Join our vibrant international student community
You’ll be welcomed in a safe and supportive environment, perfect for you to learn and succeed.
Getting ready
The Home Office recommend that you do not book travel until you have been granted your visa. If you choose to book travel before you have received the outcome of your visa application you risk losing the costs of your travel if your visa application is refused, or if your outcome is delayed.
It is important to be prepared for your journey, here some examples of steps you should take:
- Check the start date of your Student visa and ensure you won’t arrive in the UK until that date or later. If you travel into the UK before the start date of your Student visa your Student permission will not be activated and you may need to leave the UK and return once your Student visa is valid.
- Make sure you know how to get from the airport or ferry port to your accommodation;
- If you will arrive in the UK late at night, or in the early hours of the morning, consider booking hotel accommodation near the airport so that you can complete your journey to Bournemouth during daylight hours;
- Let your accommodation provider know when you expect to arrive;
- Carry all your immigration documents, and any other documents you need to bring with you, in your hand luggage;
- Have a some cash and/or travellers cheques available in GBP just in case your credit or debit card doesn’t work when you need it;
- Only bring luggage that you can manage by yourself, you will find your journey more difficult if you cannot manage your luggage easily and it may be better to have additional belongings shipped to you once you have a better idea of what you need;
- Make sure you know when you need to be at AECC UC for your Welcome, Enrolment and induction events. If you aren’t able to arrive in time for key events you must contact us to let us know, we’ll advise you on your options.
Other Guidance and Resources to help you
There is a lot of information available to help support you in making your preparations to begin your course with AECC UC, and to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. Applying for a visa and making travel arrangements can feel overwhelming at times, and there is a lot to remember, it is important that you begin your process as early as you can and allow yourself time to take all necessary steps without having to rush.
AECC University College 
AECC University College
We send you a lot of information, and you can contact our Admissions and Registry teams if you have enquiries about your course or the enrolment process. If your enquiry relates to immigration you can contact our UKVI Compliance Manager using studentvisas@aecc.ac.uk
UKCISA
UKCISA
UKCISA publish a huge amount of information covering a range of issues for international students studying in the UK. They also operate a telephone helpline so that you can speak to someone if you need to.
British Council
British Council
The British Council is another organisation specialising in publishing supportive information for international students.
Home Office/UKVI
Home Office/UKVI
The UK Visas and Immigration service is part of the Home Office, which is part of the UK government. This is where you will find the rules governing you as a student, and AECC UC as an immigration sponsor.
Latest News
Discover and read all the latest news, press releases and happenings here at AECC University College.
Each year, some 60 Podiatrists, both qualified and pre-registration students from all over the UK, descend on the capital to volunteer for the TCS London Marathon. This year, our first cohort of AECC University College MSc Podiatry (pre-registration) students, along with Associate Professor in Podiatry and Course Leader, Simon Otter, joined peers from the Universities of Brighton, Northampton, and East London. The co-location developed a true multidisciplinary ethos and close working relationships with physiotherapists, nurses, paramedics, physicians, and the voluntary sector (via St John Ambulance) as part of the wider finish-line medical team.
This year, Chiropractic Awareness Week (CAW), 22nd-28th April, is all about raising awareness and speaking up for the chiropractic profession, to build understanding and recognition about the value and expertise that chiropractors bring to their local communities. This year’s theme is ‘Making Chiropractic Integral: Building connections and nurturing a community with the people and places that matter to you.’
On Wednesday 24th April, we held our first AECC University College ‘Staff vs. Students Sports Day’! It took place on Boscombe Beach, and what a great afternoon it was! Staff and students took part in sporting games, including tug of war, sprinting, the three-legged race, and dodgeball.
On Thursday 23rd May 2024, AECC University College will be inviting students, staff, alumni and members of the public to attend an evening lecture by Professor Richard Brown.
Brooke Ironside, age 20, is currently ranked third in Europe for the under 23 years 200 metres. She tells us how she juggles studying with training in her own words…
