Before you leave your country

• Passports and Visas

* Check your passport is valid for the whole of your stay in the UK.
* Make sure you allow yourself enough time to apply for a visa. 
* If you are not sure if you need a visa, check with your local British
   Embassy.

• Start practising your English

* If you are a beginner, take a few English lessons in your own city.
* Look at any English textbooks you have from previous courses, to
   refresh your memory.
* Listen to English (films, television, tapes, BBC World Service) to get
   your ears used to hearing spoken English.
* Try and read a little in English - even if it is only magazines.
* Buy a good bilingual dictionary or electronic translator. You can buy
   an English only dictionary at the school.
* Think about what you want to have achieved by the end of your
   English course and when you will do your homework and extra self
   study.

• Plan your trip

* Buy a good guidebook to London and the UK.  Think about what
   you would like to see and estimate how much it will cost.
* Take some photos of your family, your home and your city and buy
   postcards of your country.  Your accommodation provider and your
   new friends will be interested to see where you live and to 'meet'
   your family.
* Think of interesting facts about your country and your culture to
   tell your teachers and friends.
* Think about how you will get to your accommodation on your first
   day in London.  

             PDF London AirportsTravelling to Excel English
             Airport Meeting & Transport Service

• Health matters

* Make sure you have supplies of any medicines you use regularly.
* Visit the dentist for a check up. 

• Money

* Decide the best way to bring your spending money.  Usually it is
   safest to have travellers cheques and credit cards. 
* If possible, do NOT bring large amounts of cash.

• Insurance

* Arrange travel & health insurance.  This should cover medical
   emergencies, cancellation, travel, personal belongings and public
   liability.

• What to pack

* The weather in London is changeable at any time of year, so bring
   'layers' of clothes - jumpers, jackets, coats, etc, which you can put
   on or take off as the weather changes.
* Bring comfortable walking shoes as you will want to do a lot of
   sightseeing.
* Make sure your electrical equipment can be used on standard
   British voltage, which is 220 - 240v.
* If possible buy an electrical adaptor for the UK.
* Bring a small present for your homestay host.

Don't pack too much!  You will find lots of things to buy in London.

                                   Enjoy your journey!