We recommend you check the following information before travelling:

• visa and immigration information
• your immigration responsibilities
• avoiding entering the UK via the Republic of Ireland

Your local British Council Office may offer briefing sessions for students about to leave for the UK. You can download the British Council’s pre-departure guide, First Steps by visiting the British Council's website.

If you are travelling to the UK, please ensure that you check the Government guidance for travelling abroad. Although there are currently no Covid-19 restrictions in the UK, there may be different requirements in other countries you have to travel though. 

Preparing to become a student

Make sure you have:

• your unconditional offer
• your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number, so that you can apply for your student visa
• enough money to meet your general living costs and course fees
• booked a place at our Airport Meet and Greet service

If you have a disability, make sure to contact our Student Wellbeing Service for advice.

Preparing to travel

You need:

• a valid passport
• any necessary student visa/entry clearance for study in the UK

Preparing for living in the UK

Book your accommodation, pay your deposit and accept your accommodation contract.

Health

You need:

• a tuberculosis (TB) certificate
• your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), if you are a European student and the card is still valid (the expiry date has not passed)

If you're traveling with prescription medication, please make sure you have checked the information on this website.

Important documents

Keep copies of important documents in a safe place. Send an email of scanned copies to yourself so that you can access them in an emergency.

Email a copy of your Visa Decision letter to compliance@ncl.ac.uk.

Make copies of your:

• passport
• entry clearance documents including your Visa Decision letter
• CAS statement
• accommodation contract

Preparing your finances

Make sure you have:

• a bank letter or reference from your home bank
• British currency for your immediate arrival expenses
• appropriate currency for any small purchases, such as snacks, during airport changes (eg Euros for Amsterdam airport)

Important items to pack in your hand luggage

Make sure you pack:

• a valid passport
• tickets
• entry clearance documents, including your Visa Decision letter
• University Registration and Welcome information
• a copy of your CAS statement
• accommodation offer and contract
• documentary evidence that you can meet the cost of your programme of study and all of your living expenses
• travel insurance documents
• documentation relating to prescription medication (if applicable)

You'll also need a warm jumper or jacket, and some cash to help you in the first few weeks. If you have one, pack your bank card for your international bank account in your hand luggage too.

Returning Students

If you are a returning student you will need the following in your hand luggage:

• Student ID Card or Admission/Offer/CAS letter(s)

   

• Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) or evidence that you have continuing leave to remain as a student.  (The latter will normally be indicated on your visa; but if this is endorsed in a passport that has now expired,  you should bring their old passport with you)

All returning students are advised to check your email accounts prior to travelling back to the United Kingdom for correspondence from the Home Office. In the event that you have received email notification that your Student leave has been cancelled/postponed, you are strongly advised not to travel, but instead to contact your nearest British Diplomatic mission immediately for advice and assistance.