Travel to your institution

Last modified: 08 November 2024

When you arrive in the UK, you may need to make your own way to your institution. 

Check any information your college or university has sent you, as it may include information about how to get there from the main airports and other ports in the UK.  

Some colleges and universities also arrange transport services for students at the start of the academic year. For example, some universities and colleges arrange to collect students from the airport or train station. Details of any services like this should be included in the information your institution has sent you. If you want to use these services, you may need to book in advance. 

If you are making your own onward travel arrangements, the information below will help you plan the next part of your journey. 

How do I plan my journey to my institution?

Last modified: 08 November 2024

Check the information from your college or university for details about how to get there, including any transport arranged by your institution. Carry this information in your hand luggage. 

The British government's tourist information service, Visit Britain may have an office in your country. Visit Britain can give you information and advice to help you plan your journey. 

Some scholarship agencies (for example, the British Council) help their scholars with travel arrangements. If you are receiving a scholarship, check the information from your scholarship agency. 

If you have arranged your international travel through a travel agent, you could ask the agent if they can help you arrange your onward journey to your institution in the UK. 

Consult airport websites or information from your travel agent for details about services at airports. If you have any problem on arrival, go to the Information Centre or Helpdesk at the airport or train station. 

Flying into London

Last modified: 08 November 2024

Most international flights will come into London and arrive at Gatwick or Heathrow airport, but some flights, especially from continental Europe, may arrive at Luton or Stansted. Depending on your final destination, you may need to travel into central London for the next stage of your journey. There are several major train stations in London, so you should make sure you know which one you need before planning that stage of your journey. 

 

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London airports

Flying into other UK airports

Last modified: 08 November 2024

Some flights come into other UK airports. If an airport is popular with students at your institution, your institution will probably provide information to new students about how to make the journey from the airport to the institution. 

Alternatively, look at the airport’s website for information about transport options. 

Using a train to get to my institution

Last modified: 08 November 2024

Many train services offer either ‘Standard’, or ‘First’ Class'  tickets. First Class is much more expensive than ‘Standard Class’. Most people find Standard Class perfectly comfortable. It is advisable to book a seat in advance on long-distance journeys. 

Long distance coach and train services usually have good space for luggage. Larger train stations may also have a 'Left Luggage' service where you can leave your bags for a few hours if there is a long wait between connections. 

Train services are operated by a variety of different companies. Some companies offer special deals, especially if booked in advance, on certain routes (usually longer distance routes). For timetables and fares, see the National Rail website. 

Buses

Last modified: 08 November 2024

Long-distance bus services (coaches) are inexpensive and popular with students. 

Local bus services generally cover shorter distances than coach services and are cheaper. In London, bus services are the cheapest form of public transport, but usually can take longer than the train or Underground, due to the large amount of traffic on the roads. Many local bus services do not have much luggage space, although services from airports and train stations may have more. 

Buses may be very busy at ‘rush hour’ on weekdays (Monday to Friday). ‘Rush hour’ is between approximately 8am and 9.30am and again between 5pm and 6.30pm. This is when most people are travelling to and from their place of work. 

London Underground (the ‘Tube’)

Last modified: 08 November 2024

Many people use the Tube to get around London. There is a Tube station at Heathrow airport, but not at any other airports near London. The helpful Transport for London website features a London Underground Journey Planner and a map of the London Underground system which details the different Tube lines in different colours, and shows at which stations you can transfer from one line to another. If you are planning to use the Tube, remember that you may have to change Tube trains to get to your destination. At some stations this can be difficult if you have a lot of luggage, as most stations do not have a lift (elevator); although most do have escalators. The Tube can be extremely crowded at ‘rush hour’ on weekdays (Monday to Friday), roughly 0700-0900 hours and 1630-1830 hours. 

You can find information about transport accessibility in London, and how to plan an accessible journey, on the Transport for London website. 

Taxis

Last modified: 08 November 2024

‘Public hire’ taxis or ‘cabs’ are taxis that are licensed to pick up passengers without advanced booking. In London, as in many UK cities, these are usually the familiar black cabs. If you need a cab you can signal to ('flag down') any that are passing and ask them to stop (Please note, however, that if the ‘Taxi’ light on the roof is not lit, this means that they already have a passenger and so will not stop for you). Although very convenient, public hire taxis can be extremely expensive, especially in London, as the meter runs the whole time you are in the cab (including when you are stuck in traffic!). 

You can also access app-operated taxis such as Uber or Bolt in many cities. 

 

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Booking a taxi

Transit accommodation

If you wish to stay overnight in London or another city during your journey, you should try to arrange accommodation before you leave your home country. You can book accommodation (using a credit card) before you come to the UK by contacting an organisation such as VisitBritain, the London Tourist Board, the Youth Hostel Association, or International Students’ House. If you arrive without accommodation there are hotel booking agencies at all the major London train stations, which can help you find accommodation.  Alternatively, you may go to one of the London Tourist Board offices at Liverpool Street Station, Victoria Station or Heathrow Airport if you arrive there. Do not accept offers from agents who may approach you at train stations (especially Victoria) – use one of the offices mentioned above. 

How much money should I bring?

Last modified: 08 November 2024

When you arrive in the UK, you should bring about £250 in cash for your immediate needs (meals, train fares, etc.). Avoid carrying any more cash in case it gets lost or stolen. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, often more so than cash. You may find some shops and cafes do not accept cash at all.  

Read our ‘bringing money to the UK’ page to find out about restrictions and guidance on bringing cash with you.  

Banks in the UK usually open Monday to Friday, but for limited hours (check the website for the particular branch you are interested in to see the opening hours). Only some banks are open on Saturdays. If you need cash, you can change currency at ‘Bureaux de Change’ offices, which are open for longer, and are often located in stations and airports.  

Try to avoid changing very small amounts of money as there is often a minimum commission charge which makes it expensive. Shops and services in the UK will accept payment in UK currency only.  

You may be able to withdraw money from cashpoint ('ATM') machines if you have a Personal Identification Number (PIN) for that card. 

© 2024 UK Council for International Student Affairs

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