This page provides students with information about travelling to the UK from China as well as information about international travel from the UK.
· Flying to the UK
A number of airlines fly from China to the UK. Air China, China Eastern, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic all offer direct flights to Heathrow airport, London from Shanghai or Beijing. Other airlines that need at least one stop-over, when flying from China to the UK, include China Southern, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa, Finnair, Swiss Air and Emirates. All of these airlines fly to Heathrow or Gatwick airports in London.
Students that need to reach parts of the UK which are far from London should consider using one of the European airlines that might fly direct to other UK airports from their stop-over in Europe. Otherwise students will need to catch a connecting flight from Heathrow or Gatwick airports in London to another airport in the UK. Airports are located throughout the UK, from Inverness and Aberdeen in the North of Scotland to Southampton and Bournemouth on the South coast of England, including Belfast in Northern Ireland and five airports in or around London (Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Stansted and Luton). Alternatively, students can travel by train or coach from London to their final destination. For more information about travelling around the UK by air, rail and road, see;
Where ever students are studying in the UK, they should ensure suitable arrangements are made for travelling to their final destination, before arriving in the UK. Many schools, colleges and universities offer an airport pick-up service for international students arriving just before the start of the academic year. This is often a free service although some institutions may charge a fee. If no pick-up service is available, it is up to the student to work out the best method of transport from the airport.
Blue Sky Study are able to arrange flights to the UK as well as advise students about all the transportation options available to them once arriving in the UK. We usually offer a choice of options based on cost, speed and ease of use and we give each student precise instructions on how to reach their final destination.
It is important students plan their packing in advance, rather than leaving it till the last minute. This will give them time to obtain everything they need before they leave and give them a chance to decide which items are essential and which items they can live without.
Students should carry on their person or pack in their hand luggage the following items;
Other items to be packed in the main luggage should include;
Students should NOT pack;
Many students will want to take a lot of clothing, books, food, etc. as they will be staying in the UK for a long period of time. However, before packing they should check what their airlines’ luggage weight allowance is and try to ensure they do not exceed it; otherwise they may have to unpack certain items at the airport or pay a high charge for each kilo they are over the weight limit. Students must ensure they pack all of the essentials and try to limit the amount of unnecessary, heavy items such as books and food. Students should remember that they will likely go back home during holiday periods, giving them the opportunity to bring anything left behind back to the UK on their return. In addition, clothes, books, food stuffs and most other items can be readily purchased in the UK after arrival.
Overseas students may choose not to travel back to their home country during every holiday period. Some students may wish to travel around other parts of the UK. Some may take the opportunity to explore other parts of Europe.
Europe has a host of historic cities and interesting places to visit, each with its own unique charm and attractions. Students may wish to visit the amazing Louvre museum in Paris, France or explore the beautiful countryside of Tuscany, Italy; lie on a sandy beach in the Algarve, Portugal or go skiing in Switzerland – the choice of destination and activities are endless.
For more information on various destinations in Europe students should buy a good guide book and/or visit one of the following websites;
Students may wish to use the services of a travel agent. Many UK travel agents offer “package holidays”, including travel and accommodation and some offer fully organised tours. Alternatively, students can make their own arrangements.
Note that Chinese nationals and many other non-EU (European Union) citizens will require a visa to enter specific countries in Europe. Unfortunately, there is no combined, Europe-wide visa. Students will need to obtain a visa for each country they wish to visit. Visitor visas can be applied for at the relevant embassies either in the UK, in China or elsewhere.
Although not in a central European location, the UK is a good base to travel around Europe from. There is a choice of different methods of transport.
By Air
Fly to any country in Europe from a number of airports across the UK that offer flights to the continent. A selection of “budget airlines” operate from the UK, meaning that flying can often prove the cheapest, as well as the fastest choice of transport to many European destinations. For example, Amsterdam in the Netherlands (Holland) can be reached in about an hour from Luton airport (just North of London), with return tickets usually costing under ￡100.
By Sea
The UK is connected to the continent with a number of ferry routes. The most commonly used and shortest in distance is from Dover, on the South coast of England, to Calais, in the North of France. Other ferry ports along the South coast of England and across the UK serve many destinations throughout Europe. Most ferry services can transport vehicles in addition to passengers, so many people take their car to Europe this way.
By Coach
Coaches travelling from the UK to Europe cross the English Channel by ferry. Various coach companies operating in the UK offer transport to a number of European destinations. The most well known coach company in the UK is National Express. For more information see www.nationalexpress.com.
By Rail
The UK is connected to the rest of Europe via the “Channel Tunnel”. This means that travellers can catch a train from London and, without changing trains, arrive in the centre of Paris, France in a little over two hours, using the “Eurostar” service. The Eurostar service is also available to Calais and Lille, in France and to Brussels, Belgium. Private cars can also be transported over to Calais, France from Folkestone, on the South coast of England, in just over half an hour via the Channel Tunnel, using the “Euro Tunnel” service. For more information see www.eurostar.com or www.eurotunnel.com.
Once in continental Europe, every major town and city in every country is connected by railway. Many long distance trains offer sleeper cabins for overnight journeys. Rail passes that cover most of Europe are available for travellers wishing to visit many different countries in one trip. Hence, the train is a popular form of transport for many people travelling around Europe. For more information see www.eurail.com.
By Car
Cars can be hired once in continental Europe or cars can be taken over by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel, from the UK. Drivers must ensure they have suitable insurance cover for driving in Europe and must obey the speed limits and road laws in whatever country they are driving in. Note that all other countries in Europe drive on the right and many European countries charge a toll / fee for driving on the major intercity roads.
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