Term Break & Your Visa

Commissioned by The University of Birmingham, Welcome Week 2024

Published On: The Guild of Students, Welcome Week Newsletter, September 2024.

One of the most common questions in the minds of the international students is what I can do during the term break, or a better one is, can I travel outside the country and how will it affect my VISA status! The Answer is YES, you can travel!

Understanding Term Dates and Breaks

Term dates refer to the specific periods throughout the academic year when schools or universities are in session. They typically consist of three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Each term has a defined start and end date, typically lasting around 10-12 weeks. Term breaks are the periods between terms when schools and universities are closed.

Academic year dates may vary for some programs of study, particularly professional programs and taught postgraduate programs. You can find more information about these on the University of Birmingham’s Year Dates Webpage.

Exploring new places is a fantastic way to unwind, experience different cultures, and create lasting memories. However, it's important to understand any limitations based on your specific visa type.

Now the VISA! It's crucial to double-check your visa conditions before you travel. If you have a multiple-entry visa, you're generally good to go for trips during breaks. Most International Students are provided with a Tire IV student VISA which allows you to obtain a BRP or Biometric Resident Permit upon entry. This BRP will then act as your VISA.

Students with BRPs can leave, travel outside, and re-enter the country during non-term time without problems. However, the Student Route immigration permission is subject to certain conditions. Student Route Visa Handbook. Traveling during term time for emergencies or personal reasons that require missing sessions and not fulfilling academic obligations necessitates informing the University's International Student Team at the earliest opportunity.

Even with a valid visa, there might be additional requirements for re-entering the country. This may include providing border control officers with proof of study, address, or visa upon request.

 Best Time for a Break!

The best time for a break depends on what you plan to do! If you are planning on a short trip to a European country or any short haul, you can travel during any of the term breaks as the travel time and effort is significantly lesser than travelling long haul.

If you are planning to travel long haul, then you may want to spend enough time at the place you travel to. The best opportunity would be, to travel during your EASTER BREAK, before the beginning of your Summer Term as this window provides you with a solid 3-to-5-week break depending on your exam schedule.

Now, if you are business school student who’s come from Asia like I did, you will want to stay in the country during your winter break to experience and enjoy the festivities of a European Winter, Christmas and Newyear with warm gingerbread fragrance breaking the air and those cinnamon rolls pulling you in.  So, when is the right time for a break? I would say, Easter break! There isn’t much happening, and you won’t be missing much. I, as an International Student from India, did go back home during the Easter Break and came back right before the beginning of my summer term.

Ultimately, the "right" time for a break depends on your priorities, and plans! YES! You can travel outside the country! YES, you can plan your summer ahead! A trip home during is perfectly reasonable – you deserve it!