Arrival into the UK

The UK Government currently require those arriving from certain international destinations to quarantine for 14 days. We are closely monitoring government advice and our planning will be responsive to changing public health requirements.

More information for quarantining students

We highly 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 Transfer service to get to either our Preston or Burnley campus. Our service is only available from Manchester Airport, so if you choose to fly into another UK airport be sure to check what transport links are available to get you to Campus.

If you have arranged airport collection with the university, you will be welcomed and collected from the airport by our UCLan welcome team. We are currently working on finalising our plans for the Airport Transfer Service and will confirm details of the transfer or alternative arrangements closer to your arrival date..

We are making plans so you can study online for the two weeks of quarantine so you only need to arrive ready for your term start date. If you are living in University Halls of Residence, we will assist you with daily living needs, dropping off equipment and course materials.

You be required to wear a face covering during your flight or if you are travelling independently on UK public transport so please come equipped with your own face covering or mask. Be sure to check if your airline has put in place any additional rules regarding face coverings and other personal protective clothing on their flights.

Two face coverings will be also provided to you as part of your welcome induction to university.

What To Bring With You

We strongly advise you to not 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 transfer service mentioned above due to the limited luggage space available and you may find it difficult if you are travelling to campus by public transport. There are plenty of shops close to our Preston campus where you can purchase household goods such as crockery, cutlery, bedding, towels and kitchen appliances if needed. If you arrive after the shops have closed, bedding packs can be provided on loan by UCLan Security for overnight use.

UK weather can be unpredictable and varied, therefore you will need appropriate clothing for all types of conditions. Further information on the types of weather that you can expect in the UK can be found on the Met Office webpages.

You will also need to remember to bring any prescription contact lenses or medication that you are currently taking as required.

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 on entering the UK, please read the gov.uk website advice.

Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, there is the potential for extra checks being performed when arriving into the UK and through the first few weeks of your stay. You may be expected to self-isolate for up to 14 days after arrival and the Border Officer could ask where you will be living. If you are unable to answer, your entry into the country can be refused so please be sure to have this information available. Border force have also been known to make checks on foreign nationals who have arrived in the UK to ensure they are adhering to the self-isolation. It is important that you follow the rules otherwise you could be asked to leave the UK and your visa will be cancelled.

You may also have your temperature taken and be asked to wear gloves or a face covering when passing through the airport so do remember to bring these with you if you can. Additionally, please note that face coverings are currently mandatory for all passengers on public transport within the UK.

If you are coming to the UK on a short-term Visa, you need to ensure you get a stamp of entry so do not use the E-Gates if you are directed to do so. If an Airport member of staff directs you to use the e-Gates, please politely explain that you need a Visa stamp and ask that you see a Border Officer.

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 SICTSupport@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 to the Arrival Hall. If you have arranged airport collection with the university, you will be welcomed and collected from the airport by our UCLan welcome team.

Travelling to Campus

The University offers a free airport transfer for all new overseas UCLan students. To register your interest in the service, please complete our online form and we will contact you prior to the start of term in order to confirm details about the service that we are able to offer.

All three of our UK campuses can also be reached by public transport either by road or rail.

It is important to remember before booking any transport to check what time you are due to land, allowing plenty of time to pass through immigration and to collect your bags. In September it can often be 2-3 hours after landing before you reach the arrivals hall, so make sure you don’t book transport from the airport too early.