“At a time when we need to be attracting the brightest brains to this country, and are already facing huge competition from other countries, we seem to be intent on committing PR disasters for the whole world to see.” —Sally Hunt, UCU General Secretary
If you’re an international student in the UK then depending on which country you’re from you may have to register with the police within seven days of your arrival. Thankfully, Americans do not have to do this, at least last time I checked. However, if you are from one of the forty-two countries required to register then bring your sleeping bag, because the lines to get into the one police station in London which handles these registrations are starting as early as midnight and the police are closing the queues as early as 6:30 a.m.
And since this is a requirement of your student visa if you don’t manage to camp out all night and get registered with the police you will not be able to start school/university and may face deportation.
Nice one Mr. Cameron, UK Border Agency, and police!
Amy x