Y019 Eduk First Steps New Text V2
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First steps
A pre-departure guide for international students
coming to study in the UK 2009–10
www.educationuk.org
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Contents
A very warm welcome
1
Getting started – immigration, fees and maintenance costs
2
Preparing for your journey
8
Arrival in the UK
14
Onward travel: how to get from the airport to your final destination
19
Settling in
23
Out and about
29
Useful organisations
31
Further information and guidance
33
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A very warm welcome
Every year, the UK welcomes thousands of students from all over the
world. Perhaps like you, they come here to experience the fantastic
opportunities a UK education can offer, and the amazing social and
cultural mix you’ll enjoy while you’re living here.
This guide is designed to help you get ready for what we hope will be
the experience of a lifetime, and it’s packed with useful and important
information. There’s a lot to take in. So please try and take the time
to read it carefully.
In its pages, you’ll find everything you need to know and do before
you leave home, along with advice about your arrival in the UK,
settling in, getting organised and getting on with making the most
of your new student life.
It includes information about immigration, fees and finances,
preparing for your journey, travelling, the weather, the clothing
you’ll need, looking after yourself, studying, shopping, enjoying
yourself and more.
We’ve also provided a list of useful contacts (page 31)
and a web address where you can download further
guidance if you need it (page 33). So welcome to the UK.
We look forward to seeing you.
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Getting started – immigration, fees and
maintenance costs
Immigration procedures
I 30 points for a visa letter from a licensed
before you leave
sponsor, and
Before beginning your studies in the UK,
I ten points for maintenance (you will need
you may first need to apply for a visa.
to show you have enough money to cover
The regulations for entry into the UK
course fees (see page 3) and monthly
* You and your educational
are constantly changing and it is vital
living costs for up to 9 months; your bank
provider can agree
that you check the UKvisas website at
statements must confirm you have held
whether to apply as a
general or child student
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en and the Home
the money for at least 28 days).
if you are 16 or 17
Office Border Agency (UKBA) website at
For further information go to:
and studying a course
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk on a regular
at National Qualifications
basis. You should also liaise with your
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/
Framework level 3
local British Council office and British
inf29pbsstudent.
or the same level or
Mission so that you are aware of how UK
above on the equivalent
The visa letter will include information about
frameworks that apply
immigration procedures will affect you.
you, your sponsor (education provider),
in Scotland, Wales and
There are two categories of visa for
your course, and your finances. From autumn
Northern Ireland. For
further information see
international students:
2009 (if you are applying from inside the
Home Office UK Border
UK to switch or extend your stay and
I adult student (also known as ‘general
Agency Tier 4 of the
from February 2010 if you are applying
student’)
points-based system –
from outside the UK) the visa letter will
Policy Guidance
I child student (for children aged four to 17
be replaced by a CAS (confirmation of
(www.ukba.homeoffice.
years old coming to study at independent
acceptance for studies) when the new IT
gov.uk/sitecontent/
fee paying schools or studying at further
system for education providers goes live.
applicationforms/pbs/
tier4migrantguidance.pdf)
education colleges).*
You will be allowed to study only with a
– pages 28 to 35 and
Find out more at:
licensed sponsor and as a condition of being
page 40 for additional
a sponsor the education provider will be
letter required from
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/
parent or guardian.
responsible for you while you are in the UK.
applicationforms/pbs/tier4.
They must tell the UK Border Agency if you
**If you are from the
The following gives you information
do not arrive for the start of the course,
European Economic Area
about applying for a general student visa.**
if you leave the course, defer or suspend
(EEA) or a Swiss citizen,
you do not need a visa
The requirements for coming to the UK
your studies, or if you are absent for
to study in the UK. The
as a child student are different. For details
significant periods of time.
countries of the EEA are:
please refer to Tier 4 of the points-based
It is important that you choose the right
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
system – Policy Guidance at:
course and place of study because you will
Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/
have to obtain written permission to change
France, Germany, Greece,
applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguide.pdf.
once in the UK. It will cost £357 if you want
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
to take up a new course of study either
Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein,
Applying for a general student visa
with an existing education provider or a
Lithuania, Luxembourg,
From the end of March 2009 if you are
new education provider and the length
Malta, Netherlands,
coming to study in the UK for more than
Norway, Poland, Portugal,
of the new course goes over your current
Romania, Slovakia,
six months (or are already in the UK and want
permission to stay.
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
to apply to extend your permission to stay)
and the United Kingdom.
you must pass a points-based assessment
and score 40 points before you are able
to travel to the United Kingdom. These 40
points will include:
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Finances
As of April 2009, the finances you will need to pass the points-based assessment are:
Length of course
Where you will study
Maintenance (funds) needed
Nine months or less
London-based
Full course fees + £800 for
each month of the course
up to a maximum of nine months
More than nine months
London-based
First year of fees + £7,200 to
cover a typical academic year
in the UK (i.e. nine months)
Nine months or less
Outside London
Full course fees + £600 for
each month of the course
up to a maximum of nine months
More than nine months
Outside London
First year of fees + £5,400 to
cover a typical academic year
in the UK (i.e. nine months)
For further details about acceptable levels
Official financial sponsorship
of courses that you can get a visa letter for,
or government sponsor
and for the type of study you can do, go to:
Financial sponsorship means you have
* Bank statement or letter
been given money to cover your course
confirming you have
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/
enough money available
fees and living costs. If your financial sponsor
applyingafter-March/changesforstudents/
to cover course fees and
is covering only some of your course fees
eligibility.
monthly costs. You must
or living costs, you must show that you
show you have held the
have the rest of the money needed.
money for at least 28
What will you need to apply?
days. The end of that
You will need to fill in the application
You should provide a letter of confirmation from
28-day period must not
form, pay a fee (currently £145 if applying
your official financial sponsor. This may be Her
be more than one month
from outside the UK) and provide:
Majesty’s government, your home government,
before the date of your
the British Council or any international
application.
I passport or travel document
organisation, company or university.
I a visa letter from a licensed sponsor
The letter must be on official letter-headed
I documents to show you meet the
paper or stationery of the organisation of the
maintenance requirements such as cash
official financial sponsor and have the official
in an account in your name; this includes
stamp of that organisation on it.
joint accounts or a loan in your name or
The letter should show:
government sponsorship *
I your name
I documents required by your sponsors
when they accepted you for the course
I the name and contact details of your
official financial sponsor
I biometric details.
I the date of the letter
I the length of your sponsorship
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I the amount of money you have or
Working in the UK
a statement that your official financial
At the time of writing (April 2009) international
sponsor will cover all of your fees
students can work up to 20 hours a week
and living costs.
during term time and full-time during
vacations. Depending on the course
If you have official sponsorship that
you may also be eligible to switch into
covers only part of the money needed,
the post-study worker category of Tier 1.*
you must provide a letter that shows:
* Students will no longer
I
Tier 1 (post-study work) applications cost
your name
£265 from overseas, and each dependant
be able to apply if they
have a postgraduate
I the name and contact details of your
pays the same. If applying in the UK,
diploma or postgraduate
official financial sponsor
it costs £500 by post or £700 in person,
certificate. The only
I the date of the letter
plus £50 per dependant.
exception is if they have
a UK postgraduate
I the length of your sponsorship
Sample visa letter
certificate in education
The letter (not issued more than six months
or PGDE in Scotland.
I the amount of the money the sponsor
before you apply) from the sponsor should
They can still apply
will give you
include:
if they have a degree
(or HND from a Scottish
I proof that you have the rest of the
I your name (as it appears in your passport),
institution).
money needed.
nationality, address in the country in which
If you are receiving official financial sponsorship
you live and passport/travel document
from an approved education provider
number
(for example, a scholarship), the approved
I sponsors’ licence number, address
education provider may choose to include
and contact details, any details of
details of the financial sponsorship on the
partner institutions or overseas institution
visa letter.
(if the course is jointly taught)
I course details such as title, level,
How long can you stay for?
qualifications to be awarded, start and
If you are studying at degree level or above,
expected end date, hours per week,
you can stay for the full duration of the course
and address of your main place of study
plus up to an extra four months.
or work placement (if applicable)
If the course is below degree level, you will
I course fees for the first year, and any
be allowed to stay for up to three years.
payments already made; if relevant,
any accommodation fees for the first
year and any payments already made
I documents used to get the visa letter
(used by the sponsor to assess your
suitability to complete the course);
the letter should give a brief description
of each document such as any previous
courses, level studied, qualification, year
of graduation or completion of course,
who issued the evidence, date of issue
and any details of an ATAS clearance
certificate if needed for the course.
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What is an ATAS Certificate?
Can you still come for a pre-sessional
On 1 November 2007 the UK government
course?
introduced the Academic Technology
If you are coming to the UK for an intensive
Approval Scheme (ATAS). Having an ATAS
English language course or a course to
clearance certificate is a mandatory
prepare you for a full-time study course you
requirement for some postgraduate
can apply under the points-based system.
students who need entry clearance to
If you have an unconditional offer for
study in the UK. It will affect students who:
the main course you are likely to be given
I plan to undertake postgraduate research
permission for both courses at the same
in science, engineering or technology
time (as long as the pre-sessional course
disciplines
is with the same sponsor as the full-time
course or with a partner institution named
I plan to apply for a postgraduate taught
on the sponsor licence).
Master’s in materials science, materials
technology, aerospace engineering,
If you have a conditional offer to do your
mechanical engineering or physics
main course, you will need to apply for the
(including nuclear physics).
pre-sessional course first. If you successfully
finish that course you will need to apply
If you need an ATAS certificate and you don’t
for an extension while in the UK (or if the
have one your entry clearance application
gap between the courses is too long) you
will be refused. Current students already in
will need to apply for fresh entry clearance
the UK wishing to extend their visa also need
in your home country.
to apply for an ATAS clearance if they are
extending their visa in the subject areas listed.
For further details, and to check the Policy
Guidance on gaps between courses, please
For further information and a more detailed
refer to Tier 4 of the points-based system –
list visit www.fco.gov.uk/atas.
Policy Guidance at:
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/
applicationforms/pbs/Tier4migrantguidance.
pdf.
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Extending your permission to stay
Finances for extending leave to remain
as a general student in the UK
If you need to apply for an extension to
From the end of March 2009, if you want to
complete a current course or to undertake
extend your stay on a general student visa
a further course (the application should be
(or a student visa), you must pass the points-
made within four months of a previous course
based assessment and score 40 points.
completion) you will be required to provide
The cost is currently £357 by post or £565
evidence of fees for the course (only the
in person, plus £50 per dependant. There is
first year if the course is longer) and just
no difference in what you need to apply for
two months’ maintenance.
when you first come to the United Kingdom
If you are completing a course of six months
to study, and when you are applying to
or less (including pre-sessional) and seeking
extend your stay. Everyone must pass the
an extension within one month to go on to
points-based assessment.
further studies you will also have to provide
If you need to resit examinations or repeat
evidence of fees for the new course (only
any part of your course, you can do so twice
the first year if the course is longer) plus
for each individual examination or module.
the maintenance costs per month for each
If your existing visa ends before you have
month, up to a maximum of nine months.
finished the resit or repeated the appropriate
If you are switching into the student route
studies, you will need to apply to extend
from outside Tier 4 you will also be required
your stay.
to provide evidence of fees for the course
It is unlikely that extensions will be given to
(up to one year if the course is longer)
study at a level that is below level 3 of the
plus maintenance per month of the course,
National Qualifications Framework (or its
up to a maximum of nine months.
equivalent in Scotland, Wales and Northern
Ireland), if you are over 16 or if you want
Can you bring your dependants
to study English below A2 of the Common
to the UK?
European Framework of References for
You are allowed to bring your dependants,
Languages. Short-term study abroad
and any adult dependants will be allowed
programmes in the UK, as part of an overseas
to work in the United Kingdom if you are
higher education institution, are accepted
given permission to stay for more than
as long as the qualification is confirmed as
12 months.
the same as UK degree level by UK NARIC.
If you want to bring your dependants with
If you are applying to study A-levels only,
you, you will need to show that you have a
an application will be accepted on the basis
further £533 (in London) or £400 (outside
of a conditional offer while you wait for your
London) a month for each dependant that
GCSE results. This will allow consideration
you bring with you for up to a maximum
of the application to begin. However, you will
of nine months.
need to submit an unconditional offer as
soon as you receive this, and the visa may
be issued only on the basis of this.
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Student visitors
If you do come as a student visitor you must
Everyone (except EEA and Swiss nationals
show that you have been unconditionally
and even if you are not a visa national) must
accepted on a course that is provided
obtain entry clearance before travelling to
by an organisation that is the holder of a
the UK if you want to enter as a ‘student’.
Sponsor Licence for Tier 4 or accredited by
a UKBA-accredited body or an overseas higher
However, non-visa nationals coming to the
education institution offering only part of their
UK to study for a maximum of six months
degree programmes in the UK, holding their
may qualify to enter as a ‘student visitor’.
own national accreditation and offering
You do not need to obtain entry clearance
programmes that are equivalent to a UK degree.
(unless you are a visa national) in advance
You must be at least 18 years old, and have
of travelling but it is advisable to do so.
the financial resources to accommodate and
If you choose to come as a student visitor
maintain yourself during the visit.
you will be much more restricted than if
You should come as a student visitor only
you come as a ‘student’. You will not be
if you are absolutely certain you will not want
allowed to do any work or work placement
to work in the UK and will not want to stay
(even if it is part of a course, or is unpaid).
for longer than six months. Student visitors
You will not be allowed to apply for more
do not have to study full-time. There is no
time in the UK, if your studies are extended.
requirement for the course to lead to an
For these reasons, it is not normally
approved qualification.
appropriate for students to come to
the UK as a student visitor.
Resources
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/immigration.php
General advice for international students.
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
General advice for those working with
international students.
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en
Information about applying for visas overseas.
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Preparing for your journey
Being well prepared for your journey makes
Visit Britain may have an office in
life a whole lot easier. So in plenty of time
your country – consult their website
before you leave home, make sure you’ve
www.visitbritain.co.uk. Visit Britain can
got everything organised. Your place of
give you help and advice to help you
study should have sent you information on
plan your journey.
how to get there and how much it will cost.
