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

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 are joining us in September, you will receive your ID card in one of two ways:

  • By post, if you have a UK home address and complete Online Registration before Monday 7 September.
  • From the Welcome Registration Hub if your home address is out of the UK and/or you require a Right to Study check, or you complete Online Registration after Monday 7 September.

Students starting at other times of the year can request their ID card online.

  • Visiting the Welcome Registration Hub

    The Welcome Registration Hub will be based in a big marquee (tent) on the Green Heart, next to the Main Library. It will open from Arrivals Weekend and throughout Welcome to help you complete necessary tasks. Students who require a Right to Study check will be directed to book an appointment to complete the final stage of the check and receive your student ID card. UK students who do not require a Right to Study check do not need to book an appointment.

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.