GET READY FOR SUCCESS - Pre-departure guide 2021-22 - INTO
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GET READY FOR SUCCESS Pre-departure guide 2021-22
2 INTO Pre-departure Guide 2021–2022 Checklist 3
Your pre-departure guide Your checklist
This useful checklist will help you get organised for
Moving to an unfamiliar country is an exciting time, your exciting journey ahead with INTO. Make sure
but there's a lot to think about and prepare before you you’ve completed everything before you leave home!
leave. This guide will help you with your preparations
and give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive. As soon as possible: Passport and visa/identity card.
Have you paid full fees for your tuition Your biometric residence permit (BRP)
and insurance (if applicable)?
collection letter (if applicable).
Have you booked your accommodation
Before you Medical certificates (if required).
Health and paid full fees?
arrive in the UK Bank statement that you used to obtain
Have you booked your flight(s) (see pages 5-6)? your Student visa to show the Immigration
ave you filled in your arrival details
H Officer on arrival at the airport in the UK.
form? Remember to complete Section 3 of the
Any other original documents/transcripts
form if you need an INTO airport pickup.
Preparing Arrival details listed in your offer letter/CAS statement,
ave you checked your passport is valid for
H for example your high school certificate
for the UK form at least six months from your course or home university certificates including
start date? translations (if originals aren't in English).
Have you applied for and received your visa? You'll need these to register and enrol on
your course and to extend your visa
One or two weeks before you leave for the UK: in the UK.
On your first day Your arrival
Have you organised money to bring with you?
ave you got your documents for
H
(see page 12)
medical registration?
Do you know your airline’s luggage allowance Immunisation History Book.
and have you packed accordingly?
K Foreign and Commonwealth Office
U
Starting your Managing Have
you checked the latest UK government
Visa Tuberculosis Screening Certificate
course online your money Covid-19 guidelines?
(if required).
When you are packing:
Have you put the emergency telephone
Have you packed all relevant original number into your mobile phone?
documentation or certified copies listed below? (Contact your INTO Centre if you don't have
Top tips from INTO offer letter. the emergency number.)
Paying your fees
our students If you're under 18: Have you got a letter
Confirmation of Acceptance
for Studies (CAS) statement. of consent from your parent(s) confirming
that they're happy for you to study and live
IELTS certificate or original independently in the UK?
English language test result.
4 INTO Pre-departure Guide 2021–2022 Before you arrive in the UK 5
Before you
arrive in the UK
Do I need a visa? Applying for your visa When you make your application, you may be If you applied for your visa from outside the
Most international students on an academic You can apply for your visa up to six months asked to undertake a visa credibility interview. UK, when your visa is granted, you’ll be issued
course with INTO will need to apply for a before your on campus course start date. You The purpose of this interview is for the Home a vignette – a sticker which includes your
Student visa in order to study in the UK, and the must make sure you leave enough time to Office to check that you're a genuine student. photograph that is stuck into your passport. It
INTO Admissions Office will help you with this. ensure your visa is issued and that you can In the unlikely event that you change your mind is valid for three months from the date you said
As the UK is no longer part of the EU, EU arrive in the UK for the course start date. or want to study at another institution, you you’d arrive in the UK. If you don’t travel within
citizens planning to study in the UK will now Before applying for a visa, please ensure that you: must tell the INTO Admissions Office before that time, you'll have to apply for another.
need a visa too. For the latest study visa • read the latest visa guidance: www.gov.uk/ you come to the UK. If you aren't able to join You'll receive a decision letter which will advise
guidance, visit: www.gov.uk/browse/visas- browse/visas-immigration/student-visas us on campus for your published course start you when your BRP will be available and where
immigration/student-visas date, you can start online and travel to campus you can collect it from after your arrival in the
• have sufficient funds in your account for
when you can. Please keep the INTO Admissions UK. You'll collect it from the address you gave
What if I'm studying an online programme? the correct length of time (28 days or more)
Office updated with your travel plans. when completing your BRP application – this
If you are starting your studies online, you will • have submitted your tuberculosis (TB) will be either your INTO Centre or a local post
not require a visa until you travel to the UK to certificate, if required (for a list of countries Conditions of entry clearance
office. You can also check your CAS statement for
begin on campus teaching. When you transfer where this is required, please visit: Once your visa has been issued, your passport
confirmation of where to collect your BRP from.
