Current students – fancy a trip to Europe? Read our tips on getting your Schengen visa…

England is a great place to come and study with a wealth of history and places to see and explore. However, the weather isn’t always ideal. You may be considering going further afield in Europe to experience more culture, history and catch some rays! Maybe a trip to Paris for a photo at the top of the Eiffel Tower, a weekend in Barcelona for the art and atmosphere or a visit to the royal capital of Copenhagen with its world-class museums and bicycle-filled streets. Or you may want a chance to increase your course knowledge with a visit to Sweden or even Italy. And yes, the pizza in Italy is as good as you would expect!

In our winter months you could even go to Iceland and catch a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights. Or if the cold weather isn’t for you then maybe a visit to Malta where you can find sunshine and warmer temperatures. Wherever you want to go, if it’s for a holiday or for study, the Schengen visa could give you the opportunity.

With December fast approaching a trip to the Christmas markets for a few last minute gifts for family and friends is definitely worth while! (And if you’re anything like us then the gift shopping will be very, very last minute!). Germany and Denmark are known for their markets which offer a range of foods (the food stalls really are endless), crafts and games. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, then a Schengen visa is definitely worth it. But if crowds and shopping aren’t your thing then maybe a trip to the peaceful Alps. You can spend your days skiing and your evenings resting by a log fire with a cup of hot chocolate (we’re jealous just thinking of it).

The Schengen visa allows students on a Tier 4 (General) visa to travel around a list of 26 European countries for up to 90 days in a six-month period.

We understand that if you are in the UK for only 1 year you might want to experience as much of Europe as you can before you return home. This is also allowed with your tourist Schengen visa. You can backpack from country to country. Or if you prefer a little more glamour, then you can hotel hop around different countries. As long as you don’t leave the Schengen area and try and return on the same visa,  then you will be able to see as much or as little of Europe as you like.

All these options are within reach with a Schengen visa which can cost around £44 (we do suggest you check conversion rates closer to your trip). Different embassies have different processing times and around the holidays this may take a little longer so we advise that you give yourself plenty of time when applying for your visa.

If you would like more information on how, when and where to apply you can visit the university’s intranet page or come and see an International Student Advisor in Building 45 – appointments can be made with Reception. Please remember to request a Letter of Registration if you leave the UK during your studies, to ensure you will be allowed to re-enter the UK on your return.

If you plan on travelling with a group of university friends who also require a Schengen visa, then please let us know by emailing studentimmigration@cranfield.ac.uk and we will arrange a workshop where we go through the requirements and steps to take, so that you can relax and enjoy your travels!