Cambridge pre-arrival information

We are really looking forward to welcoming you to our Summer School. On this page, you will find useful information to help you to prepare for your arrival.

Before you travel

What to bring with you

• A pair of good walking shoes and casual clothes, suitable for both warm and cool weather.
• Sun protection cream, sun hat and umbrella.
• Make sure you bring something loose and comfortable to wear for sports and activities.
• The dress code for summer school classes is comfortable and casual.
• Smart clothes for the Summer School farewell party!
• A mobile phone so you are contactable during free time and offsite trips.
• A laptop is useful but not essential! You will have access to desktop computers at the school.
• Mobile/laptop chargers and travel adaptors.
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel and any other toiletries you might need.
• A pre-paid international bank card for spending pocket money (avoid bringing large amounts of cash). Some international bank cards will not always work at UK bank machines. Apple and Google Pay are widely accepted.

*Towels and bed linen will be provided.

Arrival and departure dates

When booking flights and planning your travel, please ensure that they align with the arrival and departure dates:

• Arrival dates are 9 July and 23 July.
• Departure dates are 22 July and 5 August.

On your journey

Travel documents to keep in your hand luggage

Please ensure that you bring the following documents with you in your hand luggage:

• Passport: You will need your valid passport if you are travelling from overseas to the UK. Photo ID cards are no longer accepted as identity documents for European travellers entering the UK.
• If you intend to pass through ePassport gates, please keep hold of your boarding pass for our records.
• Parental Consent form: If you are under 18 years old and travelling alone, you need to provide a Parental Consent form signed by both parents (if applicable) at the UK border control.
• Arrival letter for UK Border Control stating your tuition and accommodation fees are paid in full. If not provided, you may be asked to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.
• Visa letter (if applicable) – this will apply to you if you had to apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK.
• Medical insurance documents.
• International bank card and/or cash.
• Any medication you may need.*

*If you are bringing large amounts of medication into the UK, it is likely that you will need to bring a doctor’s note with you confirming your condition and need for the medication.

Arriving at MPW

Airport Angels is our airport pick up service for all students arriving and departing from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, King’s Cross St. Pancras and London City Airport. Please note that arrivals and departures from Luton Airport will be organised by another company and you will be contacted separately about this.

On arrivals day, an Airport Angel will be present in the Arrivals Hall (after luggage) at the airport to meet and greet you on arrival. They will display a Meet board with your name and our school’s name and will be in a pink Airport Angels uniform.

If you cannot find your Airport Angel on arrival day, please stay where you are and call their emergency number. They have teams at each airport who will assist you. Airport Angels emergency cell number is +44 (0)7969 021 006.

On arrival at the residence, please call +44 (0)7376 805 603 to let you into the complex. The driver can help with this. Please note that the residence complex reception will be closed over the weekend. Our staff will come to meet you at the gates and show you to your room. We are in Block B.

The accommodation is split into same-sex cluster flats of six rooms on each corridor. Our pastoral staff will be on hand to help you settle in. Please note that smoking is not allowed on any of our school premises or offsite trips. You will be given a special key for the accommodation and for your room. If this is lost, it is a £150 pound replacement fee.

The residence address is Block B, 10 Homerton St, Cambridge CB2 8NY (view on a map).

Laundry

Communal washing machines and tumble dryers available to use free of charge. Given our busy timetable and planned weekend trips, if you are joining us for two weeks, we recommend that you bring a sufficient amount of clothing for your entire stay.

Illness and medication

Please note that students will not be admitted to the summer school until the medical and parental consent forms have been completed. If you have not received them, please contact us immediately. Our qualified First Aiders are available to provide assistance with minor issues and to provide medication such as paracetamol or throat lozenges. If you need to see a doctor, we provide instant access to mobile doctors 24/7 at no additional cost. This is covered by our comprehensive international insurance policy available to international students who are not eligible to use NHS services.

Timetable

Arrivals day is a day for settling in and getting to know each other. Dinner is served between 5.30-7.00pm. Students will have dinner each night at Homerton College dining hall on the University of Cambridge Campus.

Week 1

• Saturday: Early breakfast and day trip to London – arriving back late evening.
• Sunday: Late breakfast and relaxing local activity or free time, if permitted by parents (see parental consent form).

Week 2

• Friday: Farewell party
• Saturday: Departure day