Welcome to BU

We would like to offer a very warm welcome to you. You are joining a successful and vibrant modern institution, with ambitious plans based on our powerful concept of Fusion. This brings together research, education and practice, creating a unique staff and student experience where the sum is greater than the component parts. Through Fusion, we support our staff to think differently and find solutions – whether it is a way of enhancing the degrees we offer, developing an exciting new direction for research or engaging with the local community to develop their passion and knowledge for a particular subject.

We benefit from a wonderful location; famous for its seven-mile stretch of award-winning sandy beaches, Bournemouth is quite simply one of the most stunning coastal towns in the country. 

There will be a lot to do in order to move to the UK. To help, we have created this International Staff section of the website. If having read all the guidance, you have any queries about moving to Bournemouth, starting at BU or require assistance with your visa, please contact HR Services via email or phone +44 (0) 1202 961133. 

When you first arrive in Bournemouth there are a number of important steps for you to take, some of which we suggest you do in a certain order. For instance, in order to open a bank account, you will need to show your passport and a proof of residence, such as a local rental contract or council tax or utility bill with your name and current local address. If you would like a mobile phone contract or other utility services, you will need a bank account. 

Here are the most important things to do when you arrive and a suggested order to complete the tasks in:

  1. Organise travel to the UK and to BU, including driving in the UK.
  2. Obtain a share code via the Home Office view and prove service and send this to Human Resources (if applicable). If you have been issued with an entry clearance vignette in your passport you must also visit Human Resources to provide this prior to a starting work.    
  3. Find somewhere to live
  4. Organise your finances
  5. Arrange mobile phone and household utilities
  6. Register with a local Doctor