1. What do I need to live in the UK?
Check out our blog, written by English Path staff and students to find out more about living in the UK!
2. How to book an English Path accommodation?
You can book your accommodation in 3 simple steps:
- Step 1: You can indicate your preferred type of accommodation (homestay, shared apartment or residence) on the application form during your application for a course. Our Student Services team will record the preferred choice of accommodation.
- Step 2: EP will be able to secure the accommodation option once the invoice has been paid. Our team will send you the accommodation confirmation with further details on the selected option.
- Step 3: You will need to confirm your arrival and send your flight details to our team, as soon as the flight is booked and no later than one week before the flight date. Our team will be able to book and confirm your accommodation and/or transfers and provide more details within the confirmation document.
3. What items should I bring before leaving my country?
Here are some important things you need to know to make your arrival as smooth as possible. Use our checklist to ensure you don’t forget anything and are prepared for the exciting times ahead.
(i) Checklist
Here are a few important items that you should bring with you:
- Passport
- Acceptance letter
- Accommodation letter
- Proof of health/medical insurance
- A bit of cash and credit/debit cards/Apple or Google Pay
- Weather-appropriate clothing (depending on the season you come to London)
- Adaptor for electrical appliances
- Prescription medication and medical records
- Emergency information
- Toiletries
- Notebook and pen
- Backpack for classes, social programmes, and day trips
- Reusable water bottle
(ii) Pocket money
Recommended weekly budget: £150. This should cover expenses, laundry, local travel and activities. You will need additional money if you want to take weekend trips. Bring £100 with you in cash and a debit or credit card. You will need to check with your financial institution to make sure you will be able to withdraw money from a UK ATM. Do not bring foreign currency. It is not wise to carry around large amounts of cash.
(iii) Clothing
Most students dress casually for classes, but you should bring nice clothes for going out and sportswear for sports and outdoor activities. The climate is changeable and may be different from your own. The` typical temperature is 25-30°C in the summer and 2 to 6°C in the winter, although it can drop below freezing. Bring waterproof clothing if you’re arriving in the autumn or winter.
(iv) Electrical current
Standard voltage in the UK is 230 volts; remember to bring an adaptor with you or buy one when you arrive.
4. How can I stay updated about school events and activities?
We encourage you to follow the school’s Instagram account before you arrive and especially during your stay. This will give you an idea of what is happening at the school and help you connect with staff and students. This is also where we will post notifications of any unexpected school closures: it is important you check our Instagram account for any messages while you are attending the school, especially if there is severe weather in the area (e.g., snowstorm, flood, etc.). If the school cannot open or school opening will be delayed, we will post a message as soon as possible (the night before or in the morning) to advise you of this, along with information on how to get further updates and any alternate scheduling, (if applicable). Follow EP! @englishpathschools.
5. Before I arrive in London, what are some important things that I should know?
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)
(iii) Understand the local customs
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Women in the UK are equal to men and should always be treated fairly.
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All people treat one another with dignity and respect. British people are very empathetic, often consider the feelings of others, and are willing to listen to those with different views and opinions.
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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.
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“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.
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The UK is a culturally diverse nation where people of all ethnic backgrounds are treated equally. All individuals should challenge any prejudice they witness (prejudice is the negative opinion or feelings towards something or someone without reason).
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People in the UK leave a tip for good service in restaurants, hair salons and other places. The tip rate at most restaurants is about 10–15% of the bill and is sometimes included. Fast food is not tipped unless it is delivered. Porters in stations, airports and hotels should be tipped approximately £2 per bag. Taxi drivers are generally given a 15% tip.
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No one is above the law, which is put in place to protect everyone. Students should be aware of their legal rights and responsibilities. All individuals hold freedom of choice (within the law).
(iv) Health and safety come first
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.
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If you get sick: If you get unwell while in the UK, you should visit a doctor. 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.
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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.
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Prescription medication: Remember to bring enough of your prescribed medication with you, as UK pharmacists will not dispense a foreign 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.
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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.
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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.
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Personal safety and looking after valuables: London 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.
Please note that everyone is entitled to free emergency medical treatment in the UK. However, if you are admitted to the hospital, you may be charged if you are not entitled to free medical care (as described before).
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Smoking is banned in all public buildings in Britain, including bars, restaurants, shops, stations, cinemas, and all public transport. You can smoke on the street. 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.
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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.
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Driving under the influence of alcohol is a very serious crime, and police make regular random checks.
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You will need international ID to enter bars, clubs or pubs (e.g., Passport, ID card, driving license).
(vii) Student code of conduct
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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.
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Be on time for all your lessons.
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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.
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If you commit a criminal offence or have to be severely disciplined, you will be sent home. We will also inform the immigration authorities.
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Be respectful, polite and open to different cultures.
(viii) Open a bank account
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The Main banks in the UK are HSBC, Barclays, Natwest, Nationwide and Santander. To open a bank account, the following documents may be needed:
6. How can I reach the centre from the airport?
You can use the following modes of transport to reach the centre from the airport:
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60 minutes (to Victoria coach station)
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18-25 minutes (to Paddington station)
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30-40 minutes (to Paddington station)
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50-55 minutes (to Piccadilly Circus station)
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120-145 minutes (to Victoria coach station)
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30-40 minutes (to London Bridge station)
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45-50 minutes (to Farringdon station)
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45-50 minutes (to Victoria train station)
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105 minutes (to Victoria coach station)
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50 minutes (to Liverpool Street station)
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- If you choose to book an airport transfer, your flight details should be sent to us 4 weeks in advance to ensure we will be able to provide you with an airport transfer.
