East Coast College (Lowestoft) New Starters

Things to do before you start:

1. Complete online enrolment (once you have been invited to by email from the Admissions team). 48 hours after this you can access the Student Intranet site Brightspace. You should also upload a photo for your student ID card through the Applicant Area

2. Apply for student finance 

3. Arrange to view and book student accommodation (if you require it)

4. Register with a GP and dentist if you are not local to the area

5. Download free versions of Microsoft Office onto your personal devices 

6. Look into travel and parking information

7.  Check your induction start date

8. Register to vote to have your say in an election or referendum in the UK

9. Consider opening a student bank account (interest free overdraft facility)

10. Check to see if any reading/resource lists are available for your course

11. Sign up for your NUS card and download the TOTUM app (via the App Store or Google Play) to access more discounts and to get updates from our Students' Union.

1. Follow online Induction instructions as per the information listed and any information sent to you by the partner college. Engage with all the online Induction content in the Brightspace area once instructed to.

2. Connect to the University Wi-Fi

3. Find your way around

1. Ask any questions at the Higher Education Office at your local partner college.

2. Once you have commenced your course, you will be to get a student status certification (only full-time students are eligible) for council tax exemption. Apprenticeship students are not eligible with the exception of Nursing Apprenticeship students (they are eligible as per the guidance we have received from Ipswich Borough Council).

You can generate your student status certification yourself using Gradintelligence. All students who enrol on a programme of study with the University of Suffolk will have an account created with Gradintelligence that provides a document access and sharing web portal that enables you to view and share your digital documents securely, at any time and from anywhere. Following completion of your enrolment and the commencement of your course, you will be sent an email with an account activation link. The email containing the activation link will be sent to your University of Suffolk email address, and the link will remain active for 30 days. If you do not activate your account, you will be sent a reminder. Please look in your University email inbox as well as junk/spam folder for the latest email from Gradintelligence.

3. Consider joining a club or society; it’s a great way to meet new people.

Travelling and parking

View our campus page for more information on commuting and parking.

University of Suffolk Lowestoft Campus Map

 

Recommended and Accredited Accommodation - Currently, recommended and accredited accommodation is only available on and around the Ipswich campus. For further guidance on independent rental,  please view the section Private Rental Market on our accommodation advice page for useful information.

Student Finance - Make sure you have all your financial support in place before you start your course.

SU - The Students' Union can support you in a number of ways during your studies, whether it be academically or personally. Welcome events and activities will be available to new starters. 

Library and Learning Services – Access your course Reading Lists and Subject Guides through the Learning Services website. Find out how Learning Services can enhance your studies at the University of Suffolk.

Applicant Area. - This is a dedicated space to help you prepare for your studies, track your application and view official correspondence

IT Services -  IT Services have created FAQ’s to answer some of the queries you may have as you begin your studies.

Suffolk Constabulary information – Suffolk Constabulary is committed to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Suffolk. This section contains important crime prevention and safety advice. 

International and EU – For our students who will be travelling to Suffolk from overseas, we understand that this can be quite a daunting experience. For many of you it will be your first time coming to the UK. To assist with this transition, please regularly check the International and EU resources.