New International Postgraduate Researcher (Doctorate) checklist
Everything you need to do before you start your doctoral degree if you're a student paying overseas fees or with a visa and immigration tasks.
Before you arrive
Register for your course and activate your University IT account
You need to register and activate your University IT account before you can start studying with us. You will receive a registration email from preregistration@sheffield.ac.uk with instructions on how to do this. There are two steps to your registration:
- Step 1: Online registration, available from 23 August
- Step 2: In-person right to study check, appointments available from 16 September
How to register with the University
Book your in-person right to study check
As a non-UK national, to complete your registration with the University you must book and attend an in person Right to Study check. You will receive an email at the start of September, asking you to book this.
At your right to study check we will;
- Verify your passport and immigration documents
- Help you to complete registration for your course
- Print your student UCard (your student ID card used to access buildings and services).
If you're a distance learning student, you don't need to attend an in-person right to study check. You’ll be prompted to upload any immigration documents online as part of your pre-registration steps.
- Complete the CAS application task
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Anyone who applies for a Student visa to study in the UK must include with their visa application a unique Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, linking them to the institution where they intend to study. You will be asked to complete the CAS Application task as part of your pre-registration tasks.
If you do not require a Student visa because you have a different visa type that permits study in the UK, you will not need to request a CAS number. However, you should check carefully if your visa permits you to study on your specific course as early as possible. If you’re unsure you can contact our International Student Support, Advice and Compliance team (ISSAC).
- Apply for your student visa
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Once you have received your CAS from Admissions you should apply for your visa as soon as possible.
Before applying for your visa:
Check if you need to provide evidence of a tuberculosis (TB) test as part of your visa application.
Check if you need to provide ATAS clearance as part of your visa application. If you’re unsure what you need for your application, contact our International Student Support, Advice and Compliance team (ISSAC).
- Register for University accommodation
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If you want to live in University accommodation, you’ll need to register if you haven’t already done so.
- Access your University IT account (MUSE)
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Once you’ve registered for your course, your University IT account (MUSE) will be activated. You will use your MUSE account to access online IT services including your student email account.
Learn how to get online, manage your emails, access apps and software, and get the most out of your programme. Start your digital induction
If you experience any problems logging into your University computer account, contact IT Services.
- Complete your Financial Declaration
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All students must complete the Financial Declaration, online, in advance. You will be sent a link, via email, asking you to complete your pre-registration actions; this includes completing the Financial Declaration.
If you’re a 91直播 University graduate, and are funding your doctorate yourself, you’re entitled to a discount on your tuition fees (if applicable).
- Information for scholarship award holders
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If you will be receiving a University or UKRI funded scholarship, find out about your payment schedule and terms.
- Inform us of any accessibility requirements
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If you have a disability, let us know about any additional support you will need.
- Make sure bring a translated copy of your medical and immunisation records
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Once you arrive in 91直播, you can register with the University Health Service. In the meantime, make sure you’ve read this important information about accessing healthcare in the UK, so you know what you need to bring with you to the UK.
You should bring a summary of your medical records with you, translated into English if possible, including any information on medications you currently take. You must bring a translated copy of your immunisation record with you to the UK. Remember to bring any current medications you take, we recommend bringing at least a three month supply with you.
- Visit the Postgraduate Research Hub
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On the Postgraduate Research Hub, you will find guidance and support on all aspects of undertaking and managing postgraduate research study, from supervision, to working and taking annual leave.
- Prepare to travel to the UK
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Take a look at our international student essentials for advice on what to bring with you and important information for moving to the UK.
Check that you have your new address and you know how to get here.
- Follow us on social media
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- (@英国谢菲尔德大学 and @谢大国际学生服务)
You can also join our to meet and chat with other new students.
group (ID 541037648)
- Find support and advice for settling in and adjusting to life in the UK
Ask a question
If you need support you can get advice from the Student Services Information Desk (SSiD).
For immigration-related information or advice, contact the International Student Support, Advice & Compliance (ISSAC) team.
