Your first weeks at the University of Westminster are a mix of nerves, paperwork, and new friendships, often all on the same day. To show what that really looks like, we’ve drawn on the stories of two international students from Westminster’s own International Student Blog. We’ve also added a first-month checklist from StudyIn’s counsellors, so you can arrive prepared.
What Are the First Weeks at Westminster Really Like?
For Renata, the countdown started 100 days before her flight from Prague. She grew up in a small village in rural Czechia and was living abroad for the first time. She arrived in London in September 2024 with two overweight suitcases, feeling a mix of excitement and fear of the unknown. By the time her train pulled into the city, one thing already felt certain.
“This was the best decision I could have ever made.”
Renata, international student from Czechia, University of Westminster
Her first morning set the tone. She didn’t stay in her en-suite student room in Wembley. Instead, she went for a long walk to find the supermarkets and coffee shops that would soon become part of her routine. Getting to know her neighbourhood early helped her feel she belonged, and keeping busy eased the homesickness. By October, she was already calling London home.
How Do International Students Make Friends at Westminster?
Renata’s advice for the first weeks is simple: go everywhere and talk to everyone while everything is still new. At the International Student Welcome programme, the Vice-Chancellor told new arrivals that each of them was now part of Westminster. It was the moment she knew she was in the right place.
- Peer support: She went to every event run by her FANS (Friends of Arriving New Students). These student volunteers welcome new undergraduates and are their first point of contact.
- Trying something new: She joined an advanced British Sign Language class with no previous experience, and some people she met there are still close friends.
- Societies: The first society she found at the Students’ Union (UWSU) Welcome Fair was the European Affairs Institute. She’s now its President.
- Academic connections: Drop-in sessions with her lecturers led to roles as a Student Representative and Research Assistant.
Her classes reflected London itself, with students and lecturers from around the world and a range of views she quickly came to enjoy.
How Do Westminster Students Balance Study and Life in London?
Once the first weeks settle, the big question becomes routine. For Sara, another international student, a typical week means two to three days of lectures and seminars, usually around 12 to 16 hours in total. She spends the rest of the week on independent study, coursework, and research. UK teaching places a strong emphasis on independent learning, so managing your own time matters from week one.
- Career events: Sara took part in a Westminster session with education technology platform AmplifyMe. She managed a simulated multi-asset portfolio and earned a certificate she could add to LinkedIn.
- Community: During Ramadan, UWSU hosted an Iftar for fasting students, with music and society activities.
- Study spaces: Her favourite place to read is Regent’s Park, around five minutes’ walk from the Marylebone campus.
Her tip is to plan small activities through the week rather than waiting for the holidays, because London is part of the learning too.
“Learning happens not only in lecture halls but also in the streets.”
Sara, international student, University of Westminster
Renata’s and Sara’s experiences are adapted from the University of Westminster’s International Student Blog: My First Weeks at Westminster in London and How I Balance Study and Life in London.
What Should You Do in Your First Month at Westminster?
StudyIn’s counsellors built this checklist to cover the essentials, so the paperwork is done early and you can make the most of your first weeks.
Expert View
“Set up your UKVI account and check your eVisa before you fly, because you’ll need it at enrolment. Then book the International Student Welcome as soon as your invitation arrives. It fills your first week with people, not just paperwork.” – Rahul Chauhan, Counsellor, StudyIn.
Before You Arrive
- Create your UKVI account: Your eVisa is your digital proof of immigration status, and Westminster asks you to show it at enrolment. Set up your account before you travel.
- Book the International Student Welcome: Westminster invites international students who hold an unconditional offer and have paid their deposit. The September 2026 programme took place on 10th September at the Marylebone campus.
- Plan your first-week budget: Keep enough money accessible to cover food, travel, and essentials until your UK bank account is open.
Your First Week
- Complete enrolment: Finish online enrolment and attend your course induction, which formally makes you a Westminster student.
- Meet your FANS: If you’re a new undergraduate, your FANS are your first point of contact for campus tours, social events, and practical questions.
- Register with a GP: Your Immigration Health Surcharge gives you access to NHS care, so register with a doctor’s surgery near where you live.
Weeks Two to Four
- Open a UK bank account: Most banks will ask for your passport, proof of address, and a letter confirming your student status.
- Get your travel discount: The 18+ Student Oyster photocard saves 30% on Travelcards and bus and tram season tickets.
- Join societies and sports clubs: Sign up at the UWSU Welcome Fair, or join later through the Students’ Union website.
- Prepare to work part-time: Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time, and you’ll need a National Insurance number.
- Explore careers support: Look out for career events, guest lectures, and mentoring, and book time in Westminster’s Zone29 employability hub.
- Set your weekly routine: Plan independent study around your timetable, and leave room to explore London.
Start Your Westminster Journey With StudyIn
StudyIn has over 20 years of experience helping international students secure places at UK universities and across multiple study destinations. Our counsellors can help you apply to the University of Westminster, match you to scholarships, and guide you through financial evidence, your visa, and pre-departure planning. That means you can arrive ready to enjoy your first weeks rather than worry about them.
Our service is free from start to finish. Students and parents can book a free counselling session to plan the next step.
FAQs
What Is the International Student Welcome Programme at Westminster?
It’s a free event for new international students, held before September enrolment at the Marylebone campus. It covers living in London, protecting your Student visa, registering with a doctor, and meeting other students.
What Is an eVisa, and Do I Need It for Enrolment?
An eVisa is an online record of your UK immigration status, accessed through your UKVI account. Westminster asks international students to present it at enrolment, so create your account before travelling.
Do International Students Need to Register With the Police in the UK?
No. The UK police registration requirement for international students ended in 2022.
Can I Work During My First Weeks at Westminster?
Degree-level Student visa holders can usually work up to 20 hours a week in term time and full-time during official holidays. You’ll need a National Insurance number, which you can apply for online.
How Do International Students Make Friends at Westminster?
Attend the International Student Welcome, go to FANS and Students’ Union events, and join societies at the Welcome Fair. The first few weeks are when everyone is new, so it’s the easiest time to meet people.
