Pre-Arrival Information
Preparing to study at Yorkshire English School? Here is everything you need to know before you arrive in Huddersfield — from visas and healthcare to packing and getting around.
Visa Information
Make sure you have the right visa before travelling to the UK.
Do I need a visa to study?
If you are a national of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to study in the UK for up to 6 months, but you do need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel. It costs £20 and covers visits of up to 6 months for two years. Travellers from many other countries, including the USA, Canada and Australia, also need one — check what you need on GOV.UK.
If you are studying for more than 6 months, or you are a national of any other country, a visa is required for study and you will need to provide evidence of this prior to starting at Yorkshire English School.
Booking a full-time course of 12, 24 or 36 weeks? You can secure your place by paying in full or with a fixed visa fee (£230, £290 or £350) and we will issue the letters you need for your application — see your two payment options.
What type of visa do I need?
It is important to ensure you have the correct visa which permits study in the UK. The type of visa you require depends on the type of course you are coming to study:
- If you are coming for a course or period of study that is for up to six months, you may be able to come as a Standard Visitor.
- If you are coming to study a course that is longer than 6 months, up to 11 months, you should apply for a Short-Term Study Visa.
- If you already have UK immigration permission under a different visa type you may be able to study on that visa without needing to apply for a student visa.
Restrictions of the short-term study visa
This immigration route has the following restrictions:
- You cannot work in the UK (including part-time or full-time vacation employment)
- You cannot undertake a work placement/internship (paid/unpaid) as part of the course of study
- You must intend to leave the UK at the end of the study period or before your leave expires, whichever is earlier
- You cannot stay in the UK for more than 11 months
- You cannot extend your stay in the UK. If you require more time you must apply for a new visa in your home country (you may not receive consecutive visas, and generally you should have a gap between one study visit and the next)
- You cannot bring family members (‘dependents’) on this visa
- You cannot apply for public funds or ‘benefits’ on this visa
- You must demonstrate support and funds to pay for any course costs, accommodation, and flights home
Before Starting Your Studies
What YES needs from you and what you can expect on arrival.
Immigration verification
YES is required to verify the immigration status of students before allowing them to begin their studies. The school will need to see your passport and check that you have the correct immigration status before you may start your course.
Student application forms must be fully completed with the requested documentation given alongside. You will be provided with an invoice for your studies once the application form has been filled in. Your study period and fee will be settled in order to get the documents for your visa application, although the actual start and end date may change subject to visa approval.
Documents we provide
The school can provide the following documents upon receipt of payment:
- Acceptance Letter
- Confirmation Letter
- Receipt of Payment
- Accommodation Letter (if applicable)
Police registration
Once arrived in the UK you need to be registered with the local police if your visa requires so. Our local police station in Huddersfield is Huddersfield Police Station.
Placement test & first day
Before you arrive you will be sent a link to our online placement test to place you in the most suitable class. On the first day of school you may be asked to take a placement test if you have not completed the online test, or to do an additional placement test. This will help us understand your level of English so you are placed in the correct class to suit your needs.
You will be informed about your class timetable via email before you start your studies.
Excursions & activities
There may be excursions around Huddersfield or local areas in the UK. This will help you engage with other students, practise the English you have learned, see places of interest and do interesting things. Some activities may be fully or partly funded by the school depending on the circumstances and study program you are attending. Places on trips may be limited depending on the place of visit or number of staff.
Healthcare in the UK
How the NHS works and what you need to know as a student.
The National Health Service (NHS)
The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s state healthcare system providing a wide range of health care services including appointments with a doctor, hospital treatment and dental care.
You should register with a doctor (GP) as soon as possible after your arrival in Huddersfield. We will give you advice on this and may recommend a GP practice close to your accommodation. You may need your passport and a letter from YES as proof you are a student.
Short study periods & insurance
If your course is less than six months or you are required to make a number of occasional visits to the UK for short study periods and you are from a non-EEA country, you are advised to take out medical insurance as you will be liable for NHS charges for the treatment you receive in the UK except for in a medical emergency (and this is limited).
Some countries have a reciprocal agreement with the UK which may entitle you to some free healthcare on the NHS, but you should seek advice from the health authorities in your home country about what treatment will be covered.
Everyday Life in Huddersfield
A friendly, historic town with plenty to see and do.
Huddersfield is an attractive, friendly, historic town with a fascinating history. The lively town centre offers great shopping, nightlife, pubs and bars, restaurants and cafes, and sports facilities.
Shopping
Huddersfield’s shopping scene is home to international brands in department stores and high-quality independent stores. The main shopping precinct of Kingsgate is filled with shops to suit any style and budget — The Body Shop, TK Maxx, Next, JD Sports, New Look, River Island, Claire’s, Waterstones and more. There is also the Packhorse Centre, The Piazza, Byram Arcade, and the Huddersfield Open Market, where you can find the farmer’s market, second-hand and antique goods market, food stalls, and a range of handcrafted goods and gifts!
