INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Travel advice for international students

We understand our international students may have questions in regards to their arrival to Scotland. As of 13^th July 2021, the Scottish Government requires people arriving to Scotland to undertake certain measures before and during their arrival. More information about travelling from countries on the Amber and Red Lists can be found below and on the Scottish Government website.

UWS will be in touch with students via email about induction and enrolment processes. Once students have received their CAS, you will be able to enrol online or once you have travelled to Scotland. We ask that students enrol as early as possible so they can start familiarising yourself with our facilities and systems, and engaging with your lecturers, tutors and fellow students.

Our highly flexible hybrid learning approach means you’ll enjoy a mixture of on-campus activities with online learning. You can expect most of your lectures to be available online, so please ensure you have a basic laptop and arrange internet access in your accommodation.  

We have included links and information below to help you plan your future travel arrangements to Scotland. It is essential that you follow the Scottish Government’s international travel and managed isolation advice whether you are travelling to Scotland directly or indirectly.

Before travelling, please ensure you review our Pre-Departure Guide:

Pre-departure guide - London students

Pre-departure guide - Returning students to Scottish campuses

Pre-departure guide - New students to Scottish campuses 

Travel problems

At UWS, we are here for our students and we know there’s still a lot of uncertainty around international travel.

Therefore, to help all of our students make a positive start to their UWS journeys, we’re putting some temporary support measures in place:

• For a number of our programmes, students who are initially unable to travel to Scotland to begin their studies may be able to start their programme online for up to six weeks from the start of term (i.e. we would expect you to be on campus from 18^th October with all classes having been attended by you online until that date), by prior agreement with the University.
• For a number of our programmes, practical sessions, including lab-work, will start before 18^th October and we will discuss with you on a case-by-case basis, how we may be able to support you to complete these aspects of your course.
• Please ensure you complete online enrolment and induction, as explained in the instructions you’ve already received, separately.
• Once enrolled, you’ll be required to engage with our high-quality social learning and teaching materials provided online, which may include videos, readings, podcasts and lectures.

If you feel your individual circumstances will make it impossible for you to arrive in Scotland to begin your studies at the start of term (Welcome Week begins on Monday 6^th September), please contact latearrivals@uws.ac.uk and we’ll explore your options further. When contacting us please give details of your programme of study, campus, Banner ID and estimated date of arrival.

Direct arrivals in Scotland

Everyone who arrives directly in Scotland from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA), comprising United Kingdom, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands, must:

• Check the status (Green, Amber or Red) of the country they are travelling from on the Scottish Government website;
• provide a Coronavirus (COVID-19) test and get a negative result during the 3 days before you travel;
• If travelling from a country on the Red List, before your departure you must , book and pay for managed isolation in a quarantine hotel for at least 10 days from arrival. You can book your managed isolation using this booking portal. During your managed self-isolation, you will be required to take two Covid-19 tests which will be completed on day 2 and day 9 of your isolation period. If you are experiencing any difficulty booking through the booking portal, please ring +44 1274 726424;
• If travelling from a country on the Amber List, you must book and pay for two Covid-19 tests to be completed on day 2 and day 8 of your arrival. You can order your test kits from the CTM Booking Portal. You must also self-isolate in your accommodation for 10 days on arrival to Scotland;
• If travelling from a country on the Green List, you must book and pay for one Covid-19 test to be completed on day 2 of your arrival to Scotland. You can book your day 2 test via the CTM Booking Portal;
• complete an online passenger locator form before travelling, and provide contact details, travel details and the address of their final destination. You will need to enter the booking reference for your managed isolation package;
• follow the national rules on Coronavirus in Scotland.

UWS requires you to share your travel details with us, you can do this by sending us a copy of the Public Health Passenger Locator Form, just forward the confirmation email with the document attached to passengerinfo@uws.ac.uk with your Banner ID before your departure date. This is essential for you to access campus after your self-isolation period is completed and will also allow our staff to support you during your arrival to the UK.

Indirect arrivals in Scotland

If you arrive in Scotland from within the CTA but have been in a country not on the Red list in the 10 days before your arrival, you must self-isolate. There is advice on how to isolate in accommodation on the Scottish Government website.

If you are arriving anywhere in the CTA from a country on the Red List, you will be asked to quarantine in a quarantine hotel from arrival for at least 10 days.

If you are arriving from anywhere in the CTA from a country on the Amber List, you will be asked to book and pay for two Covid-19 tests, to be completed on day 2 and day 8 of your arrival. You will also be required to isolate in your accommodation for 10 days on arrival to Scotland.

If you are arriving from anywhere in the CTA from a country on the Green List, you will be asked to book and pay for one Covid-19 test, to be completed on day 2 of your arrival.

You can book and pay for your Covid-19 tests via the CTM Booking Portal.

Q: What happens if I can’t get my visa?

A: At UWS, we are here for our students and we know there’s still a lot of uncertainty around international travel.

