General Information

General Information

We want to make sure your trip and study experience in Manchester go smoothly. Here, you’ll find helpful tips for planning your stay, like how to get around Manchester and how much money to bring. If you have any questions, our bookings team is ready to help you at any time.

It’s also a good idea to visit the British Council’s ‘Preparing to Live in the UK‘ page for more information about coming to the UK to study and live.

Additionally, the online resource Prepare for Success has lots of advice and information for international students getting ready to study in the UK.

Immigration and Visas

All students require a valid passport to come to the UK. The type of visa you need is different depending on your home country. It is best to check with your travel agent, the British Consulate, Embassy or High Commission in your own country to find out what you need. 

You will have to support your visa application with evidence. When we receive your application form we will send you a letter confirming your place on the course and a letter in support of your application.

Money

The currency in the UK is pounds sterling (£). £1 = 100 pence (p). It is a good idea to bring some cash with you for the first few days. You could also transfer some money into a UK bank account before you arrive. 

You can bring money into the UK in the form of cash, travellers’ cheques, bankers’ drafts and letters of credit. There are limits, so you should check the maximum amount you are allowed to bring or you may have to pay a fine. 

You can check the latest information here: https://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/arriving/declaring-cash.htm.

Setting up a UK Bank Account

It is a good idea to open a UK bank account before you arrive. All the main UK banks have branches in Manchester. You should contact your own bank in your home country to check if you can open an account in the UK. If you have an account with an international bank you should be able to use ATMs in the UK.

If you can’t open a bank account before you come to the UK, when you arrive we will be able to provide you with a letter that will help you open an account in the UK.

Travel Insurance

We recommend that you:

• Insure your luggage before starting your journey to the UK in case anything happens during the journey.
• Insure personal property for while you are in the UK (expensive items may need separate insurance). 

Health Insurance

We also recommend that you have health insurance. You should arrange this in your home country before you come to the UK. Otherwise, short-term health cover through a British company can be arranged. For more information about health insurance you can email us.

What should I bring?

You should check the weather for the time of year before you pack your suitcase. But don’t forget that the weather in England can be very changeable, so bring some warm and cool clothing and an umbrella! 

A laptop will be very useful for your studies. Mains electrical power in the UK is 240v. UK plug sockets usually take 13 amps with a 3-pin fused plug so you may need to buy an adaptor. You can buy adaptors at the airport or in many shops in and around the city.

Arriving in the UK

Airport Arrival

When you arrive at the airport you will need to have the following documents available to show the Immigration Officer:

• your passport
• your entry clearance or student visa (this may be inside your passport)
• your visa support letter or unconditional admission letter (if applicable)
• evidence of funds for your course fees and living expenses (bank statements, sponsor’s letter, scholarship award letter, etc.)
• a medical certificate (if required).

After you collect your luggage, follow the signs to the arrival area. In the arrival area someone from EEC will be waiting for you, holding a sign. We will take you to your accommodation where you can settle in. 

Arriving at the College

After arriving in the UK and settling into your accommodation you should come to the college to confirm your arrival. There is a map on our website. 

You should register at the reception and provide photo identification (your passport or driving licence). You will receive an ID which you should wear at all times.

On the first day of your course you will be given a tour of the college and told about the safety procedures to follow in an emergency. You will do a placement test so we can place you in the right English class for your level. You will also have an individual learning plan meeting with the academic manager to set your learning goals.

Travelling in Manchester: 

Taxi

We suggest using Street Cars, which you can find at desks across all airport terminals.

Street Cars Private Hire

Uber

• For convenient transport, consider Uber. Simply use the Uber app to book a ride.

Sign Up for Uber

• Manchester Airport houses a train station. Look for signs pointing to ‘The Station’. A train ride to Manchester City Centre takes about 20 minutes.

Train

Manchester Airport Train Information

• You’ll also find a tram station at Manchester Airport. Follow the signs to ‘The Station’ to catch a tram to Manchester City Centre, with the journey taking approximately 50 minutes.

Bus

Manchester Airport Bus Information

• Buses are also available for your convenience.

Bus

Manchester boasts a frequent and efficient bus service covering the entire city, operating throughout the day and into the night. It’s an affordable and convenient way to get around. Many buses stop right outside Express English College. To get between Manchester City Centre and the College, you can take any of the following buses: 101,102,103,15 

Train

For those living further out, taking the train into Manchester might be faster. While it’s a bit more expensive than the bus, it’s still affordable and offers a comfortable journey. Express English College is conveniently located within a short walk (20 – 25 minutes walk) from Deansgate train station and Oxford Street train station, making it easy to reach the school by train.

For more information please visit: https://tfgm.com/.

Money Safety

When withdrawing money from an ATM, make sure to conceal your PIN and securely place your cash in your bag.

First Aid and Medical Assistance

At The Express English College, designated staff are trained in First Aid to assist with any health concerns or injuries. For serious conditions, head to the nearest hospital. Students staying over 12 weeks are advised to register with a local doctor.

Protecting Your Belongings

It’s important to safeguard your money and personal items. Use a secure purse or wallet for your money and credit cards, and keep electronic devices locked in your bag. Avoid carrying large sums of cash.

Gym Safety

Joining a gym is an excellent way to socialise and stay fit. Use the secure lockers provided to store your belongings while exercising; you might need to purchase a padlock.

Road Safety

In England, vehicles drive on the left. Always look RIGHT first when crossing the street.

Stay careful

Watch out for pickpockets, particularly in busy areas such as malls and parks. Make sure to keep your valuable items out of sight and always be aware of your surroundings. For more safety, avoid using your phone while walking at night.

Places of worship: 

Manchester is known for its diverse culture, reflected in the wide variety of places of worship catering to numerous religions and faiths across the city. If you’re looking for a place to practise your faith during your studies, Manchester has something for everyone. Here’s a list of the types of places of worship you can find:

• Anglican, Baptist, and Roman Catholic Churches
• Mosques and Islamic Organisations, including schools
• Buddhist Temples
• Evangelical Churches
• Hindu Temples
• Jewish Synagogues and Organizations
• Churches of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)
• Methodist and Orthodox Churches
• Quakers (Society of Friends)
• Sikh Temples

Please ask the welfare officer, and they are willing to help you find the most convenient place of worship for you while you’re studying in Manchester.

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