The UK is a relatively small country but it can still seem daunting to get around when you're not familiar with the transport system. When you first arrive in the UK, you'll need to get from the port, airport or railway station to your destination. If you're enrolling at a college or university, the international officer should have sent you instructions on how to do this, along with a map. They may have even arranged to meet you.

Taking a taxi from the airport is generally the quickest way to get to your destination.  Taxi journeys generally cost more than public transport, but for short distances the convenience of taking a taxi with all your luggage may well outweigh the additional cost.  Generally taxi ranks are situated outside the airport’s arrivals hall, where you need to join the back of the queue and wait your turn.  Only licensed taxis can pick up from the official taxi rank (which will be clearly signposted).  Licensed taxis are often ‘black cabs’, the traditional black taxi, and fares are calculated by a meter which is switched on by the driver when you start your journey.  Only black cabs can be flagged down in the street.  All other licensed taxis (sometimes known as minicabs) must be booked over the phone with the taxi firm before you are picked up, otherwise your journey will not be insured.  Not all minicabs have meters.  If a minicab does not have a meter it is best to confirm the price with the driver before the start of your journey.  

Although it does not happen very often there are some bogus taxi drivers in operation.  These taxi drivers may approach you at the airport or other busy locations.  Travelling in an unlicensed vehicle means that you will not be insured for your journey and generally the fare will be much higher than that from a licensed cab.  An official taxi (whether it is a black cab or a minicab) has to display their license number plate, in addition to the vehicle registration number plate, on the back of their vehicle, so look out for it.

Taxi drivers in the UK do not expect tips, although more and more people are giving tips, generally rounding up the fare to the nearest pound and asking the driver to keep the change.

Many schools, colleges and universities run special introduction programmes for international students before term begins. A typical programme would involve a tour of the institution, an overview of the facilities available and help with registering for your course. It may also include a trip to the local supermarket and town centre, and an introduction to public transport links and local facilities, such as sports centres and libraries. These programmes are an excellent way to meet other students and staff and to settle in before your studies begin.