Therefore, to help all of our students make a positive start to their UWS journeys, we’re putting some temporary support measures in place:

• For a number of our programmes, students who are initially unable to travel to Scotland to begin their studies may be able to start their programme online for up to six weeks from the start of term (i.e. we would expect you to be on campus from 18^th October with all classes having been attended by you online until that date), by prior agreement with the University.
• For a number of our programmes, practical sessions, including lab-work, will start before 18^th October and we will discuss with you on a case-by-case basis, how we may be able to support you to complete these aspects of your course.
• Please ensure you complete online enrolment and induction, as explained in the instructions you’ve already received, separately.
• Once enrolled, you’ll be required to engage with our high-quality social learning and teaching materials provided online, which may include videos, readings, podcasts and lectures.

If you feel your individual circumstances will make it impossible for you to arrive in Scotland to begin your studies at the start of term (Welcome Week begins on Monday 6^th September), please contact latearrivals@uws.ac.uk and we’ll explore your options further. When contacting us please give details of your programme of study, campus, Banner ID and estimated date of arrival.

Please contact internationaladvice@uws.ac.uk if you need assistance in applying for your visa.

Q: Are there any visa concessions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic?

A: Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for a visa concession outlined on the UKVI website. If you need advice on your particular situation, please contact the International Student Support team at internationaladvice@uws.ac.uk    

Q: How do I get a replacement vignette if I have been issued with a 90 day visa and was unable to travel to the UK?

A: If your 90 day visa to travel to the UK to return to your studies or start a new course has expired, you can request a replacement visa with revised validity dates, however you must pay a fee for your new vignette (£154). You will need to apply online using the vignette transfer form, then make an appointment at a visa application centre and resubmit your biometrics. The new vignette will also be valid for a period of 90 days. Please do not apply for your replacement vignette unless you are certain you will be able to travel within 90 days of your new vignette being issued, to avoid having to apply again.

To apply, visit the Home Office website and click the link to “transfer your visa to a new passport online”.

Q: Do I need a COVID-19 test to travel?

A: You must obtain a negative COVID-19 test result taken up to three days before departure and provide evidence of this when you travel. If you do not provide this evidence (without a valid exemption) your airline or carrier may refuse you boarding and/or you may be fined on arrival.

For more information, please visit the Home Office website.

Q: If I am feeling lonely during my self-isolation period is there anyone I can speak to?

A:  During your self-isolation period, we would very much like to give you a call to see how you are settling in and to check that you are aware of the support services within the University and how you can connect with other students online. In your pre-arrival information, you will receive information about a ‘Check in and Chat’ appointment which you can request before you travel to the UK. You will also be reminded of this when you arrive.

Just fill out the form at this link so that we can arrange a ‘Check in and Chat’ appointment with you when you first arrive. In addition, once you are enrolled, you will receive updates about the Virtual Quick Questions drop-in sessions arranged on a weekly basis with the International Student Support Team.

Q: How soon can I register with a GP if I am self-isolating?

A: One of the first things you will need to organise when you arrive in the UK is registering with a GP (doctor). However, you will need to begin this process online whilst you are self-isolating. Most GP surgeries are taking online applications. Please note: For GP letters, e-mail hub@uws.ac.uk.

To find your local GP in Scotland, visit the NHS website and enter your postcode. London students can find local GP services here.

If you have any health concerns, please call the NHS by dialling 111. You can also get advice online at www.nhsinform.scot/ (for students in Scotland) or https://111.nhs.uk/ (for students in England).

Q: Can I open a bank account if I am self-isolating?

A: Most banks are accepting online applications as you will be unable to go into a bank until your self-isolation period has finished. Please email hub@uws.ac.uk to request a bank letter.  Further information on opening a bank account can be found here.

Alternatively there are many fully online or app-based bank accounts which you can find more information about here.

Q: What should I do if my local English language testing centre is closed due to the pandemic?

A: We’re aware English language exams have been suspended in some countries. If you can’t book an IELTS test, we may consider other English language qualifications. Please submit evidence of English language with your application and the Admissions Team will consider this.

Q: I have been told to collect my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) from a specified Post Office within 10 days of my arrival – how do I do this if I am quarantining?

A: You will have received an email with instructions from the Home Office on how and where to collect your BRP. If you are required to self-isolate on arriving in the UK, do not go to the Post Office until after you have observed the required quarantine period. The Post Office have been asked to keep your BRP for a longer period than normal, so it should still be there once you have completed your self-isolation. Please refer to the following link for details on BRP collection.

Q: I have a stamp on my passport requiring me to register with the police within seven days of collecting my Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – how do I do this if I am quarantining on arrival?

A: During the coronavirus pandemic police registration may be suspended at times and you will not be penalised for not registering with the police whilst you are in self-isolation. Police registration requirements may vary, depending on where you live, so London Campus students should check here for the latest info and Scottish campus students should check here.

On Friday 11th June 2021 the Scottish Government announced that the national vaccination programme would be expanded to include international students for the academic year 2021/22.

Find out more about this announcement here.