Arriving in Birmingham

While there are many airports in the UK, it will be easiest for you to fly to Birmingham Airport, which is approximately 15 miles from Birmingham City Centre.

Entering the UK

Airport staff will check your identity document(s) when you arrive to make sure you’re allowed to enter the UK. Please ensure you have the following available in your hand luggage:

Your passport
A valid visa or entry certificate
Details of where you will be staying
Evidence of funding: personal or family resources, or confirmation of sponsorship
The letter from BCUIC confirming your place of study as a full-time student
TB certificate (if you were required to submit this as part of your visa application).

For more information, visit the UK Government website.

Getting to your accommodation

There are plenty of transport options available when planning your onward journey, depending on your budget and the time of day you arrive.

Public transport

If you are living close to campus, you can:

Take the 10-minute train from Birmingham International to Birmingham New Street. You can then walk to the City Centre Campus in 15 minutes.
Take bus numbers X1 or X12 from Birmingham Airport into the city centre.

Taxi

Although more costly, taking a taxi will be the easiest option, especially if your accommodation isn’t close to a train station or bus stop. You can get a taxi from the taxi rank at the airport or use the Uber app to request one. If you’d like to have it booked and ready, you can pre-book a taxi from the airport using the BCUIC Airport Pick Up Service.

Late arrival

If you land later than 17:00 (GMT), we recommend that you stay in a hotel near your arrival airport for the night. We are happy to help you arrange this – simply email student.support@bcuic.bcu.ac.uk.

Please note: if you arrive late in Birmingham without telling us, we can’t help you with your first night’s accommodation.