Before you travel to the UK

Pay your fees

This page will prepare you for your journey to the UK and to the University campus. Read through the sections to make sure you have everything you need, know what to expect, and how to get to us after your flight.

Arrange accommodation Bringing your family Visa and entry clearance What to pack Airport guidance Getting to Herts Arriving at accommodation

When to arrive
The University hosts an Orientation Week starting on Monday 18th September which we would highly recommend you attend. This will give you a chance to familiarise yourself with the campus and local amenities before classes start. If you are travelling to Heathrow on Saturday 16th or Sunday 17th September, you can also book onto our free airport collection.
The course start date for most new international students for our September intake is Monday 25 September, however there are courses which have an earlier start than this. You must check your individual course start date as some courses will have slightly different dates.
Pre-arrival checklist
- passport
- Student Visa or Entry Clearance, if applicable
- travel tickets
- medical certificates
- up-to-date vaccinations - COVID-19 vaccination is not required for entry to the UK
- travel insurance for the journey
- health insurance/European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), if applicable
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or your unconditional offer letter (for those applying for a Visit Visa)
- decision letter which explains how and where to collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), if applicable
- original examination certificates and English language results, with certified translations
- birth certificates/marriage certificates for any dependants with you
- travellers’ cheques/sterling currency/pre-paid credit card to last for your first few weeks in the UK & access to funds electronically for the coming months until you have opened a UK bank account.
- proof of sponsorship if you are a sponsored student
- proof of your parents’ finances, a signed letter of support and your original birth certificate (if your parents are supporting you)
- a mobile phone handset that is enabled to work with any mobile network provider
- confirmed accommodation and if on campus, order your bedding pack
As well as original documentation in your hand luggage you are advised to keep copies of all the above listed documents in your main suitcase, and leave additional copies with a relative at home.
Getting ready to study at Herts free online module
Before you arrive in the UK, you should complete the free online module called Getting Ready to Study at Herts.
The module units will give you an introduction to some of the systems, support services, LRC navigation and tips from previous students. Take your time to work through the units to help you familiarise yourself with the networks that will be available to you once you enrol.

Arrange Accommodation

You must arrange your accommodation before you arrive in the UK.

We strongly recommend new students to live on campus due to the additional support easily available, and being within walking distance to your lectures.

Living on campus
University accommodation is offered (subject to availability) to all new international students for the first year of study. You can apply for accommodation with your eight digit student ID and a conditional offer and you will be allocated a room once your tuition fee deposit has cleared.
Living on campus has additional benefits such as;
- Utility bills, wifi and contents insurance included
- 24/7 support - help is close by if you accidentally lock yourself out of your room in the early hours
- No need for a UK guarantor
- Easy access to your lectures and on campus facilities
- Option to live with friends
- Dedicated postgraduate area on de Havilland
Find out more about the types of accommodation, prices and the application process. There are strict time limits for applying for accommodation so do not leave it too late to apply.
Please make sure you only pay to the University directly for your accommodation. Never pay through a third party who say they can get you a cheaper rate. This is not true and could be fraudulent.
You can watch our step-by-step guidance video on the application process.
Living off campus
Commute time and cost
You must live within a 2 hour commute or 30 mile radius of campus. Ensure you research commute costs and times before committing to a property to ensure you can get to lectures on time and cost effectively. Check out the local bus route at Unobus and train timetables on National Rail.
PAL accredited landlords
For those choosing to rent privately off-campus, please only choose a PAL accredited property. The Partnership Accreditation of Landlords (PAL) scheme has been developed in partnership between the University of Hertfordshire and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council. It is a voluntary scheme which recognises landlords and letting agents who provide safe and well-maintained private accommodation.
The University is only allowed to recommend PAL accredited properties to students, as these landlords and letting agents are adhering to a specific Code of Practice and we want to ensure students find good quality homes within the borough.
Read helpful information specifically for University of Hertfordshire students and search for a PAL property online
UK Guarantors
Most letting agents and landlords will require a UK based guarantor. This requires the guarantor to be resident in the UK and show proof that their finances can afford to pay the rent should you fail to pay, some students choose to use an online Guarantor service. Unfortunately, the University is unable to recommend specific companies, however an example is Housing Hand. Please do your research and check the terms and conditions before signing up to a Guarantor service.
An alternative to having a UK based Guarantor is to pay a larger proportion of rent in advance, as added security for the Landlord. Please only agree to this if your Landlord or Letting Agent is PAL accredited. Paying large sums of money in advance for non-accredited properties is high risk, and not encouraged.
Legal awareness
Since 1 February 2016, all landlords have to complete a right to rent check for anyone who wants to rent in the private sector. Students living in University accommodation are exempt from these checks. Further information can be found on Ask Herts.
Find more information about off campus accommodation
There are rules in the UK that are in place to avoid overcrowding, which is a safety issue, and that outline how many occupants are allowed to reside in each property. If you are unsure if your accommodation abides by these rules, please contact the Community team.
Make sure you check out the guidance on how to protect yourself from rental fraud and the key things you should be mindful of when setting up your off campus accommodation. Please make sure you only pay to the University directly for your accommodation. Never pay through a third party who say they can get you a cheaper rate. This is not true and could be fraudulent.
Watch our off campus accommodation guidance webinar.

