UK Border Control
When you arrive in the UK, you will be asked to show your Student visa or Short-term Student visa vignette and other documents when you go through Immigration Control.
You should carry in your hand luggage the following documents in paper copy (not an electronic copy on a tablet or phone):
- Your completed landing card – this will be given to you during your flight if you are not from an EEA country
- Your passport (this will include your visa vignette)
- Your offer letter from Ulster University.
- Evidence that you have enough money to pay your tuition fees and living costs while you are in the UK (recent bank statements, proof of scholarship or financial sponsor’s letter)
- Evidence of where you will be staying
If you have a Student Visa
If you have a Student visa, you will also need to carry the following documents:
- Your Biometric Identity Document (BID) decision letter which sets out the Leave granted and explains the BID collection process in the UK; and your 30-day visa vignette in your passport.
- A copy of your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- A TB/X-ray certificate (if required)
- Vaccination certificates (if required)
- Originals (or certified true copies) of your degree certificates or academic qualifications
An Immigration Officer is likely to ask you about your studies, what you plan to do after your studies have finished and how you are going to support yourself financially while you are in the UK.
The Immigration Officer will date stamp your passport to show the date you entered the UK. If you experience any difficulties at the airport regarding your visa you should contact a member of the International Student Advisory Service (ISAS).
Most students coming to Ulster University usually fly into London (Heathrow or Gatwick airports) and take connecting flights to Belfast. If you have plan to use our meet & greet service, which operates at the Belfast airports (Belfast City and Belfast International) on certain dates, you will be met at the airport by our friendly team who make sure you arrive safely and help you transit to your accommodation.
What can I bring into the UK from my own country?
As a student you are allowed to bring in items for your own personal use, such as your laptop or tablet without having to pay tax but you will have to take these with you when you leave the country again.
Regulations on bringing food into the country are very strict and there are many things that you are not allowed to bring in.
For a full list of banned foodstuffs you should check out the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs guidelines.
You may also want to speak to the staff at your nearest British Consulate for further information on Customs Regulations.