Tips for planning your journey to the UK
If you’ve been offered a place at Loughborough University and you have accepted, the next step (aside from applying for your visa) is to plan your journey to the UK. Naturally this can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never travelled to the UK before. To help, we’ve outlined some useful tips which will help you prepare for your new adventure.
Step 1: Find out what airports you can fly to
Before you book your flight, make sure you do some research and look at what airports you can fly to and pinpoint the airport which offers regular flights and the best transport links to your next destination after you’ve landed.
Step 2: If possible, book or plan transport in advance
If you’re flying to Heathrow Airport in London, we offer a free coach pick-up service in September which will drop you off at our East Midlands Campus.
If you’re flying to a different airport, there are lots of ways you could potentially travel to our London or Loughborough campus. We’ve offered information on the best way to travel to both of our campuses.
Please remember that public transport services are less frequent on Sundays and travel to Loughborough will be easier if you can plan to arrive during the rest of the week.
Step 3: Have a lot of luggage? Book the most direct route
When you come to look at the different transport options available, we suggest that you try to book the most direct route to Loughborough University East Midlands or Loughborough London campus, with the least number of changes between forms of transport and/or stations. You'll probably be carrying a lot of luggage and after a long flight you'll naturally be tired.
Step 4: Take a look at these websites to help plan your journey
| Website | Good for... |
|---|---|
| www.tfl.gov.uk | Learning more about the different modes of transport available in London. |
| www.nationalrail.co.uk www.thetrainline.com |
Looking at train timetables and fares. You may also have the option to pre-book your train tickets in advance. |
| Searching for coach services. | |
| www.travelineeastmidlands.co.uk | Finding information on public transport in Loughborough |
|
www.heathrow.com |
Looking up flight details, and working out the best mode of onward transport to your destination. |
| Finding out more about transport from Loughborough Train Station to Loughborough East Midlands Campus. | |
| In the UK, Uber is widely used. We’d recommend downloading the app to your phone before you travel. |
Step 5: Travelling in a group?
If you're travelling in a group, you may find that it's easier to book a taxi. This can be very expensive but can be more cost effective if the cost is shared.
The UK widely uses Uber, and we recommend downloading the Uber app before you travel so you can easily book a taxi on arrival. Once downloaded, you can enter your destination, see the estimated fare in advance, and pay securely through the app without needing cash.
Step 6: Allow for delays
If you are pre-booking transport for after you’ve landed it’s important to give yourself lots of time and to allow for delays. It will probably take you longer than expected and we don’t want you to miss the next part of your journey. If you are booking a train, we’d recommend you get a flexible ticket in case you face any delays or difficulties.
Step 7: Keep important documents and key details in your hand luggage
Make sure you keep all important documents in your hand luggage, rather than in your checked suitcase. This includes your visa, Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), university offer letter, accommodation details, and any travel insurance documents. You may need to show some of these on arrival in the UK.
We also recommend printing or saving a copy of the address you are travelling to and the University address. This will be helpful if you need assistance at any point during your journey or if you miss a connection. There will be information and help desks available in the airports, so if you do get confused make sure you find this desk and they should be able to advise you.
East Midlands Campus: Epinal Way, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU
Loughborough London Campus: 3 Lesney Avenue The Broadcast Centre Here East Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park E20 3BS
Step 8: …and our contact details
Please make a note of our contact details – if you do get stuck or if you get a little lost we can always offer you some support. If you have any questions prior to travelling here, please get in touch we’re always happy to help however we can.
If you are coming to the East Midlands Campus, please contact the International Student Experience team.
If you are coming to Loughborough University London, please contact the London Student Support team.