What should I do when I arrive in the UK?

Airports, taxis, checking in... it's a lot to consider. We recommend planning your arrival so it goes as smoothly as possible.

Leaving home to study at university is a huge change in your life, even more so if you’re leaving your home in another country to move to the UK.

When arriving in the UK, you may be asked questions by Border Force team members when going through passport control. These will be questions about your studies or your plans while living in the UK. This is nothing to be worried about and is part of travel procedure in the UK. 

Here are a few more tips to help your arrival into the UK to go seamlessly:

Make sure important documents are in your hand luggage

This includes:

  • Passports, visas and travel documents
  • Flight information and boarding passes
  • Further travel confirmation (such as train tickets)
  • The letter of acceptance from your university or college
  • Biometric Identity Document (BID) decision letter, which tells you how to collect your BID after arriving in the UK
  • Evidence of your finances to show how you will be funding your studies and living in the UK (this could be a bank statement or, if you have received a scholarship, confirmation of this)
  • Certificates of your obtained grades and qualifications 

Plan your journey from the airport

If you’re arriving at a London airport but studying in Sheffield, for example, make sure you have arranged onward travel such as a train or coach. Where possible, see if you can get a flight to the nearest airport from your university and accommodation, for example, the nearest airport to Sheffield would be Leeds Bradford or East Midlands. 

Your university may offer a meet and greet service when you arrive, so we would recommend checking if this is something they can provide. 

Plan your journey to your accommodation

Our properties are within walking or public transport distance of city centres and attractions such as train stations and tram routes. You may need to walk, or catch a different mode of transport, to get to your property after arriving in the city. Planning this in advance will help you to get a feel for your new home, such as the distance to campus and city centre. 

 

Moving to the UK to study is a big decision and it’s natural to be nervous, especially when travelling. We’re here to support you 24/7, 365 days a year and are always on hand to help with any questions you might have. 

 

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