Once you have been accepted on to one of our courses at Edge Hill, you are bound to have lots of questions. View our pages for advice and support before you embark on life in a new country.
Preparing to move to a new country can be one of the most exciting and scariest things to do. The international student support officer will email you pre-departure to help guide you through those few weeks prior to departing your home country and moving to the UK.
We understand that you will have a lot of questions, please have a look at our international applicants webpages which provide you with lots of information to help you prepare for studying at Edge Hill.
Once you’ve been accepted onto your course the international office will send you weekly emails which will start around 6 weeks before you arrive and will cover the following:
Introduction and standard arrival dates
The Global Friends scheme and our social media links
What to bring, campus life, local area guide and term dates
International student orientation week
Airport meet and greet service and free transportation to campus
Booking your flights
We have standard international student arrival dates so new students can take advantage of our airport meet and greet service and free transportation to campus on our two international student arrival dates.
Before you book your flight please ensure you are aware when our arrival dates are, these will be emailed to you or can obtained by emailing [email protected].
When booking your flight you should ensure that you enter the UK through one of the recognised immigration points, for example, Liverpool or Manchester airports.
You should ensure that you do not book flights that travel through the Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands or Isle of Man as you will not get the correct visa stamp in your passport.
Meet and greet service
Here in the international office we want your arrival in the UK to be as stress-free as possible. This is why we will ensure someone is at the airport to meet you. They will also be able to help you with any queries you may have in the airport.
If you are arriving on one of our international student arrival dates there will be someone to meet you at the airport and show you to your free transportation which will bring to campus where staff/students will assist you to your accommodation.
If you are arriving outside of our standard arrival dates then we will be happy to book you a taxi from the airport and ensure the driver meets you when you arrive.
Alternatively you are welcome to make your own way to campus if you want to, please just let us know details of your arrival so we can ensure everything is in place for you.
Orientation week and enrolment
To help you quickly adjust to UK university life the International Office organises an orientation week for all international students. This runs from the Friday of the arrival dates until the end of the following week.
Previous events:
A welcome event in the Student Union bar with free food/drink. A great opportunity to meet other new and current students (and staff)
A free coach trip to either Conway or Chester.
Tours of the campus and Ormskirk.
A tour of Liverpool taking in the famous sights, such as Mathew Street, the birth place of The Beatles, and Liverpool One which has a huge range of shops, from high street fashion to designer stores. There is also a cinema, mini golf, bars, restaurants and plenty of other attractions.
A presentation on UK student life and the University facilities by International Office staff.
Information session on your academic programme and how the UK education system works.
Information sessions on essentials like working/volunteering whilst you study here.
Global Friends/International Society event to help you integrate and meet other students.
You will be given a printed copy of everything taking place to help you organise your first week activities. All activities will be subject to government COVID restrictions and guidelines in place at the time.
The above orientation week also runs alongside the students’ union fresher’s week and any departmental activities so there is plenty to help you integrate before you start your studies the following week.
Global friends scheme
Do you want to meet current Edge Hill University students? Make new friends? Help your integration into UK university life? Get essential information about Edge Hill and the local area before you arrive?
If you answered yes to the questions above then you should apply for the global friends scheme
Incoming international students are put in contact with a current student who will answer any questions they have before they arrive in the UK.
Once you arrive, your partner will meet up with you on a regular basis helping you to integrate and meet new UK students.
This scheme has been highly successful for previous semesters and applications are accepted on a first come first served basis.
One of the most important elements for the international office is ensuring international students have the best possible experience whilst studying at Edge Hill University, so to ensure this we have the below support in place should you feel that you need it.
Please email our international student support officer, Kay Spears at [email protected] if you have any questions or if need any support.
General student support
Alongside general queries and enquires the international office can help you with general support such as
Opening a bank account
Obtaining a letter to confirm you are enrolled as a student at Edge Hill University
Travel and country information and advice
Visa & immigration advice
Urgent phone calls to your family, home or bank back home
If you are not feeling well and want to talk to someone
Academic student support
If you are having any issues academically then your programme department will be able to arrange support for you, usually the tutors will be happy to meet with you to discuss any issues and help you. If you do not feel comfortable asking for assistance the international office will be able to help you get the assistance required from your department.
Health and wellbeing
Health
All students have access to the health and wellbeing centre which is located in Milton House, 41 Ruff Lane, which is a very short walk from the main University campus.
You do not need to book an appointment and staff are on hand to offer advice on health & wellbeing for students.
