Arriving at the airport in a foreign country can be overwhelming. To better prepare yourself, make sure that you have read the information below about your arrival and how to get to your accommodation. If you get lost or confused upon arrival, don’t be afraid to ask the airport staff for help as they will be happy to give assistance.
(i) If you have booked a transfer with us, in case of a service emergency, use the following details to contact us:
If you have any flight changes, miss a connecting flight or need help meeting the transfer service, you should call the emergency number. Please be prepared to tell them your name, school name (English Path) and location. Students should only accept a transfer from a greeter with the official English Path signage.
(ii) Be aware of the general living costs (sample prices for items in this city)
- Bottle of water: £1.10
- Coffee: £3
- Can of coke: £1.50
- Meal out for two: £40
- Takeaway pizza: £8
- Sandwich: £5
- Local bus ticket: £4.50
- Bike rental: £5 a day
- Cinema ticket: £10
(iii) Understand the local customs
- Women in the UK are equal to men and should always be treated fairly.
- British people sometimes talk to strangers in public areas. This is a great way to practice English, but caution should be taken. You should not give out your address and telephone number or accept inappropriate invitations.
- “Please” and “thank you” are very important words! Always use them if you ask someone to do something for you, or if they help you or give you information.
- The UK is a culturally diverse nation where people of all ethnic backgrounds are treated equally.
(iv) Health and safety come first
- Medical insurance: If you are studying in the UK for less than 6 months, you should take out private health insurance before coming to the UK.
- If you need to see a doctor, you may go to one of the walk-in centres. To find the walk-in centres nearby, you visit: clch.nhs.uk/services/walk-in-centres.
- If you get sick: If you get sick while in the UK, you should visit a doctor. To do this, you will need to register as a temporary patient, which we recommend you do at the start of your stay. You can ask the Student Services team or your host family where the nearest doctor is. If you have a minor illness, you can ask staff at a local pharmacist for advice. Remember to bring any relevant insurance or medical documentation with you.
- Protecting your belongings: We strongly recommend you take out insurance for your personal belongings, especially cameras, music players, mobile phones and laptops. Personal items cannot be covered by English Path homestay or residence insurance.
- Prescription medication: UK pharmacies will issue prescriptions from approved countries; however, we recommend that you bring prescriptions with you to avoid unexpected issues in obtaining medicines and the high costs issued to visitors to the UK. To check if your country is on the approved list (the UK, EEA or Switzerland) visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prescriptionsissued-in-the-eea-and-switzerland-guidancefor-pharmacists#eel-decline and research about your specific prescription. International customs agents may ask you questions about your medication upon your departure or arrival, so be sure to pack it carefully. Bring any important medical records (blood type, prescriptions, x-rays) that might be useful for medical care abroad, as well as contact information for your health care providers at home.
- Staying safe at school: If you or another student has an accident or needs urgent medical attention, please come to reception, where the First Aider is located.
- Fire safety: If you discover a fire, press the fire alarm button on the nearest alarm. Leave the building immediately via the fire exit. Make sure you tell a member of EP staff exactly what happened so they can call 999. If you hear the fire alarm, leave the building immediately. Do not run, use the lift or stop to collect your belongings. EP staff will guide you to the fire exit. Go to the assembly point. Follow any instructions given by a member of EP staff and do not go back into the building until you are told to do so by EP staff.
- Personal safety and looking after valuables: Birmingham is generally a safe place, but as with a lot of big cities, you should always be alert. Some tips are: Be alert when you are walking alone at night. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not leave your belongings unattended. In the UK, you do not need to always carry your identification card or passport with you; you can keep it at home and carry a picture of your ID on your phone or a photocopy in your bag.
(v) Medical costs
Medical costs in the UK vary depending on where you are from and the treatment needed. We recommend that you check your cover on the NHS website or at https://www.nhs.uk/nhsservices/visiting-or-moving-to-england/.
(vi) Laws
- No one under the age of 18 in the UK may buy or consume tobacco or alcohol, including beer and wine. If you are under 18, it’s against the law for someone to sell you alcohol, to buy or try to buy alcohol, and for an adult to try to buy alcohol for you.
- For drivers, you must drive on the left-hand side, observe all speed limits and signs, give way to emergency vehicles, obey all directions given by police, stop at red traffic lights, and must wear a seatbelt.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime and police make regular random checks.
- You will need international ID to enter bars, clubs or pubs (e.g. Passport, ID card, driving license).
- Buying, selling and using drugs is illegal.
(vii) Student code of conduct
- You must attend all classes. If you do not attend your classes, your representative will be informed. If you do not then improve your attendance, you may not be able to continue your course. 85% attendance is needed to be able to receive a certificate of completion.
- Be on time for all your lessons.
- Always tell English Path if you are going to be absent from school for any reason and tell your host family if you are going away overnight.
- If you commit a criminal offence or have to be severely disciplined, you will be sent home. We will also inform the immigration authorities.
- Be respectful, polite and open to different cultures.
(viii) Open bank account
- Main banks in the UK are HSBC, Barclays, Natwest, Nationwide and Santander. To open a bank account, the following documents may be needed:
- - Passport or EU ID
- - A valid visa
- - A school letter
- You can get the school letter from Student Services to take to the bank. For online banks, you may open your account online without a letter from us.
