Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

Before you arrive: information for international students

We'd like to extend a very warm welcome to our students from all over the world!

The first thing you must do is complete your ARU registration online. You'll only be able to access your teaching timetable after you have registered. So, the earlier you register the earlier you will receive your timetable. You'll receive your unique username and password around four weeks before you start your studies.

You can then come to our information centre, known as the iCentre, to collect your ARU ID card. All international students in the UK must have an ARU ID card. Remember to bring your passport with you as ID.

When you have arrived in the UK, please let us know by emailing [email protected] and we can check in with you and answer any questions you may have.

Biometric Residence Permit Collection (student visa holders only)

If you chose to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from ARU (recommended) you can collect your BRP (your new visa) from the iCentre. Don’t worry we will keep your BRP safe until you can come to collect it.

All international and EU students

There is lots of help, support and advice available to all our international and EU students. Once you have registered do visit our My ARU (student intranet) pages for international students to read our International Handbook, find information on opening a bank account in the UK, registering with our health service and advice on working entitlements and student visas.

The International Office will be open Monday-Friday 9.00-16.30 if you have any questions, or you can email [email protected]

Preparing for your studies

At ARU we understand that it can take time to get used to the way we teach in the UK. Once you arrive we can help with your English Language as we offer free English classes as well as advice on study techniques via our ‘Study Skills Plus’ sessions offered by Student and Library Services.

Doing some preparation before you arrive will help you adapt quicker to your course. You can visit websites such as prepareforsuccess.org.uk; these self-access materials can help you refresh your English language and improve your study skills over the vacation period before you arrive.