// Pre-arrival Information

This page provides useful pre-arrival information for students about to take one of our face-to-face or blended courses.

Before you travel to the UK

All prospective international students coming to study in the UK on or after 1st January 2021, including those from the EU, EEA and Switzerland, will need to apply for a Student visa and receive a decision before they arrive. Applications can be made online at GOV.UK and students can apply up to six months before their course starts.

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All international students are required to complete our Pre-arrival Registration form prior to arrival in the UK.

// Travelling to the United Kingdom

If you have not travelled to the UK before, you may find the British Council website useful.

// Transport

You can book an airport transfer when applying to study with us, and prior to your arrival by clicking here. Please ensure you give us at least 7 days’ notice.

When you arrive in the UK, you are likely to land at one of the airports below. The following section will provide you with useful information that will assist your journey from your arrival airport to Cardiff.

// Money, Insurance and budgeting

You must have enough money to cover the cost of your living and study expenses during your stay – the UK can be quite expensive! The currency in the UK is the British pound (£). Information about exchange rates can be found at XE. We suggest bringing at least £500 with you for your immediate needs. This should be enough to cover your transport costs and initial expenses.

It is strongly recommended that you take out adequate insurance in the event of cancellations, medical issues, personal accident and theft.

It’s important you budget and allow for additional expenses such as Council Tax, energy and water during your stay in the country such as:

• Council Tax can average £1,926 per year in Wales based on a ‘Band D’ property, before any discounts
• Gas and electricity usage could average £110 a month, based on 2 people in a 2-bedroom property
• Water costs could average £80 a month based on 2 people living in a property

Some landlords may include some of these charges within your rental costs, so it’s alway worth checking with them.

// Medical Treatment

You should visit your doctor, dentist and optician before you travel to ensure you are fit to travel and check to see if you require any vaccinations. If your course is less than 6 months in duration, you will receive free accident and emergency hospital treatment but will have to pay for any other medical treatment as a private patient.

// Travel Documents

When travelling to the UK, you need to make sure you have the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A visa or UK-entry clearance (non-EU students)
• Vaccination or medical certificates if required
• Your Visa Letter to study at WE Bridge Academy
• Name, address and contact details of where you will be staying in the UK
• Details of any transfers, travel documents and tickets
• If you are under 18, you will need a signed letter from your parent or guardian that gives permission for you to travel

// Don’t Forget!

Use our useful checklist below to make sure you have everything prior to travel:

• Passport containing the visa page
• A copy of your offer and visa letter
• Your original certificates
• The address of your accommodation
• The address of our Academy – Floor 10 Southgate House, Wood Street, Cardiff CF10 1EW
• A sufficient amount of money to cover your accommodation and personal expenses

// General Travel Advice

Make sure that all your travel arrangements are booked at least 5 days in advance and confirm them with us. If you have any issues during your journey to the UK, please feel free to contact us: