Your first week here

If you uploaded your ID card photo early enough, your Imperial ID card should be ready and waiting for you when you arrive.

Students living in Imperial halls

If you're moving into Imperial halls of residence, your Imperial ID Card will be waiting for you to collect when you arrive. If you did not upload your photo in time, you will be issued a temporary card which may cause issues in your first week so make sure you've uploaded your photo in time! 

Students not living in Imperial halls

If you are not living in Imperial halls, your Imperial ID card will be available from your academic department when you arrive. Your department should be in contact with details on how to collect your card. If you do not hear from them, get in contact with a department administrator to find out what to do.

If you did not upload an ID card photo in time

You will need to have your photo taken in-person at the ID Card Office at South Kensington who will be operating extended opening hours during the first week of term (see the ID Card Office page for up-to-date opening hours). After taking your photo, the ID Card Office will print your card and deliver it to your academic department who you should contact for details on how to collect your card.

You may need a Statement of Registration letter which confirms your basic personal and programme details and your enrolment status with the College. It is designed for opening a bank account, obtaining council tax exemption and many other situations where you need to prove you’re a student with us.

For guidance on how to obtain this letter online, visit the Request an Official Document page. Keep in mind you must be enrolled on your course before you can request any document! 

If you are moving home to begin your studies at Imperial, it's important that you register at a GP closer to your new home. Do not wait until you encounter health difficulties before registering as this may cause delays to receiving healthcare when you need it most. 

A vast majority of Imperial students are able to register with the Imperial College Health Centre - an NHS GP practice based on the South Kensington Campus - as either a 'home' or 'out of area' patient. The Health Centre has a student eligibility webpage with more information and a link to register. If you're living in halls, you'll need your room number to register.

If you are not covered by the Health Centre, use the NHS's Find a GP tool to find your local surgery at your postcode. 

For more information in general about accessing healthcare, visit our Doctor and dentist webpage.

Imperial’s Health Centre highlights the importance of ensuring your vaccinations are up-to-date when starting university, particularly for undergraduates moving into halls. Meningitis and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations are particularly crucial, as these diseases, while rare, can be serious and are more common among university students, especially those living in halls of residence.

Make sure to check your vaccination records before you arrive to avoid unnecessary repeat injections. If you haven’t received all your vaccinations, don’t worry—the Health Centre offers them to eligible students.

Visit the Health Centre's Student Vaccinations webpage for more information about what vaccinations are recommended and how you can receive these if you don't have them already.