IMPORTANT
Before you arrive in the UK, you must email the Admissions Team the following information:
*we will add the cost of this taxi to your next invoice.
There are a some important documents and essential items that every student must bring with them to Bournemouth Collegiate School. We have created a handy list on this page to help you make sure you have them all.
Things students must bring with them:
Passport and proofs
Medication
Funds for the first two-weeks
You will need funds for your arrival and first two weeks at BCS most students will need around £100.
Parental Consent Form
Clothing
Bring clothing for all weather conditions. Consider when you are next going home and whether you need clothes for all seasons straight away.
Bed linen
You may wish to bring duvet covers and pillow sets to make your room more homely. This is optional as bed linen can be provided by the school.
Students can choose their device but it should be able to type up essays, carry out research, connect to a printer and have Microsoft Office installed as an English language version. Students will be provided with their own school iPad on arrival to access their lesson content and assignments. Students should have a stylus for use with their iPad, we recommend the Apple First Gen Pen.
Large amounts of cash
Do not carry this on you or in your personal belongings.
Uninsured high value items
We advise against bringing any uninsured high-value items such as jewellery or expensive watches.
Your school fees are for tuition, welfare and accommodation only, your meals will also be included in the costs.
Additional Finances
We recommend you open a UK bank account which we can help you with. You will need additional finances to pay for the ongoing costs of your education. This includes expenses such as trips and books.
Accomodation
The boarding houses do close throughout the school holidays and at half terms so you will need to make alternative arrangements during these times.
CLICK HERE for Term Dates
We highly recommend you take out student travel insurance that will cover you for any emergencies while you are studying in the UK. If you have already opted to take the insurance we offer, you will be covered for the following:
For full policy details:
We understand how daunting it can be to arrive in a new country to study. We have put together this guide to help students understand what to expect when they touchdown at a UK airport.
Immigration Control
If you are aged 16 or under, you may not be allowed to leave immigration until the person meeting you has been found. If you have booked a taxi transfer, make sure you have the information with you.
You should be ready to show all your school and visa application documents to the Border Force Officer is asked.
Use of eGates:
If you are a citizen of an EU country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland or the USA, you will normally be able to use the eGates on arrival. Instead of a visa stamp or vignette, you will be required to show your flight ticket or boarding pass on arrival at the school. Please ensure you retain these until you have arrived at BCS.
Baggage Reclaim
After passport control, follow the arrival signs to the baggage reclaim area and check the information screens to find the correct carousel.
Customs
When you reach Customs, you may be interviewed by a Customs Official. They might ask you some basic questions, such as ‘Where is your school?’ and ‘Why do you want to study in the UK?’ or questions about your luggage and what you are bringing into the UK. UK customs officers also routinely check bags.
You will need to walk down one of two exits or ‘channels’: the red or green channel. For more information on items that need to be declared – please see https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
Taxi Pick Up
If you arranged with us for a taxi to meet you, you will find your driver in the Arrivals area as you leave Customs. The driver holds a board showing their passenger’s name. Look out for your name or BCS logo. If you cannot see your name go to Airport Information, ask them to help you find your driver. Wait there until your driver arrives.
Everyone enjoys the excitement of starting at BCS, but as time goes by, you may start to miss home. This is normal, and there are simple things you can do to help yourself adjust to school life.
We recommend:
If you feel unwell you will need to go and see the school nurse.
The school nurse will:
If you bring any medication into the UK, also carry a letter (translated into English) from your doctor explaining what the medicine is, and what it is for. Similarly, if you are undergoing any long-term medical treatment, you should also bring a letter from your doctor, counsellor, or hospital specialist. This letter can be shown to a relevant UK specialist if further treatment is needed.
Before leaving:
Email medicalcentre@bcschool.co.uk
to establish whether the medication you are taking is licensed for use in the UK, and to inform the school of any medical conditions. Students may also arrange to speak to the school nurse directly. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, we also recommend that you bring a copy of your prescription.