# Before you arrive

**Source**: https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/how-to-apply/before-you-arrive
**Parent**: https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/programmes

## You’ve received an offer, what next?

Applying and receiving an offer is the start of your journey to study with us, there are a few more steps you need to take before we see you on campus.

### Important things to do before you arrive

#### Confirm your offer

Pay your Confirmation Payment and return your signed acceptance form to confirm your offer. For more information on what your Confirmation Payment consists of and your payment plan please visit our [fees page](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/how-to-apply/fees).

Once you have confirmed, you will have access to our Welcome Hub with lots of useful information about preparing to study.

#### Apply for your Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is a unique reference number which confirms you have been accepted on a course of study in the UK. It is required for your Student visa application. You can apply for your CAS up to six months before your course start date (three months if you are in the UK).

a. Book and take your Readiness Check (if required)

b. Pay any fees due - check the information in your payment plan in your offer letter

c. Provide any outstanding documents - your insurance information, emergency contact details, any study gap information (if applicable), living arrangement confirmation form and previous UK Visa history (if applicable)

d. Receive your CAS preview. Sign and return it

e. Submit your financial or bank documents - you must have this money for at least 28 consecutive days. The end date of the 28-day period must be within 31 days of the date you apply for your visa.

#### Apply for your UK Student visa

Once you have received your CAS you can [apply for your visa](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/how-to-apply/visa-information) and take your UKVI interview (if required).

#### Arrange your accommodation

If you have requested accommodation on your application form, our Central Student Services Team will contact you directly regarding the options available. For September 2023 intake, there will be free coach services on selected dates from Manchester Airport to the University-managed accommodation, St. Vincent's Place (or other accommodation sites).

Should you choose to book your own accommodation, we suggest you live close to the College so you can make the most of your student experience, but your accommodation should be no more than one hour travel time from the College.

[Find out more](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/international-college/accommodation)

#### Book your travel to the UK

Receive your visa and book your travel. When booking your travel, make sure you arrive before your first day of semester, so you don’t miss our valuable induction programme. Accommodation with the International College is usually available two days before the start of semester.

#### Book your insurance

While not mandatory, we recommend that all international students have the protection of appropriate insurance for the duration of their time in the UK. The costs of not being insured can add up, becoming expensive and stressful - the last thing you want whilst studying abroad. You can choose to take out StudyCare or arrange your own cover with an alternative provider.

StudyCare has been designed in partnership with education insurance specialist, Howden, specifically to provide international students with protection and support during their studies with Study Group and, if required, after progressing to their chosen university.

Study Group is an appointed representative of Howden UK Brokers Limited and StudyCare is underwritten by Zurich, one of the largest insurers in the world. StudyCare is available in durations of  either up to 12 months and 24 months (fixed), allowing you to choose a policy duration that fits your needs.

[Find out more](https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com:443/95d47d95-36b6-00af-a24c-b886ecdfc4a2/feef00d6-8542-42d7-8f6a-9e7f18d446da/StudyCare_Information_brochure_2024_REV1.4%20DIGITAL.pdf)

#### Arrive on time

In your first week, you will take part in orientation activities and get to know the people and places around you. These normally include tours, information talks, and team games. You will receive further information when your place at the International College is confirmed.

### Important deadlines for your CAS

You must submit your CAS and have them approved by the below published deadlines, at the latest.

Please note that these CAS deadlines are based on standard visa processing times for each country. If you miss the standard CAS deadlines, you must confirm that you will use a priority visa service before the CAS is issued, otherwise you will be deferred to the next available intake.

The CAS will be issued by Study Group.

Here are three simple steps to find your deadline to be CAS ready:

1. Find your programme and start date in the left-hand column
2. Look for the country you are applying from, not your nationality. For example, if a student is from Angola but is a resident in France, then the deadline is the date above France in the table below
3. The deadline to submit your CAS will be the date above the country you are applying from.

### CAS deadlines

|  |  |  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | **Deadline to submit CAS and Country of residence** | **Deadline to submit CAS and Country of residence** | **Deadline to submit CAS and Country of residence** | **Deadline to submit CAS and Country of residence** |
| **International Foundation Year and Pre-Masters Programme**    Start date: **22****nd** **September 2025** | 29th July 2025 | 5th August 2025 | 12th August 2025 | 1st Sept 2025 |
| **International Foundation Year and Pre-Masters Programme**    Start date: **24****th** **November 2025** | 30th September 2025 | 7th October 2025 | 14th October 2025 | 3rd November 2025 |
|  | Iraq  Pakistan | Afghanistan  Algeria  Bangladesh  Egypt  India  Iran  Kuwait  Nepal  Nigeria  Qatar  Russia  Saudi Arabia  Sri Lanka  Sudan  Syria  Tanzania  Uganda  Ukraine  Vietnam  Zimbabwe | Applicable to all countries except those listed in other columns of this table. | UK |

These CAS ready deadlines are based on standard visa processing times. Later CAS deadlines may be available if you are using a Super Priority or Priority Service. Please [contact Admissions](mailto:admissions@studygroup.com) for more information.

If you are applying from a country that is not listed in the above table, then your CAS deadline will be similar to the countries with the earliest deadline (i.e. Angola, Bahrain, Brazil).

## Important things to do before you arrive

### Born in Colombia. Made in Sheffield.

A huge thing I think international people get from the College is our main group of friends. We have the same classes, we are all in a new country with a new language and new people. We have that bonding. Then that just continues on in life after university.

Federico\
International Foundation Year Science and Engineering\
BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering

### Join us on campus

Find out about studying with us at the College, how your programme will be delivered and tips for preparing to travel.

[Join us on campus](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/how-to-apply/before-you-arrive/join-us)

### Apply now

The University of Sheffield International College offers application support every step of the way. Discover today how to get support with your application.

[Join us](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/apply-now)

### Contact us

Have any questions you want answering before studying at the University of Sheffield International College? Check out these FAQs or contact us directly to find the answers.

[Enquire now](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/contact-us)

### Ready to join us?

Our student enrolment advisors are here to help with your application and answer any questions you have about studying with us.

- [Apply now](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/apply-now/apply-form)
- [Enquire now](https://usic.sheffield.ac.uk/contact-us)