EC Partners

EC London Pre-Arrival to First Day

Address

EC London

Number 1 Angel, 1 Islington High Street
London, N19LQ, UK

Phone

+44 (0) 20 4512 9248

Mon-Fri, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Emergency Number

(For use outside of office hours only)
+44 (0) 7983 773121

*If the line is busy, please try again.

Opening Hours
Monday 08:15 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:15 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:15 - 17:00
Thursday 08:15 - 17:00
Friday 08:15 - 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 yout 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? 
If you have booked a taxi transfer, your driver will be waiting for you at Arrivals holding a sign with your name

What should I do if I cannot find the EC representative?
If after 10 minutes you cannot see your driver, please contact our emergency number +44 (0) 7983 773121 (Useful phrase to use: Hi, My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). My student number is (123456). I am waiting (under the arrival sign).

 
What should I do if I have missed my flight or my flight is delayed? 
You should notify EC by calling +44 (0) 7983 773121 to rearrange your transfer time and avoid additional cost. Useful phrase to use: My name is (Maria Angeli). I am from (Italy). My student number is (123456) and my flight has been changed. My new flight number is (1234) arriving at (time). 

What should I do if I haven’t booked an EC transfer?
If you are travelling from Heathrow Airport to central London, The Heathrow Express https://www.heathrowexpress.com/#/is the fastest way to travel. Trains from Heathrow leave every 15 minutes and the journey to London Paddington takes about 15-20 minutes. Trains to London leave Heathrow Airport from approximately 5am until 11.55pm.

The Piccadilly line connects Heathrow Airport to central London and the rest of the tube system. The Tube https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/tube/ is cheaper than the Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect but it takes a lot longer. Tube services leave Heathrow every few minutes from approximately 5.10am (5.50am Sundays) to 11.45pm (11.30pm Sundays).

If you are travelling from Gatwick Airport, The Gatwick Express https://www.gatwickexpress.com/is the fastest rail link between the airport and central London. Non-stop trains run to and from London Victoria every 15 minutes and take 30 minutes (35 minutes on Sundays). Please visit the websites for more information on prices.

Arrival at EC Accommodation

What should I expect at my EC accommodation? 
You will receive a warm, personal welcome, whether you have booked home stay 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, an EC 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 hosts or residence. 

What if I haven’t booked EC accommodation? 
You can check on the Transport for London (TFL) website and plan your journey from your accommodation. Please click on the link for information on prices.

What time should I arrive?   
8:30 am 

What should I bring with me? 
It’s important to bring the following with you on your first day:

  • It’s important to bring your passport/VISA (not a copy) with you on your first day.
  • Your own notebook, pens and optional, laptop/mobile tablet.
  • 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
• A Welcome talk outlining who is who in the school and how everything works
• The remainder of your placement test (speaking)
• ‘How We Learn’ – Session on how you’ll succeed with EC, including setting a learning intention, our teaching methodology, cultural awareness and information about the local area.
What will my timetable be?
You will receive your timetable at school at 10:30am

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

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 London Facebook page for any important updates or call the emergency number.

While you are in UK

If you have any problems, please do not hesitate to call our emergency phone number: +44 (0) 7983 773121

Timetable

What will my timetable be?

We will be providing the timetable on the first day of school.  AM lessons are available for a supplement, for more information please refer to the pricelist.

This is a sample timetable, times may change and are not guaranteed. All class times also include a minimum of a 10 min break, taken at staggered times in the lessons. Please speak with your booking agent for more details about school specific times.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
09:00 - 10:30 Core Block 1
(Group A)
Core Block
(Group B)
Core Block 1
(Group A)
Core Block 1
(Group B)
Core Block 1
(Group A)
10:30 - 10:45 BREAK
10:45 - 12:15 Core Block 2
(Group A)
Core Block 2
(Group B)
Core Block 2
(Group A)
Core Block 2
(Group B)
Core Block 2
(Group A)
12:15 - 13:00 BREAK
13:00 - 14:30 Special focus lessons
14:30 - 14:45 BREAK
14:45 - 16:15 Core Block 1
(Group B)
Core Block 1
(Group A)
Core Block 1
(Group B)
Core Block 1
(Group A)
Core Block 1
(Group B)
16:15 - 16:30 BREAK
16:30 - 18:00 Core Block 2
(Group B)
Core Block 2
(Group A)
Core Block 2
(Group B)
Core Block 2
(Group A)
Core Block 2
(Group B)
After school Language activities & social events/ free time/ study time

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