Additional information about renting off campus is available on AskHerts.

Accommodation common room with table tennis

Accommodation shared common room sofa area

Bringing your family to the UK

If you are bringing dependants with you, you need to think about more than just your own arrangements. Ensure suitable accommodation and childcare arrangements are made in advance.

Family accommodation
The University does not have accommodation suitable for families and only Hertfordshire students can live in on campus accommodation. If you are bringing your family you will need to arrange off campus accommodation. Follow the off campus guidance and view our approved letting agents on the PAL website. You may also benefit from reading our guide to living off campus. Be mindful that accommodation with dependants will cost more than one for a single person so you will need a higher budget.
Dependant visas and dependant BRPs
Dependant Visas
Useful information about eligibility for family members to apply as dependants can be found on the UK Government website. If you are applying for entry clearance for dependants, then a separate application will need to be made for each dependant.
Guidance and policy on making applications for dependants is available on the UK Government website.
Dependant BRPs
If you are bringing a dependant and using the ACL to have your BRPs sent to the University, please ensure you complete our online form for each dependant BRP you are expecting. You will only be able to access the form once you have completed the online portion of your registration, and you should use your Herts log in details when prompted. The Student Immigration Team will then notify you with further instructions on how and where to collect.
Childcare and school places
If you are bringing a dependant with you while you study with us, you need to make sure you have researched the options around childcare before you arrive. Children are not allowed in lectures, so you also need to ensure you have arranged childcare for your children while you attend classes. The type of childcare required will depend on the age of the child you are bringing.
Nursery aged children
If your child is of nursery age you will need to arrange a nursery place for them and charges will apply. The University has a Day Nursery on site on College Lane. Whilst they will do their best to accommodate your needs, a place is not guaranteed as it will all depend on availability. Children can only be accepted after they are 3 months old. Please make sure to enquire with the nursery before you arrive and apply as soon as possible.
You can contact the nursery via email at nursery@herts.ac.uk.
To be eligible for the nursery you need to put your child in for a minimum of one day per week. This can either be a full day, or 2 half day sessions. The nursery offers half day, extended, and full-day sessions. You cannot book your child in for just an hour for example to cover a lecture. They offer discounted prices for students, but please note as an international student you would not be eligible for any funding for childcare.
If you are given a space in the nursery you will need to complete a couple of settling sessions with your child before you can leave them fully. You will be invited in to sit and play with your child to get them used to their new setting. You will need to arrange this around your studying commitments.
For a full list of prices please visit the nursery webpage.
School aged children
Most children start school full-time in the September after their fourth birthday.
If your child will be of school age you will need to arrange for them to go to a school while they are here. You can visit the Herts County Council website for more information on how to apply for a school place. Please note that due to an in-year application having to be made, you may not be offered the school that is closest to you, so you will need to potentially factor this into your study timetable as well.
More information on safeguarding dependants is available on our Ask Herts page.

Visa and entry clearance

Most international students need a visa/entry clearance to study in the UK. You can self-assess online at the UK Government's Home Office website to see if this is relevant to you.

When entering the UK on a Student Visa there are certain conditions that you must be aware of. These include your responsibilities as a student on a Student Route visa, your right to work in the UK, police registration requirements and restrictions on driving in the UK.

