Getting to London
Preparing for Your Journey to London
Your semester abroad begins long before your flight takes off. This page gives you an overview of what to expect as you prepare to travel to London for Fall 2026, including important travel dates, required documents, and what to expect when you travel from Oxford College to London.
All final travel instructions, including recommended flights, arrival-day procedures, transportation details, and a full packing list will be available in the London Essentials Canvas course this summer.
Important Travel Dates
To help families plan ahead and book flights early, please note the following required travel dates for Fall 2026:
- Depart the U.S.: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Most flights to London Heathrow are overnight.
- Arrive in London: By 11:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Students must arrive during this window to participate fully in IES Abroad’s on‑site orientation and to connect with program staff at the airport.
- Program End Date: Sunday, December 13, 2026
Students must move out of their residence hall on this date. After moveout, students may remain abroad, travel independently, or return home. Oxford does not require students to return to campus until January 2027.
Early Arrival Not Permitted
Oxford Launch students must attend required predeparture programming and New Student Orientation (NSO) on campus. Because students depart immediately after NSO concludes, arrival in London before August 26 is not permitted.
Travel Documents
Passport
All Oxford Launch students must have a U.S. passport. If you do not yet have one, apply as soon as possible through the U.S. Passport Agency. If you already have a passport, ensure it is valid at least six months beyond the program end date (December 13, 2026).
UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Most travelers entering the United Kingdom must obtain an ETA, linked electronically to their passport. The application:
- Is completed online (must have your valid U.S. passport)
- Costs £16 (approximately $20–$25)
- Is usually processed within minutes.
Learn more about the UK ETA and apply online.
Note: Oxford Launch students do not need a Standard Visitor Visa to participate in this program.
Upload instructions for your passport and ETA will be provided in Canvas.
Booking Your Flight
Per Emory University policy, students book their own flights to London. This allows you to select the flights that best meet your needs, including preferred airlines, connections, or accessibility considerations.
Staff-Supported Flight Option
Oxford staff will accompany students on a recommended group flight from Atlanta to London. Many students choose this option for added support and shared travel experience.
- The airline, flight number, and departure time will be posted in Canvas.
- Participation in the group flight is encouraged but not required.
- Students arriving on other flights must still arrive by 11:00 a.m. on August 26.
Travel from Oxford College to the Airport
On August 25, 2026, Oxford College will coordinate transportation from campus to Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport for students. Details, including shuttle time, pick‑up location, and travel-day guidance, will be provided in Canvas.
Students may arrange their own airport transportation if preferred.
Arriving in London
Arriving in a new country can feel exciting and we want you to feel supported from the moment you land. Oxford staff will accompany students on the staff‑supported group flight from Atlanta and will guide that group through arrival and transportation to the residence hall.
Students who choose to travel on their own flight, or whose flights arrive outside the group’s arrival window, will independently make their way through immigration and baggage claim. Clear instructions for what to do if your flight is delayed or arrives after the group will be provided in Canvas and MyIESAbroad.
Family Travel Considerations
Families are welcome to travel to London with their student if they wish. To keep arrival day running smoothly, program coordinated transportation both the Oxford shuttle to the Atlanta airport and the transportation arranged in London is reserved for students. This includes the transportation arranged by Oxford (from campus to the Atlanta airport) and by the program in London (from the airport to student housing). Upon arrival, students will complete required Oxford Launch check-in procedures at the residence hall. Families may meet their student after check-in is complete. Please note that IES Abroad’s required on-site orientation begins shortly after check-in and continues through the first day of class. More information bout IES Abroad’s required on-site orientation will be shared on the myIESabroad portal later this summer.
What to Bring to London
Packing thoughtfully will make arrival day much easier. For general guidance on what to bring and what to avoid, please visit the “Packing for London” page. A detailed checklist will also be available in Canvas this summer.