to your chosen campus or Centre, you’ll need to www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa/overview) will be stamped with your conditions of entry.
follow the latest UKVI guidance. Please note that if you have already studied in Booking your flight
• have the correct financial statements
the UK on a Student visa and are changing your If starting your course on campus, you should
What is a CAS? (for more details, please visit:
education provider, you'll need to have applied arrange your flight(s) to ensure that you arrive
Once you hold an unconditional offer and you've www.intostudy.com/visa-maintenance-
for a Student visa before you enrol on your new on your INTO accommodation start date. If
sent your signed acceptance forms and deposit requirements)
course with us. starting your course online, book your flight
to the INTO Admissions Office, we'll send you a
• have the original copies of your documents/ when you know you can travel. You may need
CAS data sheet to check. This shows the details
certificates as listed on your CAS statement Biometric residence permit to quarantine for up to 14 days after arrival,
we'll use to produce your Confirmation of
• have your original passport in date as per You'll be issued with a biometric residence depending on where you're travelling from.
Acceptance for Studies (CAS) statement.
your CAS statement permit (BRP) which you will collect once you
Your flight details, including arrival date and
You'll need to confirm these details are correct, arrive in the UK. You'll provide your biometric
flight number, should be emailed to ukarrival.
or advise us of any changes. Once these details information as part of your visa application.
details@intoglobal.com as soon as possible.
are confirmed, your CAS will be produced (this You'll be asked to:
usually takes two working days) and sent IMPORTANT NOTE…
to you. Your visa application will be
• have a digital photo taken of your face FIND OUT MORE…
rejected if you don't have a • put your fingers on a glass screen See our visa application advice and
CAS. Please wait until you are to be scanned guidance on how you can prepare
issued one before applying for for a visa credibility interview:
• give your signature
a visa! www.intostudy.com/uk/visas
6 INTO Pre-departure Guide 2021–2022 Preparing for the UK 7
Before you
arrive in the UK continued Preparing
for the UK
Airport Code Centre(s) Airports What should I pack? Electricity
London LGW INTO City, University of London This table shows the recommended arrival Most airlines allow 20–23 kg of checked The electricity supply in the UK is 230 volts
Gatwick INTO University of Exeter
airport(s), and the airport(s) we offer an INTO luggage and there are strict size and weight with a frequency of 50 hertz. Ensure your
London INTO London
LHR airport pickup service from, for each centre. restrictions on all hand luggage. appliances are connected to a plug fitted
Heathrow INTO UEA
with a fuse of the correct rating, or that you
London STN INTO City, University of London Making your own travel arrangements INTO Care Package
Stansted INTO London bring the correct three-pin adapter.
We recommend that you book an airport pickup If you've chosen to live in an INTO student
INTO UEA
service for easy and stress-free transfer from residence, you’ll be provided with a Health What should I carry in my hand luggage?
Bristol BRS
International the airport to your accommodation. Starter Pack including a reusable face covering • A copy of this guide!
INTO University of Exeter and refillable hand sanitiser, a Kitchen Starter
Exeter EXT If you haven't opted for an airport pickup • Valid passport and visa.
International service, you should make your own onward Pack including cutlery, crockery and a water
• Copies of the documents you used to apply
Glasgow GLA travel arrangements. Please research and bottle, and a Bedroom Starter Pack including
International for your visa, including your bank statement.
INTO University of Stirling plan the journey to your INTO Centre or a pillow, duvet and bedding covers.
Edinburgh EDI • Details of your UK address.
International accommodation before you arrive in the UK. It's nice to bring some items for your room that
will remind you of home to help you settle in. • Evidence of funding for your tuition
Manchester MAN INTO Manchester (including The following websites may be helpful for
International The University of Manchester You won’t need to bring food as a wide variety of fees and living costs, including sponsor
planning your journey using public transport:
and Manchester Metropolitan
foods from around the world can be found locally. letter if appropriate.
