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Travel Preparation

Preparing to Travel to Study in the UK

Before you set off to study in the UK, you must make some necessary preparations to make your travel process more manageable and ensure a smooth start to your new life. This guide covers everything from preparing your travel documents to the items you must take with you and the first things you must do when you arrive.

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1. Things to Do Before Traveling

Visa and Passport Procedures

Students travelling to the UK to study are required to obtain a Student Visa. Make sure your visa is approved and up-to-date in your passport. Don't forget to take the following documents with you before travelling:

  1. Your valid passport and visa document
  2. Your letter of acceptance from the university or language school (CAS document)
  3. Financial documents you used in your visa application (bank statements)
  4. Accommodation information and your address
  5. Insurance documents (IHS payment receipt for NHS registration or your private health insurance)

Flight Ticket Reservation

Plan your flight dates according to your school's start date and accommodation check-in date. You can land at major airports such as London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, or Birmingham.

  1. You can find more affordable tickets by booking early.
  2. Determine your flight times by considering the transportation alternatives at the arrival time.
  3. Plan your post-arrival transportation options (airport transfer, public transport, taxi, etc.).

Accommodation and Address Information

Make sure your stay is finalised before you travel to the UK. You can choose from the following types of accommodation:

  1. Student dormitories (on/around campus accommodation provided by universities)
  2. Shared student houses or private apartments
  3. Homestay – Particularly suitable for short-term stays.
  4. Apartments for rent – A popular option for long-term students.

Make sure your post-arrival address is correct and must be shared with the UK government.

Financial Readiness and Currency

You should make some financial preparations to be able to meet your daily expenses in the UK comfortably:

  1. Take some British pounds (£) in cash with you (e.g. £200-£500).
  2. Obtain an internationally valid debit or credit card.
  3. Research opening a bank account in the UK and prepare the necessary documents.
  4. Contact your bank to make sure your cards are available for international use.

 

  1. Items You Need to Take With You

Essential Documents and Photocopies, Digital Records

  1. Photocopies of your passport and visa
  2. University acceptance letter and school documents
  3. Insurance policy and health documents
  4. Financial documents (bank statements, scholarship documents, etc.)
  5. Accommodation and flight information

Clothing & Personal Belongings

As the UK's weather conditions are changeable, it's essential to pack the right clothes:

  1. Waterproof coat and raincoat (rainy weather is typical in the UK)
  2. Sweaters and light clothes for layered dressing
  3. Scarves, beanies and gloves for the winter months
  4. Comfortable walking shoes and sneakers
  5. Formal attire (for college events, internship interviews, etc.)

Electronic Devices & Adapters

The socket system of the UK is different from that of Turkey (G type, 230V, 50Hz). You will need to buy an adapter to use your electronic devices. Devices you need to take with you:

  1. Laptop and charger
  2. Phone and power bank
  3. UK socket-compatible adapter
  4. USB stick or external drive (for storing essential documents)

Essential Personal Care Products for the First Days

  1. Daily medicines and prescriptions (with a doctor's note, if any)
  2. Crucial personal care products (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, etc.)
  3. A lightweight towel and travel-size hygiene products

 

  1. Things to do after arriving in the UK

Passport Control and Customs Process

When going through passport control at the airport when you arrive in the UK, you may be required to show the following documents to the authorities:

  1. Valid passport and your student visa
  2. University acceptance letter (CAS)
  3. Accommodation information
  4. IHS payment receipt (to be eligible for NHS services)
  5. Documents proving your financial sufficiency

Transportation and First Stay

You can use different transportation options to reach your accommodation from the airport:

  1. Public transport: Train, subway (London Underground), bus options
  2. Airport transfer services: Check the unique services offered by your university.
  3. Taxi and private car services: You can use Uber or local taxis.

University Enrolment and NHS Enrolment

Here are the official actions you need to do in the first days:

  1. Complete your university registration process.
  2. Register with the NHS (General Health Services).
  3. To open a bank account, get your university's "Proof of Address" document.
  4. Choose a suitable operator in the UK to get a phone line.

Adapting to everyday life in the UK

You can follow the following suggestions to adjust to a new country:

  1. Get used to the city and transportation system → use apps like Google Maps and Citymapper.
  2. Explore local markets and shopping spots → You can use markets such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, and ASDA.
  3. Attend your university's social events → You can join student clubs to make new friends and speed up your cultural adjustment process.
  4. Register emergency numbers → 999 (Emergency Services), 111 (NHS Health Line), 101 (Police).

Make a Smooth Transition to the UK with HUB EDU!

We help you complete all stages of the moving process to the UK without problems. We are with you every step of the way, from visa applications to accommodation arrangements, flight, and registration procedures.

Contact us for more information and to benefit from our consultancy services!

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