For international students, parents visiting from home is exciting. They probably can’t wait to show you around their university, the city and share the memories they’ve already made.
When you’re planning to visit your son or daughter in the UK from India, there are things you need to organise to make sure your trip to the UK goes smoothly. Here’s what you need to know:
- Starting your travel visa application early is advised
- Travel insurance is important
- Organising transport from the airport is easy
- You’ll need to find somewhere to stay in Newcastle
- There’s so much to experience in the city
1. Starting your travel visa application early is advised
If you’re an Indian national wanting to travel to visit your son or daughter at university, you’ll need a UK tourist visa from India before travelling. You can apply online and book an appointment at the visa application centre in India. It’s essential that you do this in advance so it has enough time to process.
At your appointment, you’ll need to submit your fingerprints and a digital photograph of your face. You will also need to take with you the following information:
- a confirmation of your appointment and a receipt for any fee paid
- a printed copy of your application form, signed and dated
- your passport or valid travel document, with at least one available page that is blank on both sides
- any other supporting documents. If the originals aren’t in English, you must provide the original documents, as well as a translated version
You must also show you have sufficient funds to cover all costs during your visit. This includes the cost of your return or onward journey, any costs relating to dependants and the cost of any planned activities such as private medical treatment.
2. Travel insurance is important
Travel insurance for parents visiting from India to the UK is more important than you think. The NHS is the main health service in the UK and Indians travelling to the UK aren’t eligible for medical expenses offered by it.
It’s highly recommended that Indian tourists buy travel insurance for the UK. This covers all potential emergency medical expenses while visiting. You can compare different travel insurance policies online and decide which one is right for you.
3. Organising transport from the airport is easy
When you get off a long flight, you don’t want to wait around for transport. It’s ideal to have a plan before flying so you can see your son or daughter as soon as possible.
Indirect flights to Newcastle typically change in London, Dubai, Amsterdam, Brussels or Paris. Newcastle International Airport is about seven miles from the University and is linked to the city centre via the helpful Metro system. You can also use our campus and city map to help you get around.
4. You’ll need to find somewhere to stay in Newcastle
On campus, we have short-stay accommodation available if you are visiting your child at Newcastle University. They’re fully serviced and include free WiFi.
If you want to stay here, all guests must be 18 or over and it must be booked at least seven days in advance. It’s important that your visa has been confirmed before making any application to comply with the terms and conditions.
5. There’s so much to experience in the city
The UK is extremely safe, fun to explore and has lots to experience. Newcastle is particularly welcoming and also a great place for parents too. There’s always something to do, your son or daughter might even want to show you a couple of places they have found in this wonderful city.
There are lots of delicious restaurants and cafés you can dine at, giving you a good opportunity to talk about your son or daughter’s progress. As well as having spectacular culture and architecture, Newcastle also has one of the best shopping destinations in the North of England just minutes away from campus.
We know it’s a big decision to let your son or daughter study abroad, but we also know it’s one of the best things you can do for their future career.
Support your son or daughter by encouraging them to study abroad
Although Newcastle is a safe place, you still might have some concerns about your son or daughter in a city away from you. That’s perfectly natural but it’s something you don’t have to worry about.
That’s why we created the International Parents Guide to Newcastle University. It tells you everything you need to know, from key dates for applications to finance options and safety tips. So you can know you confidently made the right choice to let your child study abroad.