The British Government provides useful information about Student Visas guidance.

How to apply for a Student Visa
You should contact your nearest British Mission who will be able to provide you with details of when, where and how you need to submit your Student Visa application. They can also help with things like processing times, documents required and any latest updates. The actual procedure used by the British Missions can vary from place to place.
Go to the UK Government website when you are ready to being your Student Visa application.
If you are a registered traveller, do not use the e-gates but make your study intentions known.
If applying for a Student Visa you will need your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number (which will be sent to you via email once you have met all academic and financial conditions of your offer).
When to apply?
Apply as soon as you get your CAS reference number and are within 6 month of your programme start date. Under current immigration regulations you cannot apply more than 6 months before the start date of your programme. Applications will be refused if the CAS number is more than six months old.
Your CAS number must be used within six months of its issue. The date you are applying means the date you submit your visa application.
What are the legal requirements for obtaining entry clearance as a Student?
Requirements for leave to enter as a student are laid down in the Immigration Rules. Please make sure that you read and understand these legal requirements. If you have difficulties in understanding them then contact your local British Mission for further advice.
What documents do I need to provide?
The United Kingdom operates a points based immigration system, where you need to obtain 70 points in order to obtain a Student Visa. You are required to show evidence of how you meet this points requirement in your application form, as well as provide proof.
50 points are obtained for the CAS number issued by the University and the documents used to obtain it. You must produce evidence of all your original qualifications used by the University in order to provide you an offer of a place. This information is outlined on your CAS email under the heading ‘Documents used to obtain an offer of a place’. You must submit original certificates and documents, as photocopies are not sufficient.
10 points are awarded for meeting financial conditions, i.e. having enough money to cover your course fees for the first year and monthly living costs up to a maximum of 9 months (also known as maintenance). You must be able to prove that the money has been available in your account for 28 consecutive days before the date you apply for your visa.
10 Points are awarded for English Language.
You will need to provide;
- Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) number from the university
- Valid passport/travel document
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of finances
In some cases the following documents may also be applicable to your application;
- Proof of parental or guidian consent (under 18s)
- Education certificates
- TB test certificate
- ATAS certificate
- A supporting letter explaining any gaps in your studies e.g. if you have been in employment
Find our more about the supporting documents on the UK Government website.
What happens after I apply?
After submitting your visa application, you need to wait for an email inviting you to book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre. You can book a visa appointment at any of the centres near you.
After your appointment, you need to wait for a decision to be made. You will get an email to confirm your decision and when your passport is ready for collection.
Important information
You can only use a CAS number once. If your application is refused you cannot use the same CAS number to make a new application; if you do, your application will be refused. If you want to make a new visa application, you must request a new CAS number from the International Admission team email: international@herts.ac.uk.
Decide which type of visa service you would like in advance as you can't change this after you submit your application. Types of service available may be;
- Standard (15 working days)
- Priority (5 working days)
- Super priority (next working day)
Your responsibilities
Your Student Route visa has some conditions, these conditions should be stated in your Biometric Residence Permit or vignette.
Make sure you comply with your visa conditions to ensure that you maintain your right to stay in the UK. There are a number of rules and procedures you must follow in order to meet your visa conditions while you are in the UK.
These conditions include:
1. Only being allowed to register with the institution who issued your CAS (and who is named on your visa), and doing so on time each academic year.
2. Ensuring that your attendance is good and any absence is reported.
3. Making sure that you abide by the University's regulations (which will be provided to you during the registration process).
4. Confirming to us immediately if your status changes (i.e. if you withdraw or suspend study on your course).
Your visa will include a start and end date. Make sure you do not try to enter the UK before the start of your visa and that either you return home or you apply to make a new visa application (if eligible) before your leave expires.
Financial evidence
You must provide a bank statement that covers 28 days. The money must be in your bank account or your parents’ personal account; it cannot be in any other relative or friend’s account (unless they meet the UKVI definition of an official financial sponsor).
If you are using your parents’ bank account, you will also be required to submit extra supporting documents with your application, such as your birth certificate and a letter from your parents confirming their relationship to you and that they give you their consent to use their account for funding your studies and living costs.
The money must be in the account at the time you apply for the visa and must have been constantly in the account for a minimum of 28 days before the date of your visa application.
The final closing balance cannot be more than 31 days before the date of your visa application.
Students on courses of six-month duration or less
Students who wish to come to the UK to study on courses of six-month duration or less can now do this on the Visitor Visa route. Entry to the UK on a Visitor visa means that you will not be permitted to work in the UK (even if you need to work as part of your studies) nor will you be able to extend your visa from the UK.
If you want to come on a Visitor Visa you must show:
- That you have been unconditionally accepted on a course (by proof of an unconditional offer letter)
- If you are aged under 18 then you will need to provide additional information. Please see the UK Government website for more details.
- You have the financial resources to accommodate and maintain yourself during your studies
- You intend to leave at the end of your stay and be able to meet the cost of your return journey home
Visa nationals who wish to enter the UK under this category must apply for entry clearance prior to arrival in the UK. Non-visa nationals do not need entry clearance prior to arrival but will need to declare their intentions to the Immigration Officer on arrival. Make sure that the Immigration Officer marks your entry stamp as a Visitor Visa stamp for studies.
Further information about making an application for a Visitor Visa is available at on the UK Government website.

