Arrival
Customs |
At the end of the flight, the airline will give you custom forms to fill out. It is a good idea to complete the forms before you get off the plane so you can pick up your luggage, and get in line right away to go through customs. To speed up the process pay close attention to all the signs. If you do not follow the directions you may be searched and held up for a while.
You will need to show the customs official your passport, and any other important documents that they may ask for. They may want to see your acceptance letter to the University of Leeds so keep that in a place where you can easily find it. It is also a good idea to make copies of all your important documents, such as your passport, license, credit cards, and birth certificate.
Train Station |
If you arrive in London you will need to find your way to London Kings Cross Station. It is easy to take the express train from Heathrow airport to the center of London. Then you can take a taxi or the underground to London Kings Cross. From Gatwick you can take the Gatwick express train to Victoria Station, or the Thameslink to Kings Cross. From Manchester Airport you can take the train directly from the airport to Leeds.
If you have a student ID you will be able to get a special student rail pass. I recommend that you do eventually buy the student rail pass because it will give you a discount on all your train tickets while in England. It is also possible to buy Britain on track rail-passes before you arrive. Buying the rail pass before you leave is convenient so you will not have to wait in lines at the station for a ticket. If you have any questions ask one of the train engineers on the platform. They are usually very helpful.
The bus is another option for traveling from London or Manchester to Leeds. It will take longer, but it is less expensive than a train.
Maps |
Click here for a map of some tourist attractions in London.
Clip here to download maps of Leeds.
What do you do when you arrive in Leeds? |
At the train station there will be students waiting to welcome you. Follow signs for Leeds University or ask someone for directions to the student welcome area. There is a free shuttle available to help you find your flat. If you would like to take a taxi instead they are always lined up outside of the train station. Some taxi drivers will charge more for carrying luggage. To get more information about your flat click the link to Leeds University.
The first thing you will want to do now that you have found your flat is to buy everything. You will need bedding, kitchenware, laundry detergent, and food. Some students bought bedding from the university before they arrived. It is more convenient, but you could end up with something totally unlike your taste. For more information about where to buy everyday items click on the link to Leeds City Centre.