Travelling on your student Visa

Your attendance is monitored during term time, and absences may affect your Student Visa. You are allowed to travel outside of the UK during vacation periods and weekends.

Check the University session dates for vacation periods. If your vacation dates differ, confirm them with your school. If you plan to travel during term time (excluding vacation periods and weekends), contact your School for approval.

Do not exceed the allowed time outside the UK during term time. For details on permitted absences, refer to the Immigration Compliance Team webpages.

Term times differ for various student groups:

  • Undergraduate students have vacations during Christmas, Easter and Summer.
  • Postgraduate taught students usually have vacations during Christmas and Spring. Confirm with your School if you’re unsure. If you plan to be absent for more than 3 weeks, contact your School for approval. If you wish to travel extensively during your dissertation period, consider studying remotely and without a Student Visa.
  • Postgraduate Research students do not have set vacation periods, except during approved annual leave or the University’s closure over Christmas and New Year. Check with your Graduate school for any leave approvals.

You are expected to be on campus and engage in your studies during term time. If you need to travel during term time, it may trigger attendance warnings.

Travelling in Europe

Before travelling in Europe, check if you need a visa:

  • For travel to EU/EEA, determine if you need a Schengen Visa.
  • For travel to non-EU/EEA, check the visa requirements on the relevant embassy or consulate websites.

Returning to the UK after travelling

Ensure that you meet all the requirements outlined on the UK government webpage and check your eVisa is correct. A UK Border Officer decides whether to let you back into the UK, so be prepared to explain your reason for returning. Keep relevant documents in your hand luggage. Some situations that may require additional documents are: 

  • Applying for a new Student Visa: Your CAS for the new course and a plan to apply for a new visa before your current one expires.

Travelling after completing your studies

Your CAS informs you and UKVI of your course dates. If you leave the UK after completing your course, you can return if your Student Visa is valid.

Changes to your studies, like early completion or long absences, can impact your visa. If you’re unsure, contact Immigration Compliance Team. A UK Border Officer decides whether to let you back into the UK, so be prepared to explain your reason for returning. Keep relevant documents in your hand luggage. Some situations that may require additional documents are: 

Learn more about your responsibilities as a visa holder.