Pre-arrival information for The English Studio London

Placement Test Reminder

Before you start your course, you need to complete an online placement test.

We ask that you do it at least  one week before  your arrival at school so that we can ensure you are placed in the right class for your level when you start your course. We need you to complete this test even if you have previously studied at The English Studio.

• The test should be completed at least 1 week before your course start date.
• You should complete test without any assistance from another person, or looking up information on a website or in a dictionary.

Immigration

If you are not already in the UK, you will pass through the UK border at the airport, port or international train station.

When you arrive at Passport Control you should expect the Border Force officers to ask you some simple questions about your stay and your studies in the UK.

To ensure you able to enter the UK as quickly and smoothly as possible please make sure you:

1. Have your Passport ready and remove it from any cover
2. Have details of your course and  confirmation documents ready
3. Tell the immigration officer that you are coming to the UK to study English
4. Keep any medical documentation, recent bank statements and details of where you are staying in your hand luggage (the Border Force may ask to see this information)
5. Do not give false or misleading information (including forged or counterfeit documents)
6. If you don’t need to apply for a Visa in advance, you will be issued with a Standard Visitor Visa on arrival

Please have information about your course, your confirmation documents and details of where you are staying in your hand luggage and do not travel with them in your flight hold luggage.

Customs Restrictions

There are restrictions on what you can bring into the UK. These include:

• Certain foods, plants, alcohol, tobacco, gifts and sums of money equivalent to £10,000 or more.
• Do not bring in endangered plants or animals, this includes ivory, skins, hides and shells and any products made from them.
• Never bring in counterfeit goods, illegal drugs, offensive weapons or indecent or obscene material. Some items are restricted and will require a licence or permit.

For more information on these restrictions please read the UK Government’s Travelling to the UK advice.

Arrival

On the first day of your course please come to Reception at the school at Ruskin House, 40-41 Museum Street, London WC1A 1LT. You can plan your journey to school on Google Maps or the Transport for London website.

IMPORTANT  Bring your Passport with you to school on your first day. We must check and copy your passport before you begin your course.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of your class on your first day.

Morning courses – arrive at 08:45 on your first day
Afternoon courses – arrive at 13:45 on your first day

You will need to:

• Finalise your booking arrangements
• Check-in with our Academic Manager to receive details of your classes
• Attend a short School Induction session

Your first class will begin at
Morning courses – 09:15
Afternoon courses – 14:15

Remember our staff and teachers are here to help, so if you need anything on your first day or at any time, please speak with any member of staff.

Course Books

Your first course book is included in your registration fee. Please go to your class on your first day to check that the English level is right for you. You can then collect your book from reception before class on your second day.

Address
40-41 Museum Street, London WC1A 1LT

You can plan your journey to school on Google Maps or the Transport for London website.

The closest Underground (Tube) Stations to the school are Tottenham Court Road and Holborn. These stations are on the Central, Elizabeth, Northern and Piccadilly lines. The stations are very near the school in Museum Street.

The school reception is open Monday from 08:45 to 17:00 to welcome new students on their first day (see First Day of Class section above).

The reception is open from Tuesday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00.

Reception is closed on Public Holidays (see below for details).

Public holidays

If your course starts on a week where Monday is a UK Public (Bank) Holiday, your first day at school will be Tuesday of the same week .

The reception is open from Tuesday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:30.

There are no refunds on weeks with Bank Holidays, and lessons cannot be made up at a later date. 

School will be closed for a week during the Christmas period; week commencing Monday 25 December and re-open on Thursday 04 January 2024.

Please see The English Studio’s Terms & Conditions for more information.

We have a clear attendance policy for all students to adhere to.

• We expect all students to maintain an attendance rate of at least 85% or above
• All students should attend their scheduled classes in the morning and/or afternoon
• All students should be on time for their class; lateness to class is not tolerated
• Students will not be allowed into class if they arrive 20 minutes after class has started (you must wait until after the break and then join)
• All students should inform the school by telephone, email or by coming to speak with a member of the Student Services team in the Reception if they are sick and need to miss class

• Holidays and sickness

• All student holidays must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance and in accordance with the school’s Holiday Policy.
• If you are away from class because of sickness or have a medical appointment, you must bring a medical certificate when you come back to school
• If you fail to maintain at least an 85% attendance rate you may not receive your school certificate at the end of your course

Visit the Policies page on our website to review the full Attendance Policy and our other policy documents.

School Contact Details

Address – Ruskin House, 40-41 Museum Street, London WC1A 1LT
Email (for general information) – bookings@englishstudio.com
Phone – +44 (0)207 299 1700
Emergency phone – +44 (0) 7958 516897  (outside school opening hours only) 

Money in the UK

You may find a big difference between the price of items in the UK compared to your own country.

The UK is quickly becoming a cashless society and you can pay for even very small items with your phone or card.

The currency is the UK is GBP or Great British Pounds, shown with the symbol £.
100 pence (p) = 1 pound (£)
There are 8 coins and 4 notes

• Coins – 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2
• Notes – £5, £10, £20 and £50

• Banks and Card machines

  There are many cash points (ATM) around Holborn and close to the school.

  Post Office

  The closest post office is located at 181 High Holborn, London, WC1X 0DU. This is about 10 minutes’ walk from the school.
  Open – Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00 (Tuesdays open from 9:30).

  Phone and Mobiles

  The U.K international dialling code is +44 or 0044

  We have free SIM cards available at the reception.

  Pharmacy

  The closest pharmacy is located inside Superdrug (near Holborn underground station). There is also a pharmacy located inside Boots (5 minutes walk from the school).

  Internet

  Wi-Fi access is available in school. You will receive access details on your first day which are also posted around the school.

  Shops and Restaurants

  Most of the shops around the school are open from 8:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday, times vary on Saturday and Sunday.

  There are many cafés, coffee shops and restaurants close to the school. There is also a well-stocked supermarket near the school where you can pick up light refreshments and snacks in between classes.