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Preparing to travel

It can be a daunting task trying to prepare yourself for your stay in the UK.  On this page you will find some ideas to help you and a handy checklist so that you can be sure you are ready.

 

Luggage

Please remember it is important not to bring more luggage than you can easily carry yourself. If you bring too much luggage (more than one large suitcase or two smaller ones) it is possible that we won’t be able to fit you on our University Coach. If you are travelling to Plymouth independently it will be difficult if you have too much luggage to carry easily.

Documents​

It may be useful to include the following in your hand luggage.

Passport                                       Travel/flight tickets
British currency/travellers' cheques
Travel/personal insurance documents
Offer letter from the university
Original certificates/transcripts/results
X-ray report (if required) or TB test certificate
Evidence of your financial support (bank statement, a letter from your sponsor)
University address, contact name and phone number
Onward journey information
A letter from your doctor explaining any prescription medicines that you take

​Clothing

The climate in the South West of England is generally mild but very changeable. It does rain often, particularly over the coastal locations, but we rarely experience extreme temperatures. The winter can feel quite cold and occasionally there is snow. The summer is usually pleasantly warm although it still rains!
Because of the changeable weather, it is advisable to bring warm waterproof clothing including a raincoat/jacket, umbrella and possibly waterproof footwear for the winter. Alternatively, you can easily buy these at a reasonable price once you have arrived.  
 

Money

We recommend that you travel with adequate sterling currency (approximately £300) to cover your arrival expenses, travel, temporary accommodation etc. You should bring the remainder of your money in travellers cheques, as a bank draft or arrange to have it transferred after opening a UK current account. If you are planning on bringing a bank draft or transferring your money then please remember it can take as long as two/three weeks to set up a bank account so bring enough money to support yourself until then.


​Checklist

Have you obtained the necessary student visa/entry clearance for study in the UK? 
Have you completed the online accommodation application form?   Have you completed and returned the application form for your student card? 
Have you checked the date you are expected to enrol for your course at the university?                                                  Have you completed the online pre-enrolment? 
Have you bought travel tickets and travel insurance?
Have you arranged health insurance if needed?                                                         Have you checked your government's restrictions on taking money out of the country? 
Have you checked with your bank about transferring money to the UK? 
Have you checked your luggage weight against your airline's allowances?
Have you obtained travellers' cheques and British currency for use during first few or weeks? 
Have you booked your first night’s accommodation if you are arriving late into London or Plymouth?
Have you got a supply of passport photos? (You may need several in your first weeks!)