Hi everyone! My name is Shafaq, and I'm your International Students' Officer. Whether you need help navigating university life, have questions about your studies, or just want to chat, I'm here for you!

At Hallam SU, we have loads to offer - we make the good times better, open up life-changing opportunities, fight for your rights, and support you if things go wrong. As international students, you might have a lot of questions before you start, so use this guide to find all the resources and information you'll need for your time at Hallam!

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Your Students' Union

HUBS, 6 Paternoster Row, Sheffield, S1 2QQ

We're located across from the train station. The building looks a bit like a giant drum, you can't miss it!

Opening hours

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday (8am-6pm)
• Tuesday, Thursday (8am-9pm)
• Saturday & Sunday (Closed)

Please note: The HUBS will be closed on bank holidays and Hallam Statutory Days.

Talk to us

Reach out however suits you best.

Ask us portal

0114 225 4111

studentsunion@shu.ac.uk

Live chat (Monday - Friday, 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm)

Message on Instagram

Message on Facebook

Enrolment

You must enrol before starting your course. Enrolment is online, so you can access it before arriving in the UK. However, to become fully enrolled, there are further tasks you must complete after you have arrived in the UK, so you must allow time for this before the start date of your course. View enrolment guidance.

Arrival

Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) collection

If you used the University ACL code in your visa application, you will need to collect your BRP card from the University.

International Orientation

International Orientation will take place on campus on 12 and 13 September, with a schedule of in-person sessions held over the 2 days.

Campus Tours

Guided campus tours will show you some of the University's buildings, making it easier to find your way around when classes start. Book a campus tour.

Banking and Finance

It's important to open a bank account after your arrival in the UK. You can choose to bank with an online provider - look at online comparison websites to find the best one - or those that provide an in-person service such as Lloyds Bank.

International Emergency Fund

If you are experiencing unforeseen financial difficulties, you may be eligible to receive a one-off payment from our International Emergency Fund.

Healthcare

Once you're in the UK, you should register with one of the medical centres as organised by the International Experience Team during your orientation session in your first week. If you miss the planned session, you should register as soon as possible. You will need to take your passport, SHUcard, and proof of your UK address (accommodation contract). Find out more about healthcare and vaccinations.

Groceries and consumables

Moor Market

No matter where you are from, the moor market has many vendors selling organic food products.

Directions to Moor Market

Sheffield City Centre

Centred on pedestrianised Fargate, Sheffield City Centre is a busy district filled with big-brand stores and trendy boutiques. Hip coffee shops sit alongside independent and chain restaurants serving modern Asian and American food, while cosy historic pubs pour craft beers.

Directions to Sheffield City Centre

Travel

Getting in and out of Sheffield is convenient, with easy access to trains, buses, and trams. Even better, you can get student discounts on them all!

• Navigate via train
• Navigate via bus
• Navigate via tram

Part-time jobs and voluntary work

National Insurance

You need a National Insurance (NI) number to work in a part-time or full-time job. Apply for a NI number,

Share code

A share code is a personal identifier that allows you to prove your immigration status.

Handshake

Handshake is a job listing platform created to democratise access to opportunity - to help every student find the right job, no matter where they're from or who they know. Find jobs on Handshake.

Volunteering

Volunteer with us, build your CV, gain new skills, and meet new people. View all volunteering opportunities.

Societies

Do what you love. Discover a new passion. Or just get together with your coursemates. Whatever you're into, there's a club for it at Hallam. And if there isn't, we'll help you make one.

With so many social and academic societies on offer, you won't have much trouble meeting like-minded students and making new friends. View all societies.

Academic support

Once you enrol, you have access to a wide range of services and resources to support your academic study and employability skills development. Find academic support services.

Academic misconduct

Academic misconduct is a serious matter and has the potential to result in several sanctions which could impact on your ability to progress academically. Find out more about academic misconduct and how to avoid it.

Housing

Council tax

If you're a full-time student living in student halls or sharing a property with other full-time students, you may be eligible for council tax discounts or exemptions.

To count as a full-time student, your course must:

• last at least 1 year
• involve at least 21 hours of study per week

Your local council might ask for proof that you're a full-time student - you can download proof via the University's 'My Student Record' portal.

If you receive a council tax bill but you don't think you should have, you can apply for an exemption online.

Placement years

During a placement year, you're still considered a full-time student. However, you should check with your local council to confirm your eligibility for discounts or exemptions. Each council has its own specific rules and regulations, so look up your local council to find out what the rules are.

Postgraduate students and/or dissertation write-up periods

Even if you're not physically attending campus - i.e. during your dissertation write-up period or if you're a postgraduate student - you may still be considered a full-time student. However, proving this to your local council can be challenging. We recommend getting a letter from your Academic Administration team confirming your full-time student status and expected completion date.

Student help and support

Hallam Help

Hallam Help is your go-to for questions and support during your time at University. They can provide you with useful information, and signpost you to a more specialist team if needed.

hallamhelp@shu.ac.uk

0114 225 2222

Accommodation

accommodation@shu.ac.uk

0114 225 4512

Disability support

disability-support@shu.ac.uk

0114 225 3964

Enrolment

enrolment@shu.ac.uk

0114 478 1478

Invoicing

invoicing@shu.ac.uk

0114 225 2478

IT Help

0114 225 3333 (option 2)

SU Advice

Our Student Advice Centre offers free, confidential, and independent advice to all Hallam students on topics including funding, housing, and academic issues.