Make sure you have your student entry
You should also have been given a 24-hour
clearance before you travel to the UK.
telephone number and the name of someone
It is assumed that you will be arriving at an
you can contact if you have any problems
airport in the UK, although other methods of
on your journey. You should plan your journey
transport are detailed in the ‘Arrival in the UK’
from your point of entry in the UK to your
section on page 14. If you are studying near
final destination and know when and where
to or in London, you may choose to book
you are supposed to arrive.
a flight into Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton,
If you do not have the above information,
Stansted or London City airports.
contact your place of study as soon as
If you are studying elsewhere in the UK,
possible so that you can be fully prepared
you should book a direct flight to one of
for your journey. You may also want to
the 28 smaller regional airports, or book
look up your place of study on the internet
a connecting flight from a European
before you leave.
airport or one of the London airports.
To check information about airports, visit:
www.baa.com
British Airport Authority.
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Documents required for your journey
I a reference letter from your bank in your
Certain documents are needed when you
own country – this will be useful when you
arrive at the airport in the UK, where you
come to open a bank account in the UK.
will be interviewed by immigration and
Money
health officials. It is therefore important
You need to order British currency and
that you bring with you:
travellers’ cheques and bring enough money
I a valid passport, with a visa or UK
to cover your immediate needs on your arrival
entry clearance (if applicable)
in the UK, including customs charges, rail
fares and any emergency expenses. About
I an air ticket
£200 should be enough, but if you have any
I vaccination certificates, if required
family with you, you will need correspondingly
more. If you are travelling to the UK from a
I an X-ray report, if required
country outside the EU and carrying more
I a letter of acceptance from your
than 10,000 euros you will need to declare
place of study
this to customs.
I documentary evidence that you have
It is also likely that you will have to pay a
enough money to pay your tuition
deposit for your accommodation before you
fees and accommodate yourself while
move in. This is normally the equivalent of one
studying (recent bank statements,
month’s rent but it can be substantially more,
proof of scholarship or sponsor’s letter)
depending on the type of accommodation
you are renting. You will need to ensure
I originals (or certified true copies)
that you have sufficient funds immediately
of any degree certificates or technical
available to cover this.
qualifications.
To check the banknotes used in the UK
Make sure you keep the above documents
and for further information go to:
and the following in your hand luggage:
www.bankofengland.co.uk.
I some warm clothing
See also ‘Banks and money’ on page 25.
I some British currency
I insurance documents
Transfer of funds
If you are planning to transfer extra money
I a list of what you are carrying in your
to the UK you should arrange this before
luggage in case you have to make an
you leave your home country.
insurance claim
Also before you leave home, check whether
I any prescribed drugs or medicine you
you need permission to transfer money
are taking, plus a letter from your doctor
to the UK and whether your government
explaining what they are
has restrictions on the amount of money you
I an address, telephone number and travel
can take out of your country. Opening a bank
instructions to your final destination
account in the UK can take a few weeks.
I the First steps pre-departure pack
If you are on a course of six months or less,
it is a good idea to open an account with a
multinational bank before coming to the UK,
especially if you can use its cash machines in
the UK to withdraw money from your account.
It is also useful to have a credit card that you
can use in the UK. Otherwise bring any cash
you need while you are here in the form of
travellers’ cheques.
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Clothing and other items
Insurance
You should have enough warm clothing for
You should insure your luggage, personal
your flight and subsequent journey. Several
possessions and money before leaving
layers of lightweight clothes are better than
your home country. If this is not possible,
a single shirt or dress. It is probably cheaper
ask your bank or student welfare officer for
and easier to buy warm winter clothing
advice. Make sure you really understand
in the UK, rather than in your home country.
the conditions of any insurance policy –
if necessary, have it explained to you fully
It is worth bringing items of your national
before you sign any forms.
dress to wear at social events, and
photographs of family and home may
You should consider taking out health
be of interest to new friends who would
insurance in case you need private medical
like to learn about other cultures.
treatment, although some health care
services in the UK are free of charge.
It is useful to bring some passport-sized
It is also advisable to obtain annual
photographs of yourself.
medical and accident insurance.
See also ‘Climate and clothing’ on page 26.
Endsleigh specialise in insurance for students:
Luggage
www.endsleigh.co.uk.
You will have a free baggage allowance, which
will be shown on your air ticket; this is usually
Personal security
from 20kg with a restricted weight of 32kg
The UK is generally a safe place to be,
per single item of luggage. Only essential
but as with anywhere – especially if you’re
personal possessions may be brought in
new to it – it pays to take a few common
addition to research materials. You may be
sense precautions
charged for excess baggage if you exceed
For example, always carry your money in an
the baggage allowance, so check with the
inside pocket, not in your back pocket or the
airline before you leave if you are not sure
outer pockets of coats or jackets. If you want
of your allowance. You should make a list
to leave your coat or jacket anywhere, then
of everything you bring.
take your money with you. And if you carry
Advice on importing personal effects and
a handbag, keep it by you and don’t leave
goods into the UK may be obtained from
it unattended, even for short periods.
HM Revenue and Customs (www.hmrc.gov.uk).
Don’t carry large amounts of cash with
you – just enough to meet your day-to-day
needs. Order travellers’ cheques in small
denominations – £5, £10 and £20 –
and remember to keep a note of their
serial numbers in case you lose them.
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Avoid leaving luggage, bags or briefcases
Preparations for your course
in waiting rooms, on railway platforms or
Some courses require you to write a
on luggage racks where you can’t see
dissertation or seminar papers. If you are
them. It’s much safer to carry valuables like
on such a course you should bring with
cameras, radios and computers with you and
you important documents relating to
again, make a note of their serial numbers.
your own country and which may not be
available in the UK. Alternatively, you may
Take care of your mobile phone and try
want to arrange for the documents to be
to avoid using it in crowded places
sent on to you later.
or when you’re walking along busy streets.
If your phone is stolen, report it (and give
If you want to bring items of high value
your number) to the network operator
such as a computer or audio equipment,
and the police – to minimise the chance
you should also bring receipts showing
of thieves using it.
when and where they were purchased.
British customs officials may ask you to
Finally, take especial care of your passport,
certify that the equipment is for your
tickets and other personal documents, and
own use and that you are not importing
for further tips, visit www.educationuk.org –
it permanently.
select ‘Living in the UK’ from one of the drop-
down boxes, then ‘Health and safety’
and click on the publication Safety first –
a personal safety guide for international
students.
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Checklist for your place of study
Once your preparations for arrival are complete, you should ask
yourself the following questions:
I Have you received information on how to get to your place
of study from the airport, and how much it will cost?
I Do you know exactly when and where you are supposed
to arrive at your place of study?
I Have you told your place of study when you are likely to arrive?
I Do you have a 24-hour telephone number of someone
you can contact at your place of study if you have problems
on your journey?
I Do you have a contact when you arrive at your place of study
or other meeting point, e.g. the railway station?
I Have you planned your journey from the point of entry
to your final destination?
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Checklist for your journey
Once your preparations for arrival are complete, you should ask
yourself the following questions:
I Have you bought travel tickets (including connecting flight
to regional airports, if required) and travel insurance?
