Starting
Starting
Welcome to UEL!
You're about to join a careers-led university that will prepare you for the jobs of the future.
You will become part of our vibrant student community which is diverse, inclusive, passionate and creative. Think you’re joining an ordinary university? Think again. Here at UEL, we have an extraordinary Mental Wealth and Professional Fitness programme which is delivered as part of your degree to help you acquire the practical skills that you can actually apply in your future career, alongside your degree knowledge.
At UEL we have an integrated support system that helps you achieve your goals, that includes access to industry and employers and opportunities to gain valuable work experience through our dedicated Career Zone, coupled with an extensive range of student support services.
Of course, your university experience wouldn’t be complete without a little fun! We host jam-packed calendar of extra-curricular activities and events that nurture your well-being, bring you new and exciting experiences that will help you make memories that last a lifetime.
You'll graduate among alumni who have built businesses, fought for change, smashed glass ceilings, saved lives and led by example Now let’s get you started…
Start your student journey
Pre-arrival checklist
1. Check your email for your invite to enrol and set up your account
Before you can complete online enrolment, you will need to log on to your UEL account using the temporary password. You will be asked to choose a new password before you can complete online enrolment.
When choosing your new password, please make sure it has:
- at least 8 characters
- a mix of upper and lower case
- at least one number OR special character such as #
If you need help, watch our step-by-step video or visit our Password information page to see how to reset your password and log in for the first time.
Once you have successfully changed your password you will be able to complete online enrolment.
Not received your email? Don’t forget to check your junk emails and add these email addresses to your safe senders list:
2. Complete Online Enrolment
With your student account setup, it's now time to officially become a student of the University of East London! Enrolment involves confirmation of your details, paying your tuition fees, and agreeing to the terms and conditions for your course of study.
Log in to UEL Direct, and click on the enrolment button on the homepage to begin online enrolment.
- To move through each section, click 'Save and Proceed'
- To move back a stage, click 'Back'
- Fields marked with [*] are compulsory.
- You can click the [?] symbol at any point for more details about a particular field.
You can also contact The Student Hub at +44 (0)20 8223 4444, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, or log an enquiry on My Portal using your UEL student account details.
After you have enrolled, you will need to set up something called Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to continue accessing our online services.
You will need to have completed stage 2 to access your dedicated pre-arrival course pages via launchpad – see point 6
3. Apply for On-Campus Accommodation
Situated on the waterfront at our Docklands Campus, our modern accommodation halls are close to teaching buildings, our sport and fitness facilities, the library, student services and fun social activities. There are excellent public transport links to help you explore the local area and more of London, plus a free and convenient inter-campus bus service to Stratford and USS Campuses. Our Halls have a 24/7 Security Reception who keep our buildings safe, plus we have a dedicated Residential Life team who are there to help you settle in and make the most of your time living on campus.
More details about room types, pricing and how to apply for Halls can be found on our accommodation pages.
4. Download the Track my Future app
Visit the Apple Store or Google Play Store to download the Track My Future UEL app. The app gives you access to everything you need to succeed in your studies, from getting started, to accessing your emails, timetable, all the latest student news, library services and course information. Get acquainted with your mobile UEL experience today.
5. Events to help you prepare before you arrive
Before you start you are required to join us for a virtual pre-arrival event on Thursday 22 August 11am - 3pm and for our virtual Kickstarter programme from Monday 9 September to Wednesday 11 September 2024.
These unmissable events will give you the chance to find out more about university life, and our approach to teaching, offer visa and compliance advice, provide enrolment support and prepare you for your course orientation.
If you're an international student, you're also invited to attend the International Orientation on Wednesday 18 September 2024 at our Docklands campus.
Access our undergraduate, postgraduate and international student handbooks which are full of useful information to help you prepare for university life.
6. Prepare to meet your course leader
Course Orientations are for all students and they are mandatory for you to attend.
Each course has a different course orientation day. To find out when yours is, visit our dedicated page.
Your Course Orientations are welcome sessions led by your course leaders. During these sessions, you'll meet your classmates, and your instructors, and have a chance to learn about some important resources you'll need during your studies. These sessions are really important for you and will help you get off to the right start.
To access launchpad you will need to have completed your enrolment (see point 2) and be logged into your UEL account.