Culture
For your cultural enjoyment, we also have the Lawrence Batley Theatre, the Huddersfield Art Gallery, and Kirklees Library, all located within the town centre. There is also the nearby Tolson Museum and Odeon cinema located just outside the town centre.
Outdoors & fitness
Huddersfield is set in beautiful countryside including the nearby Peak District National Park. It’s a great location for outdoorsy types with loads of options for hiking, running and cycling in the two major parks — Greenhead Park and Beaumont Park — and along the restored Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
If you are interested in fitness, there are a number of local gyms — JD Gyms, TruGym, The Gym Group, and Energie Fitness for Women — and the Huddersfield Leisure Centre which offers a range of indoor activities, classes and exercise facilities for adults and children.
Getting to the School
How to reach Yorkshire English School from the airport and get around Huddersfield.
From the airport
We advise students to fly into Manchester Airport as the most convenient airport for access to Huddersfield.
From Manchester Airport, you can take any train which has a stop at Huddersfield Railway Station. The journey is usually around 1 hour and costs around £15.
The school is located inside the Alexandra Chambers at 32 John William Street — you will need to go up the stairs to the 1st floor.
Getting around
The Huddersfield Railway Station is just a 2-minute walk from the school, with direct connections to:
- Leeds — 25–35 minutes
- Manchester — 45–55 minutes
- Sheffield — 1 hour 15 minutes
Students can sample big city life while enjoying a comparatively lower cost of living in a small town.
There are local buses and the Huddersfield Bus Station nearby (just a 5-minute walk from the school). You can also use local taxi companies — Huddersfield Taxis, Huddersfield Airport Taxis, Woods Taxis; or Uber.
Finding Somewhere to Live
You have different options available depending on your budget.
Shared Student Accommodation
Shared student accommodation typically includes a private room with shared common areas such as kitchens, bathrooms (sometimes en-suite/private), and living spaces. This setup fosters a communal living environment with other students.
Ideal for: Students who enjoy social interactions and communal living.
Studio Accommodation
Studio accommodation includes a self-contained unit with a private bathroom, kitchenette, and living space. It offers more privacy and independence compared to shared accommodation.
Ideal for: Students who prefer a private living space and more independence.
Homestay Accommodation
Homestay accommodation involves living with a host family. This setup provides a more immersive cultural experience and includes a private bedroom with shared common areas within the host’s home. Morning and evening meals are provided between Monday and Friday, and morning, afternoon, and evening meals are provided at the weekend (unless alternative arrangements are made).
Ideal for: Students seeking cultural immersion and a family-like environment.
Hotels / BnBs
You may want to stay in a hotel or BnB when you first arrive to give you time to find more permanent accommodation, or else you may wish to stay in a hotel for the entirety of your stay if you have the budget. Some options in and around the town centre include: Premier Inn, Travelodge, Stay Hotel, Townhouse No. 12. Usually breakfast is included or there is an option to include breakfast (an extra fee may apply).
What to Pack
Make sure you are prepared for all weather conditions. The UK climate is variable!
Packing checklist
- Clothing and shoes for all seasons, including waterproof clothing/a raincoat, comfortable shoes for walking, and an umbrella (it rains a lot!)
- Any necessary medications for health conditions, a first aid kit
- Plug adaptors for electrical items (UK plug sockets take three rectangular pins), power bank
- Travel SIM card (or you can purchase a SIM card when you arrive)
- Favourite photos of friends and family, posters and pictures — items to make you feel at home
Important documents
Bring the originals and scan or photocopy all important documents too, just in case (you may need these when you go through passport control):
- Plane tickets, passport, visa, birth certificate and home driving licence if you have one
- All correspondence from your institution, including your offer letter and accommodation contract letter
- Evidence of your funding for tuition fees and living costs, including sponsor letter if applicable
- Health certificates, vaccination records and any important x-rays
- Any insurance documents
Staying Connected
Get connected as soon as you land in the UK.
Connectivity eSIM for Students
Travelling to the UK for your studies? With Connectivity, you’ll be connected as soon as you land. No need to search for a SIM card or wait in line at the airport or any shops.
Their eSIM mobile plans are made for international students like you. Choose your activation date, install your eSIM in minutes, and enjoy data, calls, and texts right away. No contracts. No hidden fees.
- ✈️ Instant connection upon arrival in the UK
- 📅 Choice of activation date to match your travel plans
- 🔝 Flexible packages: short and longer plans available (from 1 week+), easy top-ups online
- 📲 Easy eSIM setup with no physical SIM card needed
- ♾️ True unlimited data plan
- 🧑🎓 Multilingual support service
- 🇬🇧 Reliable UK coverage through Vodafone 5G network
And if you’re planning to travel or study in France or Spain, they’ve got you covered there too!
Get Your eSIM — Use Code: YES10Purchase & set an activation date for your digital eSIM before arriving so you can use your plan as soon as you land in the UK, hassle-free. You will receive a QR code by email to install your eSIM on your phone easily!
Have Questions?
Contact us via WhatsApp or use the details below. We’re here to help.
