New international students guide

We are looking forward to welcoming you onto our campus for the first time this academic year. We are updating this page regularly and as quickly as we can when new guidance is announced. Please keep yourself up-to-date with the latest information available on the NHS website and ensure you know what is expected of you in terms of staying alert and safe.

We will always be guided by Government advice and adhere to any restrictions in relation to public gatherings and group sizes. We know our students will also respect the advice given to them.

We will keep you informed by sending regular emails to your Edge Hill account.

Please ensure you are aware of UK customs regulations which can be found below

UK customs information

What to bring:

Passport
Flight tickets
Face mask/s and hand sanitiser
Student visa or entry clearance, if applicable
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or your unconditional offer letter (for those applying for a short-term study visa) as this will be required by immigration upon entering the United Kingdom
Proof of sponsorship (for sponsored students)
A mobile phone handset that is unlocked so you can access any network provider
Confirmed on-campus accommodation or private accommodation
Travellers cheques/sterling currency/pre-paid credit card for your first weeks in the United Kingdom (UK) & access to funds electronically until you have opened a UK bank account
Travel insurance and health insurance
Information from your doctor about any medical condition you have and prescribed drugs you need to take
Travel adaptors for any electronic devices that you will want to use through the UK electrical plugs in your room. Please note certain devices will require power convertors which are different to adaptors and certain devices have these already built-in, please check online before you arrive as power convertors can be purchased in the UK
Laptop (if applicable)

Transport to campus

If you are arriving on one of our two arrival dates (23 and 24 of September) a taxi can be arranged to pick you up from Manchester / Liverpool airport. You will be informed by our student support officer if you are eligible for us to arrange your transport. Unfortunately we cannot arrange transport for all our students, therefore you may need to make your own arrangements.

If you are eligible for transport you will be greeted by a taxi driver holding a sign with your name on it. All taxis will be single occupancy to avoid complications with COVID-19, you will also be required to wear a face mask when travelling in a taxi. The taxi driver will drop you off at campus where you will collect your keys and student identification.

Police registration

Some nationalities need to register with the police, to check if you need to register please go to the UK visas and immigration (UKVI) website.

You will not be penalised if you do not register at a police station within 7 days upon your arrival to the UK if you are required to self-isolate. However, you should call the local police station to notify them of your circumstances and make arrangements to register as soon as possible.

An image of a person walking into an accommodation room at Edge Hill university. They are carrying a black suitcase and walking towards the window of the room.

An image of some of the accommodation blocks at Edge Hill university. It is daytime and there are various types of greenery in the foreground of the image.

Biometrics Residence Permit (BRP) collection

When you receive your visa you will also get a UKVI letter which will inform you of where you will need to collect your biometrics residence permit (BRP). The collection point will most likely be the post office on South John Street, Liverpool. If you are unsure about your BRP collection or have any queries you can contact our compliance and immigration manager Stephen Davies.

General practitioner (GP) registration

The university will liaise with local health authorities to ensure that online registration to a local GP is available during your self-isolation period.

Opening a bank account

Look at banks online to open a UK bank account and please contact the international office once you have chosen.

If you have any problems with your arrival, please contact us.

Your studies

We are intending to deliver face-to-face teaching to all students in small groups from the start of term. Timetables are being developed to ensure capacity on campus fully supports social distancing requirements.

We will be making full use of blackboard, lecture capture software, collaboration tools and video conferencing to provide an in-person learning experience, even if you are not on campus.
You will have access to your academic buildings, library, study/social spaces and catering/retail outlets.

How will campus operate?

You can read the official returning to campus guide for further information on how campus will operate on your return.

We want to ensure that all our students are feeling at ease, we will be sending out regular emails to check in and for you to share any questions you may have. We are working hard to put all the necessary measures in place to keep everyone safe

If you are arriving from a country that requires you to self-isolate for 14 days please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the isolation guidelines.

Adhere to safety measures – whether you are on campus or in private accommodation:

Wash your hands regular
Sneeze and cough into tissues
Keep two metres apart from one another
Clean shared surfaces after use
Wear face coverings in public places and on transport

Stay in your accommodation for 14 days if you have either:

A high temperature
A new continuous cough
Use the online 111 National Health Service (NHS) service
Contact the international office

If you need to contact campus support at any time, or for the unlikely case of an emergency, please see our student services critical incident support for information on who to call.

An image of a person sat at a desk in one of the Edge Hill university accommodation rooms. On the desk in front of them are various books.

An image of a tree outside of the Main Building at Edge Hill university. In the background of the image the Main Building is visible. The image is set in the day.

International office student support

Even though campus will be a little different when you return we will still ensure you have access to student support throughout your time with us.

Our international student support officer Kay Spears has created a blackboard page for international students which you will be receiving details about soon. Here you will find digital copies of your welcome handbook and orientation, access to arranging online sessions with Kay for any queries or concerns you have and regular updates from the international office.

This image contains multiple small bears, all are wearing a blue jumper that has white text that says "Edge Hill University"

Student services on campus

The student services team who you can find located in the Catalyst also provide support with money advice, wellbeing and campus life.

Chaplaincy

The faith and community service is here to support Edge Hill University students and staff of all faiths and none, helping to create a welcoming community on campus.

Accommodation team

If you are living on campus and are having any issues in halls or would just like some general advice you can contact the accommodation team.

Campus support

The campus support team provide an out of hours support system for students on campus, ensuring you feel comfortable and safe in your accommodation. You can contact the team out of hours on 01695 584227 or you can text them on 07785928911. The team are based in the security hut at the main entrance to campus (the SCIC).

English language support

The Language Centre offers English language support to students whose first language is not English. The in-sessional English language support classes focus on academic reading and writing skills, and academic speaking & listening skills. All classes are free and are available on a sign-up basis, and they are open to all International or European union (EU) students. For more information, visit the in-sessional support webpage.

Before you travel anywhere within the UK make sure you read the Government guidelines on how to keep yourself and others safe, and to keep informed on local lockdown restrictions across the UK

UK Government travel guidelines

Nearby travel links

By car

Taxis can be booked through the international office via the local company who we have a contract with. Booking through us helps to keep the cost lower for you.

If you need to book a taxi then please email [email protected] or come into the international office.

If you would like to drive yourself in the UK then the UK council for international student affairs have further information on their website.

By rail, coach & bus

Rail, coach and bus can be a very efficient way to travel when you are on a budget.

Rail: train tickets can be purchased in station for single local journeys (for example, Ormskirk to Liverpool) but for longer journeys across the UK, the Trainline website can be good for purchasing rail tickets in advance. The National Rail website can also help you plan journeys and is kept up to date with times and changes to schedules.

Coach: coach can be a very inexpensive way to travel across the country, although usually the journeys can take a lot longer than train or car. Both Megabus and National Express offer good value coach tickets.

Bus: local bus services can be found online

The edge link bus is free for students (just show the driver your student card) and this runs regularly between Ormskirk bus station and the main campus.

Places to visit