Getting started
UEL Ready
Enrol
Apply for student finance
Apply for student finance as early as possible to ensure your funding is in place before your course starts.
Submitting your application early helps you avoid delays and gives you time to provide any additional information if needed.
Watch our student finance application video guide for step-by-step advice.
Set up your UEL account
Check your email for your enrolment invitation and follow the instructions to set up your UEL account.
You need your UEL account to complete enrolment and to log in to our online systems and learning resources.
Complete your online enrolment
Complete your online enrolment, including your right to study checks, before your course begins.
Request your student ID Card
After you accept your unconditional offer, you will receive an email inviting you to register with the ID Card Portal.
Register using your personal email address, create a password and follow the instructions to submit your application. Apply as soon as possible.
If your ID card has not arrived before the term starts, continue attending classes in person. Your attendance will still be monitored.
Access Disability Support
You may have received an email reminder to register for disability support.
Download our App
Download our Track My Future app.
Prepare
Check out your course pages
After you accept your offer and set up your UEL account, you can access your course page.
Your course page includes:
- information about your course orientation
- your course handbook
- details of your course team
Log in to your UEL account to view your course page and get started.
Find a place to live
Moving to London for your studies?
We have resources to help you find accommodation, whether you plan to live on campus or off campus.
Explore your accommodation options and find the right place for you.
Register for our pre-arrival webinar: Kickstarter!
Kickstarter Programme
Get ready for university at our free virtual Kickstarter programme on 14 May 2026. This session will help you prepare for a smooth transition to university life.
Date: Thursday 14th May 2026
Time: 11am - 4pm (UK time)
Register now
What you will learn
You will gain practical guidance on:
- preparing for university-level study
- understanding your academic journey within your school
- visa requirements, banking and fraud awareness (for international students)
- housing and travel
- managing your finances
- completing enrolment tasks
Student handbooks and guides
These guides will help you understand study and campus life at the University of East London.
You can download each handbook to your computer or view it online.
Accessibility and alternative formats
If using a screen reader or other assistive technology, open the documents in Adobe Acrobat Reader or DC for the best experience.
If you need an alternative format, such as large print or braille, complete our request form. We will respond within 5 working days.
Download your handbook
Check out our pre-arrival digital and academic skills resources
Explore our tips to help you strengthen your digital and academic skills before you arrive at UEL.
Engage
Attend Welcome Fest
Welcome Fest marks the start of your university journey at the University of East London.
Date: Tuesday 26th May 2026
Time: 8:30am -5pm
Location: Docklands Campus
Registration now
This event brings together your Welcome Ceremony and Welcome Fair in one experience, helping you connect, access support and settle into life at UEL.
Welcome Ceremony
There will be no welcome ceremony. This is replaced by themed talks.
These interactive talks will be hosted by different services and stakeholders across the university. Students will be provided with valuable information and support to facilitate a smooth and enjoyable start to their university journey.
Welcome Fair
The Welcome Fair is a combined expo and Freshers' Fair, hosted in the event marquee and East Building Atrium.
You can:
- Find your community: Meet other students and make connections
- Access support services: Learn about academic and wellbeing support
- Build your network: Connect with community partners and local organisations
- Take part in activities: Take a break and participate in fun activities like games, competitions and workshops
- Enjoy free food and giveaways: Food trucks and student offers will be available
- Compete for prizes: Join activities throughout the day for a chance to win
Book your free ticket
Book your free Welcome Fest ticket for Monday 19 January 2026, and start building the connections and knowledge you need for your studies at UEL.
Bookmark your course orientation date
Course Orientation is mandatory and will take place from Tuesday 26/05/2026 to Friday 29/05/2026.
Welcome+
The Welcome+ programme includes events you can attend during the Welcome period and throughout the academic year.
New events will be added each month. Visit the Welcome+ events page regularly to see what's coming up and book your place.
Pre-arrival events
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Kickstarter
Join our free virtual Kickstarter programme on Thursday 14 May , 2026, and equip yourself with essential knowledge for a smooth transition to university life.