University pathways) National Express: information about coach
• Money for the first month – around £500.
Newcastle NCL INTO Newcastle University journeys and fares throughout the UK. Clothes
International
www.nationalexpress.com The weather in the UK can be very variable. • Health certificates, including vaccination
Belfast BFS The warmest weather is between May and records, plus x-ray reports if necessary.
International INTO Queen’s University Belfast
National Rail Enquiries: information about
stations, train times, and fares across England, September. Bring a selection of light clothes that • Any insurance documents.
Belfast City BHD
Wales and Scotland. www.nationalrail.co.uk you can wear in layers, as well as some warm • Any valuable items.
Norwich NWI INTO UEA
International outer clothing and a waterproof coat or umbrella.
Scottish Citylink: information about coach Don’t bring any sharp objects, liquids or gels in
journeys and fares within Scotland. Students in the UK usually dress informally
your hand luggage as they will be confiscated
www.citylink.co.uk for class. You may want to bring a smart outfit
by airport security. Details of all prohibited
with you for more formal occasions, as well
Translink: information about bus and items, including food items, can be found online
as a national costume for international events.
rail stations, timetables and fares across at: www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods
Northern Ireland. www.translink.co.uk Shipping items
It can often be cheaper to buy items in the
UK. You can ship extra belongings to the Centre FIND OUT MORE…
by sea or air, but you must arrive before your What should I bring from home?
packages as we cannot store them for you. www.myin.to/YTpack
8 INTO Pre-departure Guide 2021–2022 Your arrival 9
Your arrival
Meeting immigration staff at the airport What will happen during quarantine? Airport pickup Collecting your biometric residency permit
When you arrive at a UK airport, you should be Your INTO Centre will support you during your Many students worry about how they'll get from When you arrive in the UK, you must collect
prepared to answer some questions such as: quarantine period. You can start your lessons the airport to their accommodation. Our airport your BRP within 90 days of arrival. You'll collect
online and communicate with your teachers pickup service gives you peace of mind that the it from either the INTO Centre or the local
• Why are you coming to the UK?
and other students virtually during this time, journey to your accommodation will be easy and post office – check your CAS statement for
• Where and what course are you studying? then come to campus when your quarantine
uncomplicated. We’ll arrange for you to be met confirmation of where to collect your BRP from.
period is complete.
• Where will you live during your studies? at an agreed arrival airport (see page 6) and
Find FAQs for your INTO Centre here: You must bring your passport or travel document
• Do you have a CAS? brought to your INTO accommodation, privately with your vignette when you collect your BRP.
www.intostudy.com/en-gb/campaigns/study-
• How are you going to fund your studies? options/uk booked room or hotel. If on arrival at the airport You should also bring your decision letter.
you're unable to find your pickup, don’t worry!
You may be asked to undergo a brief, routine To find out more: You may not be able to study or your leave can
Just call your Centre’s 24-hour emergency
health check by the airport doctor, which might We advise that you check these websites be cancelled if you don’t pick up your BRP
helpline. You’ll find this telephone number on
include an x-ray. The health check will take regularly for up-to-date and accurate information. within 90 days of your arrival in the UK.
your airport pickup confirmation email.
place in a separate room. UK government: The BRP is your visa to be in the UK. If you lose
If you're under the age of 18 when you arrive,
Very few INTO students have problems at www.gov.uk/uk-border-control it, you must inform INTO immediately and we'll
you must either book an INTO airport pickup or
immigration. If you do have a problem, please UKCISA (Council for International Student help you request a new one.
provide the contact details of the adult who will
contact the Student Services team or phone Affairs) advice for international students: For more information, visit:
be meeting you as per the submitted
the emergency contact number. www.ukcisa.org.uk www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits
Arrival form.
Will I need to self-quarantine when I arrive
Please note: the airport pickup service has
in the UK?
an additional cost which will be added to the
Due to the impact of Covid-19, students from
student’s account and must be booked at least a
certain countries may need to self-quarantine
week in advance using the online Arrival form. TOP TIP…
for a period of time after they arrive in the UK.