I Have you made all the necessary arrangements for any family,
if they are coming with you?
I Have you obtained a letter from your doctor for any prescribed
drugs you may need to bring with you?
I Have you ordered British currency and travellers’ cheques
for your immediate arrival expenses?
I Have you checked whether you need permission to transfer
money to the UK?
I Have you checked whether your own government has restrictions
on the amount of money you can take out of your country?
I Have you visited www.educationuk.org? Click on ‘Living in the UK’
from one of the drop-down boxes and ‘Health and safety’ and then
click on the publication Safety first – a personal safety guide for
international students.
I Have you taken out personal insurance?
I Have you checked with your local British Mission what you
must declare at customs?
I Have you weighed your baggage to ensure that it is within
your baggage allowance and is easily transportable for your
onward journey?
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Arrival in the UK
If you are travelling by sea you will
If you pass through another European airport
probably arrive at one of the UK ports –
check beforehand whether you require a
Dover, Folkestone, Harwich, Hull, Portsmouth
‘transit visa’, which will normally give you a
or Southampton – from where you can
fixed number of hours or days after arrival
travel to your final destination in the UK.
in which to complete your onward journey.
These major ports have many onward
Certain nationalities require a ‘direct airside
coach and rail connections.
transit visa’ even to transit to another flight
within the airport, which means that you
You can also arrive in London on the Eurostar
cannot leave the airport under any
train using the Channel Tunnel. Rail services
circumstances. Certain other nationalities can
throughout Europe connect through Paris
‘transit without visa’ provided that the transfer
or Brussels with the Eurostar service and,
is within the same airport, and you remain
on arrival in London, connections can be
within the airport to take an onward flight.
made by rail throughout the UK from one of
the main London stations. You may need to
If your air journey involves a connection,
travel into central London in order to catch
whether in Europe or in the UK, ask the airline
a train or coach to your final destination.
staff to check you and your baggage through
to your final destination, as this will make
There are excellent
However, most international students travel by
your transit through the connection airport
connections to UK
air and your first sight of the UK is likely to be
much easier.
regional airports
an airport. If you are travelling by air you will
through European
usually arrive at Gatwick, Heathrow, London
At first sight an airport might appear a difficult
airports such as
City, Luton or Stansted airports, all of which
and confusing place, but if you follow the
Amsterdam, Paris
are convenient if you are studying in London
steps below, getting through is actually
or Frankfurt.
or the south-east of England.
quite easy.
If, like many international students, you are
These are the steps you must take:
studying elsewhere, there are many
I Follow the sign for ‘Arrivals’ unless you
international regional airports located
are transferring to another airplane at
throughout the UK, and your journey is likely
the same airport. If you are transferring
to be much easier if you fly to the nearest
to another plane, follow the ‘Flight
regional airport to your place of study.
connections’ sign and any further
Many intercontinental flights now serve UK
instructions.
airports such as Birmingham, Edinburgh,
Glasgow and Manchester; direct and onward
I ‘Arrivals’ will take you to passport control.
connections are available from these, as well
I As you approach passport control you
as from the London airports, to destinations
will see electronic screens, which will
throughout the UK.
show you which zone you will need to
There are also excellent connections to UK
go through. Make sure you join the right
regional airports through European airports
queue or you could waste a lot of time.
such as Amsterdam, Paris or Frankfurt.
I All passengers must go through the
Through Europe you can reach several UK
immigration zone dealing with their flight.
regional airports, such as Birmingham, Bristol,
Note that there is one zone for passengers
Liverpool, Norwich and Southampton, that are
who have UK or EEA and Swiss national
not connected to the major London airports.
passports and one or more zones for all
other passport holders.
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Y019 EdUK First Steps - New Text V2 8/5/09 15:45 Page 15
I The immigration officer will want to see
2 Ask to see a representative of
that your documents are in order and
the Immigration Advisory Service.
that you have an up-to-date passport,
The service has offices at most
your landing card from the airplane and,
major airports and seaports,
if required, a valid visa.
and can also be reached on
the following numbers:
I If you do not require prior entry clearance
or a visa, you will also need to show a
Central Officer
020 7357 6917
letter of acceptance as a student from a
UK institution and proof that you are able
Helpline 020
7378
9191
to pay for your course and living expenses
Detention freephone (free call) 0800 435427
without working in the UK, for example,
bank statements for the last three months
From Birmingham airport
706 9765
and/or a sponsor’s letter.
From Dover East (seaport)
240 1224
I If you are bringing family to live with you
From Dover West (seaport)
240 2461
in the UK, and they are not EEA nationals,
they must have entry clearance, which
From Gatwick airport
533385
they must have obtained from a British
From Heathrow airport
020 8814 1559
Mission before travelling to the UK.
I The immigration officer needs to be
From Manchester airport
834 9942
satisfied that you meet the immigration
For all Scottish airports
0870 606 7766
rules for students and that you intend to
leave the UK at the end of your studies.
If you have travelled by Eurostar train
I Another part of the immigration process
through the Channel Tunnel your passport
is health control: you might be asked to
and documents will be checked on the train,
undergo a brief, routine health check by
and you may be asked further questions
the airport doctor, which might include
when the train arrives in London. If you drive
an X-ray as part of a short medical
through the tunnel you will pass through UK
examination. The health check will take
immigration at the terminal in France before
place in a separate room. Afterwards you
taking your car on to the shuttle train.
will have to return to immigration control.
I As long as your documents are in order,
you should pass through immigration
smoothly. But if you find you need any
help for any reason, there are two things
you can do:
1 Ask the immigration officer to
telephone your college or university
(keep the telephone number with you).
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UK and other European Economic area
If you come for a course lasting more than
nationals/others
six months, you will normally be allowed
to work under certain conditions:
Immigration
I during term time, you can work up to
If you are not a visa national and plan to sort
20 hours a week and full-time during
out your immigration when you land in the UK,
vacations (you can also work longer
the immigration officer will stamp your
if the work placement is an essential
passport as a ‘student visitor’. If you have
part of your course – e.g. the work period
already obtained a passport sticker (entry
of a sandwich course – or if you are on
clearance or residence permit) or identity
a degree course and the work placement
card, the time limit of your stay and any
is an internship lasting no more than
conditions will be included on the sticker.
three months)
Employment
I you can’t run your own business,
To be allowed to work in the UK while you are
be self-employed, or work as a
in the UK as a student depends on whether
professional sportsperson or entertainer
you are one of the following:
I you can’t take up a permanent full-time
* The countries of the
1 an EEA national
position (but you can do full-time,
EEA are Austria, Belgium,
2 not an EEA national, and have a
short-term work during the holidays).
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
‘restriction on working’ in your passport
If your identity card says ‘Restricted work.
Finland, France, Germany,
3 not an EEA national and have a
P/T term time. F/T vacation’ you are allowed
Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
‘prohibition on working’ in your passport.
to work during your studies.
Liechtenstein, Lithuania,
EEA nationals
For further information about working
Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway,
If you are an EEA national* or a Swiss national,
while studying go to:
Poland, Portugal, Romania,
you can work freely in the UK, either for an
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
employer or as a self-employed person.
working_during_studies.php.
