Pre-Arrival Guide
Arriving at a new school in a new country can seem very daunting. To help students and parents prepare for this, we have put together a comprehensive pre-arrivals guide that can be found below.
IMPORTANT:
Before you arrive in the UK, you must email admissions:
- Your arrival date
- Your flight details
- Let us know if you need a taxi from the airport*
*we will add the cost of this taxi to your next invoice.
Pre-arrival Guide
What to bring
There are a some important documents and essential items that every student must bring with them to CATS Cambridge. We have created a handy list on this page to help you make sure you have them all.
Things students must bring with them
Passport and proofs
Passport (with visa if required).
CAS statement (confirmation of acceptance for studies) or COE (certificate of enrolment).
Proof of financial support any study fees that you’ve already paid.
Supporting documents
Originals (not photocopies) of the supporting documents for your visa application, plus evidence of finances used for your visa. These will be listed on your CAS Statement.
Medication
Any medication you need to take. Carry a letter (translated into English) from your doctor explaining what the medicine is and what it is for. Bring any prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.
Funds for the first two-weeks
You will need funds for your arrival and first two weeks at College to cover books and taxis, most students will need around £100. If you are self-catered you will need around £250.
Parental consent form
Your parental consent form, completed by your parents or guardians.
UK power adaptor
Bring a sufficient UK power adapter for your electronic items.
Clothing
Bring clothing for all weather conditions. Consider when you are next going home and whether you need clothes for all seasons straight away.
Mesh laundry bag
Your mesh laundry bags are used to protect delicate fabrics in the wash and separate clothes items.
Head Torch or Torch
Head Torch affixed to the head for outdoor activities at night or in dark conditions such as caving, hiking, backpacking, camping. It can be purchased online on arrival.
Advice on laptop or tablet computers
Students can choose their device but it should be able to type up essays, carry out research, connect to a printer and have Microsoft Office installed as an English language version.
We recommend the following:
- 13” screen
- A keyboard which can be used for essay writing
- 4GB Ram, Intel I3 processor (or equivalent) and a 500GB HDD
- WiFi enabled
- MS Windows with the MS Office portfolio of applications, or Apple Mac equivalent, as an English language installation
- Those students who wish to use Apple products will need to ensure that they have a Microsoft account that enables them to use MS Office online. Please see Microsoft Account and Office on the Web for more information
Things students should not bring
Bed linen
This will be provided in your Boarding House
Large amounts of cash
Do not carry this on you or in your personal belongings.
Uninsured high value items
We advise against bringing any uninsured high-value items such as jewellery or expensive watches.
