Your complete roadmap to airport pickups, registration, and settling in at Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Stepping into university life is an exhilarating milestone, and doing so against the backdrop of the Cotswolds makes it truly extraordinary. The University of Gloucestershire (UoG) is uniquely spread across three vibrant campuses in two distinct locations: Cheltenham (The Park and Francis Close Hall) and Gloucester (Oxstalls and the Gloucester City Campus). Whether you are studying business amidst the landscaped lawns of The Park, exploring humanities in the gothic, historic courtyards of Francis Close Hall, or pursuing health and sports sciences at Oxstalls, setting up your new life requires careful preparation.
This comprehensive University of Gloucestershire arrival guide is designed to steer you through those crucial first few days. From landing at a UK airport and navigating regional transport to completing your formal enrolment and diving into the social whirlwind of your first week, we have compiled everything you need to know to settle in seamlessly.
For most international students, the journey begins at one of the UK’s major aviation hubs. London Heathrow (LHR) and Birmingham Airport (BHX) are the most convenient points of entry. Navigating from these bustling hubs to the peaceful hills of Gloucestershire requires some planning.
During peak intake periods (typically September and January), the University of Gloucestershire often collaborates with regional transport partners or provides designated international arrival support. Always check the university’s official student portal in advance to see if a university-coordinated airport pickup shuttle service is operating from London Heathrow. If you book this service early, you will be met by student ambassadors who will guide you directly to a coach bound for your campus accommodation.
If you arrive outside of the designated pickup windows, traveling independently is straightforward:
Completing your university registration is your absolute priority upon arrival. This official process transitions you from a holding applicant to an active, registered student, unlocking your student ID card, campus Wi-Fi access, and library privileges.
The registration process is divided into two distinct parts:
Succeeding as an international student means establishing a secure local foundation. To make your process of settling in UK life straightforward, prioritize these three key administrative steps in your first 48 hours:
You will need a UK phone number for banking verification, accommodation access, and staying in touch with new friends. Pick up a free prepaid SIM card from the campus welcome desks or local supermarkets. Providers like giffgaff, VOXI, and EE offer flexible, contract-free monthly rolling plans specifically tailored for students.
While cash is rarely used in Gloucestershire, having a UK bank account is essential for paying rent, receiving wages from part-time work, and daily shopping. Modern app-based digital banks like Monzo and Revolut can be set up in minutes using your smartphone and your university accommodation contract. If you prefer a traditional high-street bank, branches of Lloyds, Barclays, and HSBC are located in both Cheltenham and Gloucester town centres. You will need to request a formal 'Bank Letter' via the university's student help portal to open an account with these institutions.
Do not wait until you are sick to register with a doctor. The National Health Service (NHS) provides medical care to students living in the UK. During your first week, register with a local General Practitioner (GP). Students based in Cheltenham typically register with the Cheltenham Central Surgery or Overton Park Surgery, while those in Gloucester often register with the Alney Practice near the Oxstalls campus.
The first week can be expensive as you purchase bedding, kitchen essentials, and course textbooks. Understanding the typical starting costs in Gloucestershire can help you budget effectively.
| Essential Expense | Estimated Cost | Money-Saving Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bedding & Kitchen Starter Pack | £35 - £60 | Buy at Wilko, Dunelm, or local supermarkets rather than expensive pre-packed student kits. |
| Stagecoach UniRider Bus Pass (7-Day) | £12.50 | The Stagecoach 94 bus runs 24/7 between Gloucester and Cheltenham; purchase a termly or annual UniRider pass for the best discount. |
| Weekly Groceries | £30 - £45 | Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl located in both Cheltenham and Gloucester. |
| SU Freshers Events Wristband | £20 - £45 | Only buy official tickets directly from the Gloucestershire Students' Union website to avoid scams. |
To help you keep track of all the moving parts during your arrival, use this essential checklist as you navigate your first seven days on campus.
Once the admin is out of the way, it is time to enjoy orientation week (commonly referred to as Freshers' Week). Organized by Your Students' Union (UoG SU), this week is packed with daytime fayres, campus tours, local sightseeing excursions, and nocturnal social events.
Be sure to attend the Freshers' Fayre. It is the premier opportunity to sign up for sports clubs (from competitive rugby to recreational dodgeball) and interest societies (ranging from gaming to volunteering). Engaging in these groups is the fastest way to make lifelong friends and find your community in Gloucestershire.
Starting university in a new country or city can feel overwhelming, but the supportive, community-focused environment at the University of Gloucestershire ensures you are never alone. Take things one day at a time, make use of the campus Helpzones whenever you have questions, and embrace this exciting new chapter of your life!