Welcome and Orientation Events
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Welcome Fest 2026
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 26 May, 2026 and join us at UEL's Docklands Campus (East Building and Main Square) for Welcome Fest – the essential start to your university journey!
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Course Orientations - Mandatory
Course Orientation is mandatory and will take place from Tuesday 26/05/2026 to Friday 29/05/2026.
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Extended Welcome
Our programme is chock full of events and resources that will allow you to learn even more about UEL, meet your fellow students, and expand your skills. The details will be sent to your UEL email.
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Active Campus
Active Campus offers a range of free activities to keep you moving throughout the whole year. Check out our timetable and start planning which activities you’d like to try.
The UEL Ready Programme
Think you have to navigate this alone? Think again.
This is your journey, but we’re here to help.
Starting university can feel overwhelming. You are not alone.
The UEL Ready programme offers self-guided resources and facilitated events to help you prepare for:
- finding accommodation
- making friends and building your network
- developing your digital and academic skills
- exploring our virtual campus tours
- preparing for life in London
- university-level study
- your future career
Explore the resources and events below to start your journey and get ready for life at UEL.
London ready
Preparing for your arrival
Moving to London for your studies can feel overwhelming. Use the resources below to help you plan ahead and manage student life more easily.
Finding a place to live
If you are moving to London for your studies, you will need to arrange accommodation.
We offer resources to help you find housing, whether you choose to live on campus or off campus.
Living close to campus can make it easier to attend classes and take part in co- and extracurricular activities available throughout the year.
On-campus accommodation
We are one of the few universities in London to offer on-campus accommodation. Our waterfront Halls of Residence provide:
- convenient access to campus
- secure and comfortable living
- opportunities to live, learn and connect with other students.
Explore your accommodation options to find the right place for you.
Travelling to and around the city
Landing in London
There are six major airports in London. The estimated travel times to Docklands campus are listed below:
- London City - 20 minutes
- London Gatwick - 1 hour 30 minutes
- London Heathrow - 1 hour 10 minutes
- London Luton - 1 hour 40 minutes
- London Southend - 1 hour 35 minutes
- London Stansted - 1 hour 40 minutes
London City Airport is the closest airport to UEL’s Docklands Campus. London Gatwick and London Heathrow are two of the most commonly used airports for new international student arrivals.
Plan your journey from the airport to campus to make your arrival as smooth as possible.
Public transport
Transport for London (TfL) operates London's public transport network, including buses, trains, trams and taxis.
Many students can apply for discounted travel using a Student Oyster Card, depending on the eligibility criteria set by TfL.
Check your eligibility and apply for a Student Oyster card before you travel to reduce your transport costs in London.
Are you an international student?
Check out our International Student Arrival Guide.
Register with a GP
In the UK, your family doctor is called a general practitioner (GP).
Students can access healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), depending on their eligibility and visa status.
Register with a GP practice near your accommodation as soon as possible. This will make it easier to access medical appointments, prescriptions and other healthcare services when you need them.
Search for a local GP practice on the NHS website and complete the registration process before you arrive, if possible.
Explore the city
Living and studying in London gives you access to a wide range of cultural, social and entertainment opportunities.
Take time to explore different neighbourhoods, visit iconic landmarks and experience the West End. There is plenty to discover across the city.
Use the resources below to plan your time in London:
- Student Life Trips - organised trips and activities for students
- Secret London - guides to events, attractions and hidden spots
- Time Out London - recommendations for things to do, eat and see
- Bus Tours - guided sightseeing tours across London
- The Barbican - arts centre hosting music, theatre and exhibitions
- Southbank Centre - cultural venue for performances and festivals
- Borough Market - historic food market
- Brick Lane - destination for food, markets and street art
Course ready
Getting ready to start your course
Welcome to the beginning of your studies at UEL.
Your course page and your course orientation are essential for a smooth transition into university study.
Check your course page for key information and attend your course orientation to make sure you are fully prepared.
Course pages
After you accept your offer and set up your UEL account, you can access your course page.
