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Arriving in the UK

When you arrive at the airport, there are certain things to remember to ensure that you do not experience any problems in entering the UK. You will have to present your passport and visa to a UK Border Officer. However, please be aware that you may be asked certain questions and requested to provide other documents just to confirm your reasons for coming to the UK; to study with us. 

Documents required to enter the UK

You should carry all of these documents with you in your hand luggage just in case you need to prove to a Border Force Officer why you are seeking entry to the UK. Please keep the documents very safe and do not lose them in the airport.

  • Passport
  • Visa
  • A copy of your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) - you should print the email that we send you
  • A copy of your offer letter for your course
  • Details about your accommodation if this has been arranged (for example, your tenancy agreement)

Questions you may be asked

You may be asked some simple questions about your studies and your stay in the UK by the Border Force Officer. Do not be alarmed if this happens. You only need to answer the questions honestly. Your documents will also help confirm the reason why you are entering the UK to study with us.

Bringing other items into the UK

There are some things that you should not bring to the UK. For example, you cannot bring meat or dairy products from outside of the European Union (EU). We also do not recommend that you carry very large amounts of cash with you to avoid the risk of it being lost or stolen. For further advice about entering the UK as a student, please visit the UKVI website.

Electronic Passport Gates

If you are a national that qualifies to use an electronic passport gate at the airport (Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the USA), please do not do so if you have a Tier 4 student visa. You should be informed at the airport to make your way to speak to a Border Force Officer but please remember this. Entry through the electronic gate will only confer leave to enter as a Standard Visitor i.e. as a tourist. This may affect your ability to register at the University for your chosen course.

Getting to Brunel University London

Many of our international students arrive at Heathrow Airport, which is the UK's largest airport. Fortunately, this is also the closest airport to Brunel University. It is less than five miles away. There are many buses that can take you to the University or it is a short taxi journey. Please visit our website for further details of how to get here. This includes details of how to travel to Brunel University from other destinations.

In September, we also offer a free Airport Welcome Service and an orientation programme. Information about this will be provided in your registration instructions.