This page will prepare you for your journey to the University, providing you with clarity to help you feel at ease. Explore the resources below to make sure you have everything you need, know what to expect, and how to get to us at Herts!
We recommend you arrive with enough time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the campus and local amenities before classes start. If you have secured your visa we strongly advise you to arrive on 21st or 22nd January, which is arrivals weekend. This will allow you to make the most of our orientation and welcome week and all the resources and activities on offer. If your course has an earlier start date, you need to arrive by the start date.
You will need to sort out your bank account, NHS registration and police registration (if required), as well as explore the town!
COVID-19 travel guidance
Travel rules have relaxed in the UK and when travelling to England, you no longer need to complete a Passenger Locator Form, take any COVID-19 tests or quarantine on arrival.
You should check your own countries travel rules, including any countries you have a transit stop in, as they may still require you to take tests or complete other processes before you fly.
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
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
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.
Arrange Accommodation
You must arrange your accommodation before you arrive in the UK.
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
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 60 mile radius of campus. Ensure you research commute costs and times before commtting 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.
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.
Watch our off campus accommodation guidance webinar.
Bringing your family to the UK
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 dependents will cost more than one for a single person so you will need a higher budget.
Useful information about eligibility for family members to apply as dependents can be found on the UK Government website. If you are applying for entry clearance for dependents, then a separate application will need to be made for each dependent.
Guidance and policy on making applications for dependents is available on the UK Government website.
Children are not allowed in lectures, so you also need to ensure you have arranged childcare for your children while you attend classes. There is a Day Nursery on campus which charges fees and operates on a first come, first serve basis. Children must be registered at the Nursery in order to use this facility.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
European Union
The UK formally left the European Union at 11pm on the 31 December 2020 and as such custom and border changes may be implemented for EU students. Please refer to this page for more information.
You are required to formally register on your course to become an official University of Hertfordshire student. Registration will be in two parts, online registration which you can do before you travel, followed by a Face-to-face registration appointment once you arrive in the UK.
You will be able to set up your University account and then access your Joining Instructions from 19th December 2022. Once you receive your credentials you can begin your MFA and Online Registration online before you arrive in the UK.
Online Registration - This involves you checking and updating your personal details in the online portal. You should complete this before your travel.
Face-to-face Registration - This involves the University checking copies of your important documents. You will be invited to book a slot for this and should do this as soon as possible after you arrive in the UK.
You should complete both stages as soon as you can so you can begin accessing your learning materials.
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 or as travellers' cheques.
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
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.
If you travel by plane your airline will give you a landing card - fill this in before you arrive at border control. 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. The UK border control can be very busy, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait in a queue.
Students will need to show a valid passport and visa on arrival to the UK but you may also need to show the following so please make sure you keep these 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)
Be prepared to answer questions about where you are staying, and why you have come to the UK. The Border Force Officer must also be satisfied that you speak English at the required level without the need for an interpreter. You may also be fingerprinted if you supplied biometrics for your visa application.
After collecting your luggage and making your way through customs, you will reach the Arrivals Hall.
Please note if you require a Student Route visa or Visit visa you should not use the ePassport gates on arrival to the UK. You will need to see a Border Force Officer who will be able to stamp your passport giving you the appropriate leave or validation of your vignette.
Getting through customs
You can save this 'Request for a passport stamp' PDF to your phone or print it out and show it to Border Force Officials on your arrival to the UK to explain that you need a stamp in your passport.
You can help by keeping all of your important documents together and in your hand luggage.
To help you prepare and have a better idea of what to expect when crossing the border into the UK, the UK Visa's and Immigration Border Force have devised a helpful list of '10 top tips' for student arrivals. Welcome to the UK!
Getting to the University
Airport collection
We are delighted to offer free airport collection from Heathrow to campus on arrivals weekend! Our coaches will be on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January 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.
Using 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
If travelling from Heathrow the cost is estimated to be £40 - 60. If you are travelling from other airports, the prices will be different. 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.
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
Go to the security gate of the College Lane Accommodation office
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 'Life in the United Kingdom' section.
