Pre-departure advice
Travel information for international students
Please read through the following information to be prepared for your upcoming arrival into the UK and Liverpool.
Informing us of your arrival details
It is important that you inform us of your arrival details so that we know to expect you on a certain date. This will assist with arranging for your transfer from the airport and with helping us to prepare for the International Welcome Event.
What to pack and what not to pack
Use these tips when packing:
Official documents
Make sure you bring all the documentation you'll need to clear immigration and customs. Keep this documentation on you or keep the documents in your hand luggage. You should also take a photocopy of all important documents, including your passport and immigration documents and vaccine status. Keep the photocopies in your main luggage in case you have any problems with electronic copies.
Luggage
Check the airline's luggage allowance and only pack as much as you can carry. Typically passengers are allowed 20kg plus hand luggage. Some charter flights only allow 15kg plus hand luggage though, so check beforehand. Make a list of everything you pack, so that if your luggage is lost you can account for any missing items. Remember that when you exit the airport, you will also have to return your luggage trolley and may not have any assistance in carrying your bags so please make sure you are able to transport your bags independently from the airport to your accommodation.
Hand luggage
If you are arriving into the UK in September, the temperature at that time of year can feel quite cool, especially in the evenings or early mornings. We recommend that you pack a jumper (or similar item of clothing) in your hand luggage. In case your luggage is delayed or lost, you should also pack any essential overnight items in your hand luggage, such as toiletries and a change of clothing.
Clothes
Liverpool's climate is changeable. Generally, the summer (June to early September) is warm, though rarely very hot. The rest of the year is cooler and can be quite damp. The winter months (November to March) are cold and often frosty. Occasionally, temperatures can drop below freezing. If you come from a very different climate, it may be cheaper to buy suitable clothes for the different seasons when you arrive in Liverpool.
Food
It is illegal to bring meat, fish, plants and honey into the UK. Please see the GOV.UK website for prohibited goods. Liverpool has lots of supermarkets selling a variety of foods from all over the world where you can purchase your favourite items cheaply.
Mementos
Pack photos of those close to you or scenes that raise happy memories to brighten your room. Items of a sentimental value can bring relief at times when you miss the comforts of home.
Electrical items
Please ensure all your electrical items are insured against theft and damage while in transit. You will be able to buy adaptors here, but they may be cheaper if you buy them before you travel.
Passport photos
Bring a few passport-sized photographs with you. These will be useful for student discount cards and travel cards. If you forget, there are machines at airports and railway stations in the UK.
Travel tips
Follow these seven travel tips
- Keep your luggage with you at all times
- Keep money and valuable belongings such as laptops and iPads out of sight
- Do not leave your luggage unattended – it will be considered a security threat and will be removed by airport security, causing you significant delays.
- Do not look after luggage/parcels for strangers or allow strangers to look after your belongings
- Do not carry an item through airport customs for someone else
- Do not accompany people you have only just met to places you do not know
- Only use taxis from an official taxi rank. These taxis are licensed and insured to carry paying passengers. Taxi ranks are usually located near the entrance/exit of airports and railway stations.
Planning your journey to Liverpool
Before booking your flights, please check the start date of your accommodation contract. If you need to arrive any earlier than this date, you will need to contact your accommodation provider to request an early check-in where possible or arrange alternative accommodation in a nearby hotel until your contract start date.
Use these tips to plan your journey:
- Check Visit Britain for information and advice that will help you plan your journey
- Some scholarship agencies (for example, the British Council) help their scholars with travel arrangements. If you are receiving a scholarship, check the information from your scholarship agency
- If you have arranged your international travel through a travel agent, ask the agent if they can help you arrange your onward journey in the UK
- Consult airport websites or information from your travel agent for details about services at airports
- If you have any problem on arrival, go to the information centre or help desk at the airport or train station
Liverpool is accessible by road, rail and air
By air: There are numerous flights to Liverpool John Lennon Airport which is only seven miles from the city centre. Manchester International Airport is within a 45 minute drive from the city centre of Liverpool and has many flights from international destinations and also transfer routes from London.
By rail: The mainline train station, Liverpool Lime Street, is ideally located in the heart of the city centre. Virgin Trains offer a direct high-speed service from the centre of London in a little over two hours. Liverpool has an extensive local rail service provided by Merseyrail.
By road: There are major motorway links to the M62, M57, M58 and M56 and all are within easy reach of the city centre and Liverpool John Moores University. Liverpool’s National Express coach station offers services to and from all major UK cities, including central London.
In the meantime, if you need to get in touch with the team, please visit our dedicated Contact the International Team page.
