Planning for university life: Accommodation, finance, visas and the start of term

Starting at university is an exciting time and requires quite a bit of pre-planning. Here is our guide to the key things to think about before starting life at university.
 
Accommodation & Finance  
Before starting university you will need to confirm your accommodation and finances. For more information about City University London accommodation, please click on the following link: http://www.city.ac.uk/study-at-city/undergraduate/accommodation/halls-of-residence or call +44 (0)20 7040 7040.

It is best to apply for loans and bursaries early to ensure that any money available to you is ready for the start of term. You should also set up a bank account.

Further information:
Home applicants: http://www.slc.co.uk/  
EU applicants: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/StudentsFromOtherEUCountries/index.htm
International applicants: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/fees_student_support.php

If you have been sent a Fee Status Questionnaire by the University it is very important that you complete and return this as any delay in doing so will prevent you from completing your registration at the start of term.

Registration and Tuition Fees  
During the summer all Unconditional Firm applicants will receive an email from City University inviting them to register online. Please note you will not be sent this email until you have an Unconditional Firm offer.

All registration for 2012 entry should be completed online before joining City. The registration process includes confirming your contact and course details, and paying your tuition fees.

You have the option of paying your first year tuition fee in full, or to pay 50% and set up an instalment agreement whereby you pay the remaining 50% on a set date during the academic year. The 2012 tuition fee will be £9,000 for Home and EU students and £12,500 for International and ELQ students.

Further information on fees is available at:
http://www.city.ac.uk/finance/student_info/payingfees.html

Student visas  
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) numbers will be issued for all Unconditional Firm International applicants. These are produced by the University electronically and sent directly to the UK Border Agency. You will need to include this information when you make your visa application.

International applicants holding an Unconditional Firm offer will receive an email from the University explaining how to apply for a CAS number. Once this is has been completed you will receive an electronic CAS statement by email, which will include your unique CAS number.

For further information about obtaining a visa, please go to the following link: 
http://www.city.ac.uk/international/international-students/international-student-advice/before-you-leave-home/obtaining-a-visa

If you have an enquiry about your CAS number please contact our Central Admissions Office at: ugadmissions@city.ac.uk.

Start of term and Pre-sessional Maths dates  
The first day of term will be Monday 24 September. The first week is known as Induction Week during which you will be expected to attend various introductory sessions to learn more about your course, as well as social events to meet other students at Cass and collect your university ID card. Formal teaching starts from Monday 1 October.

If you have registered for the Pre-sessional Maths course this will take place from Wednesday 12 September until Friday 21 September.

2013 Deferrals  
If you have applied for deferred 2013 entry you will continue to receive the Cass post offer newsletter from January next year, and will be sent information on the start of term and registration during summer 2013. You are also welcome to contact the team for any queries you might have about your offer at cassug@city.ac.uk.