Getting ready for the trip

Once you get your visa its time to start preparing yourself for the journey. This can be quite a stressful phase because you will want to be prepared for everything that could possibly happen. Take it easy and first focus on avoiding just the big mishaps.

Booking your tickets

If you haven't done so already book your plane tickets first. There are lots of flights going to London. London has two international airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW). Jet airways has at least two direct flights every day to Heathrow. Qatar airways has non-direct flights1. If your university is in a town without an international airport, target a destination airport close to it. For example if your University is in Scotland target Edinburgh or Newcastle airport. If your university is somewhere near the Midlands, target Birmingham or Manchester airport. You may need to find a way to get to your University from the airport. First check with your university if they are providing any transport to and from airports. If the university is in the same town as the airport, then you can call a taxi or use local bus services (no need to book these in advance) otherwise you will need to book a coach or catch a train.

If this is your first visit to the UK it may take upto 2-3 hours for you to clear customs and immigration and leave the airport. If you are coming to London Heathrow you will need even more time. Keep this in mind when booking the next leg of your journey.

Rail and coach bookings can be made in advance and you can get an e-ticket which you need to print. Usually coach tickets are flexible and you can get them amended over the phone if required. Train tickets can be even more flexible and usually you can board the next train if you miss your originally booked one (though you will lose you seat reservation). Most airports have a coach and rail station nearby. National express also runs special coaches to and from popular airports.

Foreign exchange

Speak with your bank and get foreign exchange sorted. The currency in UK is Sterling Pound (Symbol: £, Abbreviation: GBP). Carry some cash (maximum £1000). If you need to carry more money for your fee or accommodation, use travelers cheques. These can later be deposited into your bank once you open a bank account here. As a student you are allowed to carry a substantial amount of money into the UK as part of tuition or accommodation fee expense. Also remember that once you open your bank account, your parents or relatives can also electronically wire-in money from most Indian banks to your UK bank account.

Medical Checkup

Get a basic medical and dental check up done. Get your eyes tested and get a new pair of glasses if required. Get prescriptions for ailments that commonly affect you from your family doctor. Buy these medicines in India especially antibiotics as you cannot get them off the shelf in the UK. Get a chest X-Ray done and keep this and any medical test reports with you for your journey. You will normally not need health insurance here if you are on a course greater than 6 months, as you will be automatically covered by the NHS medical services available to everyone in the UK free of cost.

Pack your bags

This is a difficult chore. Usually you will be allowed only 23kgs + hand luggage. Ask your airline for special student luggage offers. Ensure your luggage meets UK size restrictions of your airline. Pack warm clothes and warm inners. Don't look like a polar bear. This is not the north pole. A thin leather jacket should do you good. Jeans and T-shirts are good. Shirts and trousers are good too. Religious dresses are best kept for visiting your church, not for everyday wear. Two pairs of shoes one formal, one informal (sport). Hair oil is so not cool. Get a laptop, it is essential. Carry your past academic records, birth certificate, sponsor letter and other such documents with you. Keep your passport, tickets, chest x-ray, travellers cheques and cash accessible in your hand-luggage. Do not bring milk and meat products into the UK. This includes mithai made from milk. Check what food you can bring into the UK.

Breathe

It can be a busy time, but don't forget to breathe!

• 1. Be careful with non-direct flights, you may need a transit visa depending on the rules of the stopover country even if you do not leave the airport during transit