Essential information

Your name's spelling

Occasionally, problems occur with the spelling of names and addresses, especially with students from countries that use a different alphabet to English.

It is best to decide on how you wish your name to be spelled in English and use this spelling at all times - it is important that this matches the spelling used on your passport.

Documentation

Make photocopies of your UK visa and your passport’s personal details page as well as your offer letter from the university, education certificates, bank statements and/or insurance documents. Make a note of travellers’ cheque numbers, insurance policy numbers and your passport number in case the originals are lost or stolen.

Leave a set of this information with family or friends, make a set for you to pack in your suitcase and a further set to carry in your hand luggage. This set will be in addition to any required original documents, which should always be in your hand luggage. 

Your medical insurance is not likely to cover items such as personal medications, eye examinations and dental care, so it’s best to take care of these matters before you leave.

Academic technology approval scheme (ATAS)

In order to study a course in some science and engineering subjects, you may require ATAS clearance.

Your offer letter and CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will confirm whether ATAS clearance is required. If it is, you must apply for an ATAS certificate and include a copy of your ATAS certificate with your visa application.

Further information about the ATAS clearance scheme can be found on the ATAS website, including details of how to apply. There is currently no charge for ATAS applications. 

Photographs of you

In the first month or so, you will need quite a lot of passport-style photographs. There are automatic photo machines at mainline railway stations and some grocery stores or post offices. Specialist photo shops also provide this service quickly and at a price just a little higher than the photo machines.

Additional costs while studying

In addition to your tuition fees, you can expect some other academic expenses and should therefore budget for items such as books, notebooks, paper, pens and photocopying.

What you need to buy will depend upon your course and location. As an example, some students will be required to purchase lab coats and protective eyewear for laboratory work, and some students may have to pay expenses for field trips or for study abroad. Other students may be required to attend films or stage productions. Your academic department should be able to advise you about the expenses you are likely to have on your course.

Postgraduate students should allow for additional expenses such as travel associated with conferences and thesis presentation of their research.

Accommodation

Many of our campuses have dedicated accommodation, but types of accommodation and costs will vary depending on your location of study. 

Questions to bear in mind when looking for accommodation are: 

• How close is the accommodation to your place of study?
• Are there good public transport links?
• Is it close to shops and facilities?
• How big is your room?
• Will you have enough quiet and privacy for study? 

Once you've found your new home and have moved in, familiarise yourself with the fire exits, assembly points and the location of fire extinguishers. Also remember: 

• Avoid leaving valuables in your room 
• Make sure your room door is locked when you leave 
• All paid-for accommodation has to have a working smoke detector and alarm 
• Make sure you turn off all gas and electrical appliances (except the refrigerator) when you go out 
• Learn the evacuation procedures in case of an emergency 

Students are normally asked for an UK based guarantor for renting. If the student is unable to provide one, landlords may require the full payment upfront. There are commercial companies who will act as guarantors for students who cannot pay the full amount upfront. 

It is not essential that you have arranged your permanent accommodation before arriving in Scotland, but you should try. A useful starting point is the website for an organisation called the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

Campuses with dedicated accommodation:

• UHI Inverness
• UHI Moray
• UHI North, West and Hebrides
• UHI Perth
• UHI Shetland
• Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
• Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) UHI

Information for other campuses

• HTC
• UHI Argyll
• UHI Orkney

Packing to come to Scotland

Please remember when you’re packing that you may have to carry your bags around large airports and to your accommodation on arrival. Also remember that baggage restrictions at UK airports are strict.

Always check with your airline regarding their limits before your flight. Most airlines charge for excess baggage, so it is best to ensure that either you stay within the allowance limit or have enough money to pay for any excess.

Clothing 

You may wish to buy suitable clothing when you arrive in Britain, but if you have them, you should bring cold-weather clothes, rainwear and lighter clothes for summer. Student dress is informal, but you will need something formal or smart for functions or social evenings. Your traditional or national dress is perfectly acceptable on your campus or in the city, but you will need to wear a pullover, jacket or coat over it during the wetter, colder months.  Bring shoes that are comfortable to walk in but can withstand some rain. Sturdy shoes are also needed for walking though cities or through nature. 

The temperature can change quite a bit throughout the year (sometimes even during one day!), so make sure to pack clothes that can be layered. You will need to be ready for warm and cold weather so shorts, trousers, t-shirts, sunglasses, cardigans and jackets are all things you will need. Rain resistant jackets are recommended as are umbrellas! 

Other personal items 

• Face coverings for travelling and when you arrive like a cloth mask or a scarf
• Toiletries for your first few days
• Medicines and a first-aid kit
• English dictionary if needed
• Photos of friends and family
• National or traditional dress for formal occasions and activities
• Adapters for using electricity in the UK, remember UK electricity runs in 240 volts
• If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring an extra pair and your prescription
• Favourite sporting equipment like a bathing suit, Frisbee or tennis racquet
• You should check with your accommodation provider about the need of bringing bed clothing, towels and kitchen utensils. Such items can also be purchased after you arrive at local shops. 

To use any electrical devices, chargers etc., you need to bring a UK adaptor. Check that your electrical items are also compatible with the UK’s 240 volts. Chargers for laptops and tablets usually have a built-in voltage converter but other items, for example radios or hairdryers, usually do not. 

Prohibited/restricted items 

It is illegal to bring certain items into the UK, while restrictions apply on other items. Under current laws, if you bring more than 10,000 Euros (approximately £9,000) in cash, travellers' cheques, cheques or bank drafts, you will have to declare this on arrival. 

If you have to bring any medication which has been prescribed by a doctor for your personal use, you are advised to bring documentary proof from your doctor of the nature of the drugs. More information on customs control is available here. 

Things to leave at home 

• Firearms, weapons 
• Fireworks or other inflammable items 
• Most electrical devices 
• Pets 
• Plants and fresh food (see above for customs control) 

We also recommend that you do not bring any valuable items, such as expensive jewellery, with you. If you must bring them, make sure they are insured and stored securely at all times.

Shipping your goods to the UK

To make sure you don’t pay too much tax when shipping your goods to the UK, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has created a Customs Procedure Code which is 4000C06. You should give this code to your courier who will attach it to a C88 form. This code covers the tax for clothes, books and any personal items you’ll need for your time at university.

If you use a postal service, you will need to pay and then reclaim import value-added tax (VAT). For more information, please see www.gov.uk/moving-to-uk or the Single Administrative Document.

Departure from your country

Items to carry in your hand luggage 

• Remember that liquids over 100ml and any sharp objects such as scissors/razor blades cannot be carried in your hand luggage
• Face coverings for travelling and when you arrive such as a cloth mask or a scarf
• Any medicines that you may need in the first week (in case of lost luggage)
• Money for items during your trip and upon arrival
• Your valid passport (or recognised travel document/card)
• Entry visa certificate
• Unconditional offer letter from the university
• Documentary evidence of financial support for fees and maintenance
• Travel insurance documents
• Health certificate and/or vaccination certificates
• Driver’s license from your home country (if you have one)
• Your marriage license (if applicable)
• Accommodation details and contact information
• Phone numbers in the UK in case something goes wrong (entry refused, lost luggage, delays to arrival) and numbers for family members if your phone gets lost/won’t charge 

Travel smart 

• Weigh and measure the dimensions of your luggage to make sure it meets the airline requirements  
• Pack some clothes in your carry-on bag, in case of lost or delayed hold luggage  
• Make a list of items you have in your hold luggage 
• Don’t forget your set(s) of photocopies of important documents, putting them in separate locations in your luggage