If you have any questions about collecting
If this applies to you, the quarantine period Keep in touch
your BRP, speak to a member of INTO staff
will be included in your course start dates – so It's a requirement of your Student visa to let when you register at the Centre.
there's no need to travel to the UK any earlier. the Student Services team in the Centre know if
there are any changes to your personal details.
For an up-to-date list of countries that require
quarantine upon entering the UK, visit:
www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-
travel-corridors
10 INTO Pre-departure Guide 2021–2022 On your first day 11
Your arrival continued
On your
first day
Registering with the police Do I need to register with the police? Registering on your course English language testing
Many UK police forces have suspended police You'll need to register with the police if you're Registration can be done either online or Upon starting your course, you'll take an English
registration due to Covid-19 guidelines, from one of the countries listed below. in-person, depending on how your course will language test. We'll look at your results from
however you may be expected to register when Afghanistan Lebanon
be delivered or whether you are required to this test to place you in the correct English
Algeria Libya self-quarantine upon arrival to the UK. class for your language level. If the results of
your local police force resumes service. Staff at
Argentina Moldova For face-to-face registration, you'll need to be your test show clear evidence that your English
the Centre can help you make an appointment
Armenia Morocco present at 9am on your first day. You'll find the language level is lower than stated in your
to register with the police once resumed.
Azerbaijan North Korea details of where you need to go to register on application, you'll be advised of your options.
If you need to register with the police, you Bahrain Oman
your Confirmation of Offer letter. On campus orientation programme
should take the following with you: Belarus Palestine
Bolivia Peru If you are starting your course online, you'll When you arrive on campus on your first day,
• your passport and entry visa vignette Brazil Qatar receive an email with instructions on how to you'll be given details of your orientation
• your biometric residence permit (BRP), China Russia access your account and log into the Virtual programme. The orientation programme is very
if you have one Colombia Saudi Arabia Learning Environment. important and you should attend all sessions.
Cuba Sudan
• proof of UK address (utility bill or If you haven't paid your full tuition and You'll receive lots of practical information,
Egypt Syria
accommodation fees, you'll need to do so advice and support from our dedicated Student
accommodation contract) Georgia Tajikistan
Iran Tunisia before you're able to register. Services team on topics such as registering
• proof of studies (letter confirming you with a doctor, opening a bank account, personal
Iraq Turkey In order to register for your on campus course,
are a student at the INTO Centre) Israel Turkmenistan safety, part-time work or volunteering, places
you'll need to provide the following:
• two passport-sized photos of yourself Jordan United Arab Emirates of worship in or close to the Centre, and visa
• passport/identity card and visa
Kazakhstan Ukraine and immigration issues.
• your registration fee (currently £34) Kuwait Uzbekistan • all payment receipts or fees if not already
You'll also be given a tour of the INTO Centre as
For more details, visit: Kyrgyzstan Yemen paid; please also bring the Statement of
well as the university campus and the city, and
www.gov.uk/register-with-the-police Account from your confirmation pack
there will be social and cultural activities
Take tips from our video: • academic transcripts (original and translated to help you settle in and make new friends.
into English) and certificates (original)
www.myin.to/policeregistry Online orientation programme
• evidence of English proficiency (original)
If you're starting your course online or will be
• Confirmation of Offer letter self-quarantining when you arrive in the UK,
• up-to-date address for home country your orientation will be delivered online with a
TOP TIP… and next of kin details fun-packed calendar of virtual social events to
Keep a photocopy of the following items in a safe place: • contact details for your UK residence, get your studies off to the best start.
• passport – both the identification and visa page including mobile telephone number
• credit card and insurance details Students starting online may have different FIND OUT MORE…
• copy of your travel tickets registration requirements. Please contact the www.myin.to/
• serial number of any valuable items, such as a camera, laptop etc INTO Admissions Office for more information. FirstWeekPreparation
12 INTO Pre-departure Guide 2021–2022 Managing your money 13
Managing
your money
Bringing money to the UK Opening a UK bank account
You should bring enough money to live on for the first Staff at the Centre will tell you which banking
few weeks in the UK. However, please don't bring providers have a local branch. When you've
large amounts of cash with you. Free-to-use ATMs, decided which provider to bank with, you’ll need
also known as ‘cash points’, are readily available, to arrange an appointment with them to open
however card payments are widely preferred for many an account. At this appointment, you'll need:
vendors due to Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. • your passport
£2 coin £1 coin
Currency • proof you're a student – we'll issue you with
The pound sterling, commonly known as the £50 note
an official bank letter after registration
pound (£), is the currency in the UK. Each pound is
• proof of your UK address
subdivided into 100 pence (or p). The pictures here
will help you to familiarise yourself with the bank You'll usually receive your bank card
notes and coins we use in the UK. up to two weeks after your appointment.
Please note: pound bank notes used in Scotland and If you bring a banker’s draft in pounds sterling
Northern Ireland look different to these pictures. with you (payable to yourself) or arrange for
50p coin 20p coin it to be sent, you can open a bank account after
You can exchange currency at most banks, travel
agents and some shops. Places where you can £20 note you've registered on your course.
exchange currency are called Bureau de Change. For more information about opening
a bank account, visit: www.ukcisa.org.uk
Evidence of your money
If you're on a Student visa, you'll already have shown Transferring money
your financial status when applying for your visa. Electronic transfer is usually the easiest way
Students on a Short-Term Study Visa (six months) to send and receive money. Once you have
or Short-Term Study Visa (11 months) must produce an account in the UK, you can talk to your bank
10p coin 5p coin
evidence of money to pay fees and living costs, if any, about the best way to transfer money. Make
at UK immigration. You must show evidence that you: £10 note sure you check with both banks what charges
• have paid all or part of your course there will be and how long it'll take before
fees and (if relevant) accommodation arranging any transfers.
fees to your Tier 4 sponsor; and/or
• are receiving official financial sponsorship; and/or FIND OUT MORE…
• have enough money to cover your remaining www.intostudy.com/
2p coin 1p coin
course fees and living costs, if any uk/banking
£5 note
14 INTO Pre-departure Guide 2021–2022 Top tips from our students 15
Paying your fees Hear from
our students
Payment of INTO fees Requesting an invoice "At the start of my course, all the classes
If on arrival you have any outstanding fees, You'll be sent an invoice, called a
were introductory classes. It was nice
you'll be expected to make payment of these Statement of Account, with your confirmation
during your first week. You won't be able to pack. This will list all of your fees, the due that the teachers took the time for
fully register and begin your course until all of date(s) and, where payment has been made, classmates to get to know each other
your fees have been paid. the date of receipt. and feel comfortable before we actually
The easiest way to pay your fees is using If you would like an updated Statement started learning!"
INTOPay – our secure online payment system. of Account before you arrive in the UK,
Haneen, Jordan
You can use this system to pay by credit card or you can request this by contacting
Completed an International Foundation at INTO
debit card, or you can find our details for a bank UK Central Admissions. University of Exeter and progressed to Business
transfer there. Whichever option is best for you. After you arrive, you can request and Management at the University of Exeter
You will receive a link to INTOPay and a Statement of Account at any time
instructions on how to use the system in from the Centre finance office.
“Studying and living abroad can be daunting,
your offer letter. Remember to reference your
application ID when you pay via INTOPay. however this isn’t the case at INTO. The
If you're sponsored by an Embassy or Company, staff, the welfare team and the teachers
you must provide a financial guarantee in your will put you at ease and guide you through
first week. There may be costs that aren't any difficulties you might face.”
covered by the sponsor, for example book,
Vincent, Indonesia
lab, or accommodation fees, so you should be
Completed the Newton A level Programme
prepared to make these payments during your
and progressed to Medicine at the
induction week. University of Leicester
If you have any questions or concerns
about payment of fees, contact UK Central
“On my first day at INTO, the staff
Admissions as soon as possible.
helped me get my student card, sort
out paperwork and gave us a tour
FOR MORE INFORMATION... of campus. I felt so happy and taken
Contact UK Central Admissions:
ukes@intoglobal.com or
care of. It felt like I never left home.”
