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EC Bristol Pre-Arrival to First Day

EC Bristol overview
Travel Guide & Activities
Courses
Accommodation
Address

EC Bristol
63 Queen Square,
BS1 4JZ Bristol, UK

Phone

+44 117 938 8600
(Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:00pm)

Emergency Number

(For use outside of office hours only)

+44 77 1356 1436
*If the line is busy, please try again.

Opening Hours
Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Pre-Arrival

MyEC

What is MyEC? 
MyEC is a personalised study tool and powerful learning companion throughout your EC journey. It also offers information about your EC centre, accommodation and information about living in your chosen destination.

Your Online Placement Test

    • To help us place you in the right level when you start studying with us, you must complete your Online Placement test before you arrive at school. 
    • If you do not complete this test before your first day, you may miss some of the first day activities and/or class time as this test must be completed before you start class. 
    • The Online Placement Test focuses on Reading, Writing and Use of English (Grammar and Vocabulary) and consists of 66 questions. 
    • Your speaking level will be assessed on your first day in school 
    • For the instructions on how to complete your Online Placement Test, please go to https://www.ecenglish.com/globalassets/shared-blocks/arrival/preparing-for-your-arrival.pdf

When can I access MyEC? 
You will have access to MyEC as soon as you receive your booking confirmation. Start by logging in here: https://signin.ecenglish.com/student

What else must I do on MyEC before my arrival? 
  • Complete your Important Personal Details Form
  • Download Microsoft Teams
  • Complete your Needs Analysis Form
  • Complete your placement test  
  • Fill in the pre-arrival survey
  • Access a bank of study materials to start learning before you even leave home

Arrival

Arrival at Airport

I want an EC airport transfer, can I arrive at any time? 
If you have booked accommodation with EC you must arrive at the airport between 08:00 and 20:00. Late/early arrivals may be asked to book alternative accommodation

What information do I need to give to book an airport transfer? 
Please provide your flight number, arrival time, terminal and airport of origin – minimum 2 weeks in advance 

Who will I meet at the airport? 
You will meet an EC transportation representative holding a sign with student’s name at the arrivals.

What should I do if I cannot find the EC representative?
If after 10 minutes you cannot see the EC representative, just call the EC emergency phone +44 77 1356 1436 (from the information desk or a mobile phone). (Useful phrase to use: Hi, My name is (FULL NAME). I am from (COUNTRY). My student number is (STUDENT NO.). I cannot find my EC representative. I am at the information desk.)

What should I do if I have missed my flight or my flight is delayed? 
You should notify EC by calling the emergency phone if out of office hours +44 77 1356 1436 (from the information desk or a mobile phone) to rearrange your transfer time and avoid additional cost. (Useful phrase to use: Hi, My name is (FULL NAME). I am from (COUNTRY). My student number is (STUDENT NO.) and my flight has been changed/ delayed. My new flight number is (FLIGHT NUMBER) arriving at (TIME).  
What should I do if I haven’t booked an EC transfer?
If you arrive in London, you can catch the National Express https://www.nationalexpress.com/en– however, students need to be booked in advance. Coaches run 24-hours a day, are air-conditioned and many offer free wifi. There are also train express services running from London Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports. For more info on train, coach & taxis from London airports, please check on https://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/?ref=nav#UDyzEp0LhQbDiyVr.97. If you arrive in Bristol, you can catch the Bristol Flyer bus (A1), https://flyer.bristolairport.co.uk/which runs daily at least every 10 minutes except on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. For more information on prices, please click on the links.
Arrival at EC Accommodation

What should I expect at my EC accommodation? 
You will receive a warm, personal welcome, whether you have booked homestay or residence. All our hosts are fully briefed on how to make you feel comfortable and prepared for your first day of lessons. In our residences, a representative will be available at the weekend to help and answer any questions.

 

First Sunday Activities

What should I do on the Sunday before school starts?
You will have the option of participating in activities arranged by EC. This is an opportunity to meet other new EC students, relax and be introduced to your new city together. With an EC staff member on hand, you can also ask any questions you may have. We will notify you of the Sunday activity schedule around 2 weeks before you start school.

Your First Day at School

How can I find my way to school?
You can find this information on your EC Accommodation Profile, or feel free to ask your Homestay provider or residence. 

What if I haven’t booked EC accommodation? 
You can check on the Traveline South West’s website and/or also the First Group Bus’ website and plan your journey from your accommodation. For more information on prices, please click on the links. 

What time should I arrive? 

8:15am

What should I bring with me? 
It’s important to bring these documents with you on your first day:
• Visa and Passport.
• Financial Guarantee Letter if you are sponsored by the government.
• Your credit/debit card to pay any Accommodation or Tuition outstanding

What can I expect on my first day? 
You’ll experience the best possible welcome into the EC family on your first day. Enjoy undivided staff attention in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Here’s what your first day will include:

  • Detailed schedule of the day
  • Orientation talk
  • The remainder of your placement test (speaking and writing)
  • Welcome tour of the school
  • Welcome activity Your first day will end at around 16:15.
 
What will my timetable be? 
You will receive your timetable at school at 10:30 am. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens on public holidays? 
Schools do not open on public holidays, so if Monday is a public holiday, your first day at the school will be on Tuesday. Public holidays are listed below:

2024 Public holidays on a weekday:
25 Dec & 26 Dec 2024

2025 Public holidays on a weekday:

01 Jan, 18 Apr, 21 Apr, 05 May, 26 May, 25 Aug, 25 Dec, 26 Dec

What do I do if public transportation is temporarily unavailable?  
In case of bad weather, public transport strikes etc, please check the EC Bristol Facebook page for any important updates or call the emergency number.

Timetable

What will my timetable be?

This is a sample timetable, times may vary between morning and afternoon. Morning lessons only are not guaranteed. We try our utmost to adhere to the timetables below at all times, but please note they are subject to change without notice.

General English (20 lessons/week) : Core Classes (Mon-Fri), 

Intensive English (30 lessons/week) : Core Classes (Mon-Fri) & Special Focus Classes (Mon-Fri)

 

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
09:00 - 10:30 Core Block Core Block Core Block Core Block Core Block
10:30 - 10:45 BREAK
10:45 - 12:15 Core Block Core Block Core Block Core Block Core Block
12:15 - 13:00 BREAK
13:00 - 14:30 Special focus lessons

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