You should plan to join us in person for the start date of your course, which for most students joining BU is Monday 22 September 2025 (we call that first week “Welcome Week”). Your welcome week will include important course introduction sessions and an International Orientation Day.
Your International Orientation Day will take place on Friday 26 September on Talbot Campus. Please meet in the Share Lecture Theatre in the Fusion Building on Talbot Campus at 9:00am.
9.00: Arrival and welcome (tea and coffee will be served on arrival)
Share Lecture Theatre, Fusion Building, Talbot Campus
9.45: Introduction to key support services and practical information about life in Bournemouth:
- Summary of BU support services
- Life in Bournemouth
- The NHS and registering with a doctor
- Opening a bank account
- Getting around town
- Keeping you and your money safe (Dorset Police)
- Social and extra-curricular opportunities (SUBU)
10.30: Time for your questions
10.45 – 11.25: Campus Tours
11.30: Formal welcome to BU from the Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Alison Honour
KG01, Kimmeridge House
11.45: Introduction to UK Higher Education: An essential overview of the UK academic system, how it might differ from the education system in your home country, what is expected of you as a student here and how to access support with language and study skills.
12.45: Lunch break*
- *Lunch vouchers will be provided at the end of the Intro to UK HE session. If you don't attend, you won’t be able to claim a lunch voucher.
- The lunch break also gives you an opportunity to complete your International Document Check and ID card collection if you haven’t already done so. (Staff Zone, Ground floor, Poole House).
- Please visit the Student Circus information stand on the Ground Floor of the Fusion Building to find out about how they can support you with searching for jobs.
- Write a postcard to your friends and family at home!
2.00 – 4.50: Afternoon workshops
You can choose to attend 3 out of the 5 workshops, depending on what is most useful or interesting for you. All workshops take place in the Fusion Building.
2.00 - 2.50pm:
- Culture shock and British culture (Create Lecture Theatre)
- Accommodation search tips (FG06 - Ground Floor)
- Tips for budgeting and saving money (FG04 - Ground Floor)
3.00 - 3.50pm:
- Careers support and part-time jobs (Inspire Lecture Theatre)
- Culture shock and British culture (Create Lecture Theatre)
- Academic style (FG06 - Ground Floor)
- Tips for budgeting and saving money (FG04 - Ground Floor)
4.00 - 4.50pm:
- Careers support and part-time jobs (Inspire Lecture Theatre)
- Academic style (FG06 - Ground Floor)
4.50 – 5.30: Drinks reception and closing speech: Join us on the Ground Floor of the Fusion Building for a drinks reception to celebrate the end of a successful day. Staff from faculties and professional services will be in attendance to meet you.
Afternoon workshops - Choose 3 from the following:
- Culture shock and British culture (Create Lecture Theatre)
Moving to a new country is exciting, but not always easy. Join us for some interesting discussions about British culture and how it may differ from what you expect and what you’re used to at home. We’ll give you some tips for minimising your experience of culture shock and you’ll have chance to share your observations and ask questions.
- Tips for budgeting and saving money (FG04)
Join this informative workshop for a variety of useful tips about ways to save money and plan your budget carefully.
- Careers support and how to find a part-time job (Inspire Lecture Theatre)
Find out about the many ways in which the Careers team can support you. You’ll get tips about how to search for a part-time job and information about National Insurance and immigration restrictions related to your Student Visa. Plus, we’ll tell you about other careers-related workshops, services and activities that you can access later in the term if you need to.
- Accommodation search tips (FG06)
For anyone still looking for accommodation in the Bournemouth area. This workshop will help you to understand your options (both BU halls and private accommodation) and gain valuable tips about how to avoid scams and make sure any potential accommodation is safe and provided at the right standards.
- Academic Style (FG06)
This workshop is suitable for all students and explores ways to make your writing more formal and academic. This Academic Style workshop will help you to avoid common errors of academic writing, ensure the focus of your sentence is appropriate whilst showing you how to use cautious language and write in a concise manner.
All international students starting at BU this September are expected to attend, so it will be a great opportunity to meet new students from other courses and faculties.