- A driver will meet you after you come through the customs area and drive you to your accommodation.
*Students under 18 years old must book homestay breakfast and dinner & return airport transfers.
7. How to register with a GP (UK)
- Find a doctor in your local area www.nhs.uk
- Contact the practice and ask to register with them. You will need: your name and address, date of birth, id card / passport and proof of address
- Once registered, you will receive an NHS card. Keep it safe and take it with you when you go to the doctor, dentist or hospital.
8. How to open a bank account (UK)
The main banks in the UK are HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Bank, RBS, 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 the school letter from us.
You may also be required to provide with further documents, such as: Proof of address, Proof of income or Bank statement.
For all other locations, you can reach out to one of our Student Services Officer or contact us via here.
9. How to register with the Police?
Some people need to register with the police after arriving in the UK with a visa, or after getting permission to stay for longer in the UK.
If you need to register, you must go to the police within 7 days of you:
- arriving in the UK if you applied for a visa from outside the UK
- getting your biometric residence permit if you applied to stay for longer from inside the UK
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/register-with-the-police
10. When is EP school closed?
01 Jan, 18 - 21 Apr, 05 May, 26 May, 25 Aug, 22 - 26 Dec.
11. Before I arrive in Manchester, what are some important things that I should know and where can I access pre-arrival information?
12. Where is the nearest NHS walk-in centre?
13. What are your deposit, payment and refund policies?
We aim to make our booking and cancellation terms clear, fair and easy to understand. We recommend that you follow this link to our Terms and Conditions before paying your fees. We want you to book with confidence. If you have any questions about fees or cancellations, just contact us — we’re happy to help.
14. How many students will be staying in my homestay?
To ensure a comfortable and supportive environment, we place students in homestays that:
• Host no more than four paying guests in total, including you.
• Have no more than three students or paying guests staying at the same time (including those placed by other organisations).
• Do not host students of the same first language unless this is specifically requested or agreed.
15. What types of accommodation are available in Manchester?
There are two types of accommodation available: homestay and student residence. We have 3 catering options available for homestay bookings: self-catered, bed and breakfast and halfboard. Our residences are VITA First Street and IQ Lambert and Fairfield.
16. What is the cost of living for students in Manchester?
The average monthly cost of living in Manchester is estimated to be around £1,400, with accommodation being the largest expense. For accommodation, students should budget to spend around £850 a month as a minimum.
17. Can I combine learning English with exploring Manchester?
Absolutely! Our social programme is designed to help you explore the city while practicing your speaking skills. You'll be able to join our team on trips to explore the city's rich industrial, sporting and musical history after classes and will have plenty of time to explore on your own.
18. Is the EP Manchester campus pet-friendly?
Unfortunately it is not. Only service dogs can be admitted
19. Do you carry out IELTS tests at EP Manchester?
We don't carry out these tests in school, so you would need to book your test at an independant test centre. We do offer an IELTS Preparation course, however, to help you revise and get ready.
20. Is there a gym in the EP manchester building?
Unfortunately, there is not a gym accessible to students on the campus. English Path Manchester does have a relationship with Sugdens Leisure Centre in Manchester city centre, however, where students can enjoy a discounted membership.
21. Does the school have a prayer room?
Yes, there's a prayer room on-site.
22. Does the EP school have a library?
Yes, which you can use to study with your coursemates, research topics you are interested in, and borrow English Path graded reading materials to practise your reading.
23. Is the manchester safe for international students
Yes, there are security staff on-site 24 hours a day and the area around the school is very quiet and safe.
24. What happens on my first day at English Path Manchester?
You will be given some information in an induction session, be tested to find out your level, and start classes all on your first day.
25. What happens on my first day at English Path Manchester?
You will be given some information in an induction session, be tested to find out your level, and start classes all on your first day.
26. How far will my homestay be from school?
The average travel time from homestays to EP Manchester is around 45 minutes on public transport.
27. Are there any shops or restaurants near the EP Manchester school?
There is a nearby garage, with a Pret café inside which is really useful for picking up items you might need inbetween classes. There are some shops around a 10 minute walk from the school, also.
28. How do I report an absence or lateness at the Manchester campus?
Please email or call the school before your class starts. The contact details will be given in your Welcome message/email before the arrival and on your first day in school. To have an absence authorised after missing class, please provide official documentation explaining your reason for missing class.
29. Are there any social activities for students in manchester?
Yes! We do activities every day, Monday to Friday in school and around Manchester. You can have a look at what this week's activities are here - https://www.englishpath.com/student-life/social-activities/discover-ep-manchester/
30. Are you near the city centre?
English Path Manchester is located a short 5 minute bus ride from Manchester Piccadilly, in the city centre. If you'd like to walk, it would take around 15 minutes.
31. How do I buy monthly travel tickets in Manchester?
You can by tickets for bus and tram travel around Manchester using the Bee Network app. You can download this app here - https://tfgm.com/
32. Is there any place where students can eat or buy food near the EP Manchester campus?
Yes, there is even a food hall in the complex, where students have access to buy lunch or snacks.
