Pre-Arrival Information
- Here’s a complete Pre-Arrival guide for international students studying at TEC.
Get Ready for TEC: What to Know Before You Arrive
We are delighted that you are considering joining Trent Education Centre Limited for your short-term study in the UK. This outlines the essential rights and obligations for international students entering the UK under a Short-Term Study Visa. Understanding these responsibilities ensures your stay is both legal and rewarding.
Visa and Entry Clearance:
Most international students are required to obtain a visa or entry clearance to study in the UK. To determine whether this applies to you, you can complete a self-assessment on the UK Government’s Home Office website here.
An eVisa serves as an electronic record of your immigration status and outlines the terms of your permission to enter and stay in the UK, replacing traditional documents like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs).
When entering the UK on a Student Visa, there are specific conditions you must understand, along with the need to create online accounts to access your eVisa. These include your responsibilities as a Student Route visa holder, your work rights in the UK, and limitations on driving within the country.
The UK Government provides comprehensive information regarding Student Visas. For full details and guidance, please visit the official website here.
When to arrive
Make sure you arrive in Nottingham before your course start date to ensure you can move in and get settled.
The cost of living in Nottingham is generally more affordable compared to other large UK cities, making it a great choice for international students.
Your personal spending will depend on your lifestyle choices. Keep in mind that the cost of goods and services in the UK may differ from what you’re accustomed to, so it may take some time to adjust to these changes.
This page provides a detailed overview of expected costs, along with useful tips on how to manage your budget and finances.
As an international student at TEC, it’s important to prepare and budget carefully. In addition to your tuition fees, you’ll need to consider other expenses, including initial costs when you arrive and ongoing daily, weekly, and monthly expenditures.
Here is a rough guide to the living expenses you can expect as a student at TEC in Nottingham.
For your Student visa, it’s important to have enough funds to cover your living costs, with a minimum of £1,136 per month in Nottingham. This figure was updated on January 2, 2025.
Right to Study
- You are entitled to study only the course specified in your acceptance letter from Trent Education Centre Limited.
- Course changes or transfers to other institutions are not permitted under these visas.
Short-Term Study Visa: Stay for the course length plus up to 30 days (maximum 11 months).
- As a student at Trent Education Centre Limited, you have access to our student support services, including:
- Induction programs to help you settle in.
- Academic support and guidance.
- Welfare services for personal support.
Bringing your family to the UK
Students coming to study are no longer eligible to bring dependants. Students studying for research or PhD courses are still eligible to bring dependants.
If you are eligible and bringing dependants with you, you need to think about more than just your own arrangements. Ensure suitable accommodation and childcare arrangements are made in advance.
What to pack
There are restrictions on certain items you can bring into the UK. Meat and fish products, all non-prescription drugs, and animals are not allowed. For a full list of banned and restricted goods, visit the HMRC website here to ensure you’re aware of the regulations before you travel.
It’s important to bring enough money for your first few weeks in the UK. However, we recommend avoiding carrying large amounts of cash to reduce the risk of theft. If you’re traveling with more than €10,000 (or its equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it at customs. For safety, we suggest carrying no more than £500-£600 in cash and using a pre-paid credit card for the rest or relying on traveler’s cheques or a bank card that works in the UK.
Arrival Guidance at the Airport
Arriving in a new country can feel overwhelming, but we’ve outlined the steps below to help make your arrival smoother and ensure you know exactly what to expect when you land.
If you are traveling on a Student Route or Visit Visa, do not use the ePassport gates upon arrival in the UK. You need to have your passport stamped to validate your visa or vignette. Instead, head to a staffed booth where a Border Force Officer will stamp your passport after checking your documents.
At passport control, you will need to present your passport and visa. Be prepared to also show the following documents, which should be in your hand luggage:
- Proof of funding
- A recent medical report, including x-ray results (if required)
- Your unconditional offer letter from the TEC
To speed up the process at UK passport control, follow these tips:
- Remove your passport from its cover and have it open to the photo page
- Take off any hats, sunglasses, or headphones
- Put away your mobile phone or tablet before seeing the officer
- If you’re traveling with family, stay together
Be prepared for an interview with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) staff. You will be asked questions in English, and it’s important that you can respond without needing an interpreter. Failure to communicate effectively may result in being denied entry to the UK and sent back home. Questions might include where you are staying and why you’re visiting the UK. If you provided biometrics during your visa application, you may also be fingerprinted.
Since UK border control can be busy, expect possible waiting times in the queue.
Don’t forget to collect your checked luggage. The baggage carousel for your flight will be displayed on the information screens after passport control. You may have to wait a bit before the luggage starts coming through.
If there are any issues with missing or damaged luggage, visit the baggage desk, which is typically located near the carousels.
Accommodation
International students in Nottingham, planning accommodation involves securing temporary housing, student hostels, researching private rental options, understanding tenancy agreements, be aware of costs, know your rights and potentially using a guarantor service if needed. It’s ideal to arrange accommodation nearly NG5, NG6, NG7.
Accommodation Options:
Nottingham have private student accommodation buildings, offering a range of amenities and services.
- You can also rent rooms, studios, or apartments in shared houses or flats.
- Consider homestay options, where you live with a local family
Guarantor and Deposit:
Landlords may require a UK-based guarantor (someone who will pay the rent if you cannot) or upfront payment of rent.
You will need to pay a refundable tenancy deposit, which should be held by an approved tenancy deposit scheme
Learn more about life at TEC:
Post-Arrival Information
Complete your enrolment, collect your student ID, attend orientation sessions, and explore the campus.
Food Guide for International Students
Discover essential tips on where to find diverse and affordable food options in Nottingham.
Things to do in Nottingham
Sightseeing, tours, museums, parks, and markets
Student Support Services
Academic Support, International Student Support, Disability and Wellbeing Services
