In this section you'll find plenty of information and advice on how to plan your trip and settle in to life in England.

We understand that the thought of spending time in a different country can be a little overwhelming so we do our best to help you to prepare.

Arriving in the UK
What to expect at Heathrow
How to get to LIBT@Brunel University
When you arrive at Heathrow
Accommodation - getting your keys

If you're flying to the UK, we'd recommend you end your journey at Heathrow Airport as the Brunel University campus is only 25 minutes away.

Many airlines fly direct to Heathrow - or you can take connecting flights from most major European cities.

[Taken from the British Council/Education UK booklet "First Steps", 09-10]

Whether you arrive by air or by sea, when you get to the UK your first step is to pass through immigration control. The UK offers a warm welcome to international students. But, as in all countries, the authorities have to ensure that everyone who enters the UK has a legitimate reason to be here.

At first sight an airport might appear a difficult and confusing place, but if you follow the steps below, getting through is actually quite easy.

These are the steps you must take:
Follow the sign for ‘Arrivals'. ‘Arrivals' will take you to passport control.

As you approach passport control you will see electronic screens, which will show you which zone you will need to go through. Make sure you join the right queue or you could waste a lot of time.

All passengers must go through the immigration zone dealing with their flight. Note that there is one zone for passengers who have UK or EEA and Swiss national passports and one or more zones for all other passport holders.

The immigration officer will want to see that your documents are in order and that you have an up-to-date passport, your landing card from the plane and, if required, a valid visa.

If you do not require prior entry clearance or a visa, you will also need to show a letter of acceptance as a student from a UK institution and proof that you are able to pay for your course and living expenses without working in the UK, for example, bank statements for the last three months and/or a sponsor's letter.

If you are bringing family to live with you in the UK, and they are not EEA nationals, they must have entry clearance, which they must have obtained from a British Mission before travelling to the UK.

Top

The immigration officer needs to be satisfied that you meet the immigration rules for students and that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your studies.

Another part of the immigration process is health control: you might be asked to undergo a brief, routine health check by the airport doctor, which might include an X-ray as part of a short medical examination. The health check will take place in a separate room. Afterwards you will have to return to immigration control.

As long as your documents are in order, you should pass through immigration smoothly.

Ask to see a representative of the Immigration Advisory Service. The service has offices at most major airports and seaports, and can also be reached on the following numbers:

Central Officer: 020 7357 6917
Helpline: 020 7378 9191
Detention freephone (free call): 0800 435427
From Gatwick airport: 533385
From Heathrow airport: 020 8814 1559

Top 

When you arrive, if you come from Heathrow Airport we will refund the cost of your fare. Black taxis (London cabs) can be found outside each of the Heathrow Terminals. Ask the taxi driver to drop you at the Cleveland Road entrance to Brunel University. This is where the security office is and where you will find the keys to your accommodation if you arrive outside normal office hours.

If you arrive between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday - ask the taxi driver to use the Kingston Lane entrance to Brunel University and you can come to LIBT at the Russell Building. We recommend you use buses where possible, as taxis can be expensive  - approximately £35 from Heathrow to campus.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ASK FOR A RECEIPT SO WE CAN REFUND THE FARE.

From Stansted Airport
We recommend you take the Jetlink 737 coach to Heathrow Airport's Central Bus Station and then follow the instructions above.

From Gatwick Airport
Take the Jetlink 797 coach from Gatwick South Terminal to Heathrow Airport's Central Bus Station and then follow the instructions above.

Brunel University has a video on what you can expect when you get to Heathrow. Please note that with LIBT, you will not be met as we are very close to the airport and recommend that you take a black taxi.

If you have a room on campus, please email us and tell us the date and time you will be arriving on campus.

From 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, you can get come to LIBT in the Russell building and we will direct you to the accommodation office. At any other time, we will leave your keys in our security office on campus (at the Cleveland Road entrance).

Top