This is a compilation of all of the safety advice my program sent me for studying abroad in London. Every program and country has different suggestions and requirements for students so be sure to check them as you go!
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
– Your passport must be valid for six months after your proposed date of departure from the U.K., so be sure to check the expiration date on your current passport if you already have one.
– Don’t forget to send your program (and keep one for yourself) a photocopy of the photo page of your passport
– US citizens do not need a visa for studying abroad in the UK unless they plan on staying for a year or want to counter/intern abroad. Your program and host university will write a special letter confirming your studies that you will use in place of a visa when entering the country.
INSURANCE
– You are required to have health insurance abroad
– Most programs include insurance with the total cost that is very comprehensive
PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS
– Many students have have what is considered a pre-existing condition, whether it be an academic disability or a mental health condition.
– It is recommended to inform your program and host school for accommodations for these conditions (i.e. extended time on exams, note-taking, counseling, etc.)
– Every semester, there are students who decline assistance initially, only to arrive overseas and find they need help. It is much more difficult (and in some cases impossible) to arrange for these accommodations once the semester has started.
TAKING MEDICATIONS OVERSEAS
You have two options for continuing any prescription medications while you are in the U.K.:
OPTION #1: Take all of the medication you will need for the whole semester with you.
Students often ask if their parents can mail them medication while abroad. We recommend that students not plan on having medication mailed to them because of the possibility that it may not get through customs or may get lost in the mail.
Bringing your medication into the U.K.:
In most cases, immigration will permit you to take a 90-day supply of medication without needing any special paperwork. If you plan to take more than a 90-day supply of medication, you need to obtain a personal import license: https://www.gov.uk/controlled-drugs-licences-fees-and-returns#applying-for-a-licence-travellers
If taking less than a 90-day supply you should carry with you a letter from your doctor on official letterhead with the following:
– Generic and brand name of drug
– Number of days that you will be in U.K.
– Amount of the drug you take (dose/strength)
– Amount of pills you will travel with
Please note that you should pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry them in their original containers, with pharmacy labels. It’s also a good idea to carry copies of each prescription with you as well.
OPTION #2: Have your prescriptions filled in the U.K.
If you decide to get your prescriptions filled while you are in the U.K., make sure to get a prescription from your doctor in the U.S. before you leave with the generic/chemical name of the drug. You cannot use a U.S. prescription at a U.K. pharmacy, but in order for your U.K. doctor to know exactly what you are taking, they will need the generic/chemical name as well as the dosage you are taking. You should also ask your doctor to check to make sure that your particular drug is commercially available in the U.K.; many U.S. medications have brand names that are not the same in other countries.
When you get to the U.K., you will have to register with a doctor at your university’s student health center and have them write you a prescription so that you can fill it at a pharmacy in the U.K. The National Health Service (NHS) in the U.K. fills most prescriptions for less than $20 per prescription.
ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON MEDICATIONS?
There are some medications that are considered controlled substances and you may not be able to take them into the U.K. without an import license. The following link has additional information regarding this: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/drug-law/
Please check this list to make sure that your medications are not on the controlled drugs list, and keep in mind that they are listed by their chemical name only. If you determine from the list that a drug you are currently taking is considered a controlled substance in the U.K., then you will have to get in touch with the Home Drug Office to obtain a personal import license: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-import-export-licence-application-form. The restriction that affects US students most often is the drugs for ADD or ADHD. So, if you are on any of those medications, please carefully review the controlled substance list for your prescription.
Safety Concerns Specific to England
– In England petty theft and pick pocketing are the most common types of crime that study abroad students experience, especially while at busy tourist sites or on crowded public transportation.
– During your program’s orientation, you will be given a safety talk from our resident staff (and local police) with all sorts of tips on keeping yourself and your belongings safe while you’re living in the city.
Travel in England
While in England, we want you to explore the country! At the same time, we want you to remain safe during your travels. Orientation will provide you with specific information on how to safely travel to see the sites and possibly to other countries should time (and money) allow. Due to various dangers, we strongly recommend that you do not travel alone (especially female students) and that you forgo traveling to any country or region with a Travel Warning issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Be sure to discuss any travel plans outside of your host city with the resident staff and complete the required online Travel Notification Form before leaving on a trip. This way, our resident staff can provide guidance and assistance, and they can also get in touch with you while you are traveling should they need to. If you plan to visit another country during your time abroad, be sure to check on visa and entry requirements with the U.S. Department of State or that country’s Embassy before purchasing a ticket.
Please also note that it is illegal to bring pepper spray into the United Kingdom!
Resources
England Specific Information – U.S. Department of State
Tips for Traveling Abroad – U.S. Department of State
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) – Please sign up on this!
Center for Disease Control
Selene + Abroad 