Your course page includes:
- information about your course orientation,
- your course handbook
- details of your course team
Log in to your UEL account to view your course page and prepare for your start at UEL.
Course orientations
Course Orientation is mandatory and will take place from Tuesday 26/05/2026 to Friday 29/05/2026.
Uni ready
Preparing for university-level study
Whether you are starting university for the first time, joining us after your first degree, or returning after time in work, we have resources to help you prepare.
Use these materials to:
- refresh your existing skills
- develop new ones
- familiarise yourself with UEL-specific learning tools
Explore the resources below to get ready for university-level study.
Student handbooks and guides
These handbooks and guides will support you throughout your studies.
General student handbooks and guides
You can download these guides to your computer or view them online.
If using a screen reader or other assistive technology, open the files in Adobe Acrobat Reader or DC for the best experience.
If you need an alternative format such as large print or braille, please fill out our request form. We will respond within 5 working days.
Available guides:
Course handbooks
Your course handbook is available on your course pre-arrival pages.
Module guides
Module guides are available on Moodle, our online learning space (virtual learning environment). You can learn how to use Moodle in our IT Induction - see our Digital Skills section below.
Funding your studies
It's important to consider how you'll fund your studies and how you'll manage your finances and payments throughout.
Our Student Money Advice and Rights Team (SMART) have gathered helpful funding information for you.
Academic Skills
Coming to university is an exciting experience. Here are some key academic skills that university students need to know and utilise, and some resources that you can explore and to help you brush up on them before you arrive.
| Academic skills | |
|---|---|
| Skill | Courses and Resources |
| Time management | Microsoft Outlook - Basics |
| Notion Basics - Super easy crash course | |
| Microsoft OneNote Training | |
| Research and reading | Information Skills Self Assessment |
| How to conduct a literature search (YouTube playlist) | |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guide | |
| What is plagiarism? (video) | |
| Subject specific guides with information on how to use resources | |
Digital Skills
At the University of East London, we have a number of digital tools and platforms that will help you while you’re studying.
Our Student IT Induction module and IT induction site will walk you through many of them, but here’s a list of some of these tools with guides on how to use them.
Helpful links
Check your tech!
University level study requires access to a variety of tools and resources such as Microsoft 365, a laptop, internet, and a mobile device.
Learn more about the basic tech requirements and other important IT information for university study.
Microsoft Office
All students have access to Microsoft Office 365 tools.
You can learn more about what you have access to and how to use it by accessing the link below.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is an online skills development service offering an extensive library of high-quality video tutorials in digital, technology, creative and business skills. All UEL students and staff are offered unlimited access to the service to help you to achieve personal and professional goals. LinkedIn Learning has over 16,000 courses (made up of quick bite videos), available in seven different languages, so there is something for everyone.
How to Sign In
- Go to LinkedIn Learning, either via Moodle (go to Student Links) or by accessing LinkedIn Learning.
- Click Sign in, then enter your UEL email (username@uel.ac.uk) and click Continue.
- Click 'Continue to University of East London'.
- Sign in with your UEL email (username@uel.ac.uk) and password. You may need to verify your identity using Multi Factor Authentication as you do with other services at UEL.
- Follow the steps to choose preferences that will help you get the most from the platform (topics of interest, weekly learning goal and connection to your personal LinkedIn profile). Note that you can change your preferences at any time via your LinkedIn Learning profile.
Digital Training Tools
What Digital training is available for me?
IT Services - Digital Training offer a number of online IT learning resources, from Office 365 and Adobe products to Turnitin and Timetables. The resources are pulled from a combination of UEL specific content, Microsoft Learning Pathways and Linkedin Learning, along with other material supplied by our software suppliers.
Help with learning technology
The Edu-Tech drop-in service is available for students who wish to speak to an expert about using technology to support them with studying, learning, or teaching. If you require help on a specific topic related to learning technology, e.g. Microsoft 365, assistive technology and mobile apps, access the EDU-Tech Drop-in page to request a one to one session.