These checklists some important things you need to do before you start as a student.
For all new students
| Task | When to do |
| Estimate your study and living expenses and think about how you will pay for them | As soon as possible |
| Start applying for scholarships/bursaries/grants if you’re eligible. See RCS Fees and Funding for more information. | As soon as possible |
| Start arranging accommodation | As soon as you have accepted an offer of a place |
| UK fee payers should apply to the relevant funding body:
Scotland (or Irish for UG Tuition Fee Loan) – SAAS England – Student Finance England Northern Ireland – Student Finance Northern Ireland Wales – Student Finance Wales |
Check the website of your funding authority for what is available and when and how to apply |
The next points also apply to those students who are coming from outside the UK or Ireland
| Tasks | When to do |
| Check your passport/national ID card expiry date and make arrangements if you need to replace it | As soon as possible as processing times vary |
| If a condition of your offer is to obtain IELTS, arrange to take a test and send in IELTS certificate to the Admissions office | As soon as possible. Please check the IELTS website for test centres. |
| Check if you need a visa https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa | See https://portal.rcs.ac.uk/new-students/international-students/ for visa application information. |
| Photocopy or scan your Passport and visa documents (for safe keeping). |
As soon as our visa is issued. |
| Book your travel arrangements to Glasgow | After your visa is issued. If you do not require a visa then you should book your travel arrangements as soon as you have received and accepted an unconditional offer. |
| Buy insurance | When you book your travel arrangements. See https://portal.rcs.ac.uk/new-students/international-students/ |
| Check with your airline about baggage limits and restrictions | When you book your travel arrangements. |
| If you are taking prescribed drugs or medicines, ask your doctor to write you a letter detailing this. | As soon as you can. This will be useful if you need to bring medication with you to the UK and/or you need to replenish your stocks in Glasgow. |
| Ensure that you have access to enough Pounds Sterling for the first few weeks of your course. | August/September. It can take a a few weeks to set up a UK bank account and the process can only be started once you are a matriculated student. |
| Submit the Payment of Fees form to feesform@rcs.ac.uk to provide RCS with information on how you will pay your fees. | In August when the form is issued to you. |