Checking your Student Visa

Once your visa is issued you should make sure that you check your visa is the right type of visa for you, and has the correct length of time. You should report any errors to the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) as it may not always be possible to correct any mistakes once you have left your country.

You should check the vignette in your passport as well as your immigration decision letter. If you have applied for a Student Visa you will need to check the following:

The visa stamp states you are a “Student,” not a “Visitor” or a “Child Student”
No working prohibition
Police registration; if your visa/immigration decision letter states that you must register, then speak with the University’s Student Immigration Team when you arrive in the UK and they will advise how and when to do this
The Sponsor Licence Number (SLN) is correct; you can find this number on your CAS. Sometimes the ECO will write the CAS number instead of the SLN; this is okay as long as it is the correct CAS number
Start date – in most instances the earliest your visa will be valid from is one month before the start date of the course (as stated on your CAS). If your course is less than six months (excluding pre-sessional courses) then the earliest date your visa will start is 7 days before the start date of your course
Expiry/end date: If you are coming to study on a course for more than six months then the vignette in your passport will be valid for 30 days only*. Once you arrive in the UK you will then be able to collect your visa which should cover the full length of your programme of study. Your immigration decision letter will tell you what the full length of your visa will be. There are Home Office guidelines which determine how much leave someone on a Student visa should be given.

If these guidelines have not been followed then ask the ECO to amend your leave. For further details about collecting your visa on arrival to the UK please see our Ask Herts page.

If you use the CAS we have issued to obtain your visa then you will be tied to this University. If you therefore decide to change education providers, you will need to apply for a new visa before you will be permitted to start your studies (and in some instances you need to actually be in receipt of your new visa before you can start with another institution). This is still the case even if you have time left on your current visa.

Course	End of immigration permission
12 months or more	4 months after the end of the course
6 months or more, but less than 12 months	2 months after the end of the course
Pre-sessional course, less than 6 months	1 month after the end of the course
Other course, less than 6 months	7 days after the end of the course

