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Prepare to arrive in the UK

When you've booked your flights to the UK, it's time to pack your luggage and plan your journey to your accommodation.

Get ready to arrive in the UK

Packing your luggage

What to bring

  • Your passport or travel document with a valid Student visa or other type of visa that permits study.
  • Your offer letter, Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or Visiting visa letter.
  • Any qualifications mentioned on your CAS, including the qualification we have used to assess your English Language ability.
  • Evidence to prove that you have sufficient funds to pay for your studies in the UK as required for Student visa holders.
  • Any health certificates such as vaccination records or a TB certificate if you were required to obtain one when applying for a visa.
  • Travel insurance information.
  • Any medications you are taking and information from a doctor if necessary.
  • Cash in pound sterling or a pre-paid credit card for your first few weeks in the UK.
  • A mobile phone charger and adapter that fits a type G plug socket.
  • Clothes, shoes, and essential toiletries.
  • Electronic copies of important documents.

What not to bring

  • Valuable items such as jewellery.
  • Large amounts of cash.
  • Food products — all food items, including international, can be bought at local supermarkets.
  • Textbooks —  it’s best to wait until you’re in Manchester once you have the reading list.
  • TVs or cooking appliances.
  • Bedding and kitchenware.

For information on items that are not allowed to be brought into the UK, or when import tax must be paid please visit the HM Revenue & Customs website

Arriving in the UK

Flying into Manchester Airport 

Manchester Airport is around ten miles from the city centre. There are regular trains to Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly stations that take around 30 minutes. Both stations are located centrally and convenient for your onward journey to your accommodation.

Manchester Airport is the third busiest in the UK and is close to the University. It has excellent connections to key hubs for connecting flights, and worldwide destinations.  

For more information about travelling by train, bus or taxi, please visit the airport website.

Arriving in Manchester from other destinations 

Manchester has well-connected transport links to other areas of the UK. To find out how to get to us, see the Visit Manchester website.

If you need advice 

Whether you’ve booked a hotel, are collecting your keys or are going directly to your accommodation, we’re here to support you to get to your destination. Please contact [email protected].