Sweden and the UK.
If any family members come with you to
the UK, they can work in the UK as well,
For examples of passport stamps that allow
no matter what their nationality.
and prohibit work:
Other nationals
www.ukcisa.org.uk/files/pdf/working/
From 1 September 2007 a new category was
work_during_stamps.pdf.
added to the UK Immigration Rules: ‘student
visitor’. This is for those coming to the UK for
less than six months to do a short period of
study and then return home. Student visitors
are not allowed to work.
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Family members
When registering you will be charged a
If you are given permission to be in the UK
registration fee (currently £34), and must
to study for 12 months or more then your
take your passport and two photographs
spouse, married or unmarried partner or
of yourself (unless you are registering in
children should be given permission to work.
London, in which case one photograph
only is required). Your student adviser at
National Insurance and tax
your place of study will explain, if necessary,
If you work in the UK under any of the
how to register.
arrangements mentioned above, you must
pay UK taxes and National Insurance (NI)
Each time you change your address, status,
contributions, as British workers do. You must
or extend your permission to be in the UK
also apply for a NI number once you start
you must renew your police registration.
work: telephone your local Jobcentre Plus
There is no charge unless you have lost
office and arrange to go for an interview
your original registration document.
(for further information telephone 0845 600
EEA nationals and Commonwealth citizens
0643 or go to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk).
do not have to register.
It may take up to 12 weeks before you
receive your NI number, but you can
Customs control
start work without it.
Once you are clear of passport control
you can proceed to the baggage reclaim
Police registration
area, where you can collect your luggage.
Your passport or identity card will state
Above each baggage carousel is an electronic
whether or not you have to register with
display unit. Find the one that shows your
the Overseas Visitors Records Office
flight number, as this will be the carousel that
(180 Borough High Street, London SE1 1LK,
has your luggage on it. If any item of luggage
telephone +(44) (0)20 7230 1600, Monday
does not appear, find a representative of
to Friday, 0900 to 1630) or, outside London,
the airline on which you travelled and fill
at a major police station close to where
in a lost-luggage form.
you will be living. If you are required to
register with the police, you must do so
At UK airports there are normally three exits
within seven days of your arrival in the UK.
through customs – a green channel if you are
Your entry clearance stamp will probably
travelling from outside the European Union
tell you to register with the police. If your
and have nothing to declare; a red channel
entry clearance tells you to register,
if you are travelling from outside the European
your husband/wife and/or child are likely
Union and do have goods to declare; and
to be given an entry clearance or stamp
a blue channel if you are travelling from an
that tells them to register too.
airport within the European Economic Area,
where your luggage has already been cleared
through customs control.
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The notices in the customs areas will tell you
if you need to declare anything you have
brought into the country. If in doubt, check
Blue
with one of the customs officers before
exit
passing through customs control.
Even if you pass through the green channel,
the customs officers may ask you to open
your luggage for checking.
For advice on importing personal effects
and goods in to the UK, you can check
Nothing
with HM Revenue and Customs
to
(see Useful organisations, page 31).
declare
The Department for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (Defra) have a website –
www.defra.gov.uk – that gives information on
illegal imports of foods and plants, to prevent
animal and plant pests and diseases from
coming into the UK.
Goods
to
When you have come through customs,
declare
you will have completed all the formalities
and will have officially arrived in the UK.
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Onward travel: how to get from the airport
to your final destination
Onward travel
Telephone
You should receive instructions from your
Public telephones or ‘payphones’ are available
place of study on how to get there before
in the UK. They operate either with cash or
you leave. If you are studying in London or
a phonecard, which you can buy from post
the south-east, you will probably want to
offices and some shops, or with a credit card.
arrive in the UK at one of the three major
If necessary, you can contact the operator
London airports: Gatwick, Heathrow or
by dialling 100 (155 for the international
Stansted. If you are studying elsewhere in the
operator).
UK, you should check for flights to the nearest
To access the directory enquiries service
airport. There are many other airports
for information about telephone numbers,
throughout the UK, most of which have
dial 118 500 for UK numbers, or 118 505
excellent connections through Amsterdam,
for international numbers.
Brussels, Frankfurt, London or Paris.
Mobile phones can be more expensive to
For information about Heathrow, Gatwick,
use than landlines, although if you choose
Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and
your tariff and service provider in the UK
Southampton airports check out the British
carefully (most contracts will give you free
Airport Authority website at:
minutes and text messages), then this
www.baa.co.uk.
might not be the case.
There are also increasing numbers of direct
Useful numbers
flights to the larger non-London airports
UK Directory Enquiries
118 500
such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow,
International Directory Enquiries
118 505
Manchester and Newcastle. You can check
out the institution’s website for onward
UK Operator
100
travel details and Visit Britain should be
able to provide travel information if they
International Operator
155
are contacted well ahead of time:
Emergencies 999
www.visitbritain.com.
If you have not already arranged onward
travel from the airport, the general information
desk at the airport will advise you on the best
way to travel to your destination. There are
also commercial information desks where
you can find information about onward travel.
Some places of study send a staff member
to meet new international students at the
airport or local train station. If they offer
this service they should have sent details
in your information pack.
You may need to use a telephone to contact
your place of study.
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Travelling on the
The Underground
Whenever possible, it is best to book
Underground is
(also known as the Tube)
a coach in advance as they are very popular.
generally the
At Heathrow airport there are signs showing
Also, because they often stop at a number
quickest way to get
the way to the Underground (none of the
of points in a city or town, be sure that you
around London and
other London airports has Underground
know where you need to be dropped off
is one of the best
access). Before buying a ticket you should
before you start your journey. If necessary,
ways to get to
look at one of the large Underground maps
ask the driver or conductor to tell you
London’s mainline
to check your route. The Underground has
when you have arrived.
stations for trains
11 different lines, each shown in a different
Trains
to take you to
colour. You might need to change lines to get
There are train services from all of the London
your place of study.
to your destination, in which case you should
airports into central London and from many
get off at the station where the lines cross,
of the regional airports such as Birmingham,
and follow the signs for the line you want.
Manchester and Newcastle, to their city
Before using the Underground, you will
centres. If the city centre is not your final
need to buy a ticket from the ticket machines
destination it is possible to make connections
or the ticket office. To get to the train, you
through the city centre stations to any part
might need to show the ticket to the ticket
of the UK and, from certain airports, there are
inspector, but at most stations there are
also direct trains to other parts of the country.
machines where you put your ticket in a slot,
If you are arriving in London and travelling
the barrier opens and you must take the ticket
onwards you will probably need to change
out again. Travelling on the Underground
stations as London has seven stations,
is generally the quickest way to get around
each for a different part of the country.
London and is one of the best ways to get
to London’s mainline stations for trains to
The London stations are all connected
take you to your place of study.
by the Underground services and by bus,
but you should allow plenty of time to cross
If you are planning on spending more than
London and check your route carefully.
a few days in London it is best to purchase
an Oyster Card, which gives you significantly
If you arrive by sea there are direct trains to
discounted travel on London’s underground
London and beyond from all Channel ports
and bus services:
and you will be able to purchase your ticket
to your final destination.
www.tfl.gov.uk/oyster.