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
If you will be studying in the UK on any type of time limited leave (visa) and you are planning to undertake postgraduate studies and/or research which leads to a Doctorate or Master's degree in certain designated subjects (usually science and engineering), you will have to obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before you apply for your visa. Your CAS will indicate whether or not you are required to obtain an ATAS certificate. Applicants have to obtain ATAS before they are given a CAS.
Full details about this scheme can be found here.
Immigration health surcharge
Many people who need immigration permission to come to or stay in the UK will be charged an additional sum as part of their immigration application. This will entitle them to receive free health services under the National Health Service.
The charge for students and their dependants can be found online. This sum is an annual amount and applicants will be charged the annual amount for each year of the maximum period of leave which could be granted under the immigration rules. If this period of leave includes part of a year that is six months or less, the amount payable for that part of a year is half the specified amount. If the period of leave includes part of a year that is more than six months, the full annual amount is payable. Find out more information about the health surcharge can be found here.
Health screening
Pre-screening for tuberculosis (TB) has been introduced in areas which are considered to be high risk. If you are applying for a visa from certain countries for over six months you will need to obtain a certificate, from an accredited clinic, showing that you are free from infectious TB. If you do not have a certificate your entry clearance application will normally be refused. To find out if you are required to be screened for TB visit the UK Government website.
Biometric finger scans and digital photographs
All visa applicants, irrespective of nationality, will need to provide ‘biometric’ information as part of the visa application process. This biometric information consists of scans of all 10 of your fingers and a full-face digital photograph. You will have to go to the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person to provide this biometric information. In countries where there is no VAC, you will need to go to the British Mission. Your visa application will not be processed until you have provided the necessary biometric information.
Credibility interviews
Any Student visa applicant may be required to undergo a short interview as part of their visa application. The purpose of the interview is to ascertain that a student’s intentions to study in the UK are genuine. More information can be found here.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
Any national applying from overseas for permission to stay for more than six months will be given a 30 day vignette* when they apply for a visa. To ensure that you can collect your Biometric Residence Permit from the University of Hertfordshire you must enter the Alternative Collection Location (ACL) code: 2HE462, when you apply for your visa online. If you do not do this then your BRP will be sent to a Post Office. Arranging collection from a Post Office could cause delays in your registration. Ensuring your BRP is delivered to the University is essential if you are aged under 18.
The visa confirmation letter will advise you to collect your BRP within 10 days of arrival in the UK.
Further information about Biometric Residence Permits can be found at on our Ask Herts page.
On campus BRP Card Alternative Collection Location (ACL) code: 2HE462
What happens if my visa is refused?
If your application has been refused, you will have been given a written notice detailing the reasons for the refusal. If you think that the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) has made a mistake then you can request an administrative review.
Please inform the University of your refusal before you submit an Administrative Review, so we can provide you with the best possible advice. Send a copy of the refusal notice to SITcompliance@herts.ac.uk.
Your request must be made within 28 days of the date you receive the refusal notice. You may only ask for one administrative review for each refusal decision.
If you have been studying elsewhere in the UK on a Student Visa and you are now applying to study at the University of Hertfordshire, you will need to make a new Student Visa application using the CAS issued to you before you will be permitted to register. This is still the case even if you have time left on your current visa.
If you think you will need to extend your visa whilst you are in the UK, (for example, to do a new course of study, or you are studying on a pre-sessional or preparatory course), then it is important that you are aware of the application procedure. For information on this, visit the UK Government website.
Under new Home Office rules, if you are starting a new course of study, even with the same education provider, you will need to apply for a new visa (with a new CAS) before you can start the course. This is still the case even if you have time left on your current visa.
Note that if you are already in the UK and your existing permission to stay runs out more than 28 days before the start date of your new course of study, you will have to return home to apply from outside the UK. You will not be able to apply to extend your visa from the UK.

What to pack

There are some restrictions on what you can bring into the UK. Meat and fish products, all drugs (except prescription drugs) and animals are prohibited. Visit the HMRC website to make sure you know the law before you travel.

You will need to bring some money with you to get you through the first couple of weeks in the UK. We advise you not to bring large sums of cash, to avoid putting yourself at risk of theft. If you travel with more than €10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) you will be required to declare it at customs. We recommend travelling with no more than £500-£600 in cash and bringing the rest on a pre-paid credit card, as travellers' cheques or having a bank card you know will work in the UK.

