International students arrival guide
Before you arrive at Plymouth Marjon University, we know you’ll have plenty of questions. So we’ve put together a comprehensive guide, which should address any concerns or queries you have both ahead of your arrival and during your time with us. We try to answer all the questions you may have, about what you need to know before you come to Plymouth, what to do once you’re here, what you need to bring with you and much more.
Help and support is always available at Marjon, please do not hesitate to ask. The Student Support Service team are your first call for most enquiries, they provide a confidential, impartial and friendly service spanning disability support, finance, health, student counselling and welfare.
How to get to Plymouth
Plymouth Marjon University is located in Derriford, just a few miles north of Plymouth in beautiful South West England. Plymouth is accessed via the A38 Devon Expressway which links to the motorway network at Exeter (M5).
From the M5, you can join the M4 to London (approx 4 hours drive) and South Wales, or the M6 to the Midlands and the North. Our nearest airport is at Exeter and there is a good coach link between our two cities.
Frequent rail services link Plymouth and London Paddington, including high-speed services (just over three hours) and an overnight service. To travel to London Waterloo, change at Exeter St David's.
More infoStudent visas
You need to secure the correct visa for your studies before you leave for the UK. Our tip is to keep your immigration documents and the paperwork from the University with you in your hand luggage as you will need to produce this to the Immigration Officer when you enter the UK.
More infoCourse fees
Our latest fees are all listed here.
Various options for payment of course fees are available.
Fees and funding
Doctors, dentists and hospitals
All students are advised to register with local health services such as doctors and dentists. In case of emergencies we are located next to Derriford Hospital. We also to refer you to our medical care information for International students.
You may have been told that you will need a medical examination when you arrive at the airport in the UK. If you can get a medical certificate and a chest X-ray from your doctor before you leave home, then the medical examination may not be necessary. Carry your medical certificates and X-rays in your hand luggage rather than in your suitcase.
More infoThe cost of living
For the latest available information about student living expenses in the UK visit the Education UK website, please use this info for guidance only as costs can vary according to the choices you make. The online International Student Calculator will also help you to plan and manage your money while you are in the UK.
Insurance
You can ensure your needs are met whilst studying in the UK with medical, contents and/or travel insurance.
More infoEmergency phone numbers
In an emergency
Dial 0 to call University Reception from a University phone, if no reply dial 2222 from an on-campus phone or extension 2222 from outside). Dial 01752 636700 from outside the college.
Dial 999 for the emergency services
If you have called the Emergency Services and you are on-campus must let the University Reception know so that they can direct them to you when they arrive. You can make a free call on a pay phone or a mobile phone call the police, ambulance or fire brigade.
Out of hours help
If you need to access medical help call:
- Devon-Doc on 01392-824600 or 0845 6710270
- NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
- If you cannot find anyone to help you can call Derriford hospital on 01752 202082 or 0845 1558155
During office hours: Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm
If you are feeling unwell and need help please come to the Student Support Office. If you are staying in a homestay you should tell your host you feel unwell and you will be able to see their local doctor. If you are staying in the UK for more than 6 months then you should register with a local doctor.
Police registration
If you are going to be staying in Britain for more than six months you may find that your passport has been stamped by with 'Register with UK Police on arrival' or 'Register with the Police within seven days'. During your stay in Britain you must let the police know if you change your address or if you extend your visa.
To register with the police you need to go to the police station (although Crownhill police station is closer to the University, Charles Cross is a bigger police station with more staff so you may be seen more quickly). It takes about 20 minutes to register. The police will ask for your passport, two passport photos and a payment of £34 (in cash).
The police will keep your passport for about three weeks. It is therefore a good idea not to register with the police until AFTER you have opened a bank account or done anything else that requires you to show your passport. After about three weeks you will be able to go and collect it.
Money transfer
If you don't have a bank account, it is possible to transfer money from your home country using either Western Union (there is an agent in Plymouth at the First Choice Travel Agents) or MoneyGram which is available at Post Offices throughout the UK.
Phone calls
If you have a mobile phone which works in the UK you will be able to make and receive phone calls easily, though this can be very expensive. We recommend you buy a UK SIM card and top it up with credit as needed.
More infoBuses in Plymouth
It is a 25 minute bus ride from to Plymouth city centre and 35 minutes to Tavistock. From the city centre you can pick up intercity bus services which connect to cities across the UK. Links to detailed timetables are available via our Buses in Plymouth page.
More infoInternational food
There are a number of local supermarkets, the closest is Marks & Spencers (PL6 5US) though you'll generally find lower prices at Asda (PL6 8TB) and Tesco (PL6 7RF). There are also a number of Food Shops in Plymouth selling goods from around the world, these include:
Bank accounts
If you are going to be in the UK for more than six months it may be useful to open a bank account here, all the major UK banks have branches in Plymouth City Centre.
More info
International Student Handbook