Before you depart

Accommodation
We can help you find accommodation if you wish, from our register of providers. In the first instance contact Alison Dewdney at College, who will help you find the right type of accommodation for you. If the course you are studying with us is linked to a university, you may wish to live in student accommodation, which we can help you arrange.

You can choose from four different types of accommodation in Dunstable:

1. Half-board accommodation with a local family (Homestay)With Half-Board Homestay you would usually have your own study-bedroom with breakfast and an evening meal being provided for you. Laundry is usually also included in half-board Homestay.

2. Self-catering with a local family (Homestay) Many international students like to live in the home of a local family. Those choosing self-catering Homestay would usually have their own study-bedroom and use of the family kitchen and equipment to prepare and cook their own meals and do their own laundry.

3. Renting individuallyRent either a house or flat on your own, through a letting agent or a landlord. This is the most expensive options as you would be responsible for all bills.

4. Renting in a house-shareMany students choose to rent a house or flat with friends. This provides the independence of living alone, but enables you to split the bills with those you are sharing with.

Entry and Visa requirements
If you are not a British Citizen and you wish to study in the United Kingdom you must apply to the British Embassy or High Commission in your country to find out if you need a student visa. If you do, the Embassy will send you a form IM2A which you will need to complete and send back to the Embassy with the supporting documents:

You will need to provide your passport, two recent passport size photographs, the entry clearance fee (paid in your own currency), any relevant school reports or details of qualifications, an acceptance letter from Dunstable College, together with course information details and accommodation details including costs.

The Embassy will process your application and either issue the visa or invite you for an interview. If your application is properly completed with all the documents requested by the Embassy they will issue a visa which will allow you to travel to the UK once during a six month period. When you arrive in the UK the Entry Clearance Officer will ask you the same sort of questions as you were asked when you applied for your visa so it is important that you carry all your documents with you when you travel.

Full details on how to apply for a student visa can be sent to you with your offer letter, if required.

Planning for your journey
Before you depart, make sure you have the following readily available in your hand luggage for when you arrive in the UK:

• A warm jumper or raincoat (especially if you are travelling from warmer countries)
• Enough cash for your transport and meals, including coins for telephone calls
• The address and telephone number of the College and your accommodation.