Before you pack
Before you pack, find out:
- what you are not allowed to bring to the UK - check your airlines guidance and restrictions. There are strict laws governing what you can bring into the country. If you are unsure what you can bring into the UK, you can check with your local British Mission before you leave or look at the Home Office website.
- your airline luggage allowance - there will be weight and size restrictions to both your hand and hold luggage. Ensure you do not go over these allowances as you can be charged extra
- if the electrical equipment you are bringing with you is compatible with UK standards
- you can purchase bedding, including duvets, covers, sheets, pillows and pillowcases from the University's online store. Order before you arrive so they are ready for when you reach the UK
- you don't need to bring large, bulky items to the UK. Most things can be purchased after you arrive at an affordable price.
In your hand luggage
Please keep your hand luggage with you at all times; if you leave it unattended, it could be stolen or taken away to be destroyed.
Make sure you have the following items in your hand luggage:
- any prescribed medication you are taking, plus a letter from your doctor explaining what the medicine is for
- address of where you will be staying and a contact number in case of emergencies
- a pen/pencil and some paper
- any fragile or valuable items
- a list of items in your main luggage
- address book with contact details of your friends and family
- enough UK currency for your transport from the airport to your accommodation.
- any prescribed medication you are taking, plus a letter from your doctor explaining what the medicine is for
- address of where you will be staying and a contact number in case of emergencies
- a pen/pencil and some paper
- any fragile or valuable items
- a list of items in your main luggage
- address book with contact details of your friends and family
- enough UK currency for your transport from the airport to your accommodation
- be mindful of hand luggage restricted items and do not go over the liquid allowance - you can take larger liquids in your hold luggage
You may need to show some documents at immigration when you arrive into the UK – it’s best to carry these in your hand luggage when you travel. These may include:
- your passport (with visa for relevant students)
- your CAS letter and unconditional offer letter
- your original examination certificates as stated in your CAS letter
- your accommodation contract
- evidence of your finances for your tuition fees and living costs
In your hold luggage
Make sure you have the following items in your hold luggage and consider:
- luggage should be strong, secure and labelled with your name and destination on it
- don’t pack too many heavy things – books, clothing, stationery, cooking utensils, towels, toiletries etc. All can be purchased very cheaply when you arrive
- clothing – the British weather is very unpredictable and can change quickly. We advise you to bring light to medium weight clothing that is loose fitting to enable you to wear several layers at once. You should also bring a waterproof coat or jacket and waterproof shoes
- don’t pack lots of food – UK supermarkets offer a wide variety of food from all over the world. Please check the UK Customs list of food items you can and cannot bring.
- luggage should be strong, secure and labelled with your name and destination on it - include your UK address
- don’t pack too many heavy things – books, clothing, bedding, stationery, cooking utensils, towels, toiletries etc. All can be purchased very cheaply when you arrive
- clothing – the British weather is very unpredictable and can change quickly. We advise you to bring light to medium weight clothing that is loose fitting to enable you to wear several layers at once. You should also bring a waterproof coat or jacket and waterproof shoes
- don’t pack lots of food – UK supermarkets offer a wide variety of food from all over the world. Please check the UK Customs list of food items you can and cannot bring
- you may wish to bring an adapter plug for any electrical items you need that do not have the UK 3 pin plug
Remember also that certain food items you may wish to bring with you are banned from import into the UK.
Insurance
Travel insurance
It is essential for you to take out travel insurance to cover you on your journey to the UK. A good policy should cover you for travel delays, cancellations, medical emergencies and loss of belongings whilst in transit.
If you are applying for a visa to come to the UK for more than six months, then as part of the visa application, you will now need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Further details about this charge and what it covers can be found on the UK Government website.
Unless you are coming from a country with a reciprocal agreement, you will need to pay for any medical care you need if you are staying in the UK for less than six months. In this case you are strongly advised to take out health insurance. To find out if your country has a reciprocal agreement visit the NHS website.
Health cover on a reciprocal agreement can be limited so you may want to consider taking out private medical insurance as well.
Contents insurance
If you are staying in on campus accommodation, you will get contents insurance included in your room contract. You should check the terms and conditions to make sure there is adequate cover for any special belongings you are bringing.
If you are staying off campus, be sure to arrange contents insurance to cover your belongings. You may consider various levels of cover such as accidental damage or theft.

Airport guidance for when you land

Travelling to a new country can be a little overwhelming. To make it easier for you, we’ve outlined the process below so that you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.

Don't use the e-gates
If you are on a Student Route or Visit Visa, do not use the ePassport gates on arrival to the UK, as you need to obtain a stamp in your passport giving you the appropriate leave or validation of your vinetter. Please go to a manned booth with a Boarder Force Officer who will provide the stamp when checking your documents.
You can save this 'Request for a passport stamp' PDF to your phone or print it out and show it to Border Force Officials
Passport control
You will need to show your passport and visa at passport control. You may also be asked for the following: so keep these documents in your hand luggage;
- evidence of funding
- a recent medical report including x-ray results (if required)
- notification of CAS e-mail or your University of Hertfordshire unconditional offer letter (if you have a visit visa)
To avoid delays, when you arrive at UK passport control:
- remove your passport from its cover and have it open at the photo page
- take off any hats, headphones and sunglasses
- put mobile phones or tablets away when it’s time to see an officer
- stay together when travelling as a family
Immigration interview
Be prepared for an immigration interview with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) staff. You must be able to answer some questions in English and have a basic conversation without the assistance of an interpreter – failure to do so may result in you being denied access to the UK, at which point you will have to return home. They may ask you questions about where you are staying and why you have come to the UK. You may also be fingerprinted if you supplied biometrics for your visa application.
The UK border control can be very busy, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait in a queue.
Collect your luggage
Remember to collect any hold luggage you travelled with. The luggage carousel for your flight will be displayed on the information screens after immigration checks. You may need to wait before the luggage begins coming through the carousel.
If you experience any issues with missing or damaged luggage, go to the baggage desk usually located near to the carousels.

