You have never visited the United Kingdom, but you are interested in studying there. Not an issue! We at Liveabroad are committed to assisting and streamlining all of your study preparation processes, from the moment you begin to the moment you arrive.
Once you have received a letter of acceptance from the university (LoA), a visa, and all necessary funds, it is time to begin planning your flight to the United Kingdom to commence your studies.
It is probable that you will require a lengthy flight with multiple stops in order to arrive at your destination city in the United Kingdom. Additionally, you may wish to contemplate the costs of airline tickets and the airlines that are available for your travel.
In this section, we will address the necessary preparations for your flight to England from your homeland. Review the subsequent recommendations:
When is the best time to buy tickets?
International students typically depart for England approximately one to two weeks prior to the commencement of their academic pursuits. However, some individuals also left approximately one month prior to the commencement of the classes in order to prolong their adaptation process, provided that their visa permits.
September October and January are the typical commencement dates for courses in the United Kingdom. Therefore, it is possible to conduct a search for the cost of flights from the conclusion of August to September or the conclusion of December. Ensure that your student visa has been approved prior to purchasing airline tickets.
According to the Skyscanner website, purchasing flight tickets 19 weeks prior to the scheduled departure time can result in a 15.1% reduction in the cost of your ticket.
Additionally, you may locate inexpensive tickets at events such as travel agency exhibitions or Travel Fairs, which provide substantial discounts and credit card installments with appealing payment plans.
Which international airports in the UK and Northern Ireland should you choose?
The United Kingdom is home to numerous airports, including international airports in the capital city of London and smaller airports in the neighboring cities.
Many flights from Indonesia to the United Kingdom will transport you to London. However, not all London international airports offer direct flights from Asia. You have the option of selecting either London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), or London City (LCY) from the six main airports: London Southend, London Luton, London Stansted, and London Gatwick. London Heathrow (LHR) is the most connected and busiest airport with aircraft from Indonesia when the three are compared. Additionally, Heathrow Airport is connected to rail lines that serve all regions of the United Kingdom, with the exception of Northern Ireland.
Additionally, the Middle East and Europe provide access to other significant UK cities, including Birmingham, Belfast, and Edinburgh. This implies that a layover in London is unnecessary to reach these cities.
If your university or educational institution is situated at a distance from these main city hubs, you will be required to take a connecting flight, bus, or train to reach your destination city. There are two methods of transportation available for journeys from London to Northern Ireland, including Belfast, which is located on a distinct island: by plane or ferry.
Take a closer and more thorough look at your map to ensure that you arrive at the correct airport for this connecting flight.
What airline can I choose?
Numerous airlines operate flights to and from the United Kingdom. Airlines such as: are available for travel from Indonesian cities to London.
- Emirates (transit in Dubai)
- Etihad Airways (transit in Abu Dhabi)
- Singapore Airlines (direct from Singapore)
- Royal Brunei (direct from Brunei)
- Thai Airways (direct from Bangkok)
- Garuda Indonesia (direct from Kuala Namu, Medan)
- Qatar Airways (transit in Doha)
- Turkish Airlines (transit in Istanbul, Turkey)
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- KLM
- Qantas
- .. and many more
Important things to remember before you get on a plane
It is imperative that we comprehend certain regulations when traveling to another country by air. This is perceived as “complicated” by certain individuals. Particularly if this is your initial visit to England. To alleviate the situation, adhere to the straightforward advice provided by Liveabroad:
- Learn and adhere to the regulations that govern the importation of any objects or items into the United Kingdom.
- Prepare all critical documents (e.g., passport, student visa, letter of authorization, and other papers) for your personal possession. Do not store them in your luggage, as they will be required for immigration reporting.
- Ensure that you are in the appropriate queue for UK immigration. If you are not a citizen of Switzerland or the European Union (EEA), you are required to complete the landing card and submit it to the immigration officer.
- Prepare funds to purchase an Oyster Card, an electronic payment card that is accepted for transit payments throughout the United Kingdom.
- Save money by purchasing a cellular SIM card, which will enable you to access the internet without Wi-Fi.
We have provided a few suggestions to assist in the smooth transition from Indonesia to the UK. Let’s consult your plans today with one of the counselors at the nearest Liveabroad Education in your city for more comprehensive, personalized advice.