Pre-arrival information for new students

Before you travel to LJMU

If you are a new student coming to the Liverpool John Moores University International Study Centre, this information should answer some of your questions and help you before, during and after your arrival at the ISC.

You can bookmark this page pre-arrival information pack (, 1.01MB) for September 2010 specific information.

What to pack

Essential items to bring with you include:

Your passport and visa
Your enrolment and accommodation documents
Passport sized photographs
Photographs of friends and family to brighten up your new room
A towel
Essential toiletries and medications
An alarm clock – for those early starts!

Useful websites

Visit Britain
UK Maps
BBC Weather Centre
Frequently Asked Questions on LJMU ISC website
Visit Liverpool
LJMU Facebook group

Arriving in the UK

Your accommodation should be available 24 to 48 hours prior to the start of your course.
Ensure you advise us of your expected arrival details in good time, on telephone +44 (0)1273 339333 or Fax +44 (0)1273 339398.
Remember to take your LJMU documentation showing that you have been accepted on to the course with you on the plane.
If you are arriving by plane and have booked airport collection with us, the taxi driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall.
To get from the airport to the University by train, there are regular trains from Manchester Airport to Liverpool Lime Street every hour, at 25 minutes past the hour, between 7.25am and 9.25pm. The approximate cost is £11.50 for a single journey, which will take 1 hour and 10 minutes.
From the train station you can get a taxi to Marybone for approximately £5. The taxi rank is to the left as you leave the station. If you are staying in Grand Central you will not need a taxi as it is next to the taxi rank and the station.

Arriving at your Halls of Residence

Make sure that you have a copy of your enrolment documents with you when you arrive.
The taxi driver should know which accommodation you are staying in, but it is a good idea to have the details of where you are staying to hand.
Marybone will be open between 10am and 4pm during term time. If you have not informed us of your arrival details, and you arrive out of normal office hours, there may be no-one on site to provide you with keys, and you will have to find alternative accommodation until the office is open again.
Grand Central has a 24 hour reception, so there will always be someone available to meet you and give you your keys.
To collect your keys, you must provide photographic proof of identity (your passport will be suitable).
When you arrive at your accommodation, staff will give you your keys, swipe cards and a welcome pack which will contain lots of valuable information that will help you during your time with us - so make sure you take time to read it.

Settling into your accommodation

If you are staying in Grand Central, we have pre-ordered you a bedding pack. This will be in your room when you arrive. The bedding pack consists of a duvet, duvet cover, pillow, pillow case and a bed sheet. It costs £20 and will be charged against your student account.
If you are staying at Marybone, you will find a duvet and pillow in your room on arrival. Please be aware that you will need to provide your own linen – a duvet cover, pillow case and bed sheet, as well as your own towel. These can be bought cheaply from local shops.
All accommodation is self-catered, and kitchens are equipped with cooking facilities. You will, however, need to provide your own cutlery and pans. These can be bought cheaply from local shops.
Irons and ironing boards are usually provided in the on-site launderettes.
Tap water in Britain is safe to drink but if you prefer, water filters are cheap and readily available at most supermarkets, which you could buy on arrival.

Your first week

Induction activities

You will find helpful details about your first week at university in the pre-arrival information pack (, 1.01MB). Don’t worry if there are some things you don’t understand, as there will be opportunities for you to ask questions about anything related to the ISC or the university on the day you arrive.

During your first week you will have a complete introduction to the UK, the university, and the ISC. The induction programme is designed to help you settle down within the University so that you can concentrate on your studies. You will:

Register with the university and receive a library card
Get set up and logged onto the university internet network
Learn about the programme that you have registered for including information relating to progression to the university
Learn the rules and regulations of the ISC and the university
Open a bank account
Register with local health services
Ask questions about accommodation issues
Learn about visa applications
Register with the UK police, if necessary

Freshers Week

If you start at the beginning of the academic year (September) you will have the opportunity to get involved in activities and events within the university itself. The first week of term is known as ‘Freshers Week’. This week gives all new and returning students the chance to settle into university life and get to know other students who they will be living and studying with.

Whatever time of year you start your course, in your first week you will have both lessons and introductions to the UK and university life. There may also be a chance to get involved with social activities planned by the university.

Finally you will receive information about starting your individual courses, including timetables and academic information.

Starting life at the University

Opening a bank account

If you are coming to the UK for at least an academic year, it is recommended that you open a bank account. Before opening an account, you should check whether money can be transferred into it from outside of the UK. To open a UK bank account you will need a letter from the university for the bank confirming that you are a full time student. Our staff will help you with this in your first week.

Warning: DO NOT carry large amounts of cash with you or keep large amounts of cash in your accommodation.

Police registration

If on entering the UK your visa is stamped with the words “Register with UK police on arrival” this must be done shortly after arrival. Staff at the ISC will help you with this. You will have the opportunity to register with the police during your first week with us. You will need your passport and a sum of money, currently in the region of £34. You will be given further information on registering with the police during the induction programme.

Medical information

There are medical facilities located on or near to campus. Staff will ensure you are registered at the local Health Centre, and will show you where the closest pharmacy is located, where you can receive medicines on prescription.

Specialist and international foods

There are many shops and restaurants in the area which sell these types of foods. You may also find that some of the larger supermarkets stock the products that you require. Shops both on campus and very close to campus will sell the basic things you’ll need to help you settle in. Before flying, check with your airline what you are allowed to bring on to the flight, particularly in reference to food products.