+44 (0)1273 876040 Assaf, Kuwait
Completed an International Diploma at
INTO University of Stirling and progressed
to Psychology at the University of Stirling
16 INTO Pre-departure Guide 2021–2022 Health 17
Health
Before you travel to the UK Health services in the UK Private health insurance Any concerns?
It's advisable to have a health check before you Treatment provided by primary care services is Full travel, medical and health insurance is We want to ensure that we provide all of our
leave your home country. Depending on your free of charge to both NHS registered patients mandatory for all INTO students. Unless proof students with a welcoming and accessible
country of residence, you may also be required and temporary* patients. Health services of suitable insurance is provided during the environment. If you see or hear anything
to have a specific tuberculosis (TB) test as which are not primary are subject to additional application process, Uniplan Insurance will that concerns you, please report it to the
part of your visa application. When you arrive payment, unless the patient is a UK resident or automatically be added to your course fees. reception desk and we'll ensure that it's dealt
in the UK you may be asked to provide health has an immigration status of indefinite leave to with immediately.
Smoking
certificates detailing your vaccinations, so carry remain. Find more at: Smoking in the UK is not allowed in enclosed
these documents in your hand luggage in case www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-entitlements- public spaces, as well as some outdoor public
you need to show them at UK immigration. migrant-health-guide#free-for-all spaces, such as bus stops and train stations.
Find out more at: www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa You'll be entitled to free treatment from the You may be fined if you smoke in these places,
Covid-19 UK’s National Health Service (NHS) if you have or anywhere else displaying a ‘No smoking’ sign.
If you have Covid-19 symptoms after arriving paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for
Personal safety
in the UK, a swab test is free of charge. If your your current period of immigration permission.
The UK is a safe place to study and live in. In
test comes back positive, NHS treatment for For those entitled to NHS treatment, medical your first week at the Centre, you'll be given
people who are infected with Covid-19 is also care is free with the exception of: lots of information about the local area to help
free. For the most up-to-date UK government
• prescriptions you feel safe and secure in your environment.
information about Covid-19 testing, visit:
• dental treatment You’ll also be given some advice about the
www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test simple steps that you can take to keep yourself
• eye tests, glasses and contact lenses
Your medical history and your possessions safe.
If you're currently receiving any medical • immunisations
For practical tips from the British Council on
treatment or have glasses or contact lenses, All you have to do is register with a local how to keep safe during your studies, please
we advise you to bring your current General Medical Practitioner (GP) when you visit: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/
prescriptions and a doctor’s report in English arrive at the Centre. We recommend that all planning/health-safety
summarising your medical history. students do this as soon as possible, or your
Medication insurance policy may not be valid. Details of
You should bring enough medication to last how to register with the nearest GP will be
you the first term. It's important to bring your available as part of your orientation programme
medication in its original packaging, as this will and from the Centre reception desk.
help the doctors know what you're taking and is * Patient is in the area for more than 24 hours
also useful for customs officers. and less than 3 months.
Videos INTO Study blog
• Life as an international student • Student stories
• Meet INTO staff and teachers • How to make friends
• Studying in the UK • Revision and exam tips
• How to prepare for your first week • Study skills and how to be successful
• ...and many more! • CV and career advice
www.youtube.com/user/intotv blog.intostudy.com
www.intostudy.com/ www.youtube.com/
uk user/intotv
www.facebook.com/ www.instagram.com/
intostudy intostudy
www.twitter.com/ INTO University Partnerships LLP, January 2021.
intostudy Every effort is made to ensure that the information
provided in this document is correct at the time
of publication. However, from time to time there
may be occasions where some of the information
has changed since the date of publication. INTO
is not responsible for the content of any external
organisations including the content of any websites
which do not form part of the INTO Study domain
and whose addresses are given in this publication.
IUP 2 LLP is a limited liability partnership
registered in England and Wales, registered number
INTO_2021–22_PRE-ARRIVAL_GUIDE
OC376452. Registered office: One Gloucester
Place, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4AA, UK.
Through innovative partnerships with leading universities,
we expand opportunities for higher education, ensuring
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