We can’t wait to welcome you to Essex
Here you can find useful pre-arrival information: everything from how you should prepare to what you can look forward to.
Promotion: save £1,000 on your college accommodation for Spring 2025 when you book by 10 January 2025.
Starting to prepare
When you’re about to move abroad, there is a lot to think about! You’ll need to understand what you need to do, including obtaining the correct visa and what documents you require. It’s also time to consider what you’ll want to bring with you to the UK.
Complete the pre-arrival form
It’s important that you fill in the pre-arrival form at least 72 hours before you’re due to travel. This will let us know important information like when you’ll be arriving, so we can have everything ready for when you get here.
Getting your visa
If you already have your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), you can begin the process of applying for a student visa. This may involve a visa credibility interview — check out these handy tips.
Securing your accommodation
Before you come to Essex, you’ll need to have arranged a place to live. You can choose and book your accommodation once you have accepted your study offer. We can help you find the perfect place to live during your studies in Essex. Learn more on the Kaplan Living website.
Download a checklist of
documents you’ll need
(0.6MB, PDF)
Pathways Preview
Before coming to the UK, you can gain early access to learning materials with Pathways Preview. This includes the chance to explore Kaplan’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Pathways Preview includes:
What to expect in Essex
Arriving in Essex
Before you set off, you’ll need to pack carefully! Remember to bring:
We can arrange a transfer to bring you directly from the airport to your new home if you complete the pre-arrival form before you arrive. Free transfers are only available on the main arrival weekend.
If you want to arrange your own transport, you can take a train or coach to Colchester from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Stansted airports. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from any point of entry.
Once you’re at your residence, a friendly member of staff will be there to welcome you and help you get settled. It’s important that you’re in the UK in time to join in Welcome Week and start your studies.
The first week of term is generally referred to as Welcome Week. You’ll get to meet your fellow students and the college staff, and can join in social events and trips. It’s also when you’ll receive support with things like setting up a bank account and registering with a doctor.
We can’t wait to see you here soon!
While you wait, join us on social media!
Contact details
University of Essex International College
Constable Building
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ
United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1206 873838
International College arrivals number
(for use only when you’ve arrived in the UK)
+44 (0) 7741 660 659
University of Essex emergency number
(in use 24 hours per day, throughout the year)
+44 (0) 1206 872 222
UK Emergency services number
(Police, fire brigade, ambulance)
999