
Getting a visa takes a long time so begin the process as soon as possible.
- Research the type of visa you will need. The type may depend on how long you're planning to stay.
- Avoid making any payments until you have been confirmed at your host University.
Accommodation
Some host Universities will provide accommodation in their student halls. But in some cases you will have to make your own arrangements.
When choosing accommodation, consider:
University accommodation
Consider:
- When do you need to apply and how?
- How much will it cost?
Private accommodation
Consider:
- The type of accommodation available and the best way to find it.
- Costs.
To help you search:
- Get in touch with the host university's Housing Department or
- Ask the International Coordinator for a list of agencies.
- Avoid lettings agencies that ask for a fee before they provide you with a service.
Fees and budgeting
Hidden fees
These are any fees related to your mobility that you might not expect. This can include:
- Orientation fees, such as welcome events.
- Admin fees.
- Local tax fees.
- Accommodation admin fees, deposits, communal fees.
Budgeting
Erasmus+ and Turing schemes may not cover all expenses. You may find additional costs such as:
- Accommodation
- Airbnb or hotel on arrival as you secure more permanent accommodation.
- Food.
- SIM card.
- Roaming charges.
- Exchange rate.
- Travel costs.
Opening a bank account abroad
Check the local requirements to open an account, you may need:
- Confirmation of your acceptance at the host university or employment agreement.
- Proof of address.
- Proof of identity.
- Letter from UAL confirming you are abroad for study or work.
You may be able to get some advice from your host institution or organisation but you should do your own research to make sure it fits your needs.
Disability Support
Before you go abroad, speak with your college international team to discuss your needs. The team can support you to make sure what you need can be provided abroad.
- Do you need to arrange medication to be ordered? Speak with your GP to cover your period abroad.
- If you need more support - get in touch with UAL wellbeing officers.
- Counselling and advice
- Disability service
Adjusting to life abroad
Studying abroad is exciting but don’t be alarmed if you start to feel uncertain. A common term used to describe this is culture shock, meaning feelings of uncertainty, disorientation and finding it difficult to adjust to the change of being in an unfamiliar place.