Preparing for the new term as an international student

Hello!

My name is Yujin Choi, and I’m currently studying Psychology MSc at Coventry University.

Today, I’d like to share how I prepared for the new term!

Student ID card

The very first step in student life was getting my Student ID card. Once registration is complete, you’ll receive an email with instructions on where and how to collect it. Just follow the guide and pick it up at the designated location. The Student ID card is essential not only for accessing the library but also for tapping in to check attendance in lectures, so it’s best to get it as early as possible in the term.

Opening a bank account

To live in the UK, having a local bank account is absolutely essential. Rent payments, phone bills, and even part-time job salaries all go through your account, so it’s something you can’t skip! From what I’ve seen, many students mainly use Monzo or Lloyds Bank.

Registering with a GP

In Korea, you can just walk into a hospital and wait to be seen, but in the UK, you need to make an appointment with your GP before seeing a doctor. Since the number of appointment slots each day is limited, it’s not always possible to book one on the same day. However, the NHS have a very detailed online knowledge base to explain each sickness with information to suggest over counter pharmacy and when to see a GP if needed. You can use it to check against the symptoms you have and follow advice from their website.

Aula platform

Coventry University uses a platform called Aula to manage classes. Almost everything, from lecture materials to assignment submissions, takes place on Aula, so it’s important to get used to it early in the term. I found it much easier to follow along in lectures when I reviewed the materials uploaded on Aula beforehand. There’s also an SU Community Room in Aula where you can find useful updates and information about student life!

Using the library

The Coventry University Library is an essential space for preparing assignments and exams. It’s not just a place to borrow books – the library also hosts tours and academic events that are really helpful for your studies. At first, it can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but visiting the library early on makes it easier to adapt to the study environment. I often went there whenever I needed resources for my assignments or simply a quiet place to focus, and it definitely supported my academic work.

Useful resources

• Student Central: access all essential academic information in one place, from checking attendance to viewing grades.
• Aula: the core platform for lecture materials and assignment management.
• Trainline: essential for booking train tickets and checking timetables.
• NHS App: useful for booking GP appointments and accessing healthcare services.
• Citymapper / Google Maps: great for navigating public transport and finding your way around.

Final thoughts

During my first month in the UK, everything felt new and unfamiliar. However, as I went through essential steps one by one – getting my Student ID card, opening a bank account, registering with a GP, and learning to use Aula – I gradually became more comfortable. I hope this post can be a small source of help for new students at Coventry University.

Wishing you all the best as you begin this new journey!