If you are studying for longer than 6 months we strongly recommend registering with a local doctors in Ormskirk. The earlier you can register, the better. There are a number of inclusive GP practices in Ormskirk with which you may wish to register:
Beacon Primary Care are a doctors surgery who allow Edge Hill Students to register by contacting them directly.
If you are a short term student, such as Study Abroad you can access the Walk-in Centre which is located on Ruff lane, about a 5 minute walk from campus.
If you have a cough, cold or headache then appropriate medication can be purchased at the McColl’s store located within The Hub on campus or locally at the pharmacy in Ormskirk.
Wellbeing Support
Our mental health and wellbeing team based within the student information centre offers support and advice to all students, in relation to any issue which may be impacting on their wellbeing. Assessments, short-term follow-up, and signposting and liaison with both internal and external teams is also provided.
The team runs a number of health promotion events throughout the academic year and can assist students with general wellbeing issues, including sexual health, diet and exercise, and drugs and alcohol advice.
Counselling
Edge Hill University offers a free counselling service to all its students. Counselling can help you with many issues relating to life and study. Speaking to a counsellor can help you find solutions to problems, make positive decisions, look for ways of coping or simply just provide a safe and confidential place to talk.
Faith and community service
The faith and community service is here to support Edge Hill University students and staff of all faiths and none. Whether you face economic crisis, family and relationship problems, or simply wish to talk to us, your multi-faith chaplains offer a confidential and non-judgemental service from a spiritual perspective. Please visit the faith and community service pages for more information.
English language support
The language centre offers English language support to students whose first language is not English. The in-sessional English language support classes focus on academic reading & writing skills, and academic speaking & listening skills. All classes are free and are available on a sign-up basis, and they are open to all international or EU students. For more information, visit the in-sessional support webpage.
Social activities
We understand that getting a cultural experience plays a large part of your decision to study in the UK, which is why during term time the international office organises free trips and events each month, previous trips and events have included:
Free coach trips to:
Manchester Christmas market
The Trafford Centre in Manchester
Conway in Wales
Chester
The Lake District
Go Karting in nearby Burscough
Free International student events:
Thanksgiving/Autumn meal
Lunar new year celebrations (which students can help at)
Diversity day
Farewell event
Spring meal
Afternoon Tea
We also encourage your ‘Global Friend’ mentors to attend international trips and events.
All activities will be subject to government COVID restrictions and guidelines in place at the time.
Students’ Union
An active Students’ Union (SU) is at the heart of the campus. It is a student-led organisation, run by students for students. When you join your programme, you will automatically become a member of Edge Hill Students’ Union. With newly developed social spaces, a packed line-up of activities and events, and an independent advisory service, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. More information about the Students’ Union can be found online or by following the student union on social media.
By international standards, the UK is a safe country, with low levels of violence and street crime, and most international students here encounter no issues at all.
However, it is essential that you are aware of any potential dangers or possible problems. By taking account of some common sense advice, you can make yourself safer and protect your family, accommodation and belongings.
If there is ever an urgent emergency then the emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) can be contacted by dialling 999 (or 9 999 from your hall phone) however this service is for emergencies only.
The British Council have produced a document on personal safety in the UK which gives essential information.
Edge Hill campus safety
Edge Hill University is a self-contained campus and we have a dedicated campus support team who look after the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If there are ever any issues (such as noise disturbances) then the campus support team can be contacted via the phones within your halls or by visiting them at the campus support gut (located by the main entrance).
Ormskirk and the North West
Ormskirk has a local police service who work very closely with the University. Locally officers regularly patrol the campus and surrounding areas.
All local areas will have a local police station and officers who can respond if there are any issues, so if you are living or visiting a bit further afield (Liverpool, Manchester) then be sure to find out where your local police station is located and how they can be contacted.
Ormskirk and the surrounding region
Ormskirk is the local historic market town which is a 10 minute walk away from campus. Most of the big banks have branches in the town and there are shops and supermarkets where you can buy most things you will need from groceries, toiletries, pharmacy items and electricals to restaurants and takeaways of all kinds including pizza and traditional fish and chips. Most shops open at 9am to 5pm although the supermarkets open earlier at 7am and close up to 10pm.
There is also an open air market each Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 4.30pm.
The Edge Link bus offers a fast and reliable service between Ormskirk and campus. This is a free service when you show your Edge Hill University card. The location of the bus stops will form part of your campus tour when you arrive.
One of the real benefits of choosing to study in a foreign country is the opportunity to experience new cultures and a different way of life.