Getting from the airport to your accommodation

We recommend taking advantage of our free airport collection wherever possible. If you do need to make your own way to your accommodation, ensure you research your route in advance to make it easier for you to navigate after a long flight.

Airport collection
We are delighted to offer free airport collection from Heathrow to campus on arrivals weekend!
Our coaches will be on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023 at 11.00, 15:00 and 19.00 each day. Places are limited so book your space for airport collection as soon as possible. If you secured your seat you will receive email guidance regarding the collection location before your arrival.
Luggage Restrictions
Please do not bring any large items, as there is limited space within each coach. We would also recommend that you have your belongings in luggage with wheels and a handle to be able to be lifted onto the coach easily.
You are allowed to bring onto the coach 1 hand luggage, 1 personal item (small bag for under plane seat) and 1 hold luggage per person (depending on your airline luggage allowance).
Your luggage should be no larger than a standard size airline hold suitcase and be within the standard weight limit of 23kg (you will need to check your airline luggage allowance and if your airline luggage weight allowance is heavier than 23kg then it will need to have a “heavy” luggage sticker).
Unfortunately, staff cannot assist you with your luggage, so ensure you can carry it yourself. If you arrive at the coach with more than your baggage allowance you may need to make your own way to campus instead using public transport or a taxi.
Public transport
Getting to campus from the major airports via public transport is incredibly simple. We've written out the steps you'll need to take to get to campus. Alternatively, you can print out a downloadable PDF version of the journey routes here.
If you are living off campus please research your transport route so you can go directly from the airport to your accommodation to drop off your bags.
Train
The nearest train station to campus is Hatfield (Herts) and there are direct trains from King's Cross. The University is a short taxi journey or bus ride from Hatfield railway station. You can view the UnoBus routes and timetables online and train times and fares on the National Rail website.
Bus
There are also bus services available from all the major London airports to the University. As you may need to use multiple buses or trains, you may prefer to arrange a taxi to collect you from the airport to take you direct to your accommodation.
Taxi
Taxis are an easier option when travelling with heavy bags and if it is your first time in the UK, but they will cost more than public transport.

Cheapest route
1. Get bus 724 from Heathrow Airport Heathrow Central Bus Station to Hatfield Station (this currently costs £2 for a single fare until 31st October)
2. Take any Uno bus from outside the station (making sure to check the direction of the bus). Some routes will be quicker and more direct and you can check the bus routes online

Fastest route
1. Follow signage to Heathrow Underground Station
2. Take the Piccadilly Line to London King's Cross Underground Station
3. Follow signage to London King's Cross Overground Station
4. Take the train to Hatfield Station
5. Take any Uno bus from outside the station (making sure to check the direction of the bus). Some routes will be quicker and more direct and you can check the bus routes online
6. Exit at the University of Hertfordshire College Lane or de Havilland campus

Follow signage to Heathrow Underground Station
Take the Piccadilly Line to London King's Cross Underground Station
Follow signage to London King's Cross Overground Station
Take the train to Hatfield Station
Take any Uno bus from outside the station (making sure to check the direction of the bus)
Exit at the University of Hertfordshire College Lane or de Havilland campus

1. Make your way to the Gatwick Airport Railway Station located at the South Terminal
2. Take the train to Finsbury Park Station
3. Change at Finsbury park and take the train to Hatfield Station
4. Take any Uno bus from outside the station (making sure to check the direction of the bus). Some routes will be quicker and more direct and you can check the bus routes online
5. Exit at the University of Hertfordshire College Lane or de Havilland campus

