International Student Support Team (ISST)
The International Student Support Team (ISST) help international students with:
- Student immigration & student visas
- Travel advice during the holidays
- Relative and dependant visits
- Working in the UK during and after your studies
- General welfare support
- Settling into the UK and adapting to a new culture
Our team can also signpost students to appropriate resources for non-Student visa related enquiries. We can provide general information and links to UKVI and UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) resources.
Enrolled students
Key resources for enrolled students and all upcoming International Student Support information sessions, welcome and induction events, drop-in sessions and visa information sessions can be accessed at our International Student Support Events Calendar. Please note, you need to be logged in to your UWS Microsoft 365 account.
New international student arrivals
For new international student arrivals, please see our induction section of which contains important information about the induction events you should join at the beginning of your term at UWS.
Key resources for new international students are listed below:
Arriving in the UK:
- Accommodation Quick Guide (PDF)
- BRP and eVisa guide (PDF)
- International Student Welcome Guide (PDF)
- Living costs in the UK
- International Student Checklist
Visa Support:
- Student Visa guide from within the UK (PDF)
- Visa guide from outside the UK (PDF)
- UKVI Credibility Guide (PDF)
- VISA guide for EU students (PDF)
- Visitor VISA guide (PDF)
- Short term study Visa guide (PDF)
Please visit the UK Government website for further information and resources on Student VISAs.
Important information for all enrolled UWS student visa holders
By 2025, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders need to take action to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa to prove their rights and immigration status. Find out what you will need to do, and when, at gov.uk/evisa.
International Student Induction
We appreciate that there is a lot of information to take in as a newly arrived international student so we have organised a variety of induction events on each campus to help you settle in.
Please attend the on campus ‘International Student Support Drop In’ sessions and ‘Life in the UK’ sessions, which will give you an opportunity to ask questions. Specific campus information is detailed below and once enrolled, check the International students calendar of events.
Support drop in sessions
There are lots of people you can talk to at UWS for advice to help you adapt to your new surroundings. Pop along to the Student Hub and speak to the International Student Support team for an informal, friendly chat and get answers to your questions. Plus, find out how to access useful resources including the Welcome Guide and International Student Checklist.
Paisley Campus
Student Hub International Student Support
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays in January, 12 to 1pm
- Wednesday 15, 22 and 29 January
- Tuesday 14, 21 and 28 January
Student Hub – International Student Finance Support
- Tuesdays, 11am to 1pm
See UWS International Student Events* for up to date information on all drop in sessions which will continue on a weekly basis after September.
*link available to enrolled students only
London Campus
Export Building
Tuesdays in January from 12 to 1pm - Export building (in the library area)
Thursdays in January from 1 to 2 pm - Export building (in the library area)
See UWS International Student Events* for up to date information on all drop in sessions which will continue on a weekly basis after September.
*link available to enrolled students only
Please check your emails to find what day you are invited to campus for your school's in person induction event.
Adjust to UK Culture (Free online course)
International Students who have never lived or studied in the UK before may benefit from Managing Your Wellbeing When Studying in the UK a free online course designed to help international students adjust to UK culture and offer support and guidance to help students manage stress, tackle negative thoughts.
Life in the UK
Is this your first time living in the UK? If so, come along to this fun, interactive introduction to life in the UK online session.
Meet other new international students and understand and discuss what to expect about living, working and socialising in the UK. This is relevant to all newly arrived international students.
Online via Zoom
- Friday 24 January, 12 to 12:30pm
- Monday 27 January, 12 to 12:30pm
See UWS International Student Events* for up to date information on all online zoom sessions with joining details
*link available to enrolled students only.
Welcome to Scotland
Welcome to Scotland and celebrate Robert Burns
Student Hub, Paisley campus on Thursday 23 January, 12 TO 1:30pm
A warm welcome to all newly arrived international students. Come and experience a taste of Scotland and find out what is going on in Paisley. Discover a few fun facts about Scotland, as well as Scotland’s celebrated poet Robert Burns, whose birthday is celebrated every year on 25 January.
Introduction to Scotland
Import open area, London campus on Tuesday 21 and Thursday 23 January, 12:30 to 2pm
The International Student Support team will be running an "Intro to Scotland" event, where you can test your knowledge of Scotland and try some Scottish snacks.
Welcome to Scotland/UWS Photo competition
Open until 31 January 2025.
The theme of the competition is ‘Welcome to Scotland/UWS’, with great prizes to be won. Go for a walk, explore and get to know your local area and discover something new.
You can choose from two categories to enter:
- ‘Something new’
- 'My happy place’
What you need to do
- Entries must reach us by 5pm on Friday 31 January
- You can submit one entry for each category
- Photo: - A .jpeg or .png file in either landscape or portait
- Send your photo to internationaladvice@uws.ac.uk with ‘Photo Competition’ in the subject title
- Upload your photo to X, tag @UWS_IntSupport and use #UWSWelcome
Additional information
- 1st prize - £50 voucher
- Kilt hire prize for best themed ‘Welcome to Scotland/UWS’ photo (Scottish campus only)
- Runner-up prizes also available
- Submissions will be used by UWS on its website and social media channels and beyond to celebrate our amazing community
- For more information, visit Share point page: International Students Events
Free English language support classes for international students
Discover more information on English Language Support Information And Application 2024 to 2025.
Follow us on socials
Follow the International Student Support Team on social media for the latest information and events:
- X (Twitter): @UWS_IntSupport
- Instagram: uwsstudentservices
Getting started with your Studies
All you need to know about getting started at UWS and supporting your studies.
Last updated: 21/01/2025