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Advice for international students travelling in Europe

27 October 2016

You've got your Schengen visa, you've booked your plane tickets, you've reserved your accommodation and you've started brushing up on your French, German, Danish and Dutch.

Advice for international students travelling in Europe

You're all set for your trip to Europe! Follow the advice below to make sure you have a safe and trouble-free time across the Channel.

 

  1. Before you leave, check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office travel advice for all the countries you're visiting. Even though European countries are generally very safe, it's always a good idea to make sure you're up-to-date with the latest developments.
  2. Write down phone numbers for local emergency services. Hopefully you won't need them, but better safe than sorry! Calling 112 from a mobile phone will connect you to at least some of the emergency services in all countries in the Schengen area.
  3. Make a paper copy of your essential documents, such as your BRP if you have one and the key pages of your passport, and keep them separate from the originals when you travel. In the unlikely event that these documents are lost or stolen, this will make it much easier to get replacements.
  4. It goes without saying, but always follow the instructions of local police and other authorities, and obey all the local laws.
  5. Take care of your possessions while you're abroad. Pickpockets operate in busy areas in some European cities, especially those areas that are most popular with tourists. Keep your phone, wallet and any other valuables in front pockets, and make sure that your bags aren't visible when you take them to bars, restaurants etc.
  6. In the unlikely event that something you own is stolen, report it to the local police immediately.
  7. If your passport and/or BRP is lost or stolen, first of all, don't panic! Report the loss or theft to the police, and make sure you obtain a police report - this may be necessary to get replacement documents. Then read through the guidance on our website carefully for full details on how to re-enter the UK.
  8. Contact UCL's free 24/7 online and telephone support line, if you need information, advice or counselling while you're overseas. They operate from 5 pm to 9 am on weekdays, and then all through the weekend and even during UCL closure periods. They can be reached by calling +44 (0) 808 238 0077.
  9. Save money by getting an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) for discounts in other countries - this comes free when you buy an NUS extra card! Look into cheaper ways to travel, such as by bus, and read this handy blog on how to make your money go further while travelling in Europe.
  10. Get in touch with us by emailing internationalsupport@ucl.ac.uk if you have any questions or issues during your trip.

We hope you enjoy your European adventure! Bon voyage!

Wes Durdle, UCL International Student Support