Getting to Kingston: Airport pickup service - Guidance and advice

Getting to Kingston: Airport pick-up service

We understand that arriving in a new country can be both exciting and a bit scary! That's why we offer a free airport pick-up service. Simply book your flight for the pick-up date and register online. We'll meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation in the local area.

When: Monday 23 January (24 hours)
Where: From Heathrow or Gatwick airports only
To book: Once you've booked your flight, have your flight and accommodation details ready and book the service

Important
You must book for this service by 9.00am GMT on Thursday 19 January. We won't be able to collect you if you don't register in time.

We also arrange a number of exciting welcome and orientation events, including an International Welcome Centre to help familiarise you with your new surroundings and make new friends. These take place several days before your classes start, so arriving early means you can adjust to your new environment, catch up on any lost sleep and sort out any personal matters.

Who will meet me?

If you've successfully booked the service, a friendly Kingston University representative will be in the arrivals area to meet you. You won't miss them – they'll be wearing a bright green t-shirt and holding a green Kingston University sign! If you've successfully booked the service, a friendly Kingston University representative will be in the arrivals area to meet you. You won't miss them – they'll be wearing a bright green t-shirt and holding a green Kingston University sign! They'll take you to a waiting area until your coach or taxi arrives.

Please note: If your flight lands after 5.00pm, you may be met by a taxi driver instead of university staff. The driver will wait in the arrivals area holding a green Kingston University sign and will take you directly to your accommodation.

Check your arrival time

Although we offer a 24-hour service on Monday, we recommend that you book a flight that arrives between 6.00am–5.00pm (if possible). Arriving between these hours means that you'll be met by Kingston University staff and will have the opportunity meet other international students who have also just arrived.

How long will it take?

At the airport, you may have to wait with other students for a coach or taxi, and your transport may make a number of stops before you arrive at your destination. We estimate that you'll arrive at your accommodation, or the International Welcome Centre about three hours after we've met you at the airport.

What if I miss the booking deadline or will be arriving on another day?

If you are arriving on another day*; have missed the booking deadline; or want to arrange your own transport, Kingston is easy to get to:

* Please note: you can't move in to halls of residence until 9.00am on Monday 23 January.

What if my accommodation is outside of the local area?

If you will be living outside what we class as the local area, we can arrange a taxi for you from Heathrow or Gatwick airport directly to your accommodation, which you will then pay for.

Please note that this is only available on Monday 23 January 2012.

What if I can't find a Kingston representative?

If you can't find a Kingston representative, please go to the airport information desk in the arrivals hall and ask for a public announcement to be made for any Kingston University representatives to meet you there.

If you still aren't met, please call our helpline: +44 (0)20 8417 3230 (operating hours: 24 hours a day from 22 January – 5 February 2012).

Can relatives or friends use the service?

Unfortunately, we can't reserve spaces on the pick-up service for your relatives or friends. However, if there is any space available on your coach or in your taxi on the day, they are welcome to travel with you. If not, we can help arrange private transport for them.

What else do I need to know?

You and your accompanying luggage will be transported to your accommodation shortly after you are met. If you have luggage that needs to be collected from the airport's cargo department, you will need to make separate arrangements for this.
Check if your accommodation is located in the local area.
When you complete the online booking form you will be informed if your accommodation is not located in the local area.
Please note that buses and trains do not operate throughout the night.