UEA Doctoral College Induction

Welcome to the UEA Doctoral College

We are delighted you will be joining us soon and want your first few weeks as a new Postgraduate Research (PGR) student to go as smoothly as possible.

This page sets out what you need to know and do before you arrive and during your first few weeks at UEA.

If you have questions at any point, please contact PGR.Admissions@uea.ac.uk. ThePGR Admissions team is your point of contact for anything registration-related before your studies begin.

We look forward to welcoming you to UEA and the wider PGR community.

Doctoral College Induction

This is where your PGR journey officially begins, alongside your peers.

The session is led by the Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Doctoral College, Professor Sam Fountain, and will introduce your studies, set in the context of your personal and professional development.

Thursday 1 October 2026, 10:00 – 13:00

Thomas Paine Study Centre, Lecture Theatre (What3Words: ///sticky.poster.shady)

Tea and coffee will be available on arrival, and lunch will be provided after the main talk in the Thomas Paine Study Centre Foyer. Doctoral College colleagues will be on hand at a desk to answer any questions and queries.

If you can’t attend, please let us know as soon as possible at PGR.Admissions@uea.ac.uk.

Your Faculty/Institute and DTP Induction Events

In addition to the Doctoral College Induction, your home Faculty and School/Institute will run their own welcome sessions, usually within the first two weeks of your start date. This is a great chance to meet other new researchers in your area and get to know your Faculty or Institute a little better.

Below is a summary of these sessions; please check the PGR Induction page (login required) for full details.

Not sure which one applies to you? Just check your offer letter for your Faculty, School, or Institute or drop us a line at PGR.Admissions@uea.ac.uk and we’ll point you to the right direction.

Following your Faculty or Institute Induction, you’ll also receive your full training schedule for the year ahead, covering the sessions and development opportunities available to you as postgraduate researcher. This will be shared with you directly by your Faculty or Institute, so keep an eye on your inbox.

If you are funded by a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)

If your PhD is funded through a DTP, they will be in touch with you directly to invite you to their own induction. These are organised independently by each partnership, so timings can vary and some may even fall a little later in the term. Here’s what’s been shared with us so far, for your information (subject to change):

A little guide to settling in at UEA

• Join your Doctoral College Induction! A brilliant chance to meet your peers.

• Head over to your Faculty/Institute Induction. Check your schedule and connect with your group.

• Register at the UEA Medical Centre. There’s a handy pharmacy on campus too.

• Get your access and IT setup. Everything you need to hit the ground running.

• Have a chat with your supervisor. Start figuring out how you’ll work best together.

• Get to know Health & Safety on campus. Keep yourself and others safe while you’re here.

• Treat yourself using the Campus Kitchen app. Download it today, grab a reusable cup, and enjoy your campus breaks!

• Discover the Sportspark and stay active!  A wonderful place to shake off research stress.

• Check out the UCU trade union. It is free for PGRs and offers great peer support.

For a full list of arrival tasks, please see the University’s Essential Information Checklist.

Other Useful Resources

To get ready for your arrival, go to our welcome page for lots of helpful information to support you as you get ready to join us.

Visit Fees and Finance for fees and related questions.

Visit our new students page for a range of Q&As.