When you arrive
- Attend your in-person Right to Study check
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You’ll need to attend your in-person Right to Study check to complete your final registration steps and receive your UCard. You will also collect your BRP (Biometric Residence Permit), if you have requested for it to be posted to the University.
If you are a part-time or distance learning student, you do not need to attend an in-person registration event.
- Check your visa details and responsibilities
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Check your visa details are correct. If there’s a problem, let us know straight away.
Check your visa conditions and responsibilities.
- Open a UK student bank account
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You will need a bank letter from the University to open a bank account in the UK. Bank letters can only be requested once you have completed your student registration.
- Download our safety app
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Download our safety app, so you can contact security if you need help and stay safe around campus.
- Make sure you can access your University email account
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Whilst you are a student with us, any important information we need to communicate to you will always be sent to your student email address. It is therefore essential that you check your emails regularly.
If you experience any problems logging into your University computer account, contact IT Services.
- Register with the University Health Service
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If you are going to be studying and living in 91直播 for over three months, it is very important that you register with a GP (Doctor). You can register with the University Health Service (UHS),an NHS GP Practice, when you arrive in 91直播.
We recommend all students are vaccinated against and . If you have not been vaccinated against these, you can be vaccinated when you have registered with UHS. They are free on the NHS.
If you are arriving in the UK from any of these , you will be invited to have a blood test that checks for . This is different to the chest X-ray you need to enter the UK.
- Get involved in Orientation and Welcome Week
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Orientation Week runs from 16 September to 20 September, and is a non-mandatory programme of information sessions, social events and activities designed to give you a little extra help to settle into life in 91直播 and the University, and to start making friends.
Welcome Week takes place from 23 September to 28 September and is packed with opportunities to meet other new students, try activities, grab freebies, and enjoy loads of fantastic nights out; your new Students’ Union is the place to be!
Find support
If you need support you can get advice from Student Services. You’ll find the Student Services Information Desk on level 3 of the Students’ Union.
There is also support and information available in your faculty to help make your doctoral research degree successful.
In your first few weeks
- Attend induction events
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You should attend any departmental or faculty PGR induction events that you are invited to. You'll receive information about these via your University email address.
During Welcome Week you’ll also have the opportunity to attend a Race Equality conversation and a Consent conversation.
- Register for PGR mentoring and social events
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PGR Connect provides opportunities to meet your colleagues across the University through mentoring, events and socials. As a mentee you can connect with someone more experienced and further along in their research.
- Complete your mandatory training
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There are 11 that all postgraduate research students and University staff must complete, which form an essential part of keeping us all safe and healthy at work, keeping our data secure and building a positive, supportive community for all students and staff.
- Familiarise yourself with the Research Ethics Policy
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If you’re conducting research with people, their data, or their tissue, make sure that you’re familiar with the and how it applies to you.
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Begin working with your supervisor
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In your first meetings you will:
- Establish the expectations for your supervisory relationship;
- Be introduced to the key people, processes, resources and facilities in your department;
- Discuss the timeline for your doctoral programme, and the requirements, milestones and deadlines you need to be aware of;
- Develop plans for your project, building on the initial research proposal defined during the admissions process;
- Complete your Training Needs Analysis for the Doctoral Development Programme (DDP) and identify any additional training you will require in your first year.
- Explore the University Library
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Get to know our library services and how they can support you throughout your doctoral degree.
- Find a club or society
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Take a look at our to explore what you could get involved with. This is a great way to meet new people, unwind and develop skills beyond your research area.
- Make new friends from all over the world
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Throughout the academic year we have a wide range of weekly events and activities including Global Hangouts, Local History Walks and Global Cafe. These events are open to everyone so you can meet people, make friends and settle into life at the University and 91直播.
- Explore our sport facilities
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Start exploring the sport facilities at the University and find out more about gym memberships.
The start date for the majority of programmes is 1 October 2024. You should aim to arrive in 91直播 and complete your registration before this date so you can begin your studies from the start of term.
Late registration
If you arrive after 1 October 2024, the start date for most programmes, you may be able to register late. The final deadline for arriving in 91直播 and registering as a student is 21 October 2024, but some programmes have earlier deadlines (for example, if your start date is earlier than 1 October 2024).