Pre Departure Information

Please read through all these pages to prepare yourself for your semester abroad. Once you arrive, you will have a 4 day orientation session covering all aspects of life in London including academics, social activities, and safety. Please see Orientation and Handbook for more information.

Once you have been accepted onto the Study Abroad programme, you will receive the following:

An email confirming that you have been accepted onto the programme, and what you should do next including information about accommodation, module registration and meet and greet service
An Unconditional Offer letter, together with invoice and payment information if applicable
Result of your accommodation application, if any, together with invoice and payment information if applicable
Immigration paperwork after you have confirmed your acceptance of your place (see Visas, below)
Joining instructions, shortly before the start of the course

Visas

New visa regulations for international students came into effect on 31 March 2009, so it is important that you read the guidance carefully and decide whether you wish/need to apply for a full Adult Student Visa.

Do you need a visa?

Use this simple FLOWCHART from the UK Border Agency, to find out whether you need to apply for a visa before you Study Abroad.

All students who wish to work, intern or volunteer during their stay will require a student visa. There are no exceptions to this rule.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you apply in good time for a visa, if necessary.

Where can you find out more about student visas, and how to apply?

UK Border Agency website http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk/
UKBA quick guides for students
UKBA YouTube guide to student visa
London Metropolitan University Student Services' Visa and Immigration Advice
UK Council for International Student Affairs website
http://ukcisa.org.uk/student/immigration.php

Students must confirm acceptance of their place on the programme and request a visa letter before this immigration document will be issued. Make sure you allow enough time to receive your documents and make your application

If you have any questions, just email studyabroad@londonmet.ac.uk