Arrival into the UK
We recommend that you book a flight which arrives at Manchester Airport rather than a different UK airport. This may allow you to use the UCLan airport pickup service to get to campus. This service only runs from Manchester Airport, so if you fly into another UK airport, be sure to check what transport links are available to get you to Preston.
What to bring with you
We strongly advise you not to bring more than two suitcases and one piece of hand luggage. If you bring any more than this, you may be unable use the airport pickup service mentioned above due to the limited luggage space available on the coach. There are plenty of shops in Preston, close to the campus, where you can purchase household goods such as crockery, cutlery, bedding, towels and kitchen appliances if you require them. If you arrive after the shops have closed, bedding packs can be provided on loan by UCLan Security for use overnight.
What to expect at the Airport
On arrival at Manchester Airport, you will need to pass through Immigration Control. Please make sure you have your passport and visa or valid Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) Card (if you already have one) ready to show at Immigration Control.
The Immigration Officer may also ask to see documents you submitted as part of your visa application or your CAS letter from UCLan as proof that you are going to be studying in the UK. For further information, please read the gov.uk Website advice on entering the UK.
What should I do if I have problems at Immigration Control?
If you have any problems at Immigration control or are refused entry to the UK you should email the Student Immigration and Compliance Team on PBSHelp@uclan.ac.uk. If you need to contact us outside normal office hours, you can leave a message at the University Security Control Centre on +44 (0)1772 89 2068
After clearing Immigration Control you will need to collect your luggage from the Baggage Claim area and then proceed through Customs.
Further information
More detailed information can be found in our Arrival Guide.
Travelling to Preston
Airport Pickup
The University offers a free airport pickup service for all new overseas UCLan students. For the latest dates and availability please see our form.
Please be aware, if you are unable to book a flight which arrives on any of the above listed dates, you can still request an airport pickup, however we cannot guarantee to be able to meet you, and you may need to make your own way to Preston.
The airport pick-up service is for students only. If your parents or family members have travelled to the UK with you, they will need to make their own way to Preston.
If you bring more than two suitcases and one piece of hand luggage, you may be unable to use the airport pickup service. You would then have to make your own way to Preston.
If you have any queries then please contact The <i> Student Information Centre on internationalbooking@uclan.ac.uk or by phone on +44 01772 89 5000.
Other Travel options
If you are travelling to Preston via an alternative route, please visit our How To Find Us page.