The Eurostar train will take you direct to
Buses and coaches
St Pancras train station in London.
At all major UK airports there are large bus
and coach stations with direct or connecting
Trains do not run all night and there is a
services to most cities and towns in the UK.
reduced service over the weekend and on
Coaches are inexpensive and the airport to
bank holidays. If possible avoid arriving late
city centre services can often save time and
at night or over the weekend when there
stress when compared with an equivalent rail
are fewer options for onward travel.
journey. Details of airport links and fares
can be found on:
www.gobycoach.com and
www.nationalexpress.com.
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Try to arrive early in the day so that you
Accommodation
can complete your journey in daylight.
If you need hotel accommodation overnight
in London or the regions you are strongly
To check your rail journey visit:
advised to make a reservation before you
www.nationalrail.co.uk
leave your home country.
www.travelline.org.uk
Accommodation advice and general help
www.heathrowexpress.com
can be found at www.visitbritain.com or
www.gatwickexpress.co.uk
e-mail blvinfo@visitbritain.org.
www.stanstedexpress.co.uk.
Tourist boards
Taxis
www.visitwales.com
Unless your destination is reasonably
www.visitscotland.com
close to the airport, taxis can be expensive.
www.enjoyengland.com
So always ask what the fare is likely to be
www.visitlondon.com
before you decide.
www.visitnorthernireland.com
Usually, there are two kinds of taxis at airports
– licensed taxis (also called ‘black cabs’),
which you’ll find waiting at the taxi rank,
and ‘private hire’ taxis, which you can order
at a desk inside the terminal.
You can hail black cabs anywhere, but private
hire taxis have to be ordered. So if someone
approaches you in the arrival hall and offers
you a taxi, just say ‘no’ and go to the taxi
rank or desk.
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Checklist for onward travel
Once your preparations for arrival are complete, you should ask
yourself the following questions:
I Have you got instructions on how to get to your place of study?
I Have you checked out your place of study on the internet?
I Have you seen a map of the UK and the location of your
first place of study?
I Do you know the length of time of any onward journey
from the airport?
I Do you know about the information desks at the airport?
I Do you know how to use public transport, e.g. the Underground,
buses and trains?
I Have you arranged accommodation if you need to stay
overnight in London?
I Have you made sure you obtain a receipt for your deposit
that includes the date, the amount paid and the words
‘deposit for accommodation’?
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Settling in
Accommodation
University/college accommodation
It’s always best to arrange accommodation
Most universities and colleges have their
in the UK before you leave home, but if for
own accommodation office and this should
any reason you haven’t been able to do this,
be the first place you should go to ask
here is some practical advice.
about accommodation. Most institutions
provide accommodation for single and
Think carefully about your needs. For
unaccompanied married international
example, how close is the accommodation
students in a hall of residence (either
to your place of study? Is there good public
full-board or self-catering) or a self-catering
transport? How much will it cost? Are you
shared house or flat. Space is usually limited,
near shops and facilities? How big is your
so applications for such accommodation
room? How secure is it? Will you have enough
should be made as soon as you have been
quiet and privacy for study? And so on.
accepted on your course and certainly
Then start by going to the accommodation
before the required deadline.
office at your place of study, where they will
Private accommodation
be able to advise you on all of this and more.
The accommodation office at your institution
To have the best chance of securing
may be able to help with this too. The office
accommodation at your place of study
may keep lists of private accommodation
you must:
available in the area, and some offices may
even help you arrange a booking.
I apply as soon as you can
The most usual type of private accommodation
I fully complete any accommodation forms
is a room in a house, sharing facilities.
and return them before the deadline date
Renting a furnished house or a flat is likely
I confirm your accommodation
to be expensive, especially in city centres,
arrangements with the accommodation
and quite difficult to find. A good way of
office at your place of study before
making this affordable is to share with other
you arrive in the UK
students. If you do this, make sure you agree
beforehand on how you will share costs.
I be prepared to have to pay for
accommodation in advance, if necessary
You will have to do your own cooking and
cleaning, and in some cases, will need to
I not bring any family with you unless you
provide your own bed linen and cooking
have booked accommodation for them
equipment. Ask the landlord or landlady
in advance.
about these things.
Where it is not possible to book
You may decide to stay in lodgings, as part
accommodation in advance, you will be asked
of a family. This will give you the opportunity
to meet the accommodation officer at your
to speak English on a regular basis. But be
place of study, who should be able to help
sure to discuss any ‘house rules’ with your
you find permanent accommodation.
hosts first.
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Whatever type of private accommodation
You should not bring your family to the UK
you decide on, you will need to meet the
until you have found suitable accommodation
owner of the property so that you can see
for them. University accommodation is very
it for yourself, and discuss the rent.
limited and it can be extremely distressing
and very expensive for a family if they have
Do not sign any accommodation contract
to stay in a hotel for a long time. The best
you do not understand as contracts are
thing is to travel to the UK first to arrange
legally binding. If you are unsure, take
family accommodation. This also gives you
a copy of the agreement to your college
time to consider the amount of space you
accommodation officer or student welfare
need, heating costs, safety, local amenities,
officer for his or her advice.
and so on.
If you decide to move in, ask for a tenancy
Council Tax
agreement that both you and the owner
In the UK most people over the age of 18
will sign. This will set out the agreement
have to pay a charge for local community
between you.
services, such as the police, fire brigade,
You will probably be asked to pay a deposit
rubbish collection and leisure services,
before you can move in (usually equivalent
and this is called the Council Tax.
to one month’s rent). This will be given back
If you live in an educational institution’s hall
to you when you leave, provided all the bills
of residence, a hostel owned by a charity,
have been paid and there is no damage
or share a home with other full-time students
to the property or its contents. Make sure
or with your family, then you should not have
you get a receipt for this.
to pay this tax. If you live anywhere else you
You can download a useful leaflet on the
may have to pay it. The exact amount will
tenancy deposit scheme from:
depend upon where you are living.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/tenancydeposit/
Your students’ union or Citizens Advice
dg_066383.
Bureau can usually help with Council Tax
problems (www.nacab.org.uk).
You may be asked to sign an inventory for
all the items listed in the property. Get a copy
Checklist
of this and a receipt for all the rent payments
I View the property
that you make. Always ask for a rent book
I Tenancy agreement
in which your payments can be recorded.
I Deposit
You may have to use a card for the electricity
and gas that you use. In some situations it
I Inventory
will make more sense to share bills for lighting
I Rent book
and heating with other tenants, but make
sure you agree beforehand on how the costs
I Payment of bills
are to be shared.
I Council Tax
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Banks and money
It is important not to overspend on your
Long-term students need to open a bank
account, as you can incur charges if your
account as soon as possible, ideally with
account is overdrawn. If you need to spend
one of the banks on campus, or nearby.
more money than you have in your account,
Many banks offer special facilities and
then you need to talk to the bank’s student
schemes for students and the bank’s financial
adviser about arranging an overdraft:
advisers can help you organise your account.
www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk.
