Advice for students preparing to come to the UK to start their studies

This advice explains some of the things you need to get through the UK border as securely and quickly as possible.

• Make a note of a suitable UK contact including full name, address and a phone number which will be required when you complete your landing card.  
• Ensure you complete your landing card before you meet the Border Force officer in the UK. 
• If you carry your passport in a protective wallet, please take it out before you present it to a Border Force officer. 
• Never give false or misleading information (including forged or counterfeit documents) to a Border Force officer. 
• Have the details of your university confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) number and medical documentation such as international organisation for migration or a UK Border Agency UK pre-departure tuberculosis detection certificate. You should carry this in your hand luggage that you will take with you on to the aircraft. If you don't have your CAS number to hand, please bring thorough details of your course of study. 
• There are restrictions on food products that you can bring to the UK from outside the European Union, even for personal use. Restrictions apply to products made from meat, dairy, fish, eggs and honey, as well as some fruit, vegetables and plants (e.g. bulbs, seeds, cut flowers and tree bark). 
• There are also restrictions on the amount of goods such as tobacco, alcohol and gifts you can bring in the UK. If you exceed your allowances all of your goods can be taken away from you. 
• Never bring in counterfeit goods, illegal drugs, firearms (including realistic imitations), offensive weapons (including knives) or indecent or obscene material. 
• Make sure you are familiar with the conditions of your visa including the number of hours you are allowed to work. 
• You must declare any sums of cash of €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency) if you are travelling from a country outside the European Union.

If you would like further information on any of the above please check the UK Border Agency website for more information.