7. Need help and not sure who to ask?
Start with the Student Hub
The Student Hub is your first point of contact for all queries. They can help get your questions answered right away or connect you with the department that can help you.
Helpdesk Operating Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 to 17:00 (excluding bank holidays).
In person
- Docklands / East Building
- Stratford / University House
- USS / Lobby
By Phone
You can also dial us on +44 (0)20 8223 4444
Telephone Line Operating Hours: Between Monday - Thursday 09:00 - 16:45 and Friday (09:00 - 15:45) excluding bank holidays.
8. Everything you need to know, in one place - your dedicated Welcome and Orientation Course Handbook
Any new experience can be difficult to navigate, that's why we've created dedicated handbooks for undergraduates, postgraduates, and nursing students to help you navigate your university experience.
These handbooks contain key pieces of information such as How to study at University, term dates, course information, a glossary of terms we use at UEL (Jargon Buster) and key contacts. You can access the handbooks on our welcome pack page. The page also repeats useful information on this site so you do not have to keep returning to this starting page.
Key activities
Starting university is an exciting time but we understand that you may have a lot of questions before you begin. From how your course will be taught, what it’s like to live in London or the UK (if you’re an international student), what wellbeing support is available, to what technology and platforms you will need. We have a range of new starter events that are mandatory for you to attend as they are designed to answer all your questions, leaving you feeling confident and eager experience UEL!
Pre-Arrival Event (Online)
Thursday 22 August 2024
Time: 11:00 – 15:00 (UK Time)
This exciting event will give you the opportunity to hear directly from your school on how to prepare for your studies at UEL and everything you need to know before you set foot on campus.
In this event you will be able to:
- Get classroom ready
- Learn about UK immigration rules
- Discover student and campus life
- Get tips on how to prepare for a successful transition into the university
- Discover work and placement opportunities
- Chat with our friendly staff
- Network with your peers
Kickstarter Programme (Online)
Monday, 9 September 2024 – Wednesday, 11 September 2024
Time: 10:00am – 3:30pm (UK Time)
Register here.
The Kickstarter Programme runs over three days and offers a range of sessions from up-skilling digital competencies, immigration rules, library services and lots more! This comprehensive programme will give you the opportunity to:
- Learn about UK immigration rules
- Discover student and campus life
- Get tips on how to prepare for a successful transition into the university
- Discover work and placement opportunities
- Chat with our friendly staff
- Network with your peers
International orientation (In-person, on Docklands Campus)
Wednesday 18 September
Time: 08:30am – 5:00pm
This is an event dedicated to welcoming our international students, providing you with an opportunity to meet your peers in a social environment, hear about programmes relevant to you as an international student studying in the UK, and get access to off campus services to help you settle into life in the UK and at UEL.
Check the Track My Future App and your emails for more details close to the time.
Your course orientation
Your course orientation is your chance to meet your course leader and fellow classmates face-to-face before teaching commences. Your course leader will tell you what to expect from your studies and can answer any questions you may have about your studies. This is undoubtedly one of the most important new starter events as it will set you up for a successful start.
Your course orientation takes place on campus from Monday 23 September, however there are a few courses that will host their course welcome before this date. Please check your course information page to find out when and where your course welcome takes place, so you don’t miss it!
From your course information page you will also be able to access your course handbook and materials as well as any pre-arrival tasks set by your course leader.
Welcome Week – a chance to explore and experience UEL
Before you get busy with your studies, we want to give you a chance to explore everything that UEL has to offer! During Welcome Week, from Monday 23 September, you can take part in activities and events that give you a flavour of all the extra-curricular programmes, social events, clubs and experiences that you can be a part of to make your university experience, one to remember!
During this week you can also access support and advice and our helpful staff will be on hand to point you in the right direction.
Meet your Students’ Union
As a member of the UEL student community you will become a member of the UEL Students' Union and invited to attend our SU Fair during Welcome Week. Come along to discover everything we offer, from clubs and societies, to how you can represent your fellow students and put forward your views.
We have something for everyone, whether it's films, dancing, coffee mornings, cooking classes, meditation, comedy nights or a good old quiz night!
Visit the Students' Union website to find out all about us and discover what’s on.