It is a chance to meet new people from different backgrounds, make new friends from all over the world and learn about new things. The North West of England is one of the best places in the country to live and we are confident that you will settle here and feel at home.
Coming to a new country, however, can be a daunting, challenging and often stressful experience.
There can be many reasons for finding things difficult – from the language and money to the food and change to a more independent way of studying – so it is understandable if it all seems unfamiliar.
The UK council for international students have some good advice on dealing with culture shock.
Try to think of these new challenges as part of the positive experience of studying in the UK, but if there is anything you feel you would like help or advice with then do not hesitate to contact the international student support officer at [email protected].
Travel in the UK
Travelling around the UK and further afield is very easy and the international office are always happy to help you with any advice or help you might need.
By car
Taxis can be booked through the International office via the local company who we have a contract with. Booking through us helps to keep the cost lower for you.
If you would like to drive yourself in the UK then the UK council for international student affairs have further information on their website.
By rail, coach & bus
Rail, coach and bus can be a very efficient way to travel when you are on a budget.
Rail: Train tickets can be purchased in station for single local journeys (for example, Ormskirk to Liverpool) but for longer journeys across the UK, The Trainline website can be good for purchasing rail tickets in advance. The National Rail website can also help you plan journeys and is kept up to date with times and changes to schedules.
Coach: Coach can be a very inexpensive way to travel across the country, although usually the journeys can take a lot longer than train or car. Both Megabus and National Express offer good value coach tickets.
The Edge Link bus is free for students (just show the driver your student card) and this runs regularly between Ormskirk bus station and the main campus.
By air
When booking flights, Skyscanner is a useful website which compares all airlines and gives you the best price, however sometimes it can be easier to book direct with budget airlines such as EasyJet and RyanAir.
By sea
Ferries and boats are another way of travelling overseas. Services can be easily found online or the international office will be happy to help you.
At the end of your studies
Once you have completed your studies and submitted all your work you are able to return home and the international office can help you book transportation to the airport or train station.
Some students are entitled to free transportation to the local airports or train stations from Edge Hill upon departure.
You are able to stay in the UK for as long as your Visa permits you to. If you require your accommodation contract extending over the summer period please let the international office know.
Returning home
Before returning to your home country there are many practical things you will need to do to ensure any loose ends are tied up and returning home is a seamless as possible. Below is a list of some points to consider:
Book your tickets for travel as early as possible to ensure you get a flight that is convenient for you and not too expensive. Shop around for the best price, some travel agents, such as STA Travel, offer deals specifically for students.
You will probably have many more belongings now than when you arrived and may need to ship some things home.
If you have been working in the UK you may be eligible for a tax or NI refund. For more information visit HMRC website.
Inform your accommodation provider of your date of departure. If you are in private rented accommodation you will likely need to give at least one month notice, so please ensure you inform your landlord as soon as possible.
You may need to inform the following people of your departure and cancel any dealings you have with them:
Employer
Bank
Doctor/Dentist
Electricity/Gas/Water (if living off-campus)
Communication companies such as mobile phone companies
Your student’s school
For further information about returning home please read the UK Council for international student affairs information sheet.
Adjusting to life at home
Many international students find it difficult to adjust to life back in their home country, especially if they have been in the UK for a long time. Some students face ‘reverse culture shock’ and find it difficult to adapt to life in their home country. For more information on how to help yourself overcome culture shock please visit UKCISA culture shock information sheet.
Graduation
After all the hard work and studying you can finally relax and celebrate your success at your graduation ceremony. All students who wish to attend a graduation ceremony will need to register their attendance and hire robes for the event.
If you would like to attend your graduation then you need to register in advance to ensure you get a place.
Academic registry will send information regarding your ceremony to student’s home address several weeks prior to the event. International students who have home addresses abroad may wish to check the home address which Edge Hill holds for you on your student profile through the GO portal. If the postal service to your home country is slow you may wish to inform academic registry of a different address so you get the information pack in time and do not miss the deadline for registration.
Using your degree
You have studied hard whilst at university and you will be looking forward to using the skills and qualifications gained at Edge Hill in your future life. Careers at EHU is here to help both current students and recent graduates find their perfect job and help point them in the right direction.
Careers offer advice and guidance up to 3 years after graduation via in-person or virtual meetings, or online via their ‘Ask a Question’ service.
Future study
We regularly have international students who decide to either extend their studies with us, or decide they would like to come back in the future.
The International office is happy to speak to students, whether this is assisting them with the application process, arranging a meeting with the subject department or discussing our competitive scholarships options.
If you would like to speak to us about this please contact us on [email protected].
