Arriving in the UK

You've made it safely to one of the UK's international airports. Now what?

Clearing Immigration

When you arrive at a United Kingdom port of entry, you will have to go through Immigration Control. European Union (EU) citizens can enter freely by showing your passport or National Identity Card.

Students who are citizens of all other countries will be required to show a valid passport (with the right visas, where necessary), the acceptance letter from Warnborough College to say that you are attending a full-time course (15 or more hours of study per week), documentary proof of financial security to meet tuition fees and living expenses, and any other relevant information (eg. proof of accommodation arrangements).

You should have no difficulties if you can produce these documents. If you do not meet the Immigration Rules for students, the Immigration Officer may refuse you entry.

If there is a misunderstanding or a problem, you are advised to contact one of the following:

• United Kingdom Immigration Advisory Service - they have offices at most major airports, or call their Helpline on 020 7967 1299.
• Warnborough College Admissions Department - between 9am and 5pm, Mondays to Fridays on 01227 762 107.

Assuming everything is alright, you will be given a stamp in your passport stating the length of time you are allowed to stay and other immigration conditions. This will normally depend on the length of your course, although you can extend your stay later if you continue to be a full-time student.

Registering with the Police

Students (and their dependents) from outside the Commonwealth and the European Community who are admitted for 6 months or more are normally required to register with the police. The Immigration Officer may put a stamp in your passport requiring you to register with the police within seven days of your arrival. You will need to go to your nearest police station bringing with you two passport photographs, an acceptance letter from the College, and your passport. There is normally a processing fee you have to pay (in the region of £35). The College will be able to assist you with this process.

Travel Information

Depending on your port of entry, we have listed the main ways of getting to Warnborough College below.

Airport Pickups and Transfers

Warnborough College can organise a 'meet and greet' service, or transfers to and from all the major London airports for a fee. This can be arranged directly with the College's Student Services, and is the recommended option for students going to the Canterbury campus. You will be met by special Warnborough drivers who will give you a brief introduction to life in the United Kingdom and what you can expect, during the journey to Canterbury.

Taxis

Taxis can be booked before arrival, or at the airport itself.

Trains & The Underground (Tube)

London is well-served by a wide train network.

Click one of the links below for information on London Transport:

• Tube and Bus Maps (PDF) New window
• Tube and Bus Maps New Window
• London Transport New Window

Heathrow airport

It can take about 45-60 minutes on the London Underground to get into Central London. At Heathrow Airport get on the Piccadilly Tube Line to get into London (approximately 45 minutes). There is also the Heathrow Express which takes passengers straight into Paddington Station in Central London in only 15 minutes. You can also take the Heathrow Express train service which runs to London Victoria where you can take the SouthEastern Train to Canterbury.

Gatwick airport

The Gatwick Express runs every 30 minutes to and from Victoria Station. Connex South Eastern trains run frequently to Central London. Change at Tonbridge to go to Canterbury. Gatwick is also serviced by South Central, Thameslink, Thames, and Virgin Trains.

Stansted airport

The Stansted Express takes about 41 minutes to the City of London, Liverpool Street station. An hourly local service makes stops all the way into London.

Luton airport

Luton is served by fast and frequent Thameslink trains to North and Central London, the City and Brighton, plus Midland Mainline services to East Midlands, London, Yorkshire. A dedicated Airport Shuttle bus service links the station with the terminal.

To Canterbury: From London, students can take direct Connex South Eastern trains to either Canterbury East or Canterbury West stations from either Charing Cross, Waterloo East, or Victoria railway stations. The journey time to Canterbury is approximately one hour and 20 minutes. For more information, visit: National Rail Website New Window

Buses

Heathrow airport

Frequent bus and coach services connect Heathrow with over 500 destinations across the UK. Most coach services operate from the central bus station, which can be reached by the subways linking Terminals 1, 2 and 3. The central bus station is well signed posted from all terminals and is located next to the London Underground station for Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Gatwick airport

Speedlink coaches operate between Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Stansted airport

The Airbus A6 connects Stansted with Victoria Station in London every 20 minutes.

Luton airport

The Greenline 757 - Bay 7-8: A daily express service runs between London Luton Airport and Central London stopping at Brent Cross, Finchley Road Station, Baker Street, Marble Arch and Victoria.

There are buses from the bus terminal in Victoria Station that can take students to Canterbury. The journey time is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.