Arriving in Leeds
Before you arrive in Leeds, you should have made arrangements for accommodation.
There is information below to help you make your arrangements. However, you are welcome to contact us if you are unsure about something; we will do our best to advise you.
- Flights and transfers
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Leeds Bradford Airport connects to over 75 destinations directly and hundreds more through airports in Amsterdam and Brussels. Manchester Airport and London Heathrow Airport are also well connected to Leeds, so flying here should be relatively straightforward.
Leeds also has regular train services from London Kings Cross Station and Manchester Airport. Train tickets from London are about £100 on the day. If possible, try to book in advance, or buy a rail card (if you’re age 16-25). See Katelyn’s story for more information on this.
- Immigration control
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Please check the UK Border Agency website for an up to date list of documents you are recommended to have with you on arrival in the UK. Such information changes frequently.
You should consider bringing the following documents in your hand luggage:
- Passport, containing your visa (if required)
- Offer letter from Leeds City College, to show that you have been accepted here
- Original qualifications (certificates used to obtain your CAS)
- Bank statements or financial sponsor letter proving you can pay course fees and living costs
- Medical certificates or chest X-rays, especially if you are coming from a high-risk TB area (failure to provide this could lead to a long delay at immigration control)Sometimes students are stopped by UK Border Agency staff who want to ask a few questions. You may be asked to sit in a room with someone for a while. This is a standard procedure and anyone can be stopped, so don’t worry. Just answer all questions truthfully.
They might ask whether you need an interpreter in the room. It is advisable to say no. Speaking for yourself, without interpretation, will demonstrate your English skills.
- From the airport
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Leeds Bradford Airport has a taxi company directly outside the main terminal. All cabs are metered. You can book your taxi at the office on arrival, or make your booking online here.
There is no train station at Leeds Bradford Airport. Bus # 757 connects to the city centre, which is close to most student-populated living areas.
View the 757 timetable here (check inbound for travel from the airport).
- Getting around Leeds
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‘Metro’ buses and trains run throughout Leeds and the entire West Yorkshire area.
- See bus routes and timetables here.
- View train routes and timetables here.
- If you are unsure of the train or bus you need, click here to plan your journey directly.
You can also get timetables and advice about all public transport from Gateway Yorkshire Tourist Information at Leeds City Train Station (open daily).
- Getting to Leeds City College
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Click here for contact information and maps to all of our campuses.
From the city centre:
- You can walk to Park Lane, Technology and Thomas Danby campuses.
- Buses numbered 33, 50 and 757 run to Horsforth.
- Keighley is easily reached by train on the Airedale Line from Leeds City Train Station.