UK Pre-Departure Checklist: What to Pack, Confirm, and Pay Before You Fly

Use this UK pre-departure checklist to confirm your documents, payments, housing, and packing before you fly to study in the UK. Review each section below so nothing is missed before your departure date.

Start with this quick checklist

You should confirm your visa, travel plans, housing, and required payments first. Then, pack your documents and essential items in your carry-on bag.

Before leaving home, make sure you have:

• A valid passport and permission to travel to the UK
• Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) details
• Your flight booking and correct travel dates
• Your accommodation address and booking confirmation
• Proof of required tuition and housing payments
• Copies of your important study and financial documents
• Medicines, devices, and basic clothing for your first days
• Contact details for your institution and airport transport

Use the sections below to check each item carefully. Your institution may also send its own pre-departure list.

Which documents should I carry?

Keep your important documents in your carry-on bag. Do not place them in checked luggage, which could be delayed or lost.

Carry these documents in a secure folder:

• Your valid passport
• Evidence of your UK immigration permission, such as your eVisa details
• A copy of your visa decision message, if you received one
• Your CAS statement or CAS reference details
• Your institution's offer or enrolment letter
• Your accommodation confirmation and full UK address
• Your flight ticket and travel plan
• Receipts for tuition and accommodation payments
• Copies of financial evidence used for your visa application
• Academic certificates and transcripts requested by your institution
• A tuberculosis test certificate, if it applies to you
• An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATS) certificate, if your course requires one
• Medical prescriptions and a doctor's letter, if needed
• Travel or health insurance documents, if you purchased coverage

A CAS is a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies. It is an electronic record that your institution creates for your Student visa application. The CAS itself is not a fee or payment.

Check that your passport is linked correctly to your UK Visas and Immigration account. Also confirm how you must prove your immigration status while travelling. Save digital copies on a secure device and in secure online storage. You can also leave copies with a trusted family member.

What should I confirm with my institution?

Confirm that you have completed every task listed by your institution. Missing a task could delay your enrolment or access to services.

Ask your institution to confirm:

• Your course name and start date
• The final date when you can enrol or arrive
• Whether you must complete online enrolment before travelling
• Whether any tuition balance is due before enrolment
• Your campus address and reporting location
• Your accommodation move-in date and check-in process
• Whether airport pickup is available
• Whether you must attend an orientation session
• Which original academic documents you must bring

Arrival and enrolment deadlines differ between institutions and courses. Confirm your exact dates in writing directly with your institution before booking your flight. Confirm your details with ApplyBoard if specific dates vary.

Which payments should be complete before I fly?

Pay only the amounts required by your institution, visa application, airline, and housing provider. Keep a receipt for every payment.

Tuition deposit

A tuition deposit is an early payment toward your course fees. Some institutions require it before issuing a CAS. Others may have different payment steps.

Check your offer letter and payment instructions for the correct amount and deadline. Confirm tuition deposits directly with your institution.

Your CAS may show tuition payments that your institution recorded. Check this information before using the CAS for your visa application. Contact your institution if anything appears incorrect.

Remaining tuition fees

You may need to pay part or all of your remaining tuition before enrolment. Some institutions offer approved payment plans.

Confirm the amount, due date, and accepted payment method directly with your institution.

Student visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge

The Student visa application fee is paid during the visa process. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) helps eligible visa holders access the UK's National Health Service.

You will normally pay the IHS as part of your visa application process. The amount depends on your visa details and current government rules. Learn more about UK Health Insurance for International Students.

Accommodation payments

Confirm any housing deposit, advance rent, or booking payment before leaving. Ask for a receipt and written check-in instructions.

Flight and travel costs

Check that your ticket includes the baggage allowance you need. Airlines may charge for extra bags, seat choices, or changes.

Review the airline's current rules before packing. Keep some money available for meals, local transport, and unexpected delays.

What should I pack in my carry-on bag?

Pack anything you may need during your journey or first day. Your carry-on bag should stay with you throughout the trip.

Include:

• Your document folder
• Your phone, charger, and a UK-compatible travel adaptor
• Any essential medicine
• A change of clothes and basic personal care items
• Your accommodation address and emergency contacts
• A payment card and a small amount of usable money
• Valuable items that your airline allows in the cabin
• A pen for any forms you may need to complete

Follow your airline's cabin baggage and liquid rules.

What should I pack in checked luggage?

Pack practical clothing and personal items that you cannot easily carry onboard. Leave space for items you may buy after arrival.

Useful items include:

• Clothing that you can wear in layers
• A waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes
• Clothes for classes, events, and interviews
• Personal care items that meet travel rules
• A few familiar foods that UK customs rules allow
• Bedding or towels, only if your housing does not provide them
• Small items that help you feel comfortable in your new room

Do not pack too much. Many household items, winter clothes, and study supplies are available in the UK.

Label every bag with your name and contact details. Take a photo of each bag before checking it in.

Can I bring food, medicine, or cash?

You may bring some food, medicine, and cash, but special rules can apply. Check official UK guidance before you travel.

Food rules may depend on the product and where you travel from. Meat, dairy, plants, seeds, and fresh foods may face limits or bans. See official UK guidance on bringing food for details.

Keep medicine in its original packaging when possible. Carry your prescription and a doctor's letter written in English. Some controlled medicines need extra documents or have quantity limits. Review rules for medicines.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Cash declarations may be required above the current government limit. Check UK cash declaration rules.

What travel details should I confirm?

Confirm that your flight date fits your immigration permission and institution schedule. You must travel on or after the official validity start date shown on your visa or eVisa decision letter. Entry into the UK prior to this date is strictly prohibited.

Check:

• The date your UK immigration permission allows you to enter
• Your institution's preferred arrival and enrolment dates
• Your accommodation move-in date
• Your departure airport and terminal
• Your connection and transit visa needs, if any
• Your baggage allowance for every flight
• Transport from the UK airport to your accommodation

Share your full travel plan with a trusted person. Save your institution's emergency number and your housing provider's contact details.

What should I do during my final 48 hours?

Use your final two days to check details, not make major plans. Keep all confirmations together and charge your devices.

Complete these last checks:

• Check your flight status and terminal
• Complete online check-in when available
• Confirm your airport transport
• Confirm how you will collect your accommodation keys
• Weigh your bags and review restricted items
• Download offline copies of key documents and maps
• Charge your phone and portable charger
• Tell your bank that you will travel, if needed
• Keep emergency money separate from your main wallet
• Check the weather at your UK destination

What happens when I arrive in the UK?

You will complete border checks before collecting checked luggage. If you hold an eligible biometric passport, such as from the EU, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, or South Korea, you can use the automated eGates for faster entry.

If directed to a Border Force officer, keep your passport and supporting documents easy to reach. An officer may ask about your course, institution, housing, or travel plans. Answer clearly and honestly.

After collecting your bags, follow your planned route to your accommodation. Contact your institution or housing provider if you face a serious delay.

Frequently Asked Questions