You may usually travel during holiday periods. You can check your holiday dates with SID. If you are working on your project/dissertation or still attending classes, you are not in a holiday period.

You should obtain a letter from SID, which you can carry with you on your travels. Immigration officials may wish to see this when you return to the UK. You may also be asked for proof of availability of funds as well so it is a good idea to carry this.

You may need a visa to travel to other countries. Check the website of the specific country's consulate or embassy for information about travelling to that country. You may need to gather various documents and the application process for a visa can be lengthy so make sure you allow plenty of time, particularly during busy vacation periods.

It's also important to note that most embassies require you to have 3-6 months visa/leave to remain in the UK still remaining in your passport at the end of your trip.

If you want to travel around Europe, you will need to check whether you require a visa. A visa granting leave in the UK does not allow you to travel to other countries in Europe.

Mant European countries are part of an agreement called ‘Schengen’. One Schengen visa will allow entry to all of these countries. For more information see the UKCISA website: Travel in Europe

Your Student visa will normally have an additional period of leave after you have finished your studies. Once the University has confirmed your studies are complete and you are in your post-study period, you may enter and leave the UK. This means you can travel and return for your graduation ceremony.

When you return to the UK, you may need to satisfy Border Force officials that you will either complete the activity you intend to carry out and leave the UK before your visa expires, or that you will submit an in-time application to extend your leave in the UK. You should carry any documentation relevant with you when you travel to show to the Border Force officer if required.

You can request a letter from SID that confirms that you are in your post-study period and you wish to exercise your right to enter and leave the UK until the end of your visa.

If you return home after you have completed your studies and your Student visa has expired, we recommend that you obtain a Standard Visitor visa so you can return to the UK for your graduation ceremony. Invitation letters to assist you with your Standard Visitor visa application are available from SID.

Find out more about applying for a Standard Visitor visa

If you need to travel outside the UK during term time, you must seek permission from the International Office. You should only request term-time leave in exceptional circumstances.

There are two reasons for this policy:

• You may be missing classes and assessments. Attendance is a condition of your Student visa and also directly impacts your ability to complete the course with the grades you desire.
• It may be difficult for you to return to the UK. If immigration officers are not satisfied that you have been given permission to travel, they may refuse or delay your entry to the UK. This will result in you missing even more of the course.

To request leave, email the International Student Experience Team at IntStudentExperience@beds.ac.uk. You will need to provide evidence such as a medical certificate.

If permission is granted, you will receive a letter of authorisation, to assist you in your travels. If you travel without authorisation, the University may take action in accordance with UKVI guidelines, which may result in the termination of your visa sponsorship.

It is possible for family members and friends to visit a student in the UK whilst they are studying, also for the graduation ceremony.

Nationals of most countries will require a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK. For detailed information about this visa, please see GOV.UK - Standard Visitor Visa

As your family member or friend is coming to visit you, they should include in their application (with other documents required):

• Letter from the student inviting the friend/family. This should explain that you are a student at University of Bedfordshire, your relationship to the visitor, the reason for their visit including why the visit is taking place at this particular time. Details of any accommodation or any financial support you may give them. This is not mandatory.
• Photocopy of the visa and bio-data pages of your passport
• Letter from the University confirming the student is studying here. Students can get this confirmation letter from SiD [PDF]