Frequently asked Questions

Q. Should I open up a bank account?
Yes, if you do not have a credit card.  We can help you with that on arrival, but please refer to your International Student Handbook for further details.

Q. Should I bring money with me?
It is a good idea to have some £’s to get you through the first few weeks in England. You can change money at the airport if you do not want to travel with cash. We would suggest that having £600 so that you can buy food when you arrive and to cover your first months rent.
 
Q. Do I need a Credit Card or Debit Card?
It is not essential but where possible a good idea to have either a credit card or a debit card to facilitate payment of rent and or fees. Also, check with your bank/credit card company BEFORE you leave - find out what your daily withdrawal limit is and ensure that you will be able to use your card in England, and that there are no international restrictions on your account.

Q. When should I ARRIVE?
You should aim to come in up to two weeks before Orientation & Registration to allow time to get settled in, to go shopping, get to know your host family, roommates and get over any jet-lag before college starts. Please note that our office hours are Monday - Friday from 8.30am - 5.00pm if you want to come in.

Q. What do I do when I get to the airport?
The Life Bible College office will initially arrange for you to be collected from a London airport upon your first arrival in the UK (at a charge of £70).  After this initial arrangement with the office it is then the responsibility of the student to arrange his/her own transportation to and from the airport.
Train - If traveling by train there is a direct train service on a regular basis from London Charing Cross Station to Folkestone Central Station. The fast service takes 90 minutes. From London Heathrow Airport take the underground to Charing Cross.
For the latest information on train timetables, see www.nationalrail.co.uk

Trains from London Gatwick Airport - London Gatwick to Tonbridge, change trains at Tonbridge and travel from Tonbridge to Folkestone Central Station, journey time approx 2 hours.

Q. What if I want to leave before my housing contract runs out?
You are responsible for paying your rent until your contract ends or you find another student suitable to take your place.

Q. Who will meet me when I get to college?
You will be welcomed at the College office on arrival and then taken to your accommodation. Please note that if you arrive at a weekend or after office hours you will be taken directly to your accommodation. You will then be picked up the next working day to be taken to the College Office.

Q. Do I have to pay a deposit?
All students living in accommodation are required to pay a deposit. For married families, deposits can vary and may be based on 4 weeks rent. This is refundable at the end of your stay if the condition of your house is kept according to expectations. For example: if there was any damage to the property, a fee would be held back from your deposit if not taken care of by the student/s concerned.

Q. Do I have to share a room?
Students may at times be required to share a bedroom, in order to keep rental costs as low as possible. You will be housed according to what is available.

Q. Do I have to buy furniture?
No, not usually, unless privately renting accommodation through a Rental Company.

Q. Which Airport do I fly to?
London Gatwick or London Heathrow.