Arriving in the UK

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be certain things that you have to do before and after arriving in the UK. 

Regardless of where you are travelling from, you will need to notify the UK Home Office of your details by completing an online form. Please visit the website: https://www.gov.uk/provide-journey-contact-details-before-travel-uk. 

Depending on the country you are travelling from, you may be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in the UK. For further details, please visit the website: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-immigration-and-borders. 

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)

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.

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.

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 are intending to enter under the Short-term Study category. 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. Your student visa must be endorsed by a Border Force Officer.

If this applies to you, we recommend that you copy and print the document below. You can carry this in your hand luggage and show it to a Border Force Officer when you arrive in the UK.

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.