You will need to take your passport and
the letter of acceptance from your place
Medical reports
of study with you, together with proof of
You should have a health check at least four
your addresses at home and in the UK, and
weeks before you leave for the UK. Don’t
a reference and statements from your home
leave this to the last minute, as you won’t
bank when you go in to open your account.
have enough time to readjust to any
medication before starting out on your
Setting up a bank account before your
journey and course of study.
arrival should avoid difficulties and delays,
and Barclays are the only bank we are aware
You should also obtain a copy of your chest
of that can activate you account before
X-ray report and carry it with your offer letter,
confirmation of your UK address:
as you may have to produce this at passport
control. This may avoid having to have
www.barclays.com/studentandfamily.
another X-ray.
Most banks in the UK are open from 0930
Medical costs in the UK
to 1630 Monday to Friday (some are also
I If you are on a course lasting six months
open on Saturday mornings). But if you have
or more (or any course in Scotland)
a cash card for your account you can use
you can get treatment from the British
a cash machine at any time of the day,
National Health Service (NHS), including
on any day of the week.
free doctor’s examinations and hospital
Scottish banks issue their own notes and all
treatment, from the beginning of your
notes are legal currency throughout the UK.
stay. This also applies to your spouse and
children under 16 (or under 19 if they
Try to find out as much as you can about
are still at school or college). You should
banking in the UK before you get here.
register with a doctor as an NHS patient
Visit the website at www.bba.org.uk. Ask your
and take the letter of enrolment from
college or university what your options are
your place of study as proof of your
for paying fees, so you’ll know what facilities
student status.
you’ll need. Then contact your bank in your
home country and ask:
I If you are on a course lasting less than six
months you may still ask a doctor to treat
I how best to transfer your money to the UK
you under the NHS, but they may refuse
I about running a bank account in the UK
to do so, and you will not be entitled to
NHS hospital treatment (except in an
I whether your bank has a special
emergency). You should therefore take out
relationship with any UK banks
health insurance, unless you come from an
I whether you can use cash cards from your
EEA country or a country with a reciprocal
home bank in cash machines in the UK.
agreement for free health care in the UK.
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I Reciprocal health care agreements
Try to eat, every day:
are limited to treatment of any illnesses
I lots of fresh fruit and vegetables
that arise during your visit to the UK
(i.e. which did not exist before
I some bread, potatoes, rice,
your arrival).
noodles or pasta
I You will have to pay a fixed contribution
I some protein, such as beans,
towards the costs of any medicines
lentils, eggs, fish or meat
prescribed, some other GP services
I some milk, cheese, yogurt or soy products
(e.g. vaccinations) and any eye treatment.
(e.g. soy milk, tofu).
I If you are registered with the NHS you are
Try to get some exercise several times a
entitled to the services of an NHS dentist,
week. Most colleges and universities in the
although dental treatment is not free.
UK offer lots of opportunities to practice
I If you are ill and unable to attend
your favourite sport or learn a new one.
your training course you must inform
If you don’t like sports, try an exercise class,
your academic tutor of the cause of
or go for a long walk.
your illness.
Travelling to a new country with a different
Climate and clothing
climate and different foods can cause
The UK has a temperate climate, with few
small health upsets. You may develop minor
extremes. But the weather here is famously
illnesses such as coughs and colds. If you
changeable. So be prepared. It can be quite
haven’t had these symptoms before, they may
wet and cold in the winter, (roughly November
seem worrying at first, but don’t be alarmed –
to March). So a warm topcoat, hat, scarf,
these problems are usually easy to treat
gloves and an umbrella are a good idea.
and advice can be given by a pharmacist at
It also gets dark early. Summers can
your local chemist. You may need to make
occasionally be showery and overcast,
an appointment to see your doctor, and
but are mostly pleasant and rarely extremely
remember to explain any changes in your
hot. The days are long and it stays light until
lifestyle that might be affecting your health.
late in the evening.
Keeping healthy
The best way to stay healthy while you’re
in the UK is the same way to stay healthy
when you’re at home: eat healthy foods,
exercise fairly regularly, and make sure
you get enough sleep.
Eating a balanced diet (a selection of foods)
can be a challenge when you first arrive –
the food in the UK may be very different
from what you’re used to.
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Meningitis
Studying
When you have registered with a local
Study methods in the UK may be very
doctor you should make an appointment
different to your own. Students in the UK use
to be immunised against meningitis. This
a variety of textbooks and often have to write
immunisation is free of charge and provides
extensively, use computers, and draw their
protection against the disease for three
own conclusions and analyses. In lectures and
to five years.
seminars note-taking is encouraged, and in
small group tutorials you should be prepared
Meningitis is an infection that causes
to participate actively. You may have to carry
inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the
out original research or participate in practical
brain and spinal cord. Although the infection
experiments and projects.
is quite rare, it is extremely dangerous and
can result in deafness, blindness, loss of limbs
or even death. Meningitis can develop very
quickly and sometimes within a matter of
hours. Early symptoms of meningitis are
similar to flu, such as feeling feverish or
suffering from an aching back or joints,
headaches and vomiting. If any of the
following symptoms develop then you
must get medical help urgently:
I severe aversion to light
I a rash that doesn’t fade when pressure
is applied (you can test this by pressing
the side of a glass against the rash;
if the rash doesn’t fade and change
colour under the pressure, contact
your doctor immediately)
I disorientation
I loss of consciousness, leading to coma.
Further information is available from your
college or university nurse or from the
Meningitis Research Foundation, free number
080 8800 3344 or on the internet at:
www.immunisation.org.uk or
www.meningitis.com.
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Checklist for studying
Checklist for settling in
I Keep in regular contact with your personal
I Have you arranged suitable
academic tutor at your place of study and
accommodation?
let him or her know about any problems
I Do you know about the Council Tax?
you may have that affect your studies.
I Have you arranged your finances?
I The student counsellor at your place of
study, as well as the academic staff in
I Have you had a health check?
your department, and your fellow students,
I Have you arranged medical insurance,
can offer support and advice if you are
if you are not covered under the NHS?
having difficulties of any kind.
I Do you know what to do if you become ill?
I Punctuality and attendance are
particularly important. Absence without
I Are you prepared for the differences
a valid reason, e.g. illness, will be looked
in study methods used in the UK,
upon very seriously.
and do you know where to seek
advice if you have any difficulties?
I You should let your place of study
know of any doubts you have about
the relevance or level of your course
of study before you depart for the UK.
It is extremely difficult to make changes
to your course, course level or extensions
to the agreed period of study after your
arrival, and these are sometimes simply
not permitted.
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Out and about
Shopping
HOST – a unique opportunity
If you are living in self-catering accommodation,
for international students
shopping for food is likely to be a priority.
HOST is a voluntary organisation supported
Eating the right food, and enough of it,
by the British Council, the Foreign and
is vital for keeping healthy (see the previous
Commonwealth Office and many universities
section, ‘Settling in’).
and colleges.
You may find it easier to shop in self-service
Volunteer hosts offer a friendly welcome
shops or supermarkets, where you can use
and an insight into their customs and way
a basket or trolley provided for you to carry
of life. They enjoy meeting people from
the goods you intend to buy.
other countries, and can help you practise
your English conversation.
