Select campus:UKDubai
University of Birmingham
Menu
A staff member sat behind a computer holds up a student ID card looking at it

Essential tasks for new students

There are a few essential administrative tasks that you should complete before you start your studies with us.
A staff member sat behind a computer holds up a student ID card looking at it

  • Welcome checklist

    To help you keep track of your pre-arrival tasks we have created a handy checklist!

Online Registration

Your first step is to complete Online Registration as soon as you're asked to. Online Registration is your official enrolment with the University, and is what makes you a student here.

It opens in June for the following academic year - you'll receive an email once you're eligible to complete it. This is usually once you've met any conditions of your offer, such as A Level results for undergraduates or degree results for postgraduate study.

If you are starting a programme in January, or any other time during the academic year, you will be asked to complete Online Registration as soon as you are eligible.

You'll be asked to:

Complete Online Registration

Help and support with Online Registration

Having trouble logging in? Make sure you are using your student username, which is made up of letters and numbers (e.g. ABC123). Do not use your student email address.

If you are having difficulty with completing Online Registration, our Student Help pages offer answers to a range of frequently asked questions. You can also contact the Online Registration Helpline by selecting 'Contact Us' at the bottom of any question on Student Help, which will create an email enquiry.

If you're having any problems with your username and password, contact the IT Service Desk for support.

Alternative arrangements can be made for students who can't access Online Registration due to a disability. Please contact the Aston Webb Student Hub on +44 (0)121 414 5130 or submit an email enquiry via Student Help.

Getting your student ID card

Once you've completed your Online Registration, you'll be eligible to get your student ID card. You'll need this to access buildings and services. Your student ID card proves that you are a student at the University and gives you access to buildings and services including Student Living Plus and the Library.

  • If you started your programme in September and have not yet received your student ID card, you will need to visit the Aston Webb Student Hub from Monday 5 October onwards.
  • International students requiring a Right to Study check will receive an ID card when you complete the final step of the check in-person at the Aston Webb Student Hub.
  • Students starting at other times of the year or who are distance learners can request their ID card online.

  • Visiting the Welcome Registration Hub

    The Welcome Registration Hub has now closed for 2026. Services resume in the Aston Webb Student Hub from Monday 5 September. We expect the Hub to be busier than usual from 5-9 October, so please allow plenty of time for your visit to collect an ID card or complete your Right to Study check.

    Visit the Aston Webb Student Hub

Proof of Study (student status) letters

A proof of study letter confirms your student status at the University, for example to be used when opening a student bank account or applying for council tax exemption. Both new and returning students can view, download and share these online.

Find out how to access letters

Using your ID card

Not only does your ID card give you access to the buildings on our beautiful campus, but it also allows you to take out library books and more. Keep watching to find out what your ID card can do for you!

Find out how to make the most of your ID card with our Student Content Shapers, May and Robin.

Additional tasks for international students

There are a couple of extra steps to complete as an international student, but we are here to support you. Find out what you need to do and start preparing before you leave for Birmingham.

  • My Right to Study

    If you are a student who requires immigration permissions to be in the UK, the University is required by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to check your Right to Study. My Right to Study is a simple process which allows you to upload documents as you receive them, so our International Student Team can check and confirm them. You'll then complete your final check at an in-person appointment. You'll receive an email when you can start the process.

    My Right to Study

  • Setting up a UK bank account

    International students studying in the UK for more than six months need to set up a UK based bank account.

    Having a bank account here in the UK will allow you to manage your money more easily including setting up direct debits for bills and getting paid for any work that you do. Opening an account can take time so try and do this as soon as you can (and make sure you have access to any money you'll need during this time).

    How to set up a UK bank account

  • Ready to move on?

    Once you've sorted the essentials, it's time to get prepared and set up ready to join us.