Start Your Program
Why this step matters
You’ve done all the hard work, picked the right course, got the offer, paid the deposit, cleared conditions, and secured your visa. Now comes the real goal of the whole journey: actually reaching your study destination and starting classes on time.
This step is important because this is where many students make small post-visa mistakes that cause big problems, like:
- Arriving late and missing enrollment.
- Not carrying original documents at the airport.
- Not attending mandatory orientation.
- Breaking visa/work rules in the first month.
Starting right means:
- You enter the country smoothly.
- You enroll at the university on time
- You keep your visa status active.
- You settle easily (accommodation, bank, SIM, transport)
What you need before starting
Before you fly, make sure you already have
Valid student visa / study permit approval letter
University acceptance / CAS / CoE / LOA printout
Tuition payment proof / receipt
(some universities ask at enrollment)
Accommodation address
(even temporary)
Airport pickup / arrival plan
(especially if you’re landing late or first time traveler)
Emergency & university contact numbers
Travel insurance / health cover (OSHC for Australia, NHS access for UK, or what your university recommends)
Enough funds for first month
(in cash + card)
Times Consultant pre-departure checklist
(so you don’t forget anything)
If any of this is missing, fix it before you travel. Need help? Book a free consultation today!
If you don’t have these answers yet, you’re not late. This is exactly what Times Consultant helps you define during your first session.
How this step works (checklist / process)
Here’s how the “Select Your Program” stage should be done properly
Plan your travel date
Ideally arrive a few days to 2 weeks before your classes start. Too early → could be questioned at immigration. Too late → you may miss enrollment.
Carry all original documents in hand luggage
Passport, visa letter, university offer, CAS/CoE/LOA, fee receipt, accommodation letter, TB/medical (if applicable). Don’t put these in checked baggage.
Clear immigration confidently
Be ready to answer: “Where will you study?”, “Where will you stay?”, “How will you pay for living?”, “When do classes start?”
Reach your accommodation and notify home
Share location with family, keep university informed if they’re expecting you.
Attend university registration / enrollment
This is VERY important. If you don’t enroll, the university can report you to immigration as “did not commence.”
Attend orientation / induction week
This is where you learn about attendance, part-time work rules, how to get student card, how to access library, and how to get help.
Set up local essentials
SIM, bank account, transport card, student ID, emergency contacts.
Start classes and maintain attendance
Low attendance = risk to your visa in many countries.
That’s it at this point, you are no longer “an applicant.” You’re an international student.
Common mistakes
- Students often make these mistakes right after visa approval
Traveling late
and missing university’s last date to enroll
Not carrying originals
(they only bring photocopies/WhatsApp screenshots)
Ignoring orientation
(“I’ll just start classes”) bad idea, you miss immigration and academic rules
Working before allowed
or over allowed hours can affect visa status
Not updating the university
if delayed university assumes you didn’t come
No accommodation booked for arrival night
creates stress on day 1
Most of these are avoided if you do a quick pre-departure session.
Timeline
Visa approved → book flight right away
Arrive 7-14 days before classes
Enroll in first academic week
Start classes and maintain attendance
Documents / proof required
Keep these in a document folder in your hand-carry
Passport with student visa / study permit
University offer letter / CAS / CoE / LOA
Tuition fee payment receipt (at least deposit)
Accommodation confirmation / address
Airport pickup / contact of friend/relative (if any)
Financial proof (some immigration officers ask to see funds on arrival)
Medical / TB certificate (if your country requires)
Copies of all previous education documents (not always asked, but good to have)
What happens if you delay
If you reach late or don’t complete enrollment
University can report you as ‘did not start’
This can affect your visa status.
You may be asked to defer to next intake
If you miss too many first classes/orientation.
Your accommodation / part-time work / student benefits get delayed
Because many of those depend on your student ID.
You waste the whole year
After doing all 7 steps correctly.
So even though this looks like a “simple” step, it is very sensitive.
How Times Consultant helps at this stage
Times Consultant doesn’t stop at the visa stage, we can guide you on
- What to carry in your pre-departure file
- When to travel for your specific university and intake
- What to tell immigration if you are asked extra questions
- How to report to the university if your flight gets delayed
- What rules apply for part-time work in that country (UK, Canada, Australia rules change often)
- How to stay compliant so your visa remains valid
Share your visa approval and university details with Times Consultant. We’ll tell you what to carry, when to travel, and how to enroll smoothly.
You’ve completed the full 8-step journey. Now it’s about arriving right and staying compliant.
Let Times Consultant walk you through pre-departure, enrollment, and first-week requirements, so you don’t lose the intake at the very last step.
Times Consultant can guide you from airport to enrollment such as what to carry, whom to inform, and how to start classes on time.
Can’t talk? Don’t worry, we have got all the answers right here.
When should I travel to my study country?
You should travel a few days to 2 weeks before your course start date, so you have enough time to clear immigration, reach your accommodation, and attend university enrollment/orientation. Arriving too late can cause enrollment or attendance issues.
What documents should I carry in hand when travelling as an international student?
Carry your passport with visa, university offer/CAS/CoE/LOA, tuition payment receipt, accommodation details, and any medical/TB certificate that was part of your visa. Keep them in hand luggage, not in checked baggage.
Do I have to attend university orientation?
Yes. Orientation tells you about attendance, academic rules, part-time work limits, and support services. Some universities even mark attendance from orientation week, so skipping it can create problems later.
Can I start part-time work immediately after landing?
You should first complete university enrollment and check your visa/work conditions. Many countries allow limited part-time work (like 20 hours per week during term), but working beyond your visa limit can affect your status.
What should I do if I get delayed and can’t reach on time?
Inform your university and your consultant immediately. Sometimes the university can give you a late enrollment window, but if you stay silent, they can mark you as “did not commence,” which affects your visa.