Arrival and First Day in Cambridge

Your Arrival in Cambridge

Here you’ll find travel details and information about what to expect on your arrival and first day at EC Cambridge.

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers can be arranged by EC if requested. Arrival information must be sent to EC as soon as possible. Please indicate clearly your arrival airport, terminal, time of arrival and flight number.

2012 Airport Transfers one-way

  • Stanstead £105
  • Luton £110
  • Heathrow £160
  • Southend £140
  • London St. Pancras International Rail £160
  • Gatwick £210

You will be met at the arrival gate by an EC representative with an EC Cambridge sign. If you do not see the EC logo, please go to the Airport Information desk and call our emergency number which you will find in your booking information.

If you are making your own travel arrangements to Cambridge, we will ensure you have full details of your homestay, residence or hotel address. When staying in a homestay, it is important to tell us what time you expect to arrive. This is to ensure that your host family is at home ready to welcome you after 6pm. - If you are staying in one of our residences please call our emergency number at least 30 minutes before you are due to arrive at our residence in order that someone can be there to welcome you after 2pm.

Travel Time from Airports

  • Stansted Airport*: 30 minutes by train
  • Luton Airport*: 1 hour 15 minutes by coach
  • Heathrow Airport*: 2 hours 30 minutes by train
  • Gatwick: 2 hours 30 minutes by train
  • Travel Time to London: 45 minutes by direct train

Visit National Rail Enquiries for prices and train times.

*Please note: airport transfers are by arrangement with EC and are not included in the package price.

Your First Day at EC Cambridge

How to get to school

On the first day, your host family will explain how to get to the EC school by bus. All host families are located close to the bus route. If you are staying in an EC residence, you will receive a welcome letter with directions and other useful information. A welcome pack with additional information for your stay will be handed out on your first day at school.

Placement Tests

You will need to be at the Student Service Centre by 8:30am to be ready to take your placement test at 9am. This test assesses your key skills in all aspects of English (Reading, Speaking, Listening, and Written Comprehension) and helps us place you in the right group for your ability.

Welcome Talk

On the first morning, you will have a welcome talk by the Academic Director who will explain the course timetable, lessons, academic information and give you information on the options for your Leisure and Activities programme.

Lessons

Students begin lessons on the second day. Students taking intensive courses and those with an afternoon timetable in their first week begin lessons on Monday afternoon. All students are reminded to take a notepad and pen to class.

EC Cambridge uses an alternative timetable called Double Banking through the year. Students taking intensive courses and those with an afternoon timetable in their first week begin lessons on Monday afternoon. Students will be given the time table during welcome talk on the first day.