Arriving in the UK

At Kingston we offer a comprehensive programme of welcome, orientation and induction events to help you transition into your new life in the UK and at Kingston University.

The University's main welcome and induction activities take place the week before term starts but international students are required to arrive a week earlier for International Arrivals and Orientation week which is designed to familiarise you with your new surroundings, help you make friends before the main events start and get all your visa-related matters attended to.

We know that arriving in a new country can be exciting but also a bit scary, so we offer an airport pick-up service for new international and visiting students living in the local area.

At the airport

You will have to go through both passport control (immigration) and a customs check when you land in the UK.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals

From the 1 October 2021 you will not be able to enter the UK using your national ID card and should travel using a valid passport. Full details can be found at Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen.

eGate Expansion

On 20 May 2019 eGates were expanded at 15 major airports and Eurostar terminals to include nationals from the following countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Korea
• United Sates of America

Find out more about getting through the airport.

Student visa holders

Student visa holders from the above countries who have a biometrics passport are able to enter the UK through an eGate, but this means there will NOT be an entry stamp in their passport.

Students who use the eGates will still be required to evidence the date they entered the UK to prove their right to study. Students on a student visa must therefore have with them for enrolment purposes:

• e-tickets or a paper or electronic boarding pass showing the date they entered the UK
• date of entry to the UK will be recorded at enrolment

Students coming to study at Kingston for one semester or up to 6 months on a visitor visa

All students entering the UK on a visitor visa for up to 6 months of study only, with a support letter from Kingston University, who have not obtained a visa from their home country and enter via eGates should retain their boarding pass or flight ticket to evidence the date of arrival in the UK for enrolment purposes.

Full details can be found at the gov.uk website.

Getting to Kingston University

Kingston University offers an airport pick-up service for new international, European and visiting students living in the local area.

If you are arriving at another time; miss the booking deadline; or want to arrange your own transport at your own expense, the following links will help you find your way to Kingston:

• travelling from Heathrow
• travelling from Gatwick
• travelling from Stansted
• travelling by taxi

You may also find our how to find us pages useful.

Accommodation

Find out about the accommodation options during your studies at Kingston University.