Before you leave

Money
There is no limit on the amount of money you bring into the country. Make sure that you bring enough money with you to cover your immediate costs, such as transport, taxis, food etc. You'll also need money for course books when you arrive. You may need to set up a bank account while you are in the country or make arrangements with your existing bank before you leave. Opening a bank account in the UK could take up to 3 weeks and you may need various documents including your passport, a letter from the school and a document which confirms your address in the UK.

Currency converter
Find today's exchange rates.
http://mwprices.ft.com/custom/ft-com/currency.asp

Passports and visas
Most students will need a valid passport to enter the country, but nationals of EU countries who plan to stay for 6 months of less may use an identity card.

You may also need a visa or entry certificate. Check with your agent, Embassy or British Consulate to find out what you will need.

Visa Information
Important information regarding Student Visas from September 2007.
New Student Visa Requirements (pdf 38kb)

Learn more about the UK visa process.
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk
http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk

Insurance
You must arrange your own travel and medical insurance before departure from your home country.

Arriving in the UK

Regent transfers
We are happy to arrange a taxi transfer to and from the airport to your accommodation. Our secure system ensures that you only get into a taxi which has been booked by Regent.

Immigration
At immigration, you may be asked some questions by the immigration officer. You may need to show evidence that you have been offered a place on a course at Regent and that you have enough money to meet the costs of your stay. If you have any difficulties, you can ask the officer to contact the Regent school.

More information on immigration
http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/before_leaving.pdf

Customs
On arrival you may be asked questions about what you are bringing into the country. You should not bring any drugs, weapons or live animals with you.

Registering with the police
If your visa is stamped ‘Register with police’ you will need to register at your nearest police station – your school will advise you on this when you arrive.

Living in Britain

Weather
The British climate is very changeable. We advise that you bring a warm jumper, waterproof coat and suitable shoes.

UK weather reports
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/ukweather/

Money
British coins come in the following denominations: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2.
Banknotes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20, £50. You can change currency and travellers’ cheques at Bureaux de Change, or at a bank. Debit and Credit cards are widely accepted.

Valuables
You should take care of all valuables during your stay. Never leave possessions unattended and try not to carry around large sums of cash. You should avoid carrying your passport around with you but keep your Regent ID card with you at all times.

Communications
Stamps are available at Post Offices and many shops such as newsagents. All overseas letters must carry an airmail label.

Public transport
Most public transport is by coach or train. All airports have good train and coach links. Tickets can either be bought at ticket offices or in some cases on board. You can often choose from ‘first’ or ‘standard’ class tickets – first class seats are more comfortable but are a lot more expensive. If you plan to travel at busy times, it is worthwhile booking tickets in advance from ticket offices or on the internet.

Local bus services are cheap and usually travel short distances. You purchase tickets on board the bus.

The London Underground or ‘Tube’ is also reasonably priced. You can buy tickets at machines or ticket offices at most stations. You may need to change trains to reach your destination. It’ll be useful to pick up a tube map, which are available free at most stations.

Note: Most public transport is very busy during rush hour (roughly between 8am and 9.30am and between 5pm and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday).

Public hire taxis or ‘cabs’ can be hailed in the street - a light will indicate whether they already have a passenger.
These taxis are quite expensive, especially in London.

You can also pre-book taxis or ‘minicabs’, which are generally cheaper than public hire taxis. It is a good idea to agree the price of the journey with the driver in advance if possible. Be careful to avoid minicab drivers who may approach you and falsely claim that they are the cab you have booked. They are often illegal and may be unsafe and expensive.

Useful websites

Public transport information
http://www.pti.org.uk
Directory of public transport companies with web links and phone numbers

National Rail enquiries
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk
Information on all UK rail services

Airport Express train services
http://www.heathrowexpress.com
Tel: 0845 6001515

Gatwick Express
http://www.gatwickexpress.co.uk/
Tel: 0845 8501530

Stansted Express
http://www.standstedexpress.co.uk
Tel: 0845 8500 150

National Express coach services
http://www.nationalexpress.com
Tel: 08705 808080

London travel
http://www.thetube.com
http://www.londontransport.co.uk

Entertainment
If you’d like to visit English pubs during your stay, remember that no one under 18 will be served alcohol. Many pubs serve snacks, meals and coffees. You will usually need to order your food and drink at the bar, as very few pubs have a table service. A service charge is not usually added.

In restaurants and some cafes, a service charge of between 10-12% may be added. If it isn’t, it is customary to add 10% when paying the bill.

The British Licensing laws restrict the sale of alcohol to between the hours of 11am to 11pm. Many pubs will close earlier on Sundays and open later on bank holidays. There are also a number of late bars which may open until 1 or 2am.

Nightclubs usually open between 10pm – 2am, although many clubs open later than this, up to 6am.

More information on pubs and clubs in the UK
http://www.pubinnguide.com/
http://www.pubfoodguide.com/
http://www.ents24.com/web/

Health
When you arrive in the UK, you should register with your local doctor – your school will be able to tell you where the nearest doctor’s surgery is.

Treatment on the NHS in the UK is free:
• If you enrol on a course for more than 6 months
• If you are a national of an EU country
• If your country has a full reciprocal health agreement with Britain

If these conditions don’t apply to you, you will have to pay if you admitted into hospital, or if you need a consultation with a doctor.

If you have made your own arrangements for insurance, or come from a non-exempt country, Regent is able to provide you with comprehensive cover at a reasonable rate.

If you need dental treatment while you are in the UK, you will probably have to pay the entire costs privately.

You will also need to pay for medicines that are prescribed to you by a doctor. Currently, prescribed medicines cost around £7 per item.

Information on the NHS and health issues
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
http://www.ukcosa.org.uk/images/health.pdf

Emergencies
The school will give you a number to call in an emergency – this number is available 24 hours a day. If you need an ambulance, police or fire assistance, you should call 999. These calls are free from most payphones and mobile phones.

Useful links

UK tourism
http://www.visitbritain.com
http://www.aboutbritain.com
http://www.visitscotland.com
http://www.visitwales.com

Street maps
http://www.streetmap.co.uk
http://www.multimap.com

Exam Information
http://www.ielts.org
http://www.toefl.org
http://www.ucles.org.uk
http://www.toeic-europe.com