There are smaller shops, where you can buy
specialised foods from overseas, and street
There are hosts in most regions of the UK.
markets, which are particularly good for fresh
Wherever you choose for your visit, you will
fruit and vegetables, often sold at low prices.
be a guest rather than a tourist. Eating
home-cooked meals and discovering regional
Because of the unpredictability of the British
practices are important parts of a HOST visit.
weather it is a good idea to wear several
layers of clothes, a waterproof coat and
If you are interested, contact your
sturdy shoes. An umbrella is essential. You can
international student adviser for information
find good-quality, reasonably priced clothes
and a HOST application form (also available
in high street stores, but you can find bargains
by e-mailing info@hostuk.uk).
in street markets, and in the second-hand
shops run by charities. These shops often
have clothes that are almost new, at very
low prices.
Leisure activities
On campus, the students’ union usually
organises all kinds of social functions and
supports the many clubs and societies that
you can join. Joining clubs is a good way
of making friends.
Various activities are organised by local
authorities, and you can join evening classes,
including English language classes, which
you can find out about at a local library
or college.
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Religion
Travelling around
Exploring life in the UK does not mean having
Once you have established your study routine,
to give up your own culture or religion. In the
you may want to take a break from your
UK there are many people practising various
studies and travel beyond the town or city
faiths, and as the number of people from
where you are living. Your time in the UK
different cultures has grown, so have the
would be incomplete without spending
facilities that allow them to lead a life
some of that time enjoying what the country
according to their religious beliefs. Places
has to offer.
of worship in most major cities and towns
The cheapest way to travel is by coach –
almost invariably include Hindu and
trains are more comfortable, and a lot quicker,
Buddhist temples, mosques and synagogues,
but more expensive.
particularly if there is a large ethnic
population. Today there are few places,
You can travel around quite cheaply with
other than remote areas, where the religious
a student railcard – or coach card. Full-time
needs of people from other countries are
students attending courses of at least 20
not met.
weeks at a UK educational institution can buy
a young persons’ railcard. You can get more
The UK is a multicultural society: people
information about student travel discounts
from ethnic minorities now live in most areas
from information centres at coach or railway
and are a well-accepted and well-integrated
stations, or ask at your place of study.
part of the population. However, if you do
experience any racial prejudice, speak to
Your time in the UK can be a truly happy
your student welfare officer.
and rewarding experience – all you need
to do is plan properly and keep in mind
the information you are given at your
pre-departure briefing.
Take the opportunity to read this booklet and
you can be assured that there will always be
people you can turn to for help and advice,
wherever you choose to study in the UK.
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Useful organisations
BALEAP
Telephone +44 (0)20 7608 7960
(The British Association of Lecturers
Fax +44 (0)20 7608 7961
in English for Academic Purposes)
E-mail info@englishuk.com
www.baleap.org.uk
www.englishuk.com
British Accreditation Council for
HM Revenue and Customs
Independent Further and Higher Education
Dorset House
(BAC)
Stamford Street
44 Bedford Row
London SE1 9PY, UK
London WC1R 4LL, UK
Telephone +44 (0)1702 366 077
Telephone +44 (0)20 7447 2584
Fax +44 (0)1702 367 342
Fax +44 (0)20 7447 2585
www.hmrc.gov.uk/individuals
E-mail info@the-bac.org
(for advice on importing personal effects
www.the-bac.org
and goods click on ‘travel’ then ‘customs
allowances’)
British Council
Information Centre
Immigration Advisory Service (IAS)
Bridgewater House
County House
58 Whitworth Street
190 Great Dover Street
Manchester M1 6BB, UK
London SE1 4YB, UK
Telephone +44 (0)161 957 7755
Telephone +44 (0)20 967 1200
Fax +44 (0)161 957 7762
Fax +44 (0)20 7403 5875
www.britishcouncil.org
www.iasuk.org
www.educationuk.org
National Union of Students
www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation
461 Holloway Road
British Universities
London N7 6LJ, UK
Accommodation Consortium
Telephone +44 (0)20 7272 8900
PO Box 1868
Fax +44 (0)7263 5713
University Park
www.nusonline.org.uk
Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
(offers practical advice and information
Telephone +44 (0)115 950 4571
on student issues)
Fax +44 (0)115 950 4571
Northern Ireland Tourist Board
www.buac.co.uk
St Anne’s Court
Department for Innovation,
59 North Street
Universities and Skills (DIUS)
Belfast BT1 1NB
Sanctuary Buildings
Telephone +44 (0)28 9023 1221
Great Smith Street
Fax +44 (0)28 9024 0960
London SW1P 3BT, UK
www.discoverireland.com
Telephone +44 (0)870 001 0336
Scottish Tourist Board
E-mail info@dius.gsi.gov
23 Ravelston Terrace
www.dius.gov.uk
Edinburgh EH4 3TP, UK
English UK
Telephone +44 (0)131 332 2433
219 St John Street
Fax +44 (0)131 343 1513
London EC1V 4LY, UK
www.visitscotland.com
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Scottish Youth Hostels Association
Wales Tourist Board
7 Glebe Crescent
Brunel House
Stirling FK8 2JA, UK
2 Fitzalan Road
Cardiff CF2 1UY, UK
Telephone +44 (0)1786 891 1400
Fax +44 (0)1786 891 1333
Telephone +44 (0)2920 499909
www.syha.org.uk
Fax +44 (0)2920 485031
www.visitwales.com
UKCISA: The Council for
International Student Affairs
Youth Hostels Association (YHA)
9–17 St Albans Place
– National Office
London N1 0NX, UK
Trevelyan House
www.ukcisa.org.uk
Dimple Road
Matlock
Visit Britain
Derbyshire DE4 3HY, UK
Thames Tower
Black’s Road
Telephone +44 (0)1629 592600
London W6 9EL, UK
Fax +44 (0)1629 592702
www.yha.org.uk
Telephone +44 (0)20 8846 9000
Fax +44 (0)202 8562 0302
www.visitbritain.com
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Further information and guidance
UKCISA guidance notes
Financial support
(available to download from
I Council tax and international
www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/
students
information_sheets.php)
I Financial hardship
Information sheets are available
An outline of strategies for international
on the following subjects:
students in the UK who find themselves
experiencing financial hardship.
Arrival and living in the UK
I Accommodation
I Welfare benefits
Advice on if and when international
I Arriving in the UK
students can claim government benefits
I Driving in the United Kingdom:
and help with health care costs.
a guide for international students
Also see, Keeping healthy and EEA
and Swiss students, as appropriate.
I International students and
culture shock
I Sources of funding for international
students
I Keeping healthy
Studying in the UK
I Preparing to return home
I Study methods used in the UK
Immigration
I Making a student immigration
application in your home country
See the UK Border Agency’s Visa Services
leaflet for information on how to apply.
I Making a student immigration
application in the UK
Advice on how to apply to extend your
permission to be in the UK, as a student
if you apply on or after 31 March 2009.
I Working during your studies
I Working in the UK after your studies
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The UK means the
Education UK is managed by
British Council
United Kingdom and
Bridgewater House, 58 Whitworth Street
consists of England,
Manchester M1 6BB
Scotland, Wales
(Great Britain) and
educationuk@britishcouncil.org
Northern Ireland
www.educationuk.org
