Getting started

Think you have to navigate this alone? Think again.

Starting university can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. Explore the resources and events below to start your journey and get ready for life at UEL.


Still have questions?

Visit our FAQs page for answers to common questions about starting at UEL.

Explore our getting started FAQs

Your enrolment checklist

Enrol

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.

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.

Access your UEL account

Before you can complete online enrolment, log in to your UEL account using your temporary password. You will be prompted to create a new password before continuing.

Your new password must include:

  • at least 8 characters
  • a mix of upper and lower case letters
  • at least one number or special character (for example, #)

Once you have changed your password, you can continue with online enrolment.

Need help logging in?

If you need help, watch our step-by-step video or visit our enrolment information page to see how to reset your password and log in for the first time.

Not received your email? Don’t forget to check your junk emails and add these email addresses to your safe sender's list:

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Having problems with multi-factor authentication?

Complete your online enrolment, including your right to study checks, before your course begins.

How to enrol

Now that your student account is set up, you can complete your enrolment at the University of East London.

Enrolment includes: 

  • Confirming your personal details
  • Paying your tuition fees
  • Agreeing to the terms and conditions of your course
  • Log in to UEL Direct and select the enrolment button on the homepage to begin.

How to use the enrolment system

  • Click Save and Proceed to move to the next section
  • Click Back to return to the previous page
  • Fields marked with [*] are compulsory
  • Click the [?] icon for help with a specific field

For more guidance, visit the enrolment information page.

Need help?

Contact The Student Hub on 0208 223 4444, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

You can also log an enquiry on My Portal using your UEL student account details.

After enrolment

Once enrolled, you must set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to continue accessing UEL's online services.

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.

Request your ID card

Register for support

You may have received an email reminder to register for disability support.

If not, please get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia Team to register for support.

You can book an appointment by contacting The Hub on 0208 223 4444 or by emailing the team on ddac@uel.ac.uk and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Download the Track My Future app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

The app gives you quick access to the tools and information you need during your studies, including:

  • your student email
  • your timetable
  • the latest student news
  • library services
  • course information

Use it to manage your UEL experience from getting started through to graduation

Use Track My Future in your web browser

You can also use Track My Future in your web browser. You will need to log in with your UEL IT account. For step-by-step support, visit the Track My Future guidance page or view the app in your web browser now (requires login with UEL IT Account).

*This can be done on any device, but for the best experience, we recommend using a desktop or laptop if you have access to one.

Prepare

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 and details of your course team.

Log in to your UEL account to view your course page and get started.

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.

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

Welcome+

The Welcome+ programme includes events you can attend during the Welcome period and throughout the academic year. 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.

Welcome and Orientation Events

  • Kickstarter

    Join our free virtual Kickstarter programme in September 2026, and equip yourself with essential knowledge for a smooth transition to university life.

  • Welcome Fest 2026

    Mark your calendars for Monday, 21 Sept 2026 and join us at UEL's Docklands Campus (East Building and Main Square) for Welcome Fest – the essential start to your university journey!

  • Course Orientations - Mandatory

    Course Orientation is mandatory and will take place from Tuesday 22/09/2026 to Friday 25/09/2026.

  • 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.

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.

Three male students sat on the grass with Tower Bridge in the background

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. 

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 22/09/2026 to Friday 25/09/2026.

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

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.

Resources for new students

Starting university is a thrilling step. Here you'll find essential academic skills every student should master, along with valuable resources to help you get ready before your first day.

  • 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 SMART team have gathered helpful funding information for you.

  • 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.

  • Access a Student Oyster card

    Many students can apply for discounted travel using a Student Oyster Card, depending on the eligibility criteria set by TfL.. Apply for a Student Oyster card to reduce your transport costs in London.

  • International student arrival guide

    Find everything you need to know about preparing for your studies and settling into life at UEL.

Travelling 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.

Exploring 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.

Build your skills

Build your skills with these resources. Did you know? All UEL students have free access to LinkedIn Learning.

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.

Time management

Research and reading

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. 

What digital training is available for me?

We 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.

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.

Learn more about Microsoft Office 365

Useful links