Further Information for International Students

Before leaving home check that you have the following documents in your hand luggage:

a valid passport
a visa or entry certificate covering the full period of the course if you require one. Go to http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/ and www.fco.gov.uk/atas to find guidance for students. You should check with the British High Commission, Embassy or Consulate that you have the right documents before you leave for the United Kingdom.
a letter of unconditional acceptance for a full-time course at Cranfield University
documentary evidence that you have enough money to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the academic year, i.e. a letter from your sponsor/company
an appropriate certificate of health and/or vaccination certificates
passport size photographs
birth certificate, identity card, certificate of marriage.
copies of all your important documents stored separately from the originals, as well as copies of all correspondence from Cranfield University.

We strongly suggest that you insure your luggage adequately.

On arrival in the UK, immigration will check and stamp your passport. It may be necessary for you to register with the Police within 7 days.

2. Initial Expenses

Ensure that you will have enough money to cover initial costs when you first arrive in the UK. It will take several weeks to open a bank account and access your money. We recommend that this should include £500 cash in small denomination notes (eg £5 & £10). We estimate that for a twelve-month period you will need at least £8,000 if unaccompanied, to cover the costs of accommodation, food, books and other expenses. This is in addition to your tuition. You should have sufficient money for living expenses in this country before you leave home. It can be difficult to raise additional funds by employment or from sponsors once you are here. It will cost approximately £12000 to rent a family home in the UK for one year.

3. Travelling to Shrivenham from the Airport

Five airports serve London, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City and all of these airports are a considerable distance from the centre of London. You are most likely to arrive at either Heathrow or Gatwick.

By Train/Coach

Gatwick Airport: train to Reading; change trains, Reading to Swindon; taxi to Shrivenham.

Heathrow Airport: Heathrow Express train to Paddington; train from Paddington to Swindon; taxi to Shrivenham or

Coach (Rail-Air Link) to Reading railway station; train to Swindon; taxi to Shrivenham.

By Coach Only

Coaches operate regularly from both Gatwick and Heathrow Terminal 1 to Swindon bus station and may be less expensive than train travel. From Swindon take a taxi to Shrivenham. You should allow 2-3 hours to travel from Heathrow and 3-4 hours from Gatwick.

Heathrow Travel Enquiries Tel: 0870 0000123

Gatwick Travel Enquiries Tel: 0870 0002468

National Express Coaches Tel: 08705 80 80 80

National Rail Enquiries Tel: 0845 7484950

4. Information for your Embassy or Consulate

It is to your advantage that you let your Embassy or Consulate in the UK know that you are in the UK. They may need to know how long you will be studying in this country. Some students may have already contacted their UK Embassy or Consulate for accommodation details.

5. Advice for married students

You will usually be able to bring your wife or husband and any children under 18 years of age with you, as long as you can show that you have enough money to support them and that suitable accommodation is available for your family.

On entry to the UK, your family will be given permission to stay for the length of your course and your wife or husband will usually be allowed to work in the UK, unless you yourself have been ‘prohibited’ from working or if your stay is less than 12 months.

6. Bank Accounts

Please note it will take several weeks to open a bank account and access your money.

7. Names and Date of Birth

Problems often occur for students whose language is not written using the Roman style (like English) alphabet. Make a decision about

exactly what spelling your name should have in English letters. It is probably best to use the spelling in your passport if this is given.
which should be considered your first name (forename) and your family name (surname). You will be referred to by your rank or title then your surname.
which part of your surname (if it consists of more than one part) should determine its position in an alphabetical list, and indicate this accordingly when you have the opportunity. (Al or El is part of the surname whether or not the surname is hyphenated).
your date of birth in a standard UK format i.e. 12-11-60 is 12th November 1960.

8. Healthcare

If your course is longer than 6 months, you and your accompanying family are entitled to free medical care under the National Health Service (NHS).

The NHS does not cover illnesses or conditions which began before you arrived in the UK. Nor does it cover you if you fall ill on your way to the UK. It is sensible therefore to have medical insurance cover for your journey and for the first few days in the UK, until you have had a chance to register with a doctor.

9. Vaccination Details

Please ensure that you have with you all information regarding vaccinations - what they were and when they were given - for both you and your family. Please ensure that all this information is written down in English so that you or your wife may pass it to the doctor or nurse.

10. Travel abroad from the UK

If you are travelling to other countries, for example for visits as part of your course, you may find that you need a visa in order to get into those countries. Make sure you know which countries you will visit and check this before you leave. Make sure that your visa for the UK allows you to return after these trips. Check that your passport is not about to expire and when you do travel, take a letter with you, stating that you are a full time student at Cranfield University.

11. Driving in the UK

Please be aware that an International Driving Licence is only valid for one year in the UK. After this time it is illegal for some nationalities to drive without a UK Driving Licence and it may be necessary to take a test in order to acquire one.

For more information check http://www.dvla.gov.uk/

12. Life in Britain

The British Council produce a useful guide for Students and Visitors entitled “Studying and Living in Britain”. This is available from British Council Offices in your own country. Visit the British Council's website http://www.educationuk.org/ where you can download the guide and find information on topics such as cost of living, culture, health, family matters, food, leisure, working in the UK, etc.

13. English Language Classes

For information on English Language classes please contact the Student Support Centre on +44 (0)1793 785297