1. Walk to Stansted Airport Railway Station, located directly below the terminals
2. Take the train to Tottenham Hale Station
3. Make your way to the Underground station in Tottenham Hale
4. Take a Victoria Line train to Finsbury Park
5. Change at Finsbury Park and take an overground train to Hatfield Station
6. Take any Uno bus from outside the station (making sure to check the direction of the bus). Some routes will be quicker and more direct and you can check the bus routes online
7. Exit at the University of Hertfordshire College Lane or de Havilland campus

1. Take the shuttle bus from Luton Airport to Luton Airport Parkway Railway Station
2. Take the train to St Albans Railway Station
3. Take an Uno bus from outside the station (making sure to check the direction of the bus). You can use the 601, 602 or 653 routes. The 602 and 653 go to both campuses, but the 601 only goes to de Havilland where you can switch to the shuttle to get you to College Lane. The 601 and 602 routes are quicker and more direct. You can check the bus routes online
4. Exit at the University of Hertfordshire College Lane or de Havilland campus

You may prefer to take a taxi to the University. You can either pre-book a taxi before you travel to the UK. This will allow you to agree a price and pick up location before your flight. Otherwise you can get a non-booked taxi from the airport when you land.

Getting a non-booked taxi after you have landed

If you do this please make sure:

you get a cab from the official taxi rank at the airport or book in advance
you have the University's address clearly written on a piece of paper
you have cash to cover the cost of the journey (between £50 and £135 dependent on your arrival airport).

Pre-booking a taxi before you fly

If you would like to pre-book your taxi, you can use one of the following companies local to the University. They have experience of collecting our international students:

You must book your taxi at least 72 hours before departure. Tell them your:

full name
arrival date and time
flight number
UK airport and terminal
mobile phone number - please provide one that will work in the UK upon landing so you can be contacted by the driver.

You should ask the taxi company about the price when you make your booking to ensure you have the funds you need to cover the cost of the journey.

Road safety awareness

The UK drives on the left side of the road, so remember that for when you are looking to cross a road as a pedestrian. You should also not step out onto a road without looking, and try to stick to walking on the pavement. Cars have right of way on the road over pedestrians, unless you are at a zebra or pelican crossing. You should wait until there is a safe gap before stepping out to cross the road. It is not safe to walk along busy roads like motorways or dual carriageways and pedestrians and cyclists should not take these routes.

Ensure you read up on road safety and the UK government rules and guidance for pedestrians.

How to use UK buses

Arriving at your accommodation

If you are living on campus with us, you will need to complete the Halls of Residence Information Form which will be provided to you by the accommodation team. A link may be provided to you by the Dean of Students via email before your arrival.

Where to go when you get here

Picking up your room key

If you are staying in University accommodation the first thing you need to do is collect your room key. Ensure you have your arrival pass ready.

Notification / arrival	Where to go
If you have received notification of your room	Go straight to the relevant campus accommodation office and pick up your key - for College Lane Campus go to The Oval and for de Havilland go to the Residential Services Office (RSO)
If you haven't received notification of your room	Go to the Ask Herts Hub (Hutton) on the College Lane campus
If you arrive outside of office hours	For College Lane Campus go to The Oval and for de Havilland go to the Residential Services Office (RSO)

Private rented accommodation

Make sure that you have contacted your landlord before you arrive to let them know to expect you and to arrange when and where to collect your keys.

Support on campus
Take advantage of our support facilities for international students. The University provides a wide range of student support from help with your English to on-campus childcare provision.
We have a dedicated Student Immigration Team on hand to advise you on a variety of subjects from work permits to financial and personal matters as well as access to support and counselling services.

Next steps

Please continue to the Start Dates' section.

Start dates

Apply through Clearing

Apply online through Clearing

Book an Open Day

Get info updates

Before you travel to the UK

Arrange Accommodation

Commute time and cost

PAL accredited landlords

UK Guarantors

Legal awareness

Bringing your family to the UK

Dependant Visas

Dependant BRPs

Nursery aged children

School aged children

Visa and entry clearance

When to apply?

What are the legal requirements for obtaining entry clearance as a Student?

What documents do I need to provide?

What happens after I apply?

Important information

What to pack

Travel insurance

Contents insurance