Welcome, future Surrey students! As you prepare to embark on your exciting journey at the University of Surrey, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the registration and move-in process to ensure a smooth transition into university life. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect:

1. Key Collection for Halls of Residence:

For students living in halls of residence, your first stop upon arrival at Surrey will likely be to collect your keys. In my batch, key collection was centralized at the Austin Pearce (AP) building. Be sure to bring some form of identification, such as your passport, to verify your identity. Once you have your keys in hand, you will be ready to settle into your new home away from home.

2. Student Card Registration:

If you have not already registered for your student ID card online prior to arriving at Surrey, don’t worry! During welcome week, you will be given a range of dates to take a photo and register for your student ID card which will be printed on the spot. Just a quick tip: I recommend going as early as possible to avoid long queues – trust me, they can get pretty lengthy. Your student ID card is not only your access pass to various facilities on campus but also allows you to unlock student discount in some stores, so be sure not to forget this step.

3. Attend Orientation Sessions:

During welcome week, there will be numerous orientation sessions held which I would reccomend attending as well. Apart from campus tours, these sessions often cover important topics such as academic expectations, student life, and health and wellbeing which are designed to help new students familiarise themselves with campus facilities, academic resources, support services, and student organizations. Below is a snapshot of how the welcome week timetable will look like, with it differing for some students as it is tailored to your course and halls of residence:

4. Collecting Your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit):

For international students, another important task during your first days at Surrey will be collecting your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP). Typically, this will be done at the post office in town. Your BRP is a crucial document that confirms your immigration status in the UK and is similar to our IC in Singapore, so be sure to keep it safe once you have collected it.

5. Register with a General Practitioner (GP):

Next, registering with a local GP is essential for accessing healthcare services while studying at the University of Surrey. Your GP will be your primary point of contact for non-emergency medical care, prescriptions, referrals to specialists, and routine check-ups. To register with a GP, you’ll need to find a practice near your accommodation and fill out the registration form. This ensures that you have access to healthcare services when needed and allows you to proactively manage your health during your time at Surrey.

By following these steps, I trust that you will be well on your way to completing the registration and move-in process smoothly, allowing you to focus on settling into your new surroundings and making the most of your university experience. If you have any questions or need assistance along the way, do not hesitate to reach out to the university’s support services – they are here to help you every step of the way.

Welcome to Surrey, and best of luck on your exciting journey ahead!