Getting Ready

Getting Ready for ISSOS

We love welcoming new students to ISSOS! When you have signed up and received your acceptance email, there are a few things we ask you, our students, to do to help us plan for your arrival so that we can make sure everyone gets the most out of their time with us.

Four ISSOS students sitting on a wooden bence outside an historic university building.

What to Do Before You Arrive

Here’s what you need to know and do in the time leading up to summer:

Before anything else, make sure you’ve completed your student questionnaire in the Family Portal.

This includes telling us:

The additional information we’ve asked for about your academic and elective class choices

The excursions or trips you want to go on

Any allergies, fears or phobias

Any dietary requirements

Any religious practices we should be aware of

Any medical/mental health conditions that could affect your time at ISSOS

Any personal matters you might need support with while you’re away from home (for example, grief, a recent family divorce, negative experiences in a school environment).

Any medications you’ll be taking during your time with us

We understand that some of this information is personal, and we’ll treat everything you share with care and sensitivity. But the more we know, the better we can support you and make sure you have the best experience possible.
Your Student Handbook will be uploaded to the Family Portal, it is normally available from January onwards in the year that you are attending. Please take the time to read it carefully – it’s full of useful information.

Inside, you’ll find:

A packing list, so you can make sure you’ve got everything you’ll need

What to expect when you arrive on Opening Day

The ISSOS Family Pledge, which sets out how we look after one another

What we expect from you as a student and member of the ISSOS community
If you have English as a second language, we will send you a link to complete a British Council English Language Test. We do this to make sure that everyone is in a suitable class and gets the most out of their time at ISSOS. When you get the link from us, please complete the test as soon as you can.
One of the best parts of ISSOS is the amazing, international friendships you’ll make. Our students come from all over the world and have lots of different cultures, languages, beliefs, and experiences.

By joining the ISSOS family, you’re agreeing to be open-minded, kind, and respectful towards everyone you meet. Whatever your background, we ask you to celebrate the differences that make each person unique, that’s what makes ISSOS so special.
Here are a few extra tips to help you prepare:
Practice some independence
Being away from family, especially if it’s the first time, can be a little daunting – so now’s a great time to practise being a little more independent.
Check your passport and visa (if needed)
Ask your parents or guardians to make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay and check if you need a visa to enter the UK or USA.

Read more on our Travel and Visas page.
Bring a few home comforts
Pack something small that reminds you of home – maybe a favourite book, a photo, or a snack from your country (if allowed). It’s a nice way to feel connected when you're far away and might help with homesickness.
Prepare for the weather
Summer weather (in the UK in particular!) can be unpredictable! Pack some layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes for activities and trips.
Get excited and stay open-minded
Summer away from home is exciting! You’ll try new things, meet new people, and maybe even get a little bit homesick (that’s totally normal!). But every moment is a chance to grow, learn, and have fun with your new friends at ISSOS!

We can’t wait to meet you soon!