Preparing to study in SRUC | travelling to the UK

Arriving in Scotland

The process of going through immigration and customs in the UK is known as Border Control.

Immigration

Immigration control can change depending on where or how you arrive in the UK.

If you are travelling to the UK by air, you will arrive at your airport and pass through immigration control before collecting your luggage. If you travel by Eurostar, you will go through immigration control in France before you board the Eurostar train. If you are entering the UK via the Republic of Ireland, there is no immigration control on arrival in the UK.

Remember that no matter where or how you enter the UK, always keep evidence of the date and place you entered.

When you arrive in the UK, a Border Force Officer may require you to provide evidence to show that you are entering for the same purpose for which you were granted a visa. To do this, you should bring with you, in your carry-on luggage:

Your acceptance letter and CAS number from SRUC,
A copy of your bank statements or other proof of financial means, and
The name, address, and phone number of where you are going to stay (even if it's temporary accommodation).

Always bring all relevant documentation with you every time you enter the UK.

Note on eVisas: The Home Office is aiming to replace all physical immigration documents, so your Student Visa will likely be in the form of an eVisa. You will need to register for a UKVI account to access your eVisa before you arrive in the UK.

More eVisa information and guidance

Issues with your eVisa, passport, or immigration documents? Questions about what to do if something is incorrect, lost, or damaged? Find specific answers on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website.

Customs

After you complete immigration control, you will pick up your luggage and exit through customs. Most ports and airports have two exits or 'channels': red and green. Exit through the green channel only if you have nothing to declare.

Always check what you are allowed to bring through customs in the UK and what you need to declare before arriving.

Learn more about what to expect at Border Control.

(Need some help with what to pack for your move to Scotland? The IES Abroad website has a great packing list you can refer to)

Travelling to your campus

It's easy to get to Aberdeen and Edinburgh by public transport within the UK.

More information about travelling to and from Edinburgh airport

More information about travelling to and from Glasgow airport

More information about travelling to and from Glasgow Prestwick airport

More information about travelling to and from Aberdeen airport

Travelling around the UK

While studying with us, there are lots of incredible places to visit in Scotland and across the UK. Visit Britain and Visit Scotland are great places to find some suggestions on where to go and what to see and do and well as practical tips, tricks, and advice on travel, packing lists, tours, attractions, and more.

Transport options

On foot
Scotland is quite walkable and walking is often the best way to get around and avoid traffic jams. Be aware that many of Scotland's cities are hilly and in winter there can be ice and snow.

Public transport
Local bus services, express coaches, national rail services, ferries, Glasgow subway, and Edinburgh trams together make up Scotland's travel network. You can find information about all of these forms of transport on Traveline Scotland.

Cycling
Cycling is cheap, healthy, efficient, and an environmentally-friendly mode of transport. Many areas of Scotland encourage cycling with bicycle shops for purchasing and repairing bikes, dedicated cycle lanes, bike lockers and storage, and bicycle rental options.

Cycling Scotland is the national cycle training and engineering organisation for Scotland. Visit their website for events news and services.

Travelling outside the UK

If you want to travel outside the UK while on a UK Student Visa, please speak to the embassy of the country you are intending to travel to for guidance.

Find a list of foreign embassies in the UK here.

Scottish culture & customs

Every culture has unsaid rules which affect the way people interact. Finding your feet in a new place takes time, but people in Scotland are very friendly. Hopefully, you will soon feel at home.

Visas & immigration

Visa and immigration policies can seem a little daunting at first. But not to worry, we've got all the guidance you need to start your very own Scotland adventure!

Cost of living

From preparing a budget to average expenses, ways to save and more, we're here to help you any way we can.

Student accommodation

SRUC has access to a range of accommodation options available for students, either on campus or in the local area.

Shopping

Scotland is well served with a variety of shops that sell everything you need for your stay.

Faith

At SRUC, we understand that finding your spiritual and cultural community is an important part of settling into student life. Scotland is very multicultural with a wide variety of faith centres to help you connect with the communities and services that matter to you.