Enter UK via EU country as short term student?

Applying to College
1

A US citizen studying in the UK for less than 6 months doesn’t need a visa in advance. Just proof of acceptance into program, etc. at the airport

But at the U Edinburgh site it says you can’t arrive via Republic of Ireland because you need to go through immigration control in UK, which you don’t have to do via Ireland

Does anyone specifically know if you can travel to UK via an EU country to study as student?

UK is not Schengen

2

The Republic of Ireland has some specific differences in their relationship with the UK. If you fly into Edinburgh or Heathrow from any other EU country you will go through formal UK immigration, which is what is required for you to get your short-term visa.

3

Thanks. That’s my understanding and I have an inquiry into the university.

Don’t want to err in a plane reservation

4

It’s because the UK and Ireland have a mini Schengen zone equivalent, so if you enter the UK via Ireland you won’t be able to get the proper stamp or whatever from a British border guard. Flights from the republic are treated as domestic flights. You are fine going via another EU country.

It’s a shame